LAND DESIGNS UNLIMITED LLC

A Patient Craftsman Creating Exceptional Landscapes

Author: John Holden

Refreshingly Nervous

Today I went to the barber to get my hair cut.

Who a barber is has changed for me through the years.

When I was a kid a barber was an Italian man who cut hair and talked about the old country. I started visiting my children’s stylist out of convenience since they were born.

I’ve gone to the local Great Clips for my last few hair cuts. The best I can tell they are a hair styling chain that either trains stylists or hires stylists just out of hair styling school.

I go to Great Clips because I can walk in any weekday and get what’s left of my hair cut in 10-15 minutes. I like the convenience getting my hair cut when the mood hits me.

Today my stylist was a girl with black hair with a purple-pinkish tint. The tint in her hair wasn’t the most striking thing about her.

She was exuding nervous energy.

How could I tell?

First, the station she used was the third from the front. The stylists usually use the station closest to the front door. She sought privacy to focus on her work.

Next, when she grabbed her electric shears the cord got caught in her apron. It was like Christmas lights wound too tightly the year before. She nervously struggled to free the cord through her embarrassment.

I did my best to stay calm and NOT mention how nervous she was.

The worst thing you can do when someone is nervous is tell them they look nervous. Say something positive or say nothing.

I’ve been nervous enough times to know that.

I offered, insisted, on untangling the cord to her shears. I knew she’d feel awkward. I might make her more nervous. I took the risk.

By untangling the cord she’d know how to take care of it next time. She’d be more prepared. More confident.

She commented, “That’s why I’m a stylist.” As she watched me untangle the cord.

The girl began cutting my hair with forced movements. I could feel her fighting her nerves. She pushed her shears against my head with more force than any barber or stylist had before.

Some may wonder why I didn’t get up and walk out. Why I didn’t ask for a different stylist. Why I’m not writing a nasty letter to Great Clips asking for a refund.

The reason may shock you.

Nervous people care about what they’re doing. Nervous people want to do a good job.

My stylist has some work to go to master her trade. Her nervous energy tells me she’s got the perseverance. She will learn and master her trade.

Think about people who fake it till they make it. Contrast a nervous attitude to over-confidence or arrogance.

Thanks for the great clip!

September 22, 2015
How Close to House to Plant Shrubs

The short answer. As far as possible.

Plants are constantly growing taller and spreading wider.

When planting small to medium shrubs my goal is 1-2 feet of air between the edge of a shrub and the home. Not just when I plant. For the life of the landscape.

You can prune the back of a shrub, where no one sees, as often as needed to keep the gap.

If there isn’t a gap you’re in trouble.

I saw this Rhododendron slammed against the house this Spring. It motivated me to write this post.

This Rhododendron is an extreme example of planting too close.

Medium shrubs like Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Spirea, Holly and Boxwood go 2.5-3′ from the side of the house.

I can easily walk behind the shrubs after planting.

This rhododendron has a 2′ gap between the foliage and the side of the house.

Large shrubs and small trees like Viburnum, Dogwood and Stewartia go a minimum of 6′ from the edge of the house and preferably 8′.

This Viburnum is 8′ from the house. Imagine the pruning nightmare if it was 3-4′ away.

When in doubt plant farther from the house. You’ll never regret it.

September 1, 2015
Scratch That Off the Bucket List

Last weekend, I replaced the rear brakes on my 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 pickup.

I’m living the dream!

I started Saturday around nine and finished Sunday around 2. Yes, it took a long time.

Even though I watched many videos about changing brakes, I had to learn some things. The caliper mounting bolts were frozen, and the brake pads threw me for a loop.

A shiny new rotor and anti-rattle clips are waiting for brake pads. It’s incredible how quickly shiny rotors turn to rust.

I felt an incredible sense of accomplishment and a touch of exhaustion on Sunday afternoon. Being hyper-focused on brakes for a day and a half takes a toll.

I learned two valuable lessons over the weekend.

Focus on one thing at a time.

You can do anything you set your mind to.

Please share your goals in the comments below.

August 25, 2015
One Thing at a Time

One of my lifelong goals is know how to do brakes.

You’re probably thinking what the guy at the auto parts store said, “You should set your goals higher.”

Power and status never meant much to me. Some wealth would be nice.

Doing brakes is challenge. Many people earn a living turning wrenches. They can change brakes in their sleep. I can’t. Yet.

This week I read up on how to change brakes. I’ve read the maintenance manual for my pickup, skimmed the pages of my Haynes manual and watched a ton of YouTube videos about brakes.

I’ve talked to three different mechanics about the process.

I’m ready to go.

While reading about brakes I often grabbed a flashlight and went outside to inspect them. I wanted to compare what I was reading to what’s on my truck.

Each time I went to my truck I found the answer I was looking for and something else that needed attention.

There’s a lot of rust on the frame, several brake lines need replacement sooner than later and the front splash guards are missing rivets.

That’s just the start of the list.

I’m feeling overwhelmed.

Last night I caught myself worrying and remembered a valuable life lesson.

One thing at a time

When we multi-task we get overwhelmed. Our mind races from one thought to the next while never finishing any of them.

Motion forward stops.

It’s exhausting!

What’s the solution?

Today I took a good hard look at the truck to figure out my most pressing repair. I want to focus on that one thing.

I jiggled the brake lines, their not as bad as I originally thought.

I made a list of fasteners needed to fix the splash guards.

Next I took off my rear tires to inspect the brakes.

When I took off the driver side tire I immediately knew what to do first.

The caliper seized.

That’s where I’ll start my brake project!

If you look at the picture closely you can see the outside of the rotor has 1/2″ of metal left. The inside is almost cut to the vanes. I couldn’t even turn the rotor. The caliper clamped to it.

The research phase of brake repairs, and life, is exhausting. There are so many ways to go.

You’ll have better results if you focus on one thing at a time.

August 21, 2015
A Father’s Pride – Allison’s Chicken

My daughter Allison drew this picture of a chicken for me. She’s six years old and knows I like chickens.

Alli drew these tulips on the back of her placemat at a local diner.

Allison, I love your pictures!

August 20, 2015
Pumpkins in the Landscape

Yesterday I visited a landscape planted last week. While photographing the landscape I noticed the oddest site.

Nestled between a Siberian Carpet (Microbiota decussata) and PJM Rhododendron (Rhododendron ‘PJM’) was a thriving pumpkin seedling.

How could this happen?

The compost used to prepare the soil was the composting spot of several years of Holden family pumpkins. The moist soil and ample sun in the new landscape set the seed in motion.

Happy Halloween!

August 14, 2015
Fortune Cookie Fortunes – My Favorites
My favorite fortune cookie fortunes:
- Confidence begets confidence.
- If you have no critics you’ll likely have no success.
- Enjoy yourself while you can.
- The secret to good friends is no secret to you.
- No one can force you to change direction or abandon your principles.
I’m ordering Chinese food for dinner to research fortune cookie fortunes.
August 5, 2015
Itsy Bitsy Spider

Spiders are incredible builders. I bet this guy/girl built this web in one night with no architect, no permits and no contractor headaches. The reward will be a well-earned dinner.

Those of you who watch my wood splitting videos may recognize the tire. It’s the tire I use for splitting wood.

While I admit spiders give me the chills I am in awe of their work ethic.

July 12, 2015
Frog in Puddle

Last week after a downpour I spotted a frog enjoying a cool puddle. While I’m no expert on the difference between a frog and a toad I would say that’s a frog. The nearest stream is 150 yards from where I found my frog friend. Go figure!

July 1, 2015