ArtHouse Gardens

Well, no news is good news...

2011-04-01T07:51:00.000-06:00

Before you see this on TV I felt it was only appropriate that you should hear it from me first. Feel free to forward any questions or concerns.
Just know that I’m “okay”.
-Alan

The press release that went out this morning is below:

______________________________________________________

Work-strapped Borders Employee Union (BEU 109) Purchases local Landscaping Company

For Immediate Release

Dateline: Nashville, TN - With the fate of the Borders chain uncertain in many markets across the United States, many employee unions are torn with the decision of what to do with the monies in their pension and special union funds. Most unions will divide those funds up evenly or will dump them into special 401 K programs. Others, however, are taking more radical approaches as to how their funds are used. In Nashville, one Borders employee union has taken their fate into their own hands and unanimously voted to invest their funds rather than distribute them.

“We want to work”, said Olmar Chekopski, store manager and Union President of the Brentwood location. “We had just had a collective meeting in which we had decided that we would find a business model we could start or even purchase. My assistant manager walked in at that moment and asked if I still wanted him to put all of the landscaping books on clearance at 60% off.
I looked across the table at our union VP, Jim, who is responsible for the History and Personality Disorder section. He gave me a nod and smile so I said, ‘no, make it 70% off’. We then took some of our union petty cash and bought all of the books. It ended up being a 90% savings with our employee discount and we even get a $50 rebate. Our dream was born. After all, isn’t everyone a landscaper right now? Why shouldn’t we be?”

As fate would have it, one of Border’s lurker customers, so called because they only read books in-store and never purchase, was lurking and reclining while reading the book titled, How to influence Friends, Pets and Music Industry Executives through the Power of Hypnosis and Suggestion,2nd edition, hardback. Alan Murdock, owner of ArtHouse Gardens based in East Nashville was just this person and in the right place at the right time. Chekopski said that he knew Murdock was a landscaper because they had to clean the mud off of their floors and furniture every time he left and that Murdock always disguised his book or comic book choices with the covers from authors like Einstein and Tolstoy. Chekopski admitted that at first he was
going to kick Murdock out of the store for good because Borders perhaps went broke due to the cleaning supplies used after Murdock’s visits when he was overcome with a compulsion. Chkopski felt compelled to ask Murdock if he would be willing to sell his company for a reported, but unconfirmed, six figures to the BEU 109. Murdock immediately accepted pending the union board approval of the purchase.

During the purchase inquiry it was discovered that Murdock had many setbacks in 2010 which was important in the unions decision to purchase ArtHouse Gardens, Inc. or not. Certainly numerous community rumors about Murdock and his company circulate his community which actually peaked
BEU 109’s interest. But some of the rumors and information found during the inquiry was, in fact, common knowledge as Murdock recently disclosed his bout with depression after being denied in the first round of the current American Idol season. “It wouldn’t have been so difficult to hear the rejection had Steven Tyler not kept singing, ‘dream on, dream on’ when I sobbed uncontrollably on international TV begging for the second chance which I deserved.
Honestly, I think Steven was distracted because he was looking at me inappropriately.” Murdock suggested.

But just last week, the Tyler controversy was overshadowed by new claims that local American Idol star Paul McDonald and Street Corner Symphony, the Nashville based acapella group that had recent success on America’s Got Talent competition were really behind Murdock’s quick departure with A.I. TMZ quoted Murdock yesterday saying, “Seriously, I was told by several music business sources that I was bullied out of the competition by my peers that live in my very own community. ” But Murdock’s tenure as an American Idol may still be happen – not just in the musical sense. Be sure to watch Murdock’s depression confession and his weight loss goals on tonight’s episode of ABC’s Biggest Loser. If you ask me, it sounds like Murdock should be on the Biggest Winner, but management for both Paul McDonald and Street Corner Symphony would only comment, “nope, Murdock is pretty much the biggest loser”. Murdock says his biggest goal for 2011 is to hypnotize someone into giving him tickets for an upcoming U2 concert. Have a happy April Fools Day!

For more information about this and other ArtHouse Gardens related news please visit www.arthousegardens.blogspot.com or read Murdock’s articles in past and
Upcoming editions of The East Nashvillian magazine.

FLOOD RELIEF EFFORTS

2010-05-05T06:30:00.002-06:00

Thanks to all of you who have volunteered this week. We have had hundreds of you pass through our doors this week and you are appreciated. We are still in dire need of volunteers as we will be losing many as their businesses open back up. Please join us at 9am each morning and you will be placed with a team to make a difference here in your community.

We are needing water bottles for volunteers, cleaning supplies and more. Please call 227-8733 for more info or stop by and see Catherine McTamaney.

We are located at 1108 B Woodland Street, Nashville, TN 37206 Behind I Dream of Weenie (or across from the East Nashville Post Office).

Alan

Annual and Perennial... weeds?

2007-03-21T07:00:00.002-06:00

Hi! Welcome to our blog. There's a whole lot of posts going on in here from Jazz to Jack Bauer to gardening and landscaping. We hope you sometimes laugh and sometimes... well, laugh... but most of all we hope you'll learn more about the art of gardening. It's "that time" of year so we're more geared up for gardening than humor -- but don't worry, that won't last very long! In the mean time, our goal is to make gardening and landscapes affordable for everyone. We design and plant based on your budget, your likes and your needs. We talk about gardening for yards of every size, too. So come on in and learn about today's topic. Be sure to check out the other ones below, too! PS -- our contact info and photos of just some of our work is to the right.

TOPICS: What you need to know about Annual and Perennail weeds and will I ever have a weed free yard?

Most of you are aware of the definition of an annual and perennial. In case you don't, annual flowers and plants only live for one growing season. Perennial flowers and plants live for more than one season. An annual here in Tennessee might just be a perennial in Florida. Somewhere every annual is a perennial in some part of the world.

But what about weeds? Weeds fall into the same categories.

ANNUAL WEEDS:
Annual weeds such as crabgrass, germinate from seeds each spring. After maturing, they *drop seeds before dying. These are the seeds that germinate the following year. This is why a crab grass preventer, key word is preventer, is put into your lawn a few times a year at specific times. A crabgrass preventer actually stops the germination process so that the crabgrass does not make it to "full term".

CAREFUL: Putting down weed preventer at the wrong times can be fatal to other plants. Weed preventer does not distinguish between weed seeds and flower seeds. Some people feel like putting a weed or seed preventer is inhumane (those people need another hobby). Read the label carefully or hire a professional.

* The process of dropping seeds can be caused by human error, too. Never pull a weed and leave it on the ground. You might just have a lot more weeds in your lawn the next season as you did this year.

PERENNIAL WEEDS:
Perennial weeds, such as dandelions, do not die at the end of growing season. They may lay dormant in the winter, but will become noticeable in the spring. Dandelions are one of the most prevailing perennial weeds throughout the U.S. You would think that they were native, but they came from Europe many years ago.

The best way to control perennial weeds and especially dandelions is to actually pull it out of the ground leaving no roots at all. Discard the dandelion in a bag immediately. Blowing dandelions in your yard is a blast and an American past-time but do not blow dandelions in the yard if you want a perfectly weed free yard and do not cut them with the mower or weedeater (blowing is much more fun).

WILL I EVER HAVE A WEED FREE YARD?
Probably not. If you do then we have much greater issues than as to whether our lawn looks good or not. As long as there are birds (which carry and poop weed seeds), dandelions even miles away and strong gusts of wind --- you will have weeds. If you take good care of your lawn and garden beds then you will have an easily controlled weed environment. Even the most perfect looking lawns have weeds. It's unavoidable. However, you can easily have a healthy, vibrant, weed-free looking yard with determination or with the aid of a professional. Just keep in mind that a great yard takes time.

TIP: Weeds will come when they want to and when birds poop, etc. Inbetween cracks in your driveways and patios are especially prone areas that will have unwanted weeds and grass because water runoff carries them into concentrated areas. If you use a professional service to eliminate your weeds then pour salt on these weeds/grass in between visits to help irradicate them. Salt works!

BEFORE YOU MEET WITH A GARDEN PROFESSIONAL

2007-03-19T07:05:00.000-06:00

Before meeting with a garden or landscaping professional you should have some goals in mind -- even if they are basic. Or perhaps your 1st meeting will inspire questions and thoughts that will prepare you for a second meeting. If even after reading this you're still "stumped" and do not even know where to begin, don't sweat it. We'll guide you through it. But here's some reading that might help you during your first or second visit with a gardening professional.

Here are some of the basics for your meeting:

What are your goals for your yard? We (landscapers in general) can help you with those goals, but before we tell you what we think, you should have some thoughts too. It could save you a lot of money. Are you looking to have your yard spiffed up with a few plantings or do you want a total overhaul? Your yard seems "pitiful" but is it because you no longer have a pretty grass? A nice lawn can make your whole landscape look so much better. Try to put what's wrong with your yard (turned into goals for your yard) into words for your meetings with landscapers. Do you need sod or do you need to get on a "healthy lawn program" or both? Do your garden beds need dimension to really stand out? Don't hesitate to bring pictures of plants or landscapes from magazines to your meeting either. These pictures are goals. Goals are good.
(However) Be open minded. A good landscaper or gardener is a better listener. Sometimes you're words and expressions are giving us clues to what you want, but more importantly what you need. Sometimes your yard itself does the talking for you. Your yard situation could be an easy fix. For example, if your grass isn't growing because your tree limbs are too thick and sunlight is no longer passing through -- you need an arborist. Or perhaps a tree has been removed and now your azaleas have turned for the worst because they're getting too much sun -- in that case you need a green thumb or a landscaper/gardener. You may not know that this is the reason why, but we should. We should offer good solutions to your problems.
Don't call someone because you don't feel like you know enough. Listen, don't let the two previous bullets worry you. We've had customers say that they've considered landscaping for years but were too embarrassed by their lack of knowledge. Just know that first and foremost --- you are why we have a job in the first place. It's okay if you don't know anything. If we make you feel uncomfortable then we're not the team for you and we have failed in customer service. However, if we can guide you and educate you along the way -- without manipulating you, then we've done the right thing. Don't be afraid to bring a knowledgeable friend to the meeting either.
What is your budget? You really should know your budget "range" before you start a landscaping project (or at least by the 2nd meeting). If Aunt Ethyl just left you a million dollars and you want "the works" then great, let's do the works. But you shouldn't engage in a $10,000.00 conversation with a landscaper when you know you only have $2,000 to spend. When you buy a car, you generally know what your budget range is. Same thing for a new refrigerator, stove or even a house. So you should know how much you are willing to spend and to save on your landscaping needs. Now, this does not mean you have to spend that much money, but be prepared after meeting with a professional to come back and tell them what you have available to spend and for what projects. Don't hesitate to prioritize your lawn goals. I often have people come to me and say, "I have $2,000 to spend, what can we do?". I say, we can do lots for you -- and we do. Sometimes a client will say, "I only have $500.00 so I know I can't get but a plant or two". That's crazy. You can or should get a lot for $500.00. The plants may be smaller, but they'll grow and in a few years you'll never know the difference. Who knows, maybe one day, heaven forbid, Aunt Ethyl will leave you with a lot of extra money. Hopefully you'll call us again because you were pleased the first time.
THIS INDUSTRY GOES THROUGH PHASES (PART 1): There are two times a year that we get really busy (the biggest is between May 1st and April 1st). During those times it will seem that we are moving really slow and don't want your business. That's simply not the case. You should realize that we are fully taking care of our clients (some are ongoing clients) to the best of our ability. This is a service that you, too, will appreciate in your yard even if it's a few weeks later than you wanted. If we say we'll get to you in a week tack on an extra few days to a week for good measure. We want your business, but we want to keep our regular clients even more. Hopefully you'll soon be a regular client.
THIS INDUSTRY GOES THROUGH PHASES (PART 2): I'm going to get in trouble for saying this but it's the truth. Right now the landscaping industry is going through a terrible price gouging on several fronts, but specifically lighting. You have to be rich to have professional lighting installed. It has an amazingly high profit margin so every "landscaper" should be doing it if they can go home with themselves at night. But what happens is that the "high-end" well runs out and people stop doing lighting. The reputation that lighting is expensive takes it's course (and potential clients) until some brilliant young company comes in an underprices everyone. Eventually, lighting, or whatever, becomes popular again but some formerly potential clients will be forever burned. Overall, the lawn and garden industry is overpriced right now. Prices from wholesalers are way down because of the quantity of purchases, but the prices that landscapers are charging are going up (it should be going down). Being a small company allows us to right that wrong and try and readjust the baseline for landscaping so that more people can afford it. It costs me less in 2007 to landscape than it did in 2004 --- my prices should reflect that.

Landscaping your yard is supposed to create a relaxing atmosphere, not one in which you cringe everytime you walk outside because you think of how much it cost you.

5, 4, 3, 2, 1... "Happy New Spring!" Time to make your new spring resolutions

2007-03-18T17:01:00.000-06:00

Spring is almost here. The countdown has begun. Oh, no! You haven't made your "new spring" resolutions yet? What? You haven't even heard of "new spring resolutions" before? Well, it's a good thing you're reading this blog then.

Hey, the new year is a great time to make new resolutions but it's better for watching Dick Clark in Times Square and cuddling up to a roaring fire. Let's be honest. You haven't kept very many of your new year's resolutions have you? None of them? Well, perhaps you've never tried making your resolutions at the right time of year... spring. Yep, that's right. Right now -- spring is the Most Wonderful Time of the Year for making resolutions. Spring is about rebirth, newness and a healthy change for the good. Nature is leading by example. You feel it, it's that natural lift in your heel that comes around this time of year -- so it's only natural to make your resolutions now.

Last December, during that short time between Christmas and January 1st you panicked to come up with your resolutions. Here are a few common ones:

Start running/walking (yeah, right. It's 30 fricking degrees outside and you're going to go walking everyday? Now make that resolution on the first day of spring while the trees are blooming, a blanket of mild air surrounds you and... wallah! A resolution you can keep!)
Start eating healthier (I'm a gardner, not a doctor, but it makes sense to me that January and winter in general is not a good time to start a healthy diet for those you who find this time of year a struggle. Your body naturally wants more fat to keep itself warm. It's a wayward fight. Your weight loss goal is more effective in spring, while you're actually out walking and increasing your metabolism, your body has a natural tendency to shed some excessive pounds as warmer weather approaches --- work with the curve, not against it)
Talk to mother more (can't help you with this one unless mom is actually out walking with you)
Relax More while spending quality time with friends and family (see below).

This last resolution is right up my alley. While gardening is growing across the U.S., it is still trailing behind parts of Europe, many Americans are finding that the lost art of gardening is extremely relaxing. The benefits of gardening include good health, higher property value to a prospective buyer and having a great place to congregate with friends and family. So get out of the house and garden more -- in the spring. You'll find that many of your old resolutions can be met with this one simple chore.

But getting started on a garden can be daunting. That's where we come in. Professional gardeners can help design your landscape and garden beds in a way that is manageable. If that's still too overwhelming for you then we can help you actually take care of your yard. It's not expensive (and yes, we even pull weeds). We have many maintenance plans to help you with your gardens with the most common one being our monthly care program designed to get your yard under control, healthy and a great place to hang out. It also leaves a little room for you to get out and work too, without feeling overwhelmed.

Our clients range from busy professionals who love to garden, but don't have the time they used to have so they need a hand from time to time, all the way to the stay at home mom who wants a beautiful and safe yard for the children to explore.

Read our other posts to learn more about gardening (and some other random thoughts too).

Why Do I Need A Gardener?

2007-03-08T09:38:00.000-06:00

There are many reasons why you need a gardener for your lawn, trees, shrubs and garden areas. One of the obvious reasons is that a gardener takes his/her time in your yard not just planting, feeding, fertilizing, etc., but also looking for signs of disease, pests or other problems. Gardeners are not in a race to get from one house to the next. It's about the experience and creating a better overall lawn and garden.

Here are some other reasons:

Gardeners actually pull weeds out of garden beds
A sharp increase in back injury and back pain has been attributed to d0-it-yourself gardeners
Your lawn is speaking and gardeners know how to listen to it. There are signs that your grass, trees, shrubs and flowers give you as to what kind of health they are in and what they need to get better.
specific plants, trees and shrubs need to be trimmed at specific times of the year --- not EVERY time.
Specific plants, trees and shrubs need to be fed at specific times of the year.
Aeration can be good for a lawn, but it's not always good for a lawn to be aerated every year. Can you tell the difference?
Unless you are creating new beds or your current beds require a complete overhaul, garden beds should be mulched at specific times of the year. Established beds need and should get much less mulch than new non-established beds.
Some mulches are detrimental to animals. Do you know which ones?
Having a gardener does not have to be expensive. If yours is, then shop around.
Gardening is a pleasure. If it's not for you, then you need a gardener

Gardeners don't have to be full-time. They can be part-time and help you to keep things in your garden under control so that you're not overwhelmed with your yard, but you fall in love with it. Our goal is to get you out into your yard and enjoy the experience.

The Best Guide to the 2007 Nashville Home and Garden Show

2007-02-23T21:30:00.000-06:00

The 2007 Nashville Garden Show is a week away. Get your tickets now! Admittedly, I'm excited. I even like the 007 reference, "Live and Let Grow". Kudos to them. The cost for adults is $8.00 and it's a great way to see what's new, what's back and what you should be buying. From those that just want to get out of the house and into the great outdoors that are actually indoors... or those that are even slightly interested in their gardens should attend this show. And don't worry. You don't have to speak latin to communicate with anyone.

However, there are some key, but simple things you should know before attending the show so that you don't get a headache later (for starters, to get in you'll need a ticket or cash -- no credit cards for entry). Some of these things are funny and some of these are serious. You may want to purchase, order or ruminate over something while at the show so this guide will hopefully get you thinking about the right things. Look out for # 10!

THE 10 THINGS TO KNOW, BEFORE YOU GO TO THE SHOW (ah, poetry):

1. Water. How much does it need? How often does it need it? Is all that water going to attract mosquitos, algae, mold? Am I really going to spend $500.00 for something that needs that much agua? Wow. You guys are going to get so much more than just 10 things out of this! Before you commit, know the commitment or get help.

TIP: Water lawns less often, but for longer periods of time.

2. WHERE Am I? Knowing where you are... or what zone you live in is important. Sometimes these shows can have not-so-local vendors selling swings and talk about things they shouldn't so know your zone, know what grass grows best so you can ask the right questions about seed and weed and know when those things can be dealt with best. By the way, if you are in Middle Tennessee so you are in Zone 6b (officially). But we're also a little Zone 6a and 7a, too. Admittedly it's confusing and there is still a little bickering about our zone being changed to "b". Most of what will grow in Zone 7a and zone 6a can be grown in 6b. That's pretty much what you need to know. Need to see it on a map to understand? Go here. However, I have grown plants outdoors for years that I keep being told can't grow in our zone, or even two under us. The whole zone thing is just a reference, but it can be confusing to vendors, too.

3. What grass should I be growing in Middle Tennessee? I get questions from people who have been to Georgia and Florida and fall in love with St. Augustine grass or zoysia. It's great, my parents have St. Augustine... but you aren't going to get it to grow here for very long and zoysia is getting better but needs more tweaking before you spend lots of dough on it. Middle Tennessee is a transitional zone for grass and therefore needs a more transitional grass like fescue. Fescue is a cold season grass so it's green in the winter and most year round. It gets weak and whimpy in July and August but picks back up late August. Don't call me in December through June and say, "my fescue grass is dead -- I only planted it 3 years ago". That's not fescue. It's bermuda. Bermuda, just like a weed will overtake your yard when fescue is weak during the heat of summer and especially if your yard is weedy and has been neglected by proper nutrition. If you went outside today and looked at your lawn and it's brownish, whitish with green spots here and there, it's bermuda. The green spots are what's left of your fescue. Proper nutrition of a yard will keep the bermuda and weeds out. I was kidding when I said "don't call me" -- please, call me. I'm nice, I promise. And I'm less likely to crack jokes in person.

4. Am I a bad person for killing weeds? I'm sorry, I don't do philosophical questions and if someone at the home and garden show tells you you are an "evil weed killer doer", you're at the wrong place. However, weed control is a very important factor in having a beautiful lawn. A four-leaf clover might be lucky, but it's still a weed. Dandelions, broadleaf weeds, and other types of weeds can attack a weak lawn. There are very good weed control products on the market today and they are usually noted what type of weed the product was developed to get rid of. Organics are getting better and better but are still a little way off on competing with non-organics. If you have the time, energy and money then use organics. Otherwise, they'll catch up in a few more years.

5. Are you a tool junkie or a tool sucker? Tools are great. Since the earliest of days, cavemen developed tools to make life easier and better (well, I actually wasn't there but I'm sure it happened). But tools do not always make our lives easier. Sometimes they are much more hype than help. Personally, I'm recalling my great terra cotta roasted-garlic cooker purchase. I think I still have it and have NEVER used it because it was an impulse buy. But it is doing a great job taking up space in my kitchen. I think I'll keep it as a reminder. If you see a cool tool, don't make an impulse buy but take their information so you can research and then order it from them if you still want it. If you want a new "tool" for the garden try this: The topsy turvey tomato grower thingy. It works, I've seen them in your yards full of tomatos. It's not my style, I like staking them in the ground, scaring away the squirrels and building scare crows... but you are not me. To order one or read about it, click here, or look for one at the Home and Garden Show.

6. Don't buy that shammy OR that rake! Look, this is an addendum to #5. Nobody in our area, except maybe Gregg Bolling, is going to buy one of those whacky shammies that can clean everything from stinky butt to cigarett butt from those local vendors in the mall at Christmas time. Likewise, you don't need a high-tech rake for $50.00 because it's going to save you money in making the job go by faster. Look, 4 months from now, if you are really, in fact using it, it's going to break. All rakes that are used break, get crushed or if you're in Lockeland Springs -- get stolen. Buy the cheap one with the larger head fan and be prepared to buy another. Even including cost of gas, you're much better off.

7. This product is not available elsewhere! Then forget it. You don't need it. THINK: If it's that good, then Home Depot, Lowe's, Lesco, Worm's Way or your favorite local hardware store will have it. This product "only available here" will probably be in Big Lot's in less than 6 months selling for $1.99 instead of $99.00. Then, as everything does, it will be proven to cause cancer. So... control your impulses.

8. Which way to see the two headed goat? Okay, sure you're at the fairgrounds, but if you came for the two headed goat you're about 7 months early. Relax and take a stroll through the vendors areas. Look at the set ups that they have and refer back to rules #1-7.

9. Okay, I'm skipping #9 because #10 is much more important.

10. WARNING: The Home and Garden Show will give you a bad back!

Okay, so the 2007 Nashville Garden Show won't really give you back pain, but the BBC has some warnings for beginners and not so beginners to heed in regards to gardening. So keep this in mind when choosing equipment or deciding to take on a project yourself.

The BBC put out a report detailing the rise in trend of backpain. A Gallup poll of more than 2,000 adults found that nearly 42% had suffered from back pain. Of these, nearly half (47%) said their problems were a result of working in the garden.

In the 35 years of age and older category it was 56% who said their back pain was a result of gardening. The article goes on to say that most problems stem from not knowing how to lift and bend properly.

Why the sudden increase in back pain? Experts say that it is the Lawn and Gardening shows that are inspiring people to get out and work but are not inspiring people to work smart. But it's not necessarily the one's like our 2007 Nashville Home and Garden show, but it's the on TV variety.

Calculating Lime, Fertilizer and Sod in your yard (more)

2007-02-19T10:19:00.000-06:00

In this edition:

how do I calculate how much lime to put in my yard?

how do I calculate how much sod or seed I would need in my yard?

important note at bottom for our maintenance clients

Middle Tennessee typically has a high acid ph and lots of clay. Lime pellets break down both the clay and acid content to a more manageable and broader plant loving level. Yes, there are plants, like azaleas, that like acid, but not too much acid nor do they like being planted in dense clay. Lime helps resolve those issues. But how much lime do you put down? Well, that would vary based upon the soil acidity in your lawn. February is a good time to take a soil sample to see how much acid your yard contains, but in general, we would use about 40 lbs of pelletized lime per 1,000 sq. ft about 2 to 3 times per year.

In plainer terms, take the square footage of your lawn areas (see diagram). Let's say you have 2,000 square feet of lawn, you would use 80 lbs. of pelletized lime. 3,000 sq. ft you would use 120 lbs. of lime (adding 40lbs for each 1,000 sq ft).

Being able to calculate your square footage is important in putting proper amounts of seed, fertilizers, etc., in your lawn. If this is rocket science to you or you don't have the tools or time to do it --- see the note below this next section.

Here's how to determine square footage (this can also be calculated to find out how much sod would cost, too -- call us for details):

On a piece of paper, sketch out your yard-- don't sweat over it, just a simple drawing is fine.

Section off your lawn into squares and number them.

Take section one and measure it using a pedometer, long measuring tape or "guestimating" by walking it off. Measure both ways to find the length and width.

Repeat this step for each square. Do not include garden beds, sidewalks, patios, driveways, etc.

Multiply the length x width of each square to find the square feet for that area.

Now add all of the square feet (length x width) from each square together to get your square yardage (a typical E. Nashville house may have 900 to 1200 sq. ft in the front yard alone).

NOTE: While not being 100% accurate is not a problem in calculating how much lime or fertilizer you should be using, being decently close is important. If you're not sure if you've measured correctly, call us or another professional to come and measure for you. We have professional tools to measure you yard and ArtHouse Gardens will do this at no cost. Also, please note the recommendations on the bag of lime (pelletized), fertilizer, seed, etc. These will differ from product to product so use their suggestions. You will need to know your square footage to determine amount of product to use and how many bags to buy.

Want a free quote for sod? Take these same #'s that you've calculated and email us or call us at 615.243.5499. Otherwise, contact us and we'll come out and take the measurements for you and assess your yard. We give advice for free. Last year we gave advice to an E. Nashville neighbor family and they won a neighborhood association award for their lawn.

MAINTENANCE CONTRACTS: This year we will be adding small sections of sod in trouble spots in your lawns at no extra cost . Also, you do not need to put lime down--- we do this for you automatically.

Photo of the Week :New Orleans

2007-02-17T23:05:00.000-06:00

Just when you thought neon was a thing of the past. New Orleans would be so boring without it.

Weekend Gardening Project: Forcing Forsythia to Do Your Will

2007-02-15T10:38:00.000-06:00

February Gardening:

TOOLS: Gloves, pruners/scissors, hammer, cutting board, paper towels, water and vase

I always laugh when I hear the term "forcing forsythia" or in reference to another plant. I'm a creative and visual person so when I hear this term I picture forsythia being forced into a car at gunpoint or something of that nature (yes, I'm only 58% normal brain functioning capacity as I am reminded daily). And while there is one camp that adores forsythia and another that hates it, there is a way to force forsythia in such a way that all will love it.

In case you don't know, forsythia is that arching plant in your yard that is budding right now and will have yellow flowers on it in the next week or so. Forsythia is a key to understaning when to take on other projects in the garden, too, which we'll get into further down. Forcing forsythia refers to removing branches of the forsythia and growing them indoors for a beautiful stand alone arrangement, or mixing them with other flowers for your enjoyment.

Forcing forsythia is really easy, too and needs to be done soon. Here's how:

Just cut a few branches from your forsythia (or other favorite spring blooming shrubs like Quince) on a day when the temperature is above freezing. Make sure you cut each branch all the way to the main stem. Later on you can cut the branches to the size you need them for your vase or arrangement. Bring the freshly cut branches inside and immediately put them in water.

Take each branch out of the water and cut the end off again. The forsythia branch will not drink enough water if not given a fresh cut. Now, pound the cut end of the branch with your hammer to split the end. Trust me, it will love it as now the branch has a better means to drink water. Just like in humans a scab will start to form over your cut so immediately place the end into a vase. In forcing flowers, we do not want the scab to form. Repeat this with each branch.

Keeping your branches "moist" is important for several days since indoor winter air is usually very dry. You can accomplish this by wrapping the branches in damp paper towels while they are still in the vase and misting them for several days.

In about two weeks you will begin to see the buds about to burst on the branches. Before long the shrubs branches will be blooming and there will be beautiful spring color in your home.

Make sure you change the water in the vase every few days for lasting color. The forced branches should last several weeks inside for your enjoyment.
Try this technique with other early spring and spring blooming plants. Don't be afraid to experiment.

Forsythia Facts:
Forsythis is an "indicator plant". The bellowy blooms tell you that the soil is above 45 degrees and the roots are active. The blooms also tell you it's time to prune your roses, fertilize some grasses, trees and shrubs (careful, not spring blooming ones).

The standard "goldenbells" variety can grow 8 to 10' in height and width so crowding them in a small area is not recommended. For smaller areas or yards, try the Fiesta variety which only grows 3' in height and width.

After bloom ends in spring, prune tattered shoots to ground level; you can remove up to a third of the plant's wood each year.

Forsythia looks best when the branches are long and arched.

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I Said Cupid, Not Stupid (a post for the men)

2007-02-14T00:00:00.000-06:00

You may think of me as a simple gardener. Sure my nails are dirty, I often have dog poop on the bottom of my shoes, but that doesn't mean that I don't have anything meaningful to say. What was I talking about? Oh yeah, I remember. Okay guys. It's that day when you put everything else on hold, contemplate the deep recesses of life and really bask in the beauty of it. No, it's not Super Bowl Sunday... Nope. Not the first day of hunting season either. This is the one occassion, other than our anniversay or our wife's/girlfriends birthday that you don't want to mess up. Yep, it's Valentine's Day. Now if you are like the myriads of men that are not prepared don't try and make excuses and for Pete's sake DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT downplay V-day. If you have 1/4 of a brain don't say anything closely resembling, "It's just a Hallmark Holiday". Guys need to have a plan in order to stay out of trouble and since I'm looking out for you...

Here are a few DO NOT DO'S this Valentines Day:

1. Do not buy her an appliance for Valentine's. You will pay a serious and eternal price for this. Oh, unless the appliance costs less than a diamond ring. Women love saavy men. It's very important that when giving appliances you should always take the time to wrap them.

2. You didn't buy into that Vermont Teddy Bear commercial did you? Idiot! You could have gone to Opry Mills and put one together with her. I hear that there's a great new "camoflauge bear" collection for 2007. TIP: Get her a gift certificate to build-a-boar and she can take a friend with her on a more convenient day. Don't be lazy, put the gift certificate in a card and sign it. Spray the card with Aqua Velvet to increase your "chances" later.

3. Be classy. You don't have to spend a lot of money to show how much you like/love someone. Think creatively and if it can be wrapped, well, wrap it! TIP: If you're buying her a can of beer... 'wrap it' in a bag you big dope!

4. Don't be over the top. If you hope, plan on, wish that you will be with her the next Valentine's Day then don't set yourself up for failure. Eventually you will not be able to top the previous year's celebration --so play it cool, play it romantic and play it to win. Okay, the bottom line is that if you go over the top for your date--- our wive's / girlfriends will hear about it and we'll pay. Look out for your brother and back off a little, okay?

5. Do not buy her a heart shaped diamond ring. Please, I beg you. It's not too late to send it back (or if it is too late to return it, you could take a screw drive and bend it into a circle or something not resembling a heart).

6. So you think you're just going to be able to walk into F. Scott's without a reservation on Valentine's? Doh! TIP: If all else fails, Publix has a great deli --- and it's classy (see you there, Greggg).

7. Unless your date lives in Antioch, cheap lingerie does not say "I Love You". It says, "you are a tramp". So, be sure to include a box of chocolates, too.

8. Thinking about proposing on Valentine's? Ehhhh, there's a better date out there. Valentine's is not very original. TIP: April 1st is a great day for a proposal.

9. Look, V-Day is about her. If you focus on her, listen to her and look at her like she's the only woman in the room... then, later on it will be about you too. TIP: Wait 'til she gets up to use the powder room to get that babe's phone # that is sitting across the room. Remember, you've already invested a lot of dough with the date you currently have so you might as well stick it out the entire evening.

10. No, Sudoku is not an appropriate Valentine's gift or activity.

11. I am often asked, "Do we need to go out on Valentine's or is it okay if we stay in?" Feel free to stay inside since it's been 15 degrees for the past 2 months and she's going stir crazy. While you're at it, watch pay-per-view. Something like the "Best of WWWrestling" or anything with a lot of touching to stir up those romantic feelings. TIP: If you've purchased a wrestling video for her --- don't be an idiot ---wrap it.

12. TIP: Pheromones is not a noise that one of Charlie's Angels makes so don't waste your time looking into this.
13. Never, ever take serious advice from bloggers about dating relationships, love or beer. Okay, maybe the beer part is okay. Don't drink beer and drive! Take a cab, call a friend. You know the drill.

If you've got a TIP to share, leave a comment! We'd love to hear from you.

Volunteerism, Valentines and Apes in Leotards

2007-02-12T16:57:00.000-06:00

A few years back in college a few friends were sipping coffee at a coffee shop and the question arose as to "what separated us from the apes". We joked for a while that it was 3 continents, 2 vast oceans, hand lotion, the barber, Ann Darrow (from King Kong), leotards... Finally, the caffeine kicked in and somebody mentioned volunteerism. "Huh?" "Yeah, Apes don't volunteer to help others but people do. We don't live our lives in pursuit of genetic responses that are only conditioned to find food, mate --- okay, maybe we do all that too--- but we have something inside us that either causes us to help others or to help give tools to those that help others". He was right.

I have been blessed to be a volunteer leader with Habitat for Humanity. Normally (we had a baby), on this very week that includes Valentines day, my wife and I would be taking 20 people from scattered parts of the globe to Africa to build houses in some of the shanti villages. A "shanti" is a home made of tin, car doors, glass pieces -- basically anything that can be found for free. Usually way too many people live in these homes. There is generally only one room -- the kitchen and the bedroom (one and the same). There is sometimes an outhouse out back or shared nearby. These shanti homes are set up in such a way that makes rape a bit more likely, perhaps even as a form of intimidation in gaining "control" of a household. This could be a large factor for the contribution of AIDS.

Who would have thought that Habitat for Humanity could help with issues like rape and AIDS? In Africa, they do so much more. In order to become qualified for a house, residents learn how to budget, how to work efficiently in order to keep a job, how to say "no" to outsiders who want to force themselves into a family's home. If they can make it through this program, which they can, then they are on there way to getting a house and keeping it.

Last year we built a home in a small village called Masiphumalele which means "We Will Succeed" in Xhosa. The Government has historically referred to it as Site 5. To see more photos, other than the ones on this page, that I took in Africa, visit this link. The people in 'Masi' were wonderful and while it was a few hours drive from the site we built at the previous year, we were welcomed by some of the same faces as before who were there leading us as we built. Everyone within the village was kind to us and would have given us the clothes off their back if we would let them. Amazing. We were supposed to be the ones giving, but it was really the other way around.

We took this year off from traveling due to not being able to part yet with our 14 month old. She's too adorable. But, in honor of Valentines Day and the AIDS crisis that affects many right here in Nashville, we are partnering with V's Boutique to benefit Nashville CARES who is working with families and individuals who feel those effects locally. Nashville CARES, like Habitat deals with mending hearts and minds, not through housing, but through medical and social services. Currently 2,000 people are being helped with the aid of Nashville CARES.

So, this Valentines Day we celebrate Nashville CARES by trying to raise a little money and awareness. Here's how:

For $50.00, Cupid will carpet your driveway/sidewalk with a plush row of rose petals on Valentines Day to set the mood for love or friendship.

For $20.00, Cupid will bring a cute bag of rose petals to your door to use as you like. Hint: A nice warm bath with fresh rose petals is recommended. However, a bed lined with petals or a table top for a romantic meal is good, too.

For either of these services, email us at murdock02@comcast.net by Tuesday night -- 8pm.

All proceeds benefit Nashville Cares (make your check out to them directly) or donate online to their site.

Picture of the Day -- New Orleans

2007-02-07T11:13:00.000-06:00

New Orleans on New Years Eve at the New Millenium (Jackson Square Plaza de Armas). There were so many people piled into Jackson Square that it was like being in a mad raging current of water. Sometimes the only photo you could take was up.

More photos this month in honor of Mardi Gras.

The Rise of the Garden Office

2007-02-05T13:37:00.000-06:00

As I sit inside my warm office to escape the bitter 20 degree weather (feel-like temp in teens) you may find it difficult to understand why I can't wait to get my outdoor office. I love to be outdoors and since my gardening profession calls for that -- it's a good thing. But just like everyone else, I want the experience to be a little work and a lot of play at the same time. And a garden office is viable according to experts.

"Garden Offices" are huge in Europe and the culture of the non-fluorescent workplace is experiencing a slow but steady new growth in the states. Do a google search for 'garden offices' to see the hundreds of UK links. Many believe that garden offices are the offices of the future both for residential homes and corporate offices. Today, we'll deal with residential.

Generally, garden offices are extension offices for those who are allowed to work remotely from their regular downtown office or for those who already have home offices and want to extend that outdoors during the best outdoor parts of the year. And with the right plant/tree design, that best parts of the year to work in your garden office can be upwards of 8 months a year.

But garden offices aren't necessarily meant to be 8 hour a day offices. Sometimes they're designed to inspire the creative type who needs a change of pace. They're designed for the work at home person that loves to watch their pets or children from time to time while they work away and everyone else plays. They're designed to relieve stress for the lawyer, the doctor, the business executive who wants to be close to family but has work to do. They're designed to be used as an extension of the home office when needing to pay bills, plan the grocery list for the week.

Garden offices range from fancy structures to simple or glorified garden sheds. But with the right planning and design even the lowest of budgets can enjoy a great garden office from their deck or outdoor patio. Closed-in screen patios and sunrooms are not considered garden offices but are definite options.

Before deciding if a garden office is right for you, be aware that there are 3 types of garden offices.

1. The "closed" garden office. This office is always enclosed (note #3) in a small building on your property. This might be a remodeled shed or separate garage with a window air unit and plenty of windows for natural light and view. It has it's own electricity, internet and phone access -- perhaps a small fridge.

2. The "open" garden office. This office is the cozy one on the deck or patio. The walls of this office is your strategically placed landscape. It has quick access to a door if a sudden rainstorm approaches. It may contain an old desk or a simple patio table. It may have a material covering or nothing at all. But shade will be important not only to withstand summer heat, but also to see your computer screen. Go down further to see what you need for a low budget garden office.

3. The final type of garden office is the one that takes the best of both worlds. The versatile garden office has wide doors that swing open (like a barn) or perhaps it's a small commercial electric garage door with large windows built in for viewing your yard when it's closed. A closed garden office can be transformed to an open garden office by rolling the desk out a few feet onto a deck or patio with ease. There are so many ways to create a versatile garden office and not everyone (or most everyone) will be able to afford this option.

Here's what you need for a low budget garden office:

Cordless phone, internet phone or a really long chord
remote internet access (or really long chord) and laptop
An indoor/outdoor desk (or patio table) If the area is covered then the sky is the limit Preferably an old desk with drawers for pens, paper...
A dog, cat, bird or all of the forementioned to run around and give you that much needed distraction from time to time

You will also need shade and strategically placed plants/trees/arbors to give your garden office "walls". Just as a good designer will plan your landscape to have "rooms" or unique sections your garden office needs to have that same feel. If it does, you are far more likely to use it on a daily basis.

Even if a garden office is on your list of needs this year, contact us for other great ideas for your lawn and stay tuned to this blog. You can subscribe to this blog below.

Picture of the Day -- New Orleans

2007-02-05T00:08:00.000-06:00

I took this photo in a cafe courtyard that was conspicuously empty. Odd for this nearly round-the-clock city. More photos all month in honor of Mardi Gras --- stay tuned.

Baby, It's Cold Outside

2007-02-04T09:23:00.000-06:00

It's snowing! What will I ever do? The Churches, stores, gas stations are closed due to our .5" of snow. No mention from the "live pinprick", "accu-crud" weather forecasts of snow last night. I hate them all. (If Bill Hall is reading this please know that you are forever my first weatherman and I swear my allegiance to you for as long as we have weather. I would fall on my sword for you if I had one).

But my hatred of the weather predictors is diminished by the fact that I fear dehydration and starvation as there's no more milk or bread within a 175 mile radius of Nashville. Further, I was going to start my New Year's resolution today of jogging 5 miles a day, but now I'm calling the whole thing off! I think I'll protest the snow by staying inside and playing spider solitaire --- or heaven forbid --- clean.

The good news is only 15 more days of Snowbird (Sorry, Bill). Oh, and Franklin didn't get any snow. Perhaps I can get some milk there. Of course that would mean removing my little musical piggy slippers and additionaly require me leaving my house. I think I'll stay home because I don't have a snow shovel to clear a path.

2007-02-04T00:17:00.000-06:00

A beautiful garden or landscape can mean good mental and physical health. During the Bourgeois Movement in Old France and parts of Europe, physicians encouraged gardening and fervent usage of the great outdoors in order to promote overall good health and irridicate diseases. But also, the new work ethic began creating new health issues. People began working long hours and stress was affecting them. You can still see the effects of the Bourgeois Movement throughout Europe in large and small homes. You know your neighbor because, they too, are spending time meditating, strolling or working in their gardens.

Picture of the Day -- New Orleans 2002

2007-02-03T09:40:00.000-06:00

All month I'll be posting pictures that I've taken of New Orleans in honor of Mardi Gras.

Picture of the Day - My Neighborhood

2007-02-02T20:39:00.000-06:00

I meant to post this last November. A huge storm blew through East Nashville very suddenly. So fast and hard that soccer players in the park did not even have a chance to flinch. A wreck happened ahead of me and blocked traffic. I got out of my car to watch the guys playing soccer since the sun had come out and was very intense against the black clouds. Then an amazing thing happened. A beautiful rainbow formed from end to end. It was amazing. Click on the picture for more.

JAZZ IS BACK (and so is spring... almost)

2007-02-02T12:57:00.000-06:00

This is an official post to let everyone know that JAZZ is back because I hereby claim it so. Sure, it hasn't totally ever vanquished, but like the changing of the seasons it sees its peaks and valleys.

Traditional Jazz is a visual and aural sensation. Like folk, blues, bluegrass and classical music, Jazz paints pictures with tones and lyrics. The slow withdrawal of winter and the oncoming march of spring has given me a sense of musical renewal and to the roots that I love. If you haven't pulled out or bought a good traditional jazz CD recently I command you to do so (laughing). Amazon has a great jazz page you should take a look at if you are interested in previewing some jazz. I took this photo at the Preservation Hall in New Orleans a few years back.

Artists I'm currently listening to:

While originally deemed a "fluff" jazzist, Harry Connick, Jr has proven himself to be a true jazz artist. His understanding and even innovation of jazz continues to evolve like the great masters before him.

The Preservation Hall Jazz Band continues to give us staple product. My affinity for them is perhaps due to the many times I've spent listening to them live.

Rosemary Clooney would be categorized more in the "vocals" area, but she's played a lot in our home, too.

Locally you should check out Teren Bose and the Swingset or Annie Selleck. Both are top notch performers and they live here in Nashville.

What are you listening to right now? There's no right or wrong answer. Music is subjective.

WHILE we're on the topic of Jazz, we can't deny that a little jazz is coming on the horizon for our yards, too. That is if you planned ahead and planted your tulip bulbs last fall. Perhaps daffodils are your preference. But no matter, for some of us the jazz is near. This picture was taken in my yard last spring.

The best way to develop your yard is to journal it. In the journal note what bloomed and when. Note what performed poorly and what performed great.

Take pictures of your garden beds and date them. This will aid in knowing what type of bulbs to plant and when.

Lilies, for example, come with different bloom times. Look on the bulb package to see whether your bulbs are early spring, middle spring or late spring bloomers. If most of your bulbs are early spring bloomers, then be sure to plant middle and late ones too to keep the color coming.