Bargain Hardscape is No Bargain

Within the last few days some interesting things have come up regarding brick pavers. First, while working at a clients home,I noticed the brick walks soldier course (the outside edge, that has a different pattern) separating a bit. My first thought was to add some polymer sand, until I looked closer. The contractor who installed the walk had not put in a retaining edge--not even the mortar type that crumbles after a year or two, here in MI. I was frustrated!

We've gone to great lengths to be trained and updated on the latest specifications. Not installing the edge and using slag sand and not using a layer of bedding sand! What else????

Did they excavate to the proper depth? Compact it properly? We pride ourselves on hardscape that lasts many years. Yes, it takes longer, more material to do things properly, and it costs more money to do.

What else is frustrating? A recent ad for paver installation for $7.50 per square foot. (I won't tell you who) Not sure what's included in this bargain basement price but the materials I listed above would cost more than $7.50 per square foot.

What does this mean for a consumer? Be careful, ask a company why their price is higher. The tendency is to think a company is too expensive. My job is to educate the consumer. Back to the paver walkway--it looked fine for almost two years. Maybe the company offered a three year warranty like we do. I think we'll have more discussion on this and similar issues. Thanks for letting me rant!

Want Some Landscape Inspiration?

Bonnie Ion, President of the Ann Arbor Garden Club wrote:

APRIL 9th MEETING: Jo Ann Marshall will be speaking on "Landscape Inspirations" this coming Wednesday night in the Matthaei Auditorium. The program will start at 7:30 PM. Jo Ann is a UM trained landscape architect and runs a landscape business with her husband, Dave. Trillium Landscape Design, LLC is a design/build company so Jo Ann will be speaking about how to look at your landscape and see even more of its beauty. Jo Ann enjoys public speaking and this should be a fun presentation. Hope to see many of you on this coming Wednesday night.
Ann Arbor Garden Club

The Return of Spring and Birds

Though today’s snow fall may not indicate it, Spring has arrived. Don’t believe me. Just ask the birds. Within the last week, I’ve noticed the return of the robins and red-winged blackbirds. Both are looking for places to nest and rear their young. Other migratory birds aren’t too far behind. So if you want to attract birds to your garden, now is the time to setup or clean out your nest boxes (birdhouses).

For those not familiar with nest boxes, nest boxes are designed to provide tree and cliff cavity nesting birds a place to build a nest. A number of bird species build their nests in cavities. These birds include the Eastern Bluebird, Chickadee, House Finch, Northern Flicker, Crested Flycatcher, Nuthatch, Tree Swallow, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina and House Wrens, Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers, and of course, the Purple Martin. With the loss of habitat, the population of some cavity nesters is declining.

Eastern Phoebes, Robins, and Song Sparrows can also be attracted to nest in your garden by providing them with open front wall boxes or platforms.

The size of the nest box and diameter of the entry hole are important considerations when choosing a nest box. So is the nest box’s location in the garden and height off the ground. Be sure to purchase or build a nest box that meets the requirements of the type of birds you want to attract. Some other things to look out for when selecting a nest box: Choose a box without a finish or one with a non-toxic finish on the exterior of the box only. The box should not have a perch or exterior decoration that could be used by predators to climb onto the box. The box should have easy access to the interior of the box for cleaning and observing the young birds.

Longer Boats...

I'm having Cat Stevens flashbacks. I meant longer days! Daylight savings times has it's rewards. People I've run across are enjoying the sunlight. I think it equates with us having more energy. Even though there is some snow on the ground, we know that spring and a great landscape, are a few weeks away.

Smart clients are already calling for consultations and to implement another phase of their exciting plan.

We're off to Piqua, OH for the Regional Hosta Conference aka Hosta College. The name doesn't do it justice. It's a highly organized selection of vending, classes and includes most meals and snacks. It's an incredible value and very fun to teach at. I'll be teaching Landscape Inspiration and How to Start a Sketchbook. Dave is teaching a class on building Wildlife Habitats. It's a lot of work and we have a blast. People are very friendly and helpful. We're already planning for next year! Do a search for Hosta College, if this interests you.

I'll see if I can uncover my Cat Steven's albums!

Incidental Environmental Efforts

With so much talk about our environment, I looked at a checklist in a recent magazine. I wanted to see how our business and home stacked up. Here goes:

1. We use compact fluorescent light bulbs where possible.
2. While our vehicles aren't known for being especially fuel efficient, they also have to perform for our work, we keep them maintained so they burn clean clean.
3. We re-use office paper, then recycle paper, cardboard, plastic, metal, concrete and glass, as well as clothing, books and other goods.
4. We compost leaves, plants and stockpile soil.
5. We add compost, from local sources, to amend soil when necessary, less chemical fertilizers.
6. We use green cleaners where possible.
7. We are careful with our landscape designs and don't advocate traditional irrigation systems.
8. We use the stairs and not so much, the costly energy sucking elevators.
9. We drink from reusable plastic water bottles whenever possible, and buy our drinking water in reusable 5 gallon bottles. Even the Saline Garden Club advocates members bringing their own coffee cup to save on those gol darn Styrofoam cups. Our landscape crew members bring their own water bottles and we provide chilled, filtered water.
10. In a reorganizing spree, we put a few items on Craigslist.com and set aside a box of office supplies to go to a new teacher's classroom.
11. We try to drive only when necessary, combining trips. We also try to drive with efficient speeds to minimize braking and excessive acceleration.
(Driving without drama is what Jo Ann says)

What have I forgotten? How does your list look?

Fresh Blanket, Please

Mother Nature is giving us the flux! Just when we were getting geeked for spring, bam! A fresh blanket of snow. The worst part is that it's beautiful! The stunning white powder coated everything brown and gray.

It's all good, this time of the year we are going to workshops and conferences. We know that a spring thaw is in the not too distant future. Then it will be easy to appreciate the magic of Michigan's seasons. The overlap when the seasons are deciding which will prevail is a challenging time. It's all fun knowing that as much as we try to control EVERYTHING--we can't control the weather.

Enjoy the fresh snow and postcard worthy blue skies.

The hits....literally...

The last session of the current Saline Rec Dodgeball season has ended for our team, the Above Average Jo's. I was intrigued with the zany movie "Dodgeball" and watched it 3 times in the last few months. How fun! I thought. So did a few others: Judy Stone Nutrition Magician & David Ames Ames Video Services. It was the most painful team experience ever. But not because of staff from Saline Rec Center. They were great! Sunshine Lambert has hosted the league for some time. The teams are comprised mostly of young men high school to 20 somethings. A few, well 2, other young women also played and held their own.

There's something about the image of a few 6'+ 200+/- guys going after a high school kid that weighs maybe 110. The fact that I was older than their parents was a bit disheartening. Was it my imagination, or did the rec staff at the desk smile, chuckle and shake their heads every time I arrived? Jeff Wellmeier and Dave Marshall were true team players showing up for every game without complaint. The rest of us, well you can guess what we were thinking. Thanks also to Manny, Scott, Doug, Jordan, and Garret for making the team what it was--especially our last night!

Team number one, the "Cobras" includes Steve from Steve's Custom Signs and his teammates, oozed good sportmanship! We were envious of their new gladiator uni's. All in all, an interesting life experience. Know of any young adults that have energy to burn? Send 'em to Dodgeball.

Truthfully, a rude awakening that I'm not as young as I used to be. What will I take from this experience? If you can duck a wrench, you can duck a dodgeball!

The Hits Just Keep on Rollin'

It's the time of the year that Michiganders and other cold weather gardeners and landscapers dread and love, at the same time. It's catalog time. Are you inundated with reams of paper? teasing, colorful, rich flowers and plants? Goodies and tools that are intriguing? Do these publications get you through some of these dreary days? Write with your favorites so we don't miss them.

Have you seen some of the beautiful sunsets we've had lately? They are breathtaking. The pink and orange hues of the sky are a sight to behold! I love the seasons of Michigan and will continue to
accept the challenge of making a seasonal business work! Landscapers and gardeners unite!

FFAS a hit!

Our second annual Valentines Dinner by Food For All Season was a hit. Owner Antoinette Benjamin met us at the door, explained reheating, and sent us off with our entrees, salads, soup, rolls and desserts. Everything was wonderful. I wonder if extra desserts will be an option next year? Mark your calendars for early Feb 2009.

Brrrrring on the snow.

Brrrrr! Is it ever cold outside. I'm glad we got a couple of inches of snow before the temperatures dropped to 0 degrees F. Snow is mother nature's thermal blanket. Well maybe not thermal, but it is insulating. Snow naturally insulates the ground and everything underground (plant roots, water and sewer pipes, etc.) from the freezing ambient air temperatures. The deeper the snow, the greater the protection. So as the temps continue to linger in the single digits and teens, be grateful for the occasional snow showers. The more snow the better.

Would You Believe...

With the cooler temps, I find it hard to spend quality time outdoors. Exercise is tougher, even walking the dog takes effort. This photo shows my introspective side. Hah! It was a class assignment from my Beyond Business As Usual class. Truth is my
friend and Eco Coach, Laura MacKimmie would have approved.
This was one way to spend part of Super Bowl Sunday.
Ah, the wisdom we can gather from nature,
if we give it a chance.

You Haven't Lived Until...

Valentines day is almost here. Who cares, you ask? I do and anyone else who has enjoyed Food For All Season's memorable catering. The food is exquisite. This meal is phenomenal! Check out the menu and order both the salad and soup. I think there are more menu items this year. If we were smart we would order 1 of each and feast for two days. My single friends do order two different entrees and enjoy them for two terrific days. Order now, you will not be disappointed...well, you will be if you don't live in the Ann Arbor area.
Happy Valentines Day, in advance!

Sparty Oak?

There are a half dozen trees in our side yard, the yard that our living room window faces. While the trees don't yet provide shade for us, they do screen our window from nearby streets.

Over the summer, a man in his 30's or so, parked his car, and walked over. He told Dave that he had planted the acorn for the oak tree 15 years ago. The acorn had been from a tree near the Sparty statue on MSU's campus.

I've been to the campus a number of times, mostly for MPFA conferences and plant ID classes. What a great opportunity it was for the man to see his legacy. I appreciate his planting work those yeas ago. Perhaps the next generation will as well.

Sometimes I think we forget about the good things we've done in the past and how it will affect people after we're gone. Who hasn't planted an acorn? It's never too late. What's your story?

Yay, a website is born!

Finally, the day we've been waiting for. Websites
are always a work in progress and what fun
it is to finally see it in place.
Let us know what you think and
what you'd like to see more of.
Thanks for reading!

www.trilliumlandscape.com

Wildlife Abounds

Oh my gosh...is anyone else having issues with wildlife? I don't think there will be anything left to our garden, come spring. Rabbits and who knows what else are having a field day. The shrubs in the perimeter of our perennial garden must be the equivalent of "Fancy Feast" to those pesky rabbits. They are so bold that we stare at each other, then usually they slowly hop away. Based on their foot prints (animal tracks)there must be an army of 'em.

The up side? we get to try different repellents. So far nothing organic has worked, well, except for our dog. He only deters the rabbits while he's outside in the garden. Being so cold out, he's not outside for long. What's your favorite remedy to discourage those varmints?

The Tail Wags the Dog

Walking through the snow covered fields with our canine family member today, reminded me of how grateful I am to have him. He's a golden retriever mix that insists on burrowing his muzzle into every varmint track and hole that he can find. His tail wags incessantly, increasing in speed, the fresher the tracks.

The grasses that stood tall all summer and fall have been packed down by the snow, rain and wind, making walking through it very easy. I looked for the hawk that carefully balanced itself on a tiny branch a few days ago. What stood out from this walk was a single drop of crimson on the snow that interrupted a mouse trail.

Yep, grateful because I let my canine friend take me for a walk.

What stood out when you walked your canine friend recently?
Please tell us.

Go Fish

Our landscape company recently installed a small pond, beautiful waterfall, and patio in St. Clair Shores, MI. The owner purchased 4 fish, about 4-5" in length, a lot of fish for a pond this size. By the end of the summer, the fish were easily 6-7". For the winter we installed a specialty heater which kept a small hole open even when the rest of the pond was iced in.

During the last warm spell, we noticed the fish moving around a bit. After a few more days of the glorious 40+ degree weather, the owner told us he had scooped two of the fish out. So, two are left, probably the optimum number for this pond's size. I hope all goes well with the weather and conditions so the fish survive. While feeding them daily in the warm months may have been a chore, this homeowner had a new found enthusiasm for his outdoor living space.

Saline Garden Club

Another fabulous meeting last night. I continue to be impressed with the quality and thoughtfulness of the presentations. The topic: Herbs, and each speaker enthusiastically told how they use herbs in their gardens.

Great prizes for the raffle, too. I wished I
didn't have to leave early for a conference call.

Yikes--The Plants!

It's gotten so cold out, and the plants do not have the insulation that the snow provides. The only thing good about the cold is that the indoor plants
get the extra attention they need. Re-potting, extra watering and pruning is fine for most plants and they are looking great. Dave constructed an indoor fountain/water feature. The humidity is welcome and so is the water noise; a sort of babbling brook sound. Nice. Let me know if you want instructions on the feature. I'm sure Dave would love to share. Take care and keep healthy.

Sunshine, Blue Sky

Sunshine, Blue Sky That title reminds me of one of my favorite Temptations songs: I Wish it Would Rain. Isn't it amazing how much more we can accomplish with these sunny days. This Michigan winter has seemed more dreary than usual.This last cold spell may have finally killed off some of the weeds in our garden. They've been green up till now.

The rabbits continue to wreak havoc on the plants. Leaving the house or arriving, almost always provides a view of bunny rear ends, as they bound for cover. Fuzzy bunny...that's a whole different blog entry!

The saving grace for this winter has been sorting through our photos. What fun! Sorting with digital files is a lot different than physical photos. Being able to view the photos, at my fingertips, makes it more fun, I think. I'll post a few.

Dave's (Garden) Tool Time

jo ann said...
Dave Marshall spoke at the Ann Arbor Garden Club last Wednesday. He did a good job presenting the how's and why's of the tools he brought. Funny how everyone has a favorite tool--one that we are so passionate about, that you couldn't pry out of our hands if you wanted to. What a great garden club too, people were warm and friendly. I'm thrilled with being a member of the Saline Stone and Thistle Garden Club but think I may double my fun and become a member there too. I know that A2 Garden club prez, Bonnie Ion will be speaking in Feb. on gardens of (corrected)Eastern Germany. She is quite the traveler and gardener. Bonnie was also a classmate of mine at UM's SNRE '97-98. I'll be speaking at the A2 Garden Club on (updated again) April 9th: Landscape Inspirations, stay tuned and bye for now.