Immediate Gratification

This week we began installing the low voltage lights that will adorn the big boulder job on Clear Lake. We have some fancy plans for lighting up the seawall with 35 watt floods and showing off the lakeside columns by installing lights on the second story gutters pointing into the house peak. Of course we will also install more traditional up lights on various trees and boulders and hit the sofets to bounce light off the house and illuminate the paver patio. It is intriguing to optimize reflection and shadows, adjusting the lights to achieve security, safety and beauty. Hopefully I will be able to get some good photos once the task is complete.

Last week we finished the sod, seed, erosion clothe, clean up and mechanical grading, the final loose ends that bring us that much closer to completing this job. To give the natural stone steps the appearance of age I will fill the larger crevices with mature ground cover. Some of the open joints that allow water, soil and gravel to leak will be filled with black spray on insulation foam to prevent erosion and settling. Additionally I will use gator dust (a polymer joint sealer) and moss fill other cracks. Eliminating and/or controlling water is essential for longevity and structural integrity of the steps.

The Kousa dogwood in the bed right of the entrance stairway certainly adds needed height yet will be easily pruned to remain airy and more horizontally branched. Spring bulbs, more perennials and summer annuals will fill the beds and little mulch will be visible as the flowers mature. The boxwood hedge that lines the paver walk was the homeowner Trish's idea and I think it looks terrific. I used 18" unsheared green velvet boxwood which I lightly sheared after they were planted tip to tip, by the end of next season it should be fairly tight hedge.


The installation of sod is not only instant gratification it also serves to help reduce erosion and assist in water control. The huge drain we placed earlier is now a cleverly disguised and charming stream bed. A fast and heavy downpour yesterday enabled us to observe our drainage system in action and so far I am satisfied it is well designed and functioning properly. The storm yesterday was one which fueled nine tornado sitings in a 5o mile radius of Clear Lake. Right next door to this property is the tornado siren which went off startling our lighting crew.

Nearing the end of new home construction is very rewarding and a little bit sad. We get to know the home owners, builders and sub contractors and become a bit of a family pursuing a goal, striving for excellence often working together to solve problems and create beauty. Each contractor showing pride and craftsmanship helping fulfill some ones dream is a pretty cool thing. Building a new house is definitely a team project.