Paradise in progress

New visitor

2010-05-13T14:05:00.002-04:00

We had a new visitor in the yard today. Have never seen this guy before. He is a Rose Breasted Grosbeak. Apparently they are quite populous here in the summer for breeding, but I guess I just missed them. Anyways, this guy hung around for a few pics.

Frosted tips

2010-01-18T16:22:00.003-05:00

No, not a new hair colour. We had a light fog all day today that seemed to crystalize on the branches and needles all around the garden.
New catalogues from nurseries and growers have the garden juices starting to percolate again so it won't be long now.

Goodbye to the Noughties

2009-12-29T13:52:00.004-05:00

Well another decade is just peeking over the horizon. The Noughties, or O-O's (2000-2009) have been quite eventful to say the least. In 2000 we moved from my hometown Niagara Falls to London. 2003 brought our first child Benjamin and our first house. 2005 brought our daughter Olivia. 2006 put me over the 30 year hump (never to recover). Isaac followed in 2007, also the year that Nina and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary. In 2008 we purchased what we plan to be the home that we raise our children in.
I worked at three different places during the decade, Metaldyne, Keiper and Brose (currently).
I have battled my Crohn's throughout, although the last couple of years have been easier than the early 2000's.
Family has changed significantly during the decade; my brother Kyle married Britney in a beautiful wedding and they remain very much in love. However, the same cannot be said for Nina's side of the family; the decade saw the dissolution of three marriages, sadly all with children as casualties. Happily both sets of our parents are still fairly healthy and a major part of our lives.
Good friends have had changes also, with marriage and children coming along. Some have moved further away, some remain close.
Thankfully I have been blessed to travel through the decade with my beautiful wife Nina, growing closer every step along the way.
Bring on the Twenty Tens, or Tweenies, or whatever.

Pining for this

2009-11-15T21:09:00.004-05:00

Pinus Contorta 'Chief Joseph'. The holy grail of my conifer want list...turns school bus yellow in winter...the colder the better. Haven't found a source for this one yet north of the 49th parallel. The search continues.

*have found Pinus Sylvestris Gold Coin which would be a worthy substitute

The other woman...

2009-11-15T20:52:00.002-05:00

Well here she is, my iron clad mistress...the new Jeep. She kept me from my real family all weekend.

I am the lead Quality Engineer for the our new launch of the 2010 model year seats for this vehicle.

I spent all weekend working to make sure our first shipment to the customer (all 84 seats) were up to snuff. I am pretty exhausted. And all pro bono since 'salary' staff do not receive OT. They are pretty good about getting us a day off instead but it just doesn't make up for the lost time with the family on the weekends as the day off is usually during the week when Nina is at work and the Ben is in school.

Oh well, there could be worse things in the world. Like not having a job.

Touch of fall

2009-10-12T16:02:00.004-04:00

It has been a wet fall so far, but still some good colour. The burning bushes are glowing and the ornamental grasses are putting on a good show.

Colourful entrance to backyard

Southwest side of deck

Hedera Helix 'Thorndale' planted 10/10/09 - love the colour variation in a single leaf

No fear

2009-09-12T21:06:00.003-04:00

Where did this kid come from? Our Ben has fear of nothing. Yes I understand that this Garter Snake we caught today is not much of a wild beast but the other day we were at the pet store and he was petting a huge African Rat Snake and a GIANT bird eating spider (as in, it is big enough to eat a bird!). Whatever it is that is flicked off (or on) in his nugget of a brain is definitely not from me or Nina. It is probably also why he has had 3 broken arms in the last two years.
The best comparison that I can make is to my late cousin David (coincidentally Ben's middle name is David, in memory). He also was a daredevil and feared little. He turned out to be a good man and husband but tragically died far too early in a car accident.
I see a lot of David's qualities in Ben, he has a big heart and he is a deep thinker for someone of a whole 6 years. While he challenges us some times with his antics, I know he is going to be a good man like David...as long as he stays off the monkey bars!

Western Fair 2009

2009-09-12T08:50:00.009-04:00

Time for the classic annual Western Fair. The last few years I remember it being crummy weather during the fair, and although it threatened rain for the first little while, nothing ever came of it.
We had a great time; Trisha brought her kids which worked out well as the boys did the rides they wanted and the girls had theirs.
It was not quite as busy as I would have expected for the first night, but that's not to say that there weren't weirdos a plenty...and that is not to mention the carnies!

Weather cleared just as we got there

"Burning Man" stunt

This guy is apparently Canada's best stunt man; he went all the way around the track on 2 wheels

Dragon Coaster

WOO HOO! That ride was awesome!

Best friends

That is disgusting (No, I didn't have any)

Nina and Trish 'measuring up'

Ferris Wheel at night

Off he goes

2009-09-08T09:58:00.004-04:00

Well, another summer gone means another school year arriving. Ben was off to grade 1 today. I took the day off to make sure he got off OK and that I could be home to pick him up at the bus stop. He seemed a little tenative at first but then he seemed to be better once he saw a couple familiar faces in his class from last year. Hope he has a great day.

Nervous smiles to start the day

Feeling a little better after seeing some old friends

Isaac used a little downtime during the hustle and bustle this morning to do some networking with his agent (aka Mom)

Sayonara Summertime

2009-09-07T20:53:00.005-04:00

Well another summer come and gone...though the weather lately is the nicest stretch we have had all summer. Today we decided to pack up and head to the park for a picnic. Liv and Isaac braved the splashpad and Ben decided to hunt for dragonflies.

Change of heart

Taking a break

My beautiful bride

Me and Isaac

Mr. Toad's wild unfortunate ride

2009-09-03T10:48:00.003-04:00

Well, to begin this tale let me first give you some context and let you know that I am on nights this week, which affords me the daytime hours to get some much needed work done around the yard. Re: said work, I was out in the front yard yesterday performing the old whipper snipper duties on the edge of the garden and inadvertantly sliced and diced a poor unseen garden toad quicker than a SlapChop! The poor thing pretty much died instantly but his innards (or at least part of them) ended up right in my mouth...after hours of gargling bleach I think I am fine now.

Chilly Corn Roast

2009-08-31T10:54:00.005-04:00

Our friend Frank held his annual Corn Roast last night. It was the first year we have been able to make it, usually we already have plans every weekend of the summer. It was a great time, despite the Octoberish weather, and I cannot believe how many folks showed up. There were 5 (or 6?) bands throughout the night that kept us entertained and lots of great food. We will definitely be back.

The crowd

Lots of corn for everyone

Good tunes. One family band of a father and sons played some great Blue Rodeo covers; the oldest son was spot on for Greg Keelor.

Liv flying high on the tire swing

The Classic Isaac pose

Nina and the kids going for a wagon ride

Ben swinging into the sunset

Prime real estate after sundown

Party time!

2009-08-23T14:42:00.004-04:00

Nina's cousin in Kitchener was married yesterday. I can't believe how young they looked, I also can't believe that was us 12 years ago...hopefully we didn't look quite so young. Unfortunately we couldn't make it to the ceremony but the kids sure enjoyed the reception...little dance machines definitely don't take after their dad.

The happy couple

First a little din-din and some fancy juice and then it's time to....

Jump around!!! (look closely, he is actually getting air)

LOVE SHACK BABY!!! (Classic wedding tune)

The day that summer arrived...

2009-08-02T18:47:00.004-04:00

Well, well, well, look who decided to show! After the longest spring on record, summer showed up on the first weekend in August.
We took advantage of the nice weather and spent the day at the splash pad with the kidlets and then flew the kite for a while. Good times.

The Six Million dollar boy

Running girl

Time to rest

Isaac contemplating getting wet

My head apparently makes an excellent snare drum for Isaac.

Once upon a time...

2009-07-13T11:24:00.005-04:00

Nina's work rented out Storybook Gardens for a company family night last night. It was really fun and nice not to have to fight the crowds. And honestly, the ferris wheel was terrifying; especially at the top when the kids wouldn't stop rocking the car back and forth!

Ascent to terror

Isaac tells off a goose with an ice creamy face

Ben decides that this may not have been a great idea

Ben and Liv with the Cheshire cat ;)

Us and Humpty

Hosta parade

2009-07-03T15:38:00.009-04:00

Well, if the grey skies and misty rain are good for nothing else, the hostas really seem not to mind. Below is my current inventory in no particular order (Ok, it's reverse alphabetical). Some are a little worse for wear from slugs and maybe too much sun for some, but others are really flourishing and Thunderbolt is my new favourite.

Got this one from an open garden tour. He also grows his own hostas.

Close second to being favourite.

Seems to be doing well in it's second year.

Gotta learn how to pronounce this one.

New favourite.

More tease, less strip this year.

Rather unremarkable, except for the red petioles.

Another cool one, although looks like it is reverting in some areas.

Not thrilled with this one.

Looking pretty rough, hopefully bounces back in year two.

This one was a gift from my neighbour Marianne when we moved in. Her garden is amazing.

Classic.

Sport of Striptease. Doing well in year 1.

Think this one might be a little big for where I have it now.

Super fast grower and nice flowers.

I have three of these...can't remember why.

Also from the garden tour that I got Zounds at. That was my dream garden...mom and dad came with and agreed.

Hopefully this one 'boldly goes' a little more next year.

This one scares me a little, saw one yesterday and it gets HUGE!

Another classic.

This one is doing very poorly this year and it is right by the front door taunting me.

Lather...Rinse...Repeat

2009-06-30T20:40:00.003-04:00

...oh, and of course dry off in the 5 mins of sun we got today.

Cone-tasmic

2009-06-30T20:34:00.001-04:00

I was wondering if the new growth on the weeping white pine would ever stop going skyward (ie not too much weeping going on)...well over the last couple days I have noticed about 50-60 little cones starting to form. I guess with all that weight, the weeping shall begin!

Family reunion

2009-06-29T21:14:00.002-04:00

We had a nice time at the Street family reunion this past weekend. Michelle and Mike were great hosts and the weather was perfect. Good to see everybody again...now we just need to get Isaac some bubble-blowing lessons...other side buddy!

Visit to Hosta Choice Gardens

2009-06-06T18:20:00.002-04:00

A local open garden tour last week reminded me how great Hosta's are....so with not much going on this weekend and a beautiful day for a drive, we took a short trip to Hosta Choice Gardens. Last year it was closed but this year it is back running under new management. Worth the trip if you are in the area.

School Fun Fair

2009-06-06T10:31:00.006-04:00

Ben's school held a fun fair this past week; the whole school yard had different events happening.

Liv has her ticket.

Reluctantly becoming Spiderman

Presentation by Raptor Conservancy
Barn Owl

The End

Iris time

2009-05-27T19:30:00.003-04:00

The irises are just starting to come out. Lots of buds this year. This is 'Orinoco Flow' just after the rain.

Swing into Spring

2009-05-22T19:04:00.001-04:00

Conifer growth

2009-05-22T19:00:00.001-04:00

Spring allium

2009-05-22T18:58:00.002-04:00

Heeeeeere's Isaac!

2009-05-14T10:25:00.002-04:00

This picture made me laugh...reminds me of Jack Nicholson in The Shining.

Potential

2009-05-14T10:22:00.002-04:00

Japanese Maples

2009-05-06T17:02:00.005-04:00

The recent string of nice days has pushed all the maple buds open.

'Emperor 1'

'Katsura'

'Inaba Shidare'

'Aka Kawa Hime'

'Purple Ghost'

'Shaina'

'Goshiki Kotohime'

'Skeeter's Broom'

Weeping Larch, Year 2

2009-05-06T16:51:00.002-04:00

It is amazing how this tree comes back from what looks like a tangled bunch of dead wood. It is pretty cool as it starts to green from the bottom up.

New Bamboo

2009-05-06T16:47:00.003-04:00

Well, overwintering the bamboo from last fall in a buried pot did not work...so that one is going back and I found a new one. This is Fargesia Rufa 'Green Panda'. It is a clumping bamboo that is non-invasive and cold hardy. I found it at one of the local garden centres that I usually go to - Gardenland. This is the first year that they have carried it. It is by Epic Perennials as part of their Impact line. Pretty good deal at 15$.

Enjoying the weekend

2009-04-25T15:18:00.003-04:00

What a beautiful start to the weekend. Although, it is supposed to storm pretty good tonight. Ben, Olivia and Isaac spent all day out in the back; Isaac especially loves running around out there, but there is always time for a cookie!

New additions

2009-04-19T17:47:00.003-04:00

The good weather the weekend got the garden juices flowing again. We took a trip to Whistling Gardens and picked up a few things. The owner is a great guy and when he is done his setup is going to be amazing. He has a lot of rare and hard to find conifers and japanese maples. We picked up Acer Palmatum 'Purple Ghost', Acer Palmatum 'Aka Kawa Hime' (dwarf Coral bark) and a young Weeping Norway Spruce.
They are all young specimens, but should grow pretty quickly from what I read.

Acer Palmatum 'Aka Kawa Hime'

Acer Palmatum 'Purple Ghost'

Picea Abies 'Pendula'

Goshiki Kotohime

2009-04-13T14:48:00.003-04:00

On the way thru Niagara on the Lake to visit my folks on the weekend, we stopped at a nursery that I have been wanting to get to for a while. It is called Mori Gardens and it is one of the best that I have been to. They have a great selection of Japanese Maples and other rare plants.
I was on a limited budget and could only go with one this time, so I chose a small Goshiki Kotohime Japanese Maple. Should get about 4 ft x 4 ft and has some nice spring colouring on the leaves.
Definitely have to make it a routine to stop here on the way thru.

Tales from the Sugar Bush

2009-03-21T18:28:00.005-04:00

Nina and her sisters took all the kids to one of the local maple syrup demos going on in the area. She said it was REALLY muddy but they all had a good time.

Spring flight

2009-03-15T12:17:00.002-04:00

Looks like spring may actually be coming...lots of buds showing, and lots of birds in the yard; the red wing blackbirds are back too, forgot how much I like their song.

Two new coneflowers on the wishlist for 09

2009-03-03T20:53:00.002-05:00

One of the better garden centres in the area posted their 09 online catalogue today and I found 2 new coneflower (echinacea) that I want to add to my collection. The first is called Hot Papaya and is a double orange flower, the other is Milk Shake which is a double creamy white flower. Both are pretty pricey right now...have to wait for year end sales I guess.

Milk Shake

Hot Papaya

Family portrait day

2009-02-28T17:58:00.004-05:00

We decided to try some home family portraits today...at least of the kids so far. I think they turned out pretty good. There were more than a few outtakes but worth the end result.

Ben

Olivia

Isaac

6 bucks and a slim chance

2009-02-24T13:21:00.003-05:00

Well, it's about that time that I get the itch to get out in the yard and do something...I was drooling over some lawn mowers at Home Depot already this week. But in line with the economic times I opted for a cheaper fix and went with a window ledge seed start kit. However, not wanting things to be too easy I planted things that really have no right in this climate zone (5b). I planted 6 peat pods of White Pampas Grass (which the seed pack said is Zone 5 hardy - contrary to EVERYTHING else that I have read) and 6 peat pods of Agapanthus (Storm Cloud - I think). The Agapanthus seeds were harvested and gifted by my neighbour last fall. This one, if it works, will really surprise me although hers is going on it's third year...but we will see how it made it through the frigid winter this year. Below are pics of what I hope to get, but I'm not holding my breath.

Humble beginnings

White Pampas Grass

Agapanthus 'Lily of the Nile'

The itch is back...

2009-02-07T11:59:00.002-05:00

Well, I have been back at planning the backyard again. The recent 'heat wave' (+4º C) has got the creative juices flowing again, not to mention I found out that there is a great new garden centre nearby that will be specializing in conifers.

Photoshop Phlamingo

2009-01-24T23:33:00.001-05:00

New project

2009-01-23T20:33:00.002-05:00

Here is my new refinishing project. Just picked it up on local online classifieds for $40.

Basement reno

2009-01-18T14:53:00.005-05:00

We moved into this house in April of 08. At that time the basement was lime green with a dayglo orange accent - very nice! I guess the former owners just used it as a big play area for the kids and decided to let them pick the colours.
Well, thankfully the big stuff was done, wiring, flooring and drywall, so putting our touch on the basement was not as drastic as it might have been in an unfinished space...mostly paint and cosmetic touches.

Here is our nearly finished product. I am searching for 'before' pics just so the previous colour can be "appreciated".
The new colours are Woodlake (grey/brown) and Chipotle (accent) wall. Both C2 colours.
The credenza holding the TV was a great find by Nina at Value Village for 25.00. It was originally a honey oak colour office credenza that I stripped, refinished and replaced the hardware.
We are pretty happy with the outcome. Now we are going to focus on the kids playroom...which as a striking reminder is still lime green!

Ok...enough is enough

2009-01-18T14:51:00.001-05:00

This is the view from our basement window. Solid snow, top to bottom. I have nowhere else to put the snow from the driveway either...the snowbanks must be 6 feet tall.

Question: How many days 'til spring? Answer: too many!

Me and Isaac

2009-01-06T21:49:00.001-05:00

Le but!

2008-12-30T23:16:00.002-05:00

Part of the trip to Pittsburgh this past weekend included a trip to the Igloo to watch the Pens and Habs. It was a pretty entertaining game, with Carey Price stealing the show for me. Montreal pulled it out 3-2.

Fish boy

2008-12-30T11:57:00.002-05:00

Not sure when Ben decided he liked water...this is the kid that used to wear goggles in the bath...but this weekend at the hotel he was totally fearless in the pool.

Trip to National Aviary in Pittsburgh

2008-12-29T22:54:00.004-05:00

During our 4 days in Pittsburgh, we took the kids to the National Aviary for a visit. It was a little smaller than I imagined, but worth the trip. Here are a few of our favourites.

There were two Golden Eagles at the aviary, by far the most impressive (we thought), absolutely HUGE and magnificent.

This was an Ibis of some sort that I have forgotten, a little ugly but I kinda liked him.

This is an actual Cuckoo. I like this guy too.

This American Flamingo was hilarious. He was quite territorial and tried to intimidate us with his posturing and feather ruffling.

Winter joy with a touch of procrastination

2008-12-21T01:14:00.004-05:00

Olivia launches off the deck into the deep snow...and yes that is my wheelbarrow in the background...and now I feel shame.

Oh, and another thing....

2008-12-21T01:07:00.002-05:00

After re-examining this shot, I love the look on the male's face as the female gives him the business. I have no idea what he must be feeling...no honey, really,...oh man.

Rare visitors on a snowy day

2008-12-19T17:32:00.004-05:00

We had these American Tree Sparrows visit our feeder today. Actually, it was a really good turn out, must be all the snow - we got about 8" today. There were Cardinals, Juncos, Sparrows, Chickadees and of course the loathed Starlings.

Wishlist

2008-12-09T14:33:00.004-05:00

Gold Coin Scots Pine

Dragon's Eye Pine

Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar

Japanese Maple 'Inabe Shidare'

Japanese Maple 'Aconitifolium'

Already starting on my wishlist for next year. I just need to decide whether I want a Japanese influenced woodland garden, or a Woodland influenced Japanese garden. Unfortunately, I have not kept track of where I have compiled all of these photos, so thanks in posterity to those shown here.

The reward

2008-12-09T14:01:00.004-05:00

Interesting fact about Chickadees is that they weigh the seeds before choosing which one to eat.

The Yardbirds

2008-12-05T16:59:00.003-05:00

Starling swarm

Dark-eyed Junco with sunflower seed

Black Cap Chickadee at peanut feeder

Starling and peanut ball

2008-11-28T14:43:00.002-05:00

I really detest these birds as they are such bullies at the feeder, but they are pretty much the only ones that are willing to strike a pose for me.

Me and my Isaac

2008-11-28T14:35:00.000-05:00

If you can't beat 'em, feed 'em

2008-11-25T23:25:00.002-05:00

Got tired of the squirrels eating all the bird seed so I decided to 'distract' them with the dried corn cobs...let's see how long that lasts.

LOOK OUT!

2008-11-21T20:53:00.001-05:00

I love this pic, this poor guy didn't even see it coming!

New hardwood floors

2008-11-21T20:50:00.002-05:00

We are so happy with how this turned out. Also, no regrets about having somebody do it for us.

End of season bargains

2008-11-02T10:20:00.003-05:00

Was out at my favourite haunt and found this great deal on bamboo. I have been wanting to take the bamboo plunge but the price was always the necessary deterrent. Well, now it is 75% off, so the 69.99 was a lot more tolerable at 17.50! It is phyllostachys bissetti (David Bissetti Bamboo). Has anybody tried this one yet? I have a place for it already but it will have to wait until spring, for now it will winter in the holding tank with all my other end of season bargains.

Putting the yard to bed

2008-11-01T18:03:00.005-04:00

Well, spent today cutting down the perennials and the grasses that were flattened by the freak snow storm last week. Kind of disappointing, I like looking at the grasses in the winter. I have included just a few shots from around the yard today.
Burning bush turned really red this year.
Love the colour of the Amur Maple.
Shaina Japanese Maple survived the heavy snow.
Overview of what we did in the backyard this year.

Visitors

2008-11-01T17:56:00.002-04:00

Little lady finch and a rare chickadee sighting today.

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!

2008-10-29T00:17:00.001-04:00

10-15 cms tonight and tomorrow...so begins the winter.

Happy 10th Anniversary!

2008-10-29T00:14:00.001-04:00

Happy 10th to the Pickens!

New sun

2008-10-25T15:30:00.002-04:00

New metal sun on our back wall on the deck. We were looking for something for a while and this guy was the perfect fit.

Frosty night

2008-10-20T18:50:00.006-04:00

I love sitting out by the fire on these cool autumn nights. Perfect balance of warmth and chill. The wheat beer and Dave Matthews are a good mix too!

Listening to: "Cortez the Killer" - Dave Matthews Band

Frosty morn

2008-10-19T09:11:00.002-04:00

Fall colours 08

2008-10-13T14:34:00.003-04:00

Including Emperor 1, Skeeter's Broom, Waterfall and Katsura Japanese Maples, Burning bush, Virginia Creeper, Amur Maple, Sweetgum and Cutleaf Sumac.

First pics with new camera

2008-10-07T17:17:00.003-04:00

Echinacea 'Double Delight'

New heron in the garden

We are experiencing technical difficulties...

2008-10-06T22:03:00.002-04:00

Wow, gotta love technology, first our laptop went down and then the camera bit the dust all in the same week that I am taking my first wedding photos - seriously thinking about changing my last name to Murphy! Anywho, it gave me the push I needed to get a new camera. I picked out the Nikon D60 (see pic), and this time I spent the extra to get the extra warranty protection.

Bee 1 - Ben 0

2008-09-11T15:40:00.002-04:00

Ben got quite a bee sting on this eyebrow on his second day of school. Today it looks even worse but seems to be getting a little better in the last few hours. OUCH!

New items to deck garden

2008-09-07T22:10:00.004-04:00

Added a Japanese Maple 'Skeeter's Broom' and Dwarf Globe Spruce.

Street family reunion

2008-09-07T22:02:00.003-04:00

Aunt Jenny and my mom hosted a Street family reunion this weekend. Unfortunately, Aunt Sheila couldn't make it, and Aunt Hilda is probably locking down the hatches in St. John's as Hannah is bearing down. But those who made it had a great time. It was nice seeing everyone again, it's been a while.

Deck Garden Phase 1

2008-09-01T19:36:00.002-04:00

New Japanese Maple 'Katsura'

Shot of the new deck garden with Weeping White Pine in front

End of summer

2008-08-31T10:50:00.003-04:00

Pics from Nina's family reunion in Waterloo. Perfect day for swimming and a BBQ.

Dream Garden

2008-08-19T13:32:00.001-04:00

Early morning autumn
Originally uploaded by Four Seasons Garden

This is a garden from the UK that won a national garden competition in 2007. This is my kind of backyard!
The garden is called Four Seasons and the owners have set up a webpage with more info (see my links).

Memories of Camping 08

2008-08-15T17:21:00.004-04:00

Wildlife; Morphing Cicadas, Racoons and Bears, oh my.

Family breakfast:

Daddy and Liv fishing:

Obligatory fire shot:

Tired campers:

Leaving just in time:

Ladybug

2008-08-05T13:10:00.002-04:00

Container planting

2008-08-05T13:06:00.002-04:00

Pot on left: Leatherleaf Sedge, Purple fountain grass, Green and Purple Sweet Potato Vine and Ornamental Kale
Pot on right: Miscanthus 'Nippon', Heuchera 'Palace Purple' and Sedum 'Hot Stuff'

Two Pirates and a Princess

2008-08-01T10:01:00.003-04:00

Trisha had a Pirate and Princess party for a bunch of kids yesterday. Very cute. They had a great time.

Daylily 'Tigger'

2008-07-23T17:07:00.003-04:00

'Worplesdon' Sweet Gum

2008-07-23T17:02:00.003-04:00

Well the free Pine Tree experiment failed horribly so I went out and found something to replace it. I was looking for a Sentry Ginkgo but had this one as an alternate and I really liked the leaf when I saw it up close; kind of Japanese Maple like and it should get great fall colour...stay tuned.

New Deck

2008-07-23T16:52:00.003-04:00

My Dad and I build a deck at our place this weekend...despite a few setbacks at first it turned out great. Couldn't have done it without him. Now I just need to plant a garden all around it...WOO HOO!

Daylily 'American Revolution'

2008-07-18T20:44:00.001-04:00

The big picture

2008-07-13T13:49:00.002-04:00

Front yard

If the Thames turns to blood, I'm outta here...

2008-07-13T13:45:00.002-04:00

...well the frog plague continues, these little guys are everywhere!

My favourite corner

2008-07-12T21:06:00.004-04:00

This is my favourite part of the new front yard - right by the front door. Clockwise from top is: Vanderwolf Limber Pine, Miscanthus Sarabande, 'Abiqua Moonbeam' Hosta, Japanese Forest Grass 'Beni Kaze' and 'Inabe Shidare' Japanese Maple.

Garden visitor

2008-07-11T22:27:00.002-04:00

We have lots of little toads (frogs?) in our garden lately. This one was the smallest yet...a big hit with the kids.

Which one is the monster?

2008-06-22T16:04:00.002-04:00

Hmmm...

2008-06-22T16:00:00.002-04:00

Wonder what she is wishing for...

Summer reading

2008-06-11T15:06:00.004-04:00

This is one that I picked up on a whim. The funny thing is that I after I was about half way thru I asked my brother if had read any good books lately, and he had just finished reading the same thing...maybe there really is something to this shared DNA thing.
The book itself is a bit of a mind job (ie a conceptual shark that lives in the rivers of data and information in the world) but great for summer reading.

Backyard plan - Iteration 23,589 or something like that

2008-06-11T14:33:00.003-04:00

The oft changed plan for the blank slate that is the backyard...

Rub a dub dub....

2008-06-10T23:26:00.003-04:00

...three crazy dudes in the tub!(well, two dudes and one dude-ette).

"What?!?!"

Just chill-axing.

Dance of the Bubblewrap ballerina

2008-06-10T20:22:00.000-04:00

I love Kijiji

2008-06-10T19:48:00.002-04:00

This past Saturday Nina found someone on Kijiji (free local online classified website) giving away free trees. I had no idea that it would be this big! It was a bit of an ordeal digging it out by hand and planting it the same night, but worth it. I hope it takes the transplant OK; I inadvertantly cut a couple of the roots when digging it up but it seems to be doing OK other than a couple drooping candles on the top. I have been giving it lots to drink every day and the rain has helped as well...not sure how long it will take to let me know whether it is going to make it or not, so for now it is a waiting game. The same lady had another White Pine a little smaller than this one and a Blue Spruce probably about 14 feet tall but I did not have the room or the back to tackle those.
The spruce in this picture is a Baby Blue Spruce...supposed to stay fairly narrow and get about 18' tall.

Emperor 1

2008-06-10T19:44:00.003-04:00

New Japanese Maple planted off what will be the corner of the deck...wood gets delivered on Friday. I love the glow that comes thru the leaves in the evening.

Take your pick

2008-06-10T19:34:00.002-04:00

Lots of choices for the birds. I am trying to attract Blue Jays and Cardinals with the new tray feeder (closest). So far we get a lot of Red Wing Blackbirds and Finches.

Summer storms

2008-06-09T22:45:00.004-04:00

Another storm blowing thru tonight, nice to see the rain, but the japanese maples are not digging the wind.

Safety in numbers

2008-06-03T18:31:00.003-04:00

Brush with death...bunny-style

2008-05-30T20:26:00.004-04:00

Nina was turning over this raised garden bed that we inherited with the new house in efforts to plant some strawberries and veggies...well it seems that the space is already spoken for as she just about decapitated half a warren of small bunnies (see location of pitch fork in pic)...maybe not the best place for a veggie garde. Now what to do with our new tenants?

The Dark Nut

2008-05-24T11:48:00.002-04:00