LAND DESIGNS UNLIMITED LLC

A Patient Craftsman Creating Exceptional Landscapes

Author: John Holden

Old-Fashioned Craftsmanship

After a day of office work I decided to take Theo for a walk.

It was a beautiful evening. The temperature was around 68 and the sun was shining. I admit I wasn’t in the mood for a walk. Too much office time drains my energy.

After 45 minutes of walking I had a choice.

Continue straight and be home in 15 minutes or take the dirt road to the right and add an hour and a half to my walk.

I chose the road less traveled.

I love dirt roads. I love old houses. I love walking through the forest. I love walking in the rain?

This dirt road was right where I wanted to be.

As Theo and I headed down the road a shower started with the low rumble of thunder.

I didn’t mind. The rain was warm.

While walking I saw some old-fashioned craftsmanship.

The arch through this stone wall gives the stream a stylish way through.

The stream running through the stone wall. The job could have been done easier plenty of ways. None would have looked better.

Here the masons used a large boulder to support the wall over the stream. I like how the masons tied the large stone into the wall.

A rebuilt new england farm wall. Modern stone walls often have wide mortar joints and randomly cut stones for quick construction.

There’s more to the story of this fence than stone posts and cedar rails. I’m sure that fence had different rails when it was originally built.

Notice how the maple tree engulfed the stone fence post. I wonder if that Sugar Maple was planted to shade the house.

Theo and I left for our walk a little before six and returned a little after eight. We feel refreshed and renewed albeit a little damp.

April 1, 2016
Yellow Flower on Side of Road

Last week while driving through Newtown, CT I stumbled on this yellow flower. From a distance it looks like a dandelion. It’s definitely not.

I took this picture March 25 when Daffodils are just starting to bloom. We’re a long way off from leaves on trees.

I checked the US Wildflowers Database and had no luck finding it.

I’d like to thank Lydia, from the comments below, who told me the plant is Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara).

March 28, 2016
Happy Easter 2016

Happy Easter 2016.

March 27, 2016
Foundation Planting Landscape Design

This morning I completed a foundation planting landscape design.

What are my clients goals for the landscape?

The number one goal is color. Women want colorful and inviting homes. Men want what their wives want as long as it stays within budget.

The second goal is low maintenance requirements. No one wants a landscape that needs constant attention.

Some prospective clients focus on low price. In some cases lower than I recommend.

All I can say is, “You get what you pay for.”

Restaurants that ask what type of wine you’d like with your meal cost more than the restaurants that ask, “Do you want fries with that?”

See the video playlist Go To Plants for Your Landscape for more information.

I’m looking forward to presenting this foundation planting landscape design Saturday.

March 24, 2016
Random Acts of Kindness

There are good people in this world.

This morning I stopped at McDonald’s to pick up breakfast. I was short 85 cents and asked for a moment to go to my truck for change.

The cashier didn’t hesitate to say, “Don’t worry about it.”

It’s moments like these that I realize how wonderful the world is.

While waiting for my meal I got the cashier the 85 cents. I don’t believe in taking advantage.

Thank you for your Random Act of Kindness.

P.S. The evergreen shrub in the foreground is a Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo sp.). Be careful when planting Mugo Pines, they don’t all stay as compact as you’d think.

March 18, 2016
Crocus Flowers Blooming

This morning as I waited for the bus with the kids I spotted my first Crocus in bloom on the edge of the drive. I live in USDA Hardiness Zone 6A.

A little while later I spotted some growing in the middle of the lawn.

The weird thing is I never planted crocus in the lawn. I barely have any crocus on the property.

Mother Nature never ceases to amaze me.

March 10, 2016
Great Pyrenees Dog Under Desk

Last week I stepped away from my desk for a moment.

When I returned I found Theo, our Great Pyrenees Dog, relaxing under the desk.

With most dogs there’s room for a dog and your legs. With a Great Pyrenees it’s the dog OR your legs.

March 5, 2016
Flame Weeding Garden in February

My season started yesterday morning. We had a dusting of snow that changed to sleet and then cold drizzle.

When I wake up to rain I think of one thing. Flame weeding.

We’ve had an unseasonably mild winter. It’s been so mild a better term for this winter is early spring.

The winter annual weeds have thrived. Patches of weeds are ready to take off with the warmer days.

After I put the kids on the bus I went right to the propane tank. The ground was damp, aka fire resistant, and ready for flame weeding.

The cold drizzle turned to downpours during the day and high winds and thunderstorms last night.

I look forward to picking up branches in the yard today.

If you don’t like the weather in New England now, just wait a few minutes. – Mark Twain

February 25, 2016
Frost on Window

Last weekend the temperature went down to -12.6 degrees Fahrenheit in Newtown, Connecticut. I’ve never seen temperatures that low in this area. The previous low was -6 or -3 last year.

The frost created beautiful crystals on the window. I’m sure there’s a scientific explanation for why. I’m just going to enjoy their beauty.

Looking out the garage window. You can see the roof of my truck in the background.

On the left side you can see the window molding. Frost formed on the storm windows.

February 16, 2016