Vines at 23 months

Planted nearly two years ago. They had a very wet second winter. The Lavendar lost a lot of leaves, but apparently they all come back strong! The Jasmine has reached full wall height and full coverage (far right). I've been trimming their tops. Two Bower vines are gone, having been attacked last summer by moles or gophers (blank spot on the left). This season is the first that any of them is flowering (the Lavendars).

Click on image to see how it looked when first planted.

Concrete breaking

There are at least three reasons to remove this section of concrete slab, and finally I've found the time and opportunity to do it.

1. New footing -- the new porch roof will need a new foundation footing. It must be a certain size and depth, and it cannot be built on top of existing ground slab because nobody knows how thick it is. The spot planned for it is visible in the photo foreground.

2. Planter area -- the column base will be integrated with a garden wall, which will be part of a planter area that I hope will soften the otherwise austere front facade. Right now there's too much concrete. I hope to start some evergreen shrubs that will reach the height of the window sill.

3. Sump pump pit -- at the low point of the driveway, underground currents push rainwater into the underfloor of the house. It's an odd situation, tricky to discover and potentially destructive. It's caused by the site's shallow hardpan and poor drainage. I've finally decided to address the problem head on with a good sump system that will redirect the flow to the side yard. The pit will be located where the worker stands in the photo.



Previous projects in same area: casement window at bedroom #2, bow window at office.

Sango kaku in Spring

Here's how the 'Sangu kaku' Acer Palmatum (Japanese Maple) looks now. The leaves actually return as early as March.


Compare to mid-February, when it was transplanted while dormant.

Carson myoporum

For my challenging soils, an "invasive" type tree seems okay. I have an isolated spot for it. This fills the last square hole in the south side yard. The nearest plant is the Tenuifolium. I must admit I'm curious what would happen after several years.

Note the stabilizing posts towards the rear, which is the only way I could fit it this time. As a result, I had to fabricate a fancy shelf-anchor for the rubber straps. Perhaps too pretty as tree staking? Oh well, that's me.



Myoporum laetum 'carsonii'
Carson Myoporum
a.k.a. Sandalwood

Rapid-growing, rounded, low canopy evergreen tree with dense, glossy, dark green, linear to ovate shaped leaves and thick, furrowed bark. USDA hardiness 9-10. Loam or sandy soil, full sun, maximum height of about 35 feet, can grow at a rate of 36 inches per season. Summer purple or white flowers. Fall purple or red small fruit (0.25-0.50 inch), which can be messy and is poisonous. Note: The species is classified as a most invasive pest plant by CalEPPC (California Exotic Pest Plants). Listed under category A-2; documented as aggressive invaders that displace natives and disrupt natural habitats. Habitats of concern are horticultural; coastal riparian areas in South Coast.

15-gallon size from Home Depot $45

Project: entry roof

Major project for this year: