Square One Yard Restoration

Some things in gardening seem counter intuitive. Most roses for example, tend look their best when you prune them. Compared to most other plants, in fact, roses respond very well to HEAVY pruning, with some experts recommending the removal of up to half of the plant every year! And the results of this pruning? Fat, sumptuous roses and vibrant green foliage. This client of mine claimed that her roses have never looked better since I have started pruning them regularly and heavily every Winter.

As a conscientious gardener, you get to be pretty keen at recognizing when a particular plant is very special to one of your clients. This rose was referred to as "Mom's rose" by my friend and client, and as you can imagine, I hesitated when my friend asked me to prune it one winter. She insisted that everything would be ok if it didn't survive the pruning, so... I did it. I have pruned it twice now, and my friend claims that it has never looked better. Whew!!!

I love the look of European elder trees (Sambucus nigra). In particular, the wizened old trunks look like something out of a faery tale. Every year, I make it a point to trim and thin this "shrub" so that we have a tree like canopy and so we can see its beautiful old trunk.

I've added a new tool to my kit! Many thanks to Stefanie and Jody!

Although escallonia is king of the hedges in Humboldt county, a pittosporum hedge can likewise provide privacy to your garden but with a pop of cheerful brightness. I tidied up this hedge with my electric Milwaukee hedge trimmer.

I have conducted an experiment! I built a compost bin from free pallets and ancient used landscape fabric (better than stuffing it into a landfill 🤔). We'll see how it works out!

There are pros and cons to using electric equipment on your grass. There is no denying, however, that today's electric tools are very capable of producing quality cuts! I am accepting a few new clients this season if the idea of emission-free cuts is appealing to you!

Are you struggling to keep up with your grass? My grass cutting service has a few open slots this season!

This mock orange is about to explode! It is covered in buds, and I am holding my breath!!! Stay tuned!...
Wow! What a show! And it smells beautiful too!

Clematis are blooming in Humboldt!

When I have a bramble mess to clean up, I know I can always rely on my FS91 with the blade head! I cleared this small patch in probably 5 minutes.