LAND DESIGNS UNLIMITED LLC

A Patient Craftsman Creating Exceptional Landscapes

Category: On The Stump

Don’t Let Past Affect Present

Yesterday I found this quote, and it invigorated me.

Don’t let your past affect your present; let it motivate your future.
Unknown

If you know who said this, please let me know.

A New Blog

One of my goals this year is to start a blog about the topics in this post and more.

I can see the new site as clear as day. I need to accept that everything has to start somewhere. The most important thing is to get started, not to be perfect.

If you enjoy posts like this, please know I hope to create more on the new site.

If you don’t enjoy posts like this, I hear you and am working on separating the content.

The Dark Night of the Soul

The last few years have been quite interesting. Not to say that life isn’t always enjoyable. For me, life seems to cycle between ups and downs. I suspect I’m not the only one.

Upon entering my fifth decade, I’ve begun to put the pieces of my life together.

I endured the Dark Night of the Soul last year. I look at life differently now. To put it more in context, I no longer question how I look at life.

I believe nature is the most beautiful and inspirational thing I will ever see. I believe in kindness toward each other. I believe in people’s actions, not their words.

I look forward to sharing more in the new blog.

Spiritual Enlightenment | Being Present

I’ve been learning about spiritual enlightenment and spirituality. Taking that first step wasn’t easy, but I’m glad to be learning the concept.

My first book about spiritual enlightenment was The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle.

When you’re present, you don’t react reflexively to most situations. You are in the moment with no assumptions or expectations.

You don’t think about the past or the future unless there is a reason. You deliberately distract yourself when you catch yourself ruminating, a favorite hobby of mine. If you can’t stop ruminating, you show forgiveness toward yourself, not anger.

When you are present, you watch your thoughts like clouds in the sky. Just because there’s a cloud in the sky doesn’t mean it will rain or snow. It just means there’s a cloud in the sky.

Radical Acceptance

My current read is Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With the Heart of a Buddha by Tara Brach. It’s brought me to the edge of tears several times. I can only read 5 to 10 pages at a time, and then I must put the book down to absorb the concepts.

I’m learning that acceptance doesn’t come from others. Acceptance comes from within. Once we accept who we are, it doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks or says. We don’t need the approval of others to feel complete.

Thank you for reading, commenting, and sharing.

March 24, 2023
Winter Wonderland

Today, February 28, 2023, we received our FIRST accumulating snow this winter in Connecticut. Once again, mother nature did not let me down with the photo opportunities.

Barn Wood Bird House

Last weekend I visited the Connecticut Flower and Garden Show and purchased a barn wood birdhouse. It gives the garden an instant old-timey feel. I hope to purchase another larger birdhouse for the fence in my backyard. Visit Birdhouse Brokerage for more information.

Last year, I built a platform to put bird seed on and found a sign that says “This is our Happy Place” for it. When I saw the birdhouse at the flower show I immediately knew where to place it. The birdhouse looks great looking out the kitchen window.

Arnold Promise Witch Hazel

My Arnold Promise Witch Hazel is in full bloom. I first noticed flowers on this small tree on February 16. That is ridiculously early because it has been a ridiculously mild winter.

Arnold Promise Witch Hazel isn’t a show-stopper. However, in late February with 5 inches of snow on the ground, there’s not much competition for the best tree in bloom.

The sunnier and warmer the weather the more witch hazel flowers become noticeable. Once the temperature goes above freezing and the sun shines Arnold Promise Witch Hazel looks like a different tree.

Heated Bird Bath in Snow

I like the contrast between the heated birdbath and the pile of snow on the unheated birdbath. A bird bath heater is a great service to the local avian population in addition to possums, raccoons and stray cats as a water source through the winter.

I use the Farm Innovators Model C-50 Premium Cast Aluminum Birdbath De-Icer, 150-Watt for my bird bath. I’ve had it for two years without an issue.

If you heat your bird bath keep in mind the colder the temperature the quicker the water will evaporate. When the temperature is below 20 degrees you can see a mist coming off the water.

America the Beautiful

The boxwood provides a green and white backdrop for the flag. I need to power wash the house this year!

Winter Wonderland

The depth of this picture excites me! Dragon Lady Holly in the foreground on the right, a tongue and groove cedar fence in the middle, and Emerald Green Arborvitae in the background.

Stray Cat in Snow

If you run your eye along the siding you’ll see Phantom watching me from a window well. I started feeding Phantom, and Snowball, last summer.

When we first met Phantom would hide in shadows or be within feet of me without me knowing it. He can be quite stealthy when he wants to be.

When I began feeding Phantom he wouldn’t eat until I was at least 50 feet away. Phantom now rolls on the ground in front of me hoping for pets and lives in our three-season room.

Thanks for viewing my snow day pictures!

Which picture is your favorite and why?

February 28, 2023
My New Favorite Lunch Spot

Today I visited my new favorite lunch spot.

No, it’s not an eatery, though if I had to choose one it would be Newtown Deli and Catering. The food is great but more than that the folks that work there give a sense of warmth and kindness.

I’m a big fan of the Fiesta Salad with Hard Boiled Eggs and Blue Cheese Dressing. I also enjoy their Italian Combo. I bring lunch to a local park which will remain nameless to preserve the peaceful spot.

About a quarter mile into the woods there is a slow, bubbling stream that fills the forest with the ever-so-gentle sound of running water.

There are a few glacial boulders at just the right height to sit on. I have a favorite spot, though today I moved to a different spot to get out of the sun. A ten-foot move gave a completely different perspective of the area.

While sitting on a boulder listening to the gentle stream I heard a symphony of bird calls through the forest. The bird calls were random yet rhythmic and you didn’t even notice them unless you listened.

After eating I took some photos to hone my skills. It took me twenty attempts to get the two photos in this post.

If at First You Don’t Succeed, Try, Try Again.

Lunch lasted a couple of hours. When I left the forest the world was at peace and all concerns were washed away by the stream.

August 19, 2022
Blustery New England Spring

This morning the temperature is in the low 50s and the wind is howling. It feels like the low to mid-40s.

Last night was in the mid-30s, just barely above frost. I built a fire to take the chill out of the house.

Two days ago we had rain in the morning, overcast in the afternoon, and then more rain at night.

This weather is getting old. I’m getting tired of it.

I can’t say springtime in New England has ever been constant sun and temperatures in the 60s. However, this year has been one of the worst I can remember.

In the last month, we’ve had hail mixed with rain three separate times. The blustery days are non-stop.

I’ve picked up my potted plants almost daily.

I’d love one day in the low to mid-60s with the sun shining and no wind!

Wouldn’t you?

May 9, 2022
Problem Solving. That’s what I do!

I had a meeting with a prospective client yesterday to discuss a design for the front of their home.

When I drove up their driveway one thought came to my mind.

This the most challenging space I will ever design.

I stepped out of my car looked at the landscape and the ideas started to flow. I couldn’t stop them.

How to hide an outlet in the middle of a landscape?

Surround the outlet with impatiens and make the flowers a focal point. I get a lot of compliments on the pretty pink flowers, everyone thinks I planted the flowers there because they look pretty, not to hide the outlet.

Luckily, this landscape reminded me that I have a special set of skills.

This garden started as a square foot garden. Then I found this cool wire arch that fit between the beds perfectly. I added a hummingbird feeder and hummingbird-friendly plants. Every morning the hummingbird feeds and rests by wrapping its little feet around the wire of the arch.

After spending my life consciously, and subconsciously, learning plants, analyzing landscape and learning from my work I’m able to solve problems many cannot.

Please don’t mulch trees like this. Please don’t mulch trees like this. Please don’t mulch trees like this. Please don’t mulch trees like this. Please don’t mulch trees like this. Please don’t mulch trees like this. Please don’t mulch trees like this.

The truth of the matter is I don’t expect you to solve landscaping problems if you don’t have the time or the interest. That’s what I’m here for.

The number one tip on how to have a nicer lawn is to mow your lawn higher. A lot higher. A second tip is to make sure you have a sharp blade. These two tips will make a greater difference than any chemicals or irrigation system.

Just as a plumber solves problems with plumbing, a lawyer solves problems with the law and my wife solves the problem of where the Cheddar Cheese Sticks are.

I solve the problem of how to design and maintain your landscape.

If you have a landscape problem that needs solving contact CT Landscape Consulting Services.

March 3, 2022
There’s A Second Bunny!

Theo, our Great Pyrenees rescue, barks defiantly into the wickedness of the dark night.

Theo after a long night of saving humanity from the likes of Thanos, and rabbits.

Ever vigilant, Theo comes from a long line of guardians, livestock guardians. His breed has been trained for generations to bark at any sign of a threat to the herd. Whether that threat is a pack of wolves, wild dogs, or poachers.

Theo’s biggest nemesis is the Cottontail Rabbit.

Nightly, ever vigilant, Theo warns of the hazards caused by the cunning and ruthless Cottontail. Theo’s piercing eyes focus like lasers toward the woodline while his deep, throaty bark sends a final warning to the trespasser.

Not tonight Cottontail. Not tonight,” Roars Theo.

The Cottontail Rabbit. Stealthy, yes, but not stealthy enough for Theo.

Our supervillain, recognizing Theo’s cunning, strength, and sheer force of will has partnered with another malefactor. Will these dastardly scoundrels overpower our hero and enslave humanity? The balance of power in the world, lest I say the universe, is precariously perched on the razor’s edge.

Cottontails working in tandem to thwart Theo, Guardian of the Livestock. First. A snack!

Will these two Supervillains trick Theo after their reassurances not to attack? Will the offering of birdseed, avocados, and grapes tentatively keep the peace? How much can a bunny eat?

Peace. Such a fleeting concept, like a snowflake melting on your tongue on a cold winter’s day.

The supervillains feast on the offerings. Or are they preparing for their next attack?

For now, Theo’s nemeses feast rather than attack. The peace is held for one more day.

Can peace last?

Wait! What is that?

Did the Cottontails open a wormhole to the squirellebulous galaxy in the forestal quadrant? Is it yet another alien race seeking to enslave mankind?

Just when Theo defeats one supervillain a second emerges, and just in time for a Summer box office smash! Thank goodness it will be available for streaming during the pandemic. Squirrels and actors have to eat!

How can our hero; Theo, guardian of the livestock, defeat this new threat, the black squirrel? A villain capable of climbing to unseen heights and leaping incredible distances.

What defense can there be against such powers?

How much can one dog do?

Theo vows to always be there to save mankind. Ever vigilant.

Theo, the Great Pyrenees always ready to protect a herd of sheep, mankind, or go for a trip to the dump. Head out the window and tongue in the air, wagging his tail like he just don’t care.

In reality, Theo doesn’t take his job all that seriously.

Last night I set up the trail cam expecting to see opossums but I got two rabbits, a bunch of mouse eyes glowing in the darkness, and squirrels in the morning.

Theo does bark at the bunnies nightly, but it’s more of a half bark than a ‘Get off my lawn’ bark. Further, he frequently pauses to see if he can get a treat for coming inside.

Admittedly, sometimes Theo refuses to come into the house until he literally sees, or hears, the treat bag.

I saw the black squirrel at the end of last winter and spring but it stopped visiting. The cold weather and frozen ground have brought the squirrel back seeking food.

It’s very cool to see a black squirrel!

I don’t know the sex of the black squirrel but it has a mate. I hope they start a family.

I also got a cool photo of this grey squirrel eating an avocado.

Thanks for reading this (attempt at) comedy!

February 7, 2022
What It’s Like to Be a Creative

I don’t know what the Merriam-Webster definition of being ‘A Creative’ is. I’m going to define it by what my gut tells me because that’s how creative people do things.

What is a Creative

Being a creative means that you have an artistic side and like to create artistic things. Artistic things can go in so many different directions; from music to poetry to graphic design to landscape design.

I could never touch on how many different types of creative people there are.

Creatives often have a side that connects with emotion. I wouldn’t be surprised if many creatives have an empathic nature.

Empaths can ‘feel’ emotion in anything; from a bird flying by to a hostile person honking in traffic.

The sad part of being an empath, and possibly a creative, is that emotions are felt on a much deeper level.

I don’t think all creatives are empathic, however, I believe many are.

Another part of being a creative is wanting what you create to be perfect. It’s not done until it’s perfect. There is always room for improvement. Especially if you are a creative.

I constantly see ways to improve things I created. Can the bed lines flow a little better? What if I use a plant that blooms later in the year? How can I hide that outlet?

These little tweaks are what make or break a landscape.

When I think of perfection I think of the Sistine Chapel. Did Michelangelo need to take it that far? As a creative, I know he had to.

Working on the sound of the band
Trying to get the music right.
-Eric Clapton “Pretending”

The sad truth is perfection doesn’t exist. However, that doesn’t keep a creative from trying to achieve it.

The Downside to Being a Creative

I can’t turn it off. I am always analyzing the best way to do things.

When on vacation I observe the way plantings are arranged in the hope of learning something new.

When I see landscape contractors doing jobs I notice how they prepare the beds and which plants they are using.

I love walking around arboretums. They are one of the few places you can see how plants look after much time has passed.

The Upside to Being a Creative

There are two moments I find extremely fulfilling.

The first is the final day of a project. When all of the decisions have been made and I look at my art and know that it was all worth it.

The changes to the bedlines look magnificent, the paving material was just the right choice, the stepping stones are placed to provide access while feeling natural.

I get a rush on the final day of a project for another reason. I see the appreciation on my client’s face and nothing makes me happier.

The second time I get a rush is when I return to a landscape after a week, a month, a year, or more and I’m taking it in. All of the details I’ve worked through can be appreciated.

The Ugly Side to Being a Creative

Burnout.

That’s where I am now.

It stinks.

I’ve been working through a problem for months. It has nothing to do with being creative but it’s affecting my creativity.

I’m tapped out.

My intuition has been seeking a solution to a problem greater than a bed line or plant selection. A problem for which there is no answer.

Hopefully, I’ll reach acceptance and start to move forward.

There are plenty of sunny days coming.

This too shall pass.

I wrote this post a while ago. Today I’m posting it so others know they’re not alone.

February 4, 2022
New England Landscape Photography

Some photos I’d like to share with you. No worries if amateur photography isn’t your thing. If it is, I hope you enjoy. Click on the pictures to open at full size.

Snowy Morning

Snowy Morning – After a sticky snow, I caught this image of the landscape plastered with beautiful whiteness.

New England Barn through Icy Window

New England Barn through Icy Window – Looking through ice crystals to see the outline of an old New England Barn.

Holzhausen in the Snow

Holz hausen in the snow – A Holz hausen woodpile plastered by snow.

New England Winter Sunset

New England Winter Sunset – The sun sets through our kitchen window nightly. The two large trees in the foreground are sugar maples.

Angelic Wings

Angelic Wings – I was inspired when the path of a bird’s feet ended leaving marks from angelic wings.

Intimate Angelic Wings

Intimate Angelic Wings – A closeup of the pattern in the snow where a bird took flight.

January 31, 2022
Plants are People Too!

Today I spotted flowers on a stewartia seedling in the yard. I was beyond ecstatic. I felt the rush only gardeners and adrenaline junkies know.

There was something special about those flowers.

The flowers were flatter,brighter and more delicate than the parent.

A flower on the parent stewartia (Stewartia pseudocamellia).

The parent Stewartia growing in the front yard. In hindsight, I should have planted it at least another six feet away from the house.

The flower I saw today.

The grouping of stewartia seedlings, the one I saw is in the center of the picture with two flowers.

Big difference!

While we’re taught that all plants of the same genus and species grow X feet tall and X feet wide and have X attributes they don’t. There is always some variation unless plants are grown from cuttings or cloned.

When I laid eyes on the stewartia I planted in front of the house I knew it was destined for my garden. The tree had a distinct upright habit, rare for stewartias, as well as a strong central leader.

Take the time to listen to plants they’ll tell you where they want to grow and what they need to thrive. Forget what you know and listen to the plant.

Coral Bells (Heuchera spp.) love dry spots in the shade, like growing through the cracks of a bluestone patio.

Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) likes soil that is always damp, but not wet, and spreads like wildfire in the right conditions.

Plant begonias or impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) on shady patios in large containers. Old fashioned. Yes. Easy, colorful and bulletproof. Yup!

Pink impatiens hide an outlet while creating a focal point. This explosion of color will last until frost or the deer find them.

I’m a huge fan of tuberous begonias on shady patios. They have colorful flowers all summer.

Columbine (Aquilegia spp.) likes to grow just beyond where the gutter drips. Don’t plant under the gutter, the plants will be smushed by downpours. Columbine goes dormant by the end of summer but you’ll be rewarded next spring.

We don’t treat all people the same. Why should we treat all plants the same?

When you learn that all plants and people are different you’re well on your way in this adventure we call gardening, and life.

July 10, 2021