Sunday 7 November 2021

A milestone

 


Meet Bruce the spruce

Today is a milestone on the homestead, my wife and I planted the first tree on the property. As a carpenter, woodworker and lover of nature I feel a strong connection to trees. Sadly since I moved into the house back in 2015 six large trees have come down, both by chain saw and mother nature. The trees in the yard were part of the great appeal of the home, for an inner city property large trees really make a place feel more in nature and I greatly enjoyed the sights of the leaves. Each time one of the great beauties came down my heart sank putting me in a bleak sour mood for days, so putting this tree in the ground is really a big turning point for the property and for me. Ashlee and I are trying really hard to make this property better then it was, building soil health, increasing native species, providing habitat for all manner of creature, as well as utilizing it to be self sufficient, enriching our lives and giving back to the land.

This little spruce was growing up between the cracks of our very old asphalt driveway. It was only a matter of time till a truck tire or snow shovel destroyed the sapling, and my heart, heavy with the loss of so many other trees, couldn't take the thought of this happening. So carefully I dug up the small tree and placed it in a pot, where it stayed all summer soaking up sun, water, our affection and being named Bruce the Spruce. It is nothing short of amazing the connection one can make with things such as trees. With winter fast approaching, and predictions that it will be a harsh one, Ashlee and I were grew concerned. Roots buried in the ground fair much better then those in pots when exposed to freezing temperatures, the cold could potentially harm if not killing the young tree. It was time for Bruce to be given a proper home.

I'm lacking photos of putting young Bruce into the ground so take my word for it on the process we took. It began with picking a location. The front yard is full already with some trees and many garden beds, and a smattering of lawn (not all lawn is terrible as some people might have you believe, I will elaborate on that in a future post, bare with me), so Bruce could not go there. Back yard it is then, but where. North side of the lot would be best, but the wood lot eats up much of that available resource and the shop eats up the rest. The south side can't be used, Spruce trees can get rather tall and the shadow Bruce will cast one day will be a problem for our ever growing vegetable gardens. The location then is on the south side of the shop cornered to out future utility patio space, here Bruce's eventual shadow will be a blessing for the shop, helping to cool it in the summer, roots may be a problem however that is a bridge to cross later. The ground here was slightly depressed though so we didn't dig a deep hole for the sapling. Planted shallow we built up the ground around Bruce first with a layer of compost, to provide easily accessed nutrients until the roots establish and can burrow through the native clay soil. Then a layer of cardboard and wood chips, to establish the new grade level and suppress the lawn and weeds. Before all that I put two new fence posts, for the future yard fence, in the ground to minimize the disturbance to new roots next year. Finally Ashlee and I used some salvaged brick from when we deconstructed out chimney to create a border around Bruce's new home.

We have high hopes for this small tree, the roots looked amazing when we popped it out of the pot, it thrived all summer. This location will see plenty of sun and water, no competition from other trees and being so prominent in the yard it is bound to get lots of our attention. Ashlee and I have plans for more trees on the property, including a small fruit orchard, but these are goals for the coming years. For now my heart is glad to see a new tree take root on this land, even if we don't stay on this property forever I hope this little tree will grow for years to come and that any who are present around it enjoy it as I do.

The new home of Bruce, fencing behind to come at a later date.


Saturday 23 October 2021

Listening to My Wife



When my wife said she thinks I'm a good writer I had the same reaction that I do anytime someone gives me a compliment, I didn't except it. I self analyse, over critique, judge, and doubt myself anytime someone tells me I am good at anything. However when she told me I should do more, I did hear that loud and clear. I have wanted to write for as long as I can remember. I don't because of the stupid fear of judgement of others (a topic for another day). I also understand that the best way to get over a fear and to improve at something is repeated practice and exposure. That means this post maybe one of the most important. I am going to get back to writing, for a couple of reasons. Practice will make me a better writer ( a skill I really want to improve). I like writing, I enjoy the process, and find it cathartic. I have some ideas and thoughts I believe are worth sharing (they are by no means original but still worth putting down on paper (so to speak)). And finally, when my wife has a good idea I try to listen and try even harder to do.
 

Friday 18 March 2016

First of the Season

The warm weather is upon us, so the calls for outdoor projects has begun.  A previous customer called me up wanting to make some improvements to the front of their home. I really enjoy working for repeat customers having that past working relation usually makes the process more comfortable for both parties.


Previous to my arrival the homeowners deck was surrounded by a poorly installed and frankly ugly plastic lattice. The homeowners understandably did not like this and asked me to make an improvement.  After some discussion it was decided to install new 1"x 6" vertical pressure treated fence boards.


After removing the lattice I installed a new sub rail to support the new deck skirting. This took a fair bit more work then anticipated as the front of the deck was out of level. After some shimming and shaving and adjusting the new vertical boards were nailed on level and in a straight line.

And this is the final result.  Able to report happy clients again.



The clients also asked for a gate on the side of the deck so that they can store items under the deck during the winter, so of course I obliged.


In the end a simple project that resulted in a dramatic improvement to the curb appeal of the home, and it was nice to be working outside again.

Cheers
Hans Christopher