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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Yesterday my YouTube Channel, CTSCAPER, passed 5,000,000 views and 10,000 subscribers. It’s taken four years to get here.
When I filmed my first video on May 10th, 2011 I had no idea where I’d end up.
I remember the nervous energy I felt in front of the camera. It’s the same energy most people experience when public speaking. I did my best and tried not to over critique.
Five million YouTube views is the first goal I’ve reached since the birth of my son Matthew nine years ago. I had no idea the changes being a parent would bring.
It reminds me of other goals I’ve attained.
I’m a quiet person. I take pride in doing things well. I avoid crowds of people and get a thrill out of quiet conversations in small groups.
Yes, I’m an introvert.
To earn my college degree and pursue my dream career I lived away from home for two years. Most teenagers are anxious to move away and enjoy the college experience. I wasn’t. I did what I had to do to earn my degree.
After working at a nursery the year after college I was ready to start my business. Working for “The Man” wasn’t for me. I don’t like rushing through jobs. After much soul-searching I started my business.
I’ve learned all kinds of things running a business. Bookkeeping, taxes, managing staff, purchasing equipment, equipment maintenance, sales, etc. I’ve worked many late nights and read many incredibly boring books about taxes and bookkeeping to reach my goal.
I never thought I’d own a house growing up. I didn’t understand how to save enough money to buy one. When I got married, another thing I never thought I’d do, we found my wife’s, and my, dream house.
The Holden household. Under the vinyl siding is a post and beam house built circa 1820. The barn fell down before we bought it. I’ve planned where and how to build a barn since we moved in.
It’s a beautiful old home with plenty of gardens. If my neighbors are out we chat. I’ve got a big woodpile and I split wood anytime I want.
The woodpile in the back yard. A quiet place to let the mind wander and split wood.
Why am I telling you, and reminding myself, of the goals I’ve achieved?
We must remember what we’re capable of.
If I took the easy way out I wouldn’t have earned a college degree. I wouldn’t have started my business. I wouldn’t live in this beautiful home with my wife and children.
This week I created SawsandSplitters.com for chainsaw and log splitter fans to enjoy and share knowledge.
