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Purple Gem - Rhododendron
2008-04-20 00:20:00
Today we started planting some plants in our flower gardens. Since we built this house we've had a hard time coming up with a landscaping "plan" that we both like. The biggest problem we have is the huge size of our yard and house. Trying to get enough landscaping done so that the place actually looks nice is a challenge. I'm sure we could hire a landscape architect or landscaper to help us out but frankly I can't see spending the money.Today we planted a couple of Purple Gem Rhododendrons in the flower gardens in front of the farmers porch. The Rhododendron that we chose was a dwarf variety that only grows to a height of two feet. These plants can survive up here in New Hampshire with a -20 degrees. The beauty of these plants is they love acidic soil. If you've been reading my blog you know that I had my soil tested last fall and the pH was 5.3 which is quite acidic. These plants also like a well drained soil and that's not a problem either considering we built our house on an...
More About: Plants

Check Out a Great DIY Blog
2008-04-18 12:53:00
Once and awhile I find a really great DIY blog and this one is no exception. One Project Closer is a blog I read daily and one I think you'll find tons of great information and find yourself returning often. Tell them Todd sent you!
More About: Blog , Great , Check

Leviton 6260M Electronic Timer Switch
2008-04-18 02:23:00
Yesterday I received the three Leviton 6260M electronic timer switches that I ordered for the bath fans. These switches allow you to choose pre-set times of 10 min., 20 min., 30 min., and 60 mins. I plan on installing them this weekend in each of the three bathrooms.The unit has 4 wires, a green, white, blue and black. The installation instructions (as usual these directions are not very good) include a wiring diagram that says:1. Connect the green wire to the ground.2. Connect the black wire to the line voltage.3. Connect the blue wire to the hot wire of the fixture.4. Connect the white wire to all of the neutrals.I do a post this weekend on how to wire one of these up. The one problem I can see is the device is fairly large so fitting all the wires, wire nuts and device into the box will most likely be a HUGE challenge.Tags: home improvement, home improvement blog, electrical timer switch, energy star
More About: Electronic , Energy Star , Energy Efficiency , Switch , Timer

We Need Patio Furniture
2008-04-17 00:45:00
Our back deck needs patio furniture desperately. My wife has been harping on me since we moved into the new home that she wants to eat dinner out there in the summer. Last year a friend gave us a hand made Adirondack chair that he made for us out of Cambara wood (that's what our decking is). Today I came across this Adirondack Chair site that sells chairs, rockers and market style umbrellas. I'm amazed at how cheap you can find furniture online these days. Things that once seemed so heavy and pricey to shop for online are becoming very reasonably priced.
More About: Furniture , Patio

John Deere Tow-Behind Broadcast Spreader
2008-04-16 18:11:00
Last week I purchased the John Deere 3.5 cu ft tow-behind broadcast spreader. I finally assembled it and put it to use.First off let me say that John Deere has got to be one of the last companies selling products in this country with extremely well written directions and parts. All of the small parts (bolts, clips, nuts, etc.) are packed in a shrink wrap package that is labeled to coincide with each step in the assembly directions.What a novel concept.....great directions that include well written English sentences, great diagrams and a unique label/packaging idea. More companies should take a lesson from these folks and put some time into the assembly directions. Anyway, it took me about 35 minutes or so to assemble the spreader (that even includes my 3 yr old tagging along with me).As you can see in the photo there is a control level located just behind the mower seat so you can easily reach back and adjust the flow or completely shut off the spreader. The one bad feature if you ...
More About: Broadcast