Techniques Of Planting

Posted on November 23, 2011 by Steve

There are as many techniques in planting as there are people. It seems everyone has some twist they employ to get plants started. There are, however, some truisms in planting which always pertain. It is these I will address first:

For New Homes and Sites: (Plants and Trees, Initial Landscaping)

For new homes or businesses, one needs a hole approximately twice the size of the pot the plants is contained in. While excavating, attention needs to be paid to the overall soil quality, especially in new subdivisions where fill was used to establish the overall grade. I mention this because there are fills which are problematic. Rocks and such are endurable, provided they are embedded in soil. But cement debris, chemicals, garbage and the like will not help a young growing plant. Once determined, bear in mind, especially in the case of trees and plants which tend to eventually produce extensive root systems, no matter what amendments one uses to get the plant established, those roots will reach the existing soil.

Below, we plant up new plants and trees using the existing soils combined with just a bit of new stuff.

(enlarge any picture by left clicking)

Current thinking in planting techiniques holds this thought in mind. I personally advise a minimum of amendments, perhaps as much as half new soil, mixed with the existing. There is an element of “sink or swim” here. Unless the soil is insufferable, as mentioned, the plant or tree’s roots will hit the soil and expect to push on. Also bear in mind the condition of the soil. Clay soils may not be applicable to some plants, just as sandier soils may not be for others. There is usually information available indicating which soils are best for certain species. I would use this guideline in selecting a plant or tree. If the soil is extremely hideous, I recommend excavating and reinstalling entirely new soil, paying particular attention to the locations of trees and deeply rooting plants.

For New Or Existing Gardens

Much here depends upon the eventual usage. I see three separate categories used most often, aside from the original plantings of trees and shrubs:

1. Vegetable and food/herb gardens These require extremely nutritious and workable soils. They are tender, generally, and fast growing. Composts, especially one’s own’ are excellent amendments to any soil. A mix of compost, sand and topsoil are usually recommended and I advocate installing about 18 inches worth in depth. Some composts, obviously, are “hot”, especially manures without sufficient time spent curing. There is no need to install anything not already broken down. So, the thrust of my advice means allowing composts to age. Fertilizers are available for all plants, although they are not necessarily good as an “implicit” product. They just boot up progress and can be as destructive in the wrong hands as they are helpful.

Below is a small circular Herb and Flower Garden we installed which has abundant good stuff as a planting medium.

At any rate, these amendments make the soils less dense, in the end, and the compost and topsoil tend to hold moisture for longer, necessitating less watering. Gardening for food is a high intensity maintenance operation, needing attention often. One checks for growth, for diseases and pests, molds and mildews and critters. Watering will need adjusting according to the heat indices. One can, indeed, overwater almost anything. And, naturally, one can under water as well. Another consideration: go easy on the fertilizers! These plants were made to grow. Give them a field they can enjoy and they will. Sometimes, less attention is better than too much, a strange caveat, I guess.

2. Bedding Plants and Annuals These plants need nearly as good a caliber of soil as does a food garden, just not usually as deep. Typically, annuals do not root deep, although there are exceptions in the cases of some tubrous items, like Dahlias, for example (which can also be a perennial, in certain climates). I rarely go deeper than 12″ of totally prepped soil and the quality of said soil can be a slight step less rigorously composted than a food garden. Having said that, care should be taken inasmuch as these plants are always hungry and always thirsty. Once again, these can also be over- or under-watered, but they require tons less maintenance and attention than vegetables and some herbs. Always pay attention to Sun issues. Begonias, for example, are not enamored of tons of Sun. The New Guinea hybrids, which I adore, are particularly shade-loving. Seen as below, mixed with Coleus in a very shady but extremely lush scene, they work marvelously in good soil.

3. Perennials Here we have what must be my favorite category of plants. I use them liberally in all my construction projects since they offer enormous swaths of the brightest colors and tend to bloom for long stretches. They do, however, also require soils which are a step above ‘unadapted’. I typically use a mix of compost and native soil, about 1/3 native and 2/3 compost and sand. I also dig holes for eventual growth. In other words, I make a larger than normal hole first, fill with my amendments, when planting. I think 3 years down the road for perennials and where the roots will be by then. After that, they will either be divided or can readily adapt, literally producing its own bacteria and compost from its own growth and detritus (leaves, root deterioration, etc.). Perennials are low maintenance plants. Another groovy aspect.

Below is a virtual Perennial Garden, clustered around a small pond in Reno, Nevada. Note the blue blooms, a combination of Lavender (which I often use for aromatic as well as aesthetic reasons) and the blue Penstemon (this is also a matter of mid-Summer timing, bloom-wise, since the entire garden begins with a pink and red flourish):

The alkaline soils of Reno were perfect for this gorgeous Desert Penstemon, a native of sorts which stands on its own as a splendid-looking plant who enjoys where it sits.

All in all, soil quality is the be-all and end-all of planting almost anything. Attention should also be paid, in the selection of plants and, consequently the necessary soil work, to native species. Some natives, such as those we find in Nevada actually prefer some pretty nasty, alkaline soil. Inasmuch as they were nursery-grown, of course, they will need some early love, with what I call “introductory soil”: a mix of the closest one can some to native soil with a tad of amendment. This is just to prevent an utter shock zone for the pampered little fellows.

A Waterfall Primer – How We Do It

Posted on November 21, 2011 by Steve

So how did we get here?

(left click to enlarge images)

From here?………..

We acquired this project from a family who lived by a golf course and who correctly surmised that the sounds of water spilling would be satisfying, yet, in great amounts, loud and obnoxious. As a sound issue water is a most penetrating sound. It can literally “drown out” conversation, if you will. We designed this for the sound and of course, the visual effects, yet pointed it away from the house itself.

We begin. We have placed plywood on the ground, more to protect irrigation parts and to keep the mud and mess to a minumum than anything else. It is time to begin the excavation and we are beginning at the top, as is usually the case on a bank.

We venture downward, excavating our original hole, determining drop areas and depths of retaining ponds. This stage just has us digging the original hole. Later pictures reveal a bit more method as we begin placing the more major boulders, the anchors, at specific points. I typically “anchor” my falls, when possible. The idea is to act like Nature. For example, creeks turn when they meet large immoveable boulders. Likewise for the formation of water features. As in Nature, a sudden dropoff is usually around major, relatively immoveable obstacles and grade changes. This is what I try to reconstruct. At this stage, we excavate first. It does not take long to get at the nuts and bolts. Turns out, digging is the easiest part!

Here, then, is your standard average big old hole in the ground. By any other name, that is what it is for sure. There is however some method to this excavation. As we excavate our way down, we create “falls ledges”, designed spots where the various falls will take place. Notice the anchor rocks by the lower, and final in this case, falls. The liner will not be under these. Their sheer size of the boulders would cause rips in it, a fate to be avoided at all costs. In the end, holes in a liner are a disaster. This particular system we applied concrete to throughout, over the liner, adding an extra measure of security if you will. However, we often use liner only, as Part 5 will illustrate. We often add an underlayment, a fabric under that. The reason? Well, many. One is the softer subsurface adds some padding for any potential objects which could affect the liner, like rocks and feet. Another is that the maddening little critters, both moles and their cousins in “liner crime” the “voles” both enjoy the salty taste of liner. Yes, I swear. We have had liners we traced holes for only to find these teeth marks at the end of small critter tunnels. Turns out, the salts in the rubber are somewhat tasty to the little munchkins. Ugh.

This is actually progress at the same stage as the former picture, yet this is from another angle. One gets a much better idea of the anchor rock idea, noticing those two large rocks that straddle the lower falls. As well, this view allows us to back up and see the strata which is above the bottom pond. It will be another pond, the second in a series of 3.

OK, now we are getting somewhere. We typically lay the aforementioned underlayment beneath the liner pictured here. This liner is an EPDM, 45 mil. liner, which is very tough and quite heavy. We protect our liners as much as humanly possible, because in the end, these sheets of rubber are what holds the water. One is wise to double or triple smaller pieces of liner when placing larger rocks on top of it. This “protection” keeps the contractor from palpitating when someone drops a rock on his precious liner. Repairs are actually easy, if indeed one does discover a hole, or rip in the liner. We use an EPDM glue, much the same as that glue used on bicycle tires. Equally smelly and equally needing to dry first before application. We use alcohol to clean the surface we mend, and rough it up, slightly with sandpaper or our hands. Pressure is needed to hold it in place, which often represents one’s hardest task.

We begin adding cement and the rocks which will form the feature itself. Obviously, I rely heavily on the machine in the picture there. The virtue of these small “mini excavators” is in their “thumb”, the small attachment that squeezes a rock between itself and the bucket and can drop it into place at a distance. Inasmuch as many of the rocks are dense and heavy as heck, the machine is worth it’s weight in gold. “Work smarter, not harder” is heard alot in my trade. The ability to add rocks in place like a jeweller is a good analogy, just on a much larger scale. We are now doing things like providing the “spill rocks” over which the water flows. Great pain is taken to get those that will give the efffects we are after. We were very desrious of having a “sheet effect” on the upper falls, which would also be the tallest and biggest drop. Nearer the bottom, we opted for a more natural, creek effect.

The cementing is primarily finished, rocks in place and the pumps placed. Note, on this water feature we added a “bubble rock” in the bottom pond, thus the need for the additional, smaller pump. The piping and routing of the pipe back up to the source of the running water was achieved during the process of setting the rocks in place and cementing. At this stage, we are ready to actually run the water for the first time. It is always fairly exciting after all the hard work of moving and rassling with big rocks, to see what the heck we were aiming for and how close we came. It usually draws a crowd. I might add that this stage also performs the function of showing us where we might have gone wrong, what requires tweaking and adjusting. Still, this is about the 85% finished mark, any way you slice it.

OK, we are running the thing. We were tweaking some stuff and actually replacing and moving some of the plants surrounding the feature at this juncture. The falls and creeks, the pumps and pipes have all been checked and adjusted appropriately or repaired, it is ready to roll.

Here she is! Planted up, with lights inset beneath the falls and all the bells and whistles. This was a really fun job to do, with not as many snarly tangles as many we have done. The soil was easy to excavate and the homeowner was a great guy who was fascinated by it all and who took many of the pictures I have here. This waterfall did win an award in the state it was contructed.

Health Musings – Steve’s Recent Problems

Posted on November 14, 2011 by Steve

I’ve long since tossed the general template of this blog as a “how-to” or strictly “Informative” and landscaping trade-related item, in favor of more personal and wider ranging purposes. I have stayed away from politics – by all means! – which makes me appear saner than I actually am. Avoiding modern politics keeps the circular arguments which serve to distance us from one another at bay. By concentrating on stuff that I figure means something to us all, it is my conviction that I can enhance everyone’s existence by sticking with themes which we all care about and hopefully build on those factors in life which we all unconditionally share. I am so tired of alienating, scapegoating and circularity – it has become the worst of all things: predictable and boring. Bridges seem so much better than cul de sacs – although I love landscaping cul de sacs! 😉

This was what my past weekend looked like:

It began like this – walking and taking final pictures of this year’s somewhat unspectacular but still-gorgeous Autumn:

Where by I found myself looking for more of this Saturday activity amongst friends:

Then the weekend took a turn.

It turned into this:

Recently, I spent 4 days in the hospital here in Louisville. What began as a visit to the doctor evolved into an epic experience which included the insertion of a stent into my heart. It was the wake-up call of all wake up calls.

I used to be a bit vain about my lack of visits to doctors. When I lived in Vancouver, I played cards and ping pong with a doctor. For 10-15 years, I could consult with him over a game or two. Henry had faced the same thing with all of us – a group of very typical males who enjoyed each other’s company and who would get together pretty much weekly for beer and gossip, and for sporting events on TV or live. Many hilariously inappopiate events occurred, including someone walking up to the poor guy, dropping their drawers and asking in all seriousness: “Hey, Henry, is this just jock rash or should I worry?”

His eyes would roll and he’d get fake incensed, saying “Good Lord, man, come on, I just ate!” Naturally, we’d all roll, laughing. We were brutal.

But he also explained in very real terms – at many times – what the best doctors thought about their trade, which gave me a warm feeling about them in general. Most of them actually do care.

So I wander down for my first Doctor’s appointment in 42 years, having experienced some dizzy spells which I always attributed to a heat exhaustion event I had in 2005, suffered during a heat wave of epic proportions in Reno, Nevada. Soon after this event, I would get these small “near-syncope’s”, which are basically a sensation of ‘nearly’ passing out. While they were numerous that year following the event (I quit softball for a year), the following year they were rare and I pretty much recommenced every activity as if nothing happened. I could get an ‘attack’, having said that, but they were not strong and were rare enough to attribute to the mysteries of body chemistry from heat strokes. Then, about 2 years ago, they began occurring a bit more frequently until recently when they became daily or every other day. Nothing huge, just a “fade”, a sensation of fainting without the Full Monty, and a resultant racing heart and the sweats.

I had an EKG and Chest X Ray done and paid for them and was walking out of Jewish Hospital’s gorgeous East End facility when a lady approached me and asked me to step into ER to see a doctor. As yet, I had no idea why she had asked but I made the move and sat as the nice female doc explained her fears that I was on the verge of ending it all at any given moment. As she worked, explaining what I was experiencing with these near syncope events, she was saying that these near syncope’s were the results of wildly fluctuating heart beats at extremely dangerous levels. She said she would supply an ambulance and was demanding that I be hospitalized immediately. She did indeed frighten me, especially since she was 100% sincere in what she believed to be my situation. I fought her off to a degree and said I would go to the hospital but I wanted to go home first and arrange a ride down as well as pick up some stuff. She was really reluctant but she finally complied against what she stated was her better judgement.

So I wheeled home, got Tom to bring me back, ate a huge meal, grabbed some books and split for the Big Sick Room.

When I got to the hospital, they were ready for me. I had a catheter probe scheduled for early the next morning already. I spent the first night in the hospital finishing a great book, gave Mother my phone number and slept fitfully. To be honest, I was somewhat concerned that it had got this far. It made me realize I may indeed have been fortunate, a fact which later proved out indeed. But I can pretty much guarantee that the full realization of where my medical situation had wandered had not truly hit home yet. It was all a sort of benevolent shock.

The next morning, they ran me downstairs at Jewish Hospital and my doctor greets me dressed in his “Going to War” Togs, lol. He had these black horn rim glasses, surrounded by every single vector-covered head, complete with a leopard-spotted head dress I had to laugh at. I’m being serious. He asked the pertinent questions, they loaded up my pre-loaded IV with some fabulous drugs and I woke up a few hours later, all fixed, or close to it, anyway.

They did find a blockage in an artery – and a severe one. While inside, they inserted a “stent” which re-opened said artery and allowed the blood to flow unimpeded. Immediately, my monitor indicators improved dramatically, although even now, there are still a few worrying random beats they want to close in on later – in the next few weeks, after further testing.

Medical stories are pretty boring but I wanted to mention all this because I have good friends I know through this blog and because of my rampant plain luck in catching something this dangerous at a good time – before it killed me. This is less a cautionary tale than a general announcement concerning my health. But if someone gets something from it, then by all means, I am gladdened.

Today, my first day back from my twisted and sore melding with various stunningly uncomfortable beds for 4 days, toting a heart monitor everywhere I moved, dangling off my chest and losing half the hair on my chest from placements of those sticky monitor suckers, I feel like a lucky person. I also now have even more respect for doctors and nurses than I may ever have had. Dr. Reeser’s concern and lack of backing down convinced me I had a problem and I shall 0we her some great good things as long as I live. I fully intend to offer her something worthwhile – maybe a hand shake, I don’t know yet. 😉 I do some pretty good landscaping – maybe she’ll like that.

I now am concerned about eating habits, exercise, smoking – time to let it go – and all the various billions of impacts which made life a flirtation with a suicide I had no idea of. I cannot, for the life of me, express my gratitude enough to those whose interests served to intersect with my desire to live long enough to do some serious playing with my grandkids to come.

Here’s to Love in buckets full.

Jody Bare’s Wearable Artwork – Reprised

Posted on November 2, 2011 by Steve

One can easily see from the number of comments made when this was first published in July of 2010, that Jody’s work is amazing. Since that time, she has not sat on her laurels but has most definitely continued her fabulous work as a fabric artist. I’m inserting few of these newer designs at random intervals to introduce Jody Bare to those who may not have stumbled upon this old and very dear friend and – for those who now see even more of why I regard her as a very serious artist who happens to work in mediums which are surprisingly practical at the same time. I would sincerely invite anyone who regards wearing unique and hand made products to take advantage of her while she’s still as busy as a bee. 😉 Hey – Christmas is just around the corner!

This new one below, Jody calls “Stemmed Rose”:

“Art Clothing”. What a fascinating concept. Mz. Bare designs what to wear, surrounded by the knowledge that sheer unique artistic license is what you’re under. Jody Bare supplies an incredibly delightful, gorgeous and sumptuous feast of color, silk and images in her fabric art and I am – first of all – intrigued so much by her range and the delicate singularity of her products. Of course, the fact that I have known her pretty much forever makes it even more special.

(Left click images to enlarge)

This is another couple of newer ones. In order: “Primal Consciousness” and – following that, “Squid-in-Kelp”:

Biographical Stuff: For example, I can remember her as a college freshman at Western Kentucky University, courted by my very best friend in the world of nearly 50 years, Steve Bare. There are too many tales involving yours truly and this other miscreant – all true, unfortunately or fortunately. Sure, a few involve excess – but who’s counting?? 😉 The short version is that Steve and I met at 12 years old, both the “new guys” in a new town. That we were pretty good at sports and that we each had parents who were tolerant and smart as whips gave us something special right off the bat. For years, Steve and I were inseparable and we have maintained contact, through his tour in Viet Nam and my tour in Korea, through my dislocation to Vancouver and, then his, to Santa Cruz. His marriage to Jody not only probably saved his life, he got his Soul Mate in the bargain. This is, in many ways, a romantic story and Jody Bare figures just hugely in the last 90% of the tale.

Did I mention she’s fun and just a great gal? Well, she is. How close are we? ……Well try this – When you have a bed named in your honor: “The Sned Bed“, in this case, you know you’re close!! 🙂

Jody has always puttered around with fabrics. She speaks of her development as an artist on her home page, right here: http://www.jodybare.com/. As you browse her brand new site, you can find a product list, with photo’s of some of her stuff, some of which can be seen adorning the ladies in my life. These scarves and fabrics have never disappointed anyone, let me assure you. It earned me some great smiles and Thank You’s, so there’s your proof this gal is a pro. 😉

Jody tends to work in Linoleum block printing. She has mastered coloring, arriving at the inks she prefers. She tends to work on silk – real silk – pressing the block gently and firmly in place at her desired spot. She has always done her very own work, without help. She is explicit about rendering unique, hand made products from her own efforts. This is not only a mesmerizing artist – she is a hard-working one as well.

I’ve decided to make this blog post about Jody because she has entered the “Online Community” for the first real time. In reality, she has featured her products many places, from San Fransisco to Kentucky and during the great ‘Artist Open Studio’ events in Santa Cruz, California. It is my fondest hope that people will visit her site and browse her incredibly beautiful work. Her style and products are completely “stand alone” items. As mentioned, each one is utterly unique and bears her own unique style as well as her own unique hands on efforts.

Elegant, supremely stylish and wearable. What could be better?

Yes, I am inordinately proud of Jody Bare, great Mom, cool listener and occasional playmate on her husband and his friends’ great misadventures, noteworthy fisherwoman and great – I mean the best – pal. That she does World Class artwork surprises me not at all.

I absolutely adore this last new piece, “Divine Lotus”:

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Monthly Archives: November 2011