Chimney cap

Scraped off miserably old and failing masonry caulk (by previous owner?!) and installed stainless steel chimney cap by embedding into new mortar bed sloped for drain. Grill opening of 5/8" is spark arrestor qualified for California. Top piece is fastened with stainless nylon lock nuts -- removable for occasional chimney sweeping.

Lamp post

The location by the tree was also perfect for a post lamp. It was all planned from the beginning. I decided to design and build an AC-powered model instead of one using DC or solar because of the greater selection in lamp styles. I also figured the permanence of an AC fixture would add more value to the home.



Conduits, for AC wire, were laid underground from the garage to a junction box. (Note: Code requires electric conduit to be buried minimum 6" deep if metal, 18" if PVC). The box is attached to a redwood nailer that was set in concrete. Should the tree become appropriate for holiday lights in the future, this convenient junction box can turn into an outlet simply by replacing its cover plate. The two-pour concrete base became the foundation for the post. I got a cheap metal post (from Home Depot) that came with a built-in daylight sensor.

First tree I ever planted

This tree cost $500 in a 24" box size. I got it from East Bay Nursery, which is one of the best in the area. They have a broad selection of healthy young specimens, including many 24"-box trees. The nurserymen were also helpful, friendly and knowledgeable. Delivery was $45 to my location (they charge by distance, not by quantity). Tax was charged on delivery, too.

Pittosporum undulatum is also known as Victorian box or Cheesewood. It's a fast-growing evergreen that can reach 25 to 75 feet. Mine measured roughly 10 feet at planting. Creamy white springtime flowers are supposed to come in clusters and be very fragrant. But, alas, I have not seen any flowers yet.

Euonymus shrubs

Eleven 1-gallons shrubs from Home Depot. Emerald Gaiety Euonymus, "a dense, erect branching, evergreen shrub, can be used as a colorful border or foreground planting, rich green, rounded leaves have a pronounced white margin, part shade to shade, 3ft tall, low water once established, low maintenance." This is the fun part. See excavation.