The Merger

We are well underway with work  at an old friends new house on Clear Lake and I am fortunate enough to be given creative license on the project.   What was actually an error in ordering pavers turned into  much needed additional patio space by adding just a little over 45 square feet where we merged the paver walk from the lake, patio and snap cut stairs with the porch entrance.  I am certain everyone will enjoy the extra space and I suspect occasionally they might use the portable grill on the lower patio.

The top patio will feature a full circle nearly nine feet in diameter.  This system is Paverlock and is manufactured in Cincinnati, OH our local distributor is in Kendallville, IN which is about 30 minutes south.  We are  still installing block and pavers made at the Reading Rock plant more than any of the other lines we represent.  They have a solid product line and middle of the road pricing. We enjoy supporting the smaller operations and companies.

The landscaping installation around a customers garage is complete although we are waiting on approval from the local landscaping ordinance inspector, we may need to install two trees to be in compliance.  Installing the trees is not a problem but the fact that no irrigation exists and our client is not always able to water makes success tentative.

On Jimmerson Lake we finished the hardscape and installed all the large trees and plants.  The natural stone walkways and fine beach area make this landscaping a sure winner.  We are waiting on the irrigator (or as one customer says irritator) then we will be able to complete the installation.  Hopefully that will be part of our schedule this week.  The customers are anxious.

Sandhill Cranes, What's blooming, Circular Paver Patio

Sandhill cranes made their first appearance in these parts about 10 years ago and they are a delight. A cacophony of wild vocalizations from screech's to clucks to a near cooing, which is what this pair were doing upon my approach. They even do a pretty fair imitation of a tree frog. They are big birds, when I first saw one in our field I thought it was a deer or perhaps the neighbors emu had escaped. Chasing the cranes I spotted a tree mirrored in a low wet spot in the field.

These daffodils were waving at me and I picked up a really sweet scent, I followed my nose to the patio peach that had these glorious pink blooms. There is always something blooming as I walk from my home up to the office. The Juddi viburnums will open next week with their rush of fragrance so spicy sweet it fogs the air.I have two crews working for me most of the time, at this time of year one crew of three is doing spring clean up, my other crew has been installing a circular paver patio at a residence on Lake James. The work has progressed well and we are done with the hardscape on the lakeside and have begun the hardscape on the roadside. Local glacial boulders have been used to form a natural looking retaining wall. The fire ring will keep things cozy on cool summer nights. Bill complained that this design required a tremendous amount of cutting, but think it was well worth the effort . In about a week we will install the soils, plants, trees, flowers and mulch.

The boulder fire rock is a recent addition from one of our suppliers. I think it is pretty cool with the exception of the lava rock. A simple idea the gas rock is definitely a low maintenance fire feature that would add casual elegance to any surrounding. What a fun way to roast some marshmallows.