Category: On The Stump
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Why You Should Never Play to the Gallery
I recently found this interview by David Bowie. I agree. When checking boxes, my work is droll and lifeless—my designs are like a pile of boxes left out for recycling. I work with nature, combining traditional knowledge with intuition, creating unique landscape solutions. Always go a little further into the water than you feel you’re…
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Signs of a Dominant Cat
A cold front swept through a couple of days ago, leaving temperatures in the low 40s°F. An unexpected thing happened around the house: the cats started sleeping in groups. Outdoor Cats Phantom (cow pattern) and Snowball (tabby), our outdoor cats, were peacefully sleeping in the three-season room they appropriated. They usually sleep in different locations,…
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First Fire of Season
About an hour ago, I started the first fire of the season in the wood stove. It’s October 14th and overcast, 53°F, and starting to rain. While it’s 63°F inside the house, and a sweatshirt takes the chill off, it’s cold to me. After lighting, I walked into the room with the stove and noticed…
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PeeGee Hydrangea Window Peeping
The off-white PeeGee Hydrangea contrasts warm yellow lamp light inside the house viewed through a double-hung window older than me. PeeGee Hydrangeas give instant class to any landscape. Click on image to view larger.
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Patriotic Lambsquarters
Last week, I woke early and headed out to hone my photography skills. While I would like to put all of my award-winning photos in one post, I realized a picture truly is worth a thousand words and decided to break up the posts. Click on a photo to open a larger version. Patriotic Lambsquarters…
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Visitors Welcome – Especially Cats!
Last summer, a couple of weird things happened. First, I turned on the backyard light one night and saw an orange and white cat patiently sitting under a shrub by the bird feeders. Then, a few weeks later, as I walked across the side yard, I spotted a black and white cat carrying something. I…
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Pansies Yellow and Purple
Yesterday I spotted pansies in front of the supermarket begging for a home. They pulled on my heartstrings until I brought two flats home. The truth is, my wife wrote pansies on the grocery list. She didn’t have to. By early April, I’ll take any blooms I can to add color to the landscape. There…
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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…
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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.…