Lava Rock

Well I'd say last year's hydroseeding was nearly a complete failure. Seems we're right back to where we started, less money. I've sent some soils samples out for testing including other areas of the property which also didn't grow well. I think the rock garden idea suggested for this pic is probably the best option and we'll tackle that in Spring.

43f. Meh.

Down to 54f already. Probably only bottom out around 40

44f on the hill, but 37f as I drove past Hancock Lumber in Naples.

Terrible

Ours flew the coop too.

46.6f. nope, no 30s at home

Yeah, I saw the shingles and thought the same. Apparently there is a buyer from Mass. Rumor says they may be open limited weekends this year, but it'll be a stretch to get lifts inspected and everything else that goes along with it

Wow, what a COC day in Rangeley. Took a bike ride and went out in canoe. just gorgeous day

Up in Rangeley for the weekend. Not much color yet.

Wife and I were talking about the issue with trying to get the grass to grow well in front of the oak tree mostly due to the oak itself and steep slope. One alternative option would be to do a retaining wall with backfill, mulch, then plant shrubs, blueberry bushes, etc. We had a landscaper come out last summer to discuss. Other than the high cost ($4k+) the challenge in doing it is setting the first layer of rocks or masonry blocks in the ground. The granite is only ~4" below the grass surface so not sure this is enough to create a strong foundation. The other issue is the amount of backfill required to essentially create a level ground from about the oak tree to the driveway. I've not measured the height difference, but it's got to be at least 4'. My least expensive option is to buy more metal edging and create a barrier from the oak tree down around and back up. Then kill the grass, dig out and replace with topsoil, mulch then the bushes. However, the slope will remain and my concern will be runoff and possibly poor shrub growth due to little water retention. Any other thoughts on this? Thanks.

True. Unless you're a glutton for punishment and are planning on reseeding.....again[emoji38]

49f. Our hill may suck for growing grass, but at least we don't have to worry about any freezes for at least another 4-6 wks.

Found it. It's prostrate spurge

What's this flat weed that grows close to ground?

I like your avatar without the pixelation.

the world is great

Not on our hill. Usually late Oct, before 32f.

Wth. Showers and 50f

Lol, not a drop from Dorian, but rained last night and again now.

Glad I bailed out on my ride because of the supposed rain. [emoji849]

I've got a big bike ride tomorrow morning starting at 6am from Portland and doing a loop down to Kennebunkport and back. Would be on the bike till ~2pm. I can't seem to get a decent frcst on when the rain is going to start/end. NWS calling for showers, ending by late morning, but local news saying 1"+ RN in the area we're riding. Big difference between showers here and there and steady rn. I know there will be some winds (~20kts). If it's gonna be steady rn most of the morning, I'm not going to ride. Gotta make a decision by tonight.

It's not hard to believe actually. The areas prone to damage are where the insects are most active are those that are sun exposed and have the highest soil temps. The randomness of how the brown/dead spots start in July, then proceeds like a tidal wave across the lawn is pretty good evidence. Plus the fact watering has no effect, as evidenced by recent rains. I can see the bugs in the thatch, so I'm confident that's what it is. I have read that diatomaceous earth has some effect on killing the bugs, so I'll look into that as well. If anyone has other organic options, let me know.

why so the bugs can some back again? I've dealt with this multiple summers now, thinking all along it was drought and/or poor soil. Not to mention we've spent a fortune on new lawns, reseeding efforts. I'm not a big fan of chems, but in this case, I need to stop the infestation asap.

I'm going to spread some Sevin granules on the lawn. I have little doubt after seeing some bugs in the grass that all this damage is due to chinch bugs. Can't believe i didn't think if this sooner.