tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15693607937576617702024-03-05T06:30:19.690-08:00Landscape DesignerHelping Homeowners Create Beautiful LandscapesDave Maciulishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17264309327980838345noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1569360793757661770.post-90891334030168283292012-02-02T11:53:00.000-08:002012-02-02T12:01:35.090-08:00Eyes in the back of my head<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuilm-AXAOKvAFfgCO0Tq4tx3RD9T0PhjjyydtKh69JiI5vC3fVRRs3_llC9MqPm7rXVPrCPKZRSoX0NvqVqu5qylCmDhloI1bQrhc5ptkNz88jo4R3jM2ONd7q_PAS0WSXNUJskfiEI/s1600/eyes_in_head.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 207px; height: 244px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguuilm-AXAOKvAFfgCO0Tq4tx3RD9T0PhjjyydtKh69JiI5vC3fVRRs3_llC9MqPm7rXVPrCPKZRSoX0NvqVqu5qylCmDhloI1bQrhc5ptkNz88jo4R3jM2ONd7q_PAS0WSXNUJskfiEI/s320/eyes_in_head.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5704629694584030850" /></a><div><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif";font-family:";font-size:10.0pt;color:#222222;"><b>"I have eyes in the back of my head!"</b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style=" line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif";font-family:";font-size:10.0pt;color:#222222;">I don't believe that there is a single parent alive that has never used this phrase! As a child every time I was caught doing</span></span><span style="line-height:115%;Arial","sans-serif"; font-family:";font-size:10.0pt;color:#222222;"> <span class="apple-style-span">something that I shouldn't be doing, my mother would tell me..."I know</span> <span class="apple-style-span">everything you do...I've got eyes in the back of my head." Right</span> <span class="apple-style-span">after the swift cuff to the back of mine! Ahhhhhh grasshopper!!!</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I spent my entire childhood trying to see those eyes, but we’re always</span> <span class="apple-style-span">covered by her hair.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Eyes in the back of your head can give you great insight into what is</span> <span class="apple-style-span">yet to come. The more I think about it, the more I realize just how</span> <span class="apple-style-span">much I use this concept in my daily life. Mom used her "back-eyes" to</span> <span class="apple-style-span">catch me while I was up to no good! I use the eyes to make sure that</span> <span class="apple-style-span">the "no good" doesn't happen.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I think it actually saved my life a couple of weeks ago...........</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Driving the highway with two friends in the car…cut to the 401, heading south, heavy traffic. My eyes are constantly shifting. Right mirror…left</span> <span class="apple-style-span">mirror…rear-view (eyes in the back of my head) mirror…until my eyes lock onto the rearview! What I see takes me</span> <span class="apple-style-span">only seconds to process. BIG red truck, flying onto the 401 from an</span> <span class="apple-style-span">on-ramp. Dude ain't paying attention!!! Big red slams into the car</span> <span class="apple-style-span">in front of him...car loses breaks on impact, and is now hurdling at</span> <span class="apple-style-span">high speed towards us! The only thing between that car and a 30 car</span> <span class="apple-style-span">pile-up, is ME....getting out of his way.</span> <span class="apple-style-span">I grab the wheel and turn quickly...a hard left, onto the shoulder of</span> <span class="apple-style-span">the highway. As luck would have it...so does the car now on my tail! The rest of the</span> <span class="apple-style-span">story you can imagine.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">So in the end, those "back-eyes" prevented what potentially could have</span> <span class="apple-style-span">been a brutal accident. No one was hurt. The car sustained a great</span> <span class="apple-style-span">amount of damage. But, we are all alive and well to tell the story.</span> <span class="apple-style-span">Those eyes came in mighty handy!</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I think we earn these "eyes in the back of my head" with age and life</span> <span class="apple-style-span">experience. Those of us with children can vouch for this! We have</span> <span class="apple-style-span">the privilege of drawing upon the great insight "the eyes" afford us.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">Oh yes....I can see the faces my kids are making behind my back, after</span> <span class="apple-style-span">one of those "I told you so" moments! And I already know what is most</span> <span class="apple-style-span">definitely going to happen if my kid is peeling an apple... like an</span> <span class="apple-style-span">old man on a front porch, whittling a stick! He has the scars on his</span> <span class="apple-style-span">fingers to prove it! But these are the life lessons that plant the</span> <span class="apple-style-span">seeds in the back of your head....that will one day, grow into a set</span> <span class="apple-style-span">of eyes!</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">I try to put these eyes to good use in my work as well. While I am</span> <span class="apple-style-span">taking a client's design from paper to landscape, my brain is in a</span> <span class="apple-style-span">constant state of "seeing a step ahead". I must be able to play out</span> <span class="apple-style-span">what needs to happen in the second phase of a construction, while the first phase is being</span> <span class="apple-style-span">completed, and the third phase is yet to happen.....How , both "before" and</span> <span class="apple-style-span">"after", might affect each other.</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">My advice is to make sure that any landscape designer you employ has</span> <span class="apple-style-span">the ability to do this. It's crucial to the cohesiveness of your plan.</span> <span class="apple-style-span">So I say, let's embrace our eyes! All of them- the ones we see</span> <span class="apple-style-span">with, our "third eye", and the ever mysterious "eyes in the back of</span> <span class="apple-style-span">our head". They worked well for our mothers!</span><br /><br /><span class="apple-style-span">So if you're standing behind your designer, and they know that you</span> <span class="apple-style-span">are making faces....Hire them!</span></span></p></div>Dave Maciulishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17264309327980838345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1569360793757661770.post-46591561923515121222011-03-18T21:46:00.000-07:002011-03-18T21:49:04.098-07:00You look like your Gazebo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFRtol5nKlwm9wohqS8LU3f_coDol4nTGi5m-uHHlDQ8W8uxaOsxYFmsyNp69L3WbgBN8u0T3olgCdgcB_jFpIYrdupTr9Qv6FsqHLfx8cWmxAdLo0_TksOEcpckWc6ugQ3tQP9sL8KI/s1600/gazebo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 255px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFRtol5nKlwm9wohqS8LU3f_coDol4nTGi5m-uHHlDQ8W8uxaOsxYFmsyNp69L3WbgBN8u0T3olgCdgcB_jFpIYrdupTr9Qv6FsqHLfx8cWmxAdLo0_TksOEcpckWc6ugQ3tQP9sL8KI/s320/gazebo.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585647996116123330" /></a> <!--StartFragment--> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">You know how “they say that people look like their pets?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Well, here’s a question…..Do people also look like their backyards?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Metaphorically speaking of course.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Cuz that’d be just weird to look like a yard!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">For example……my wife and I love to entertain during the summer months.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Our personalities tend to be free spirited, inviting and friendly, and just a little bit wild!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>We have a wide variety of friends as well (variety being the operative word)…….some are more low-key ,serious<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>and cocktails, while<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>the others are more “loud music, tequila, and patio-turned-dance- floor!”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">So our yard….(the one that is still in the works), reflects and accommodates all these needs.</span> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">If you are wanting to create an area in your yard that will reflect your lifestyle, ….. then take a look at your life!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Do you have children?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>What are their ages?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Do you entertain?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Who do you keep company with?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Do you enjoy yard work and gardening?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Do you even have time for it?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Do you want to be able to almost “live” outside?......cooking, reading, hanging out?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Will you want fire? Gas or wood burning?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>How about a water feature?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Do you need a bar?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Kitchen?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Shed?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Treehouse?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Pool?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Hottub?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Gazebo?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Music?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Piped throughout your yard…….</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Ahhhhh, but do you have nasty neighbors?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Or dogs…messy dogs?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Maybe your yard is built on a massive slant?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Now that can be tricky!!!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">So all I'm saying is really give your lifestyle and needs some focus!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Our yard can accommodate almost every circle we run with….from tea time with the in-laws to the friends who sing out loud over a couple of vodkas, to our 19 year old’s crazy crowd.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">Our neighbors are not great fans of ours, but in our defense….we live across from a retirement home and in a neighborhood full of retirees!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>That wasn’t well thought out….so I speak from absolute experience!</span> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US">So yes…..I guess I DO look like my yard….minus the dog poop!</span></p> <!--EndFragment-->Dave Maciulishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17264309327980838345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1569360793757661770.post-8365143212624293732011-01-31T07:01:00.000-08:002011-01-31T20:53:06.263-08:00Relationships and Red Wine<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTm1-BpyNFfhMCI_Zam_9mT5S4M0fh_3AVlcWc3pSiPl8gTiRU4rpWKP067HQ533O7cMVIjyc9mdmVqNbq_ZJIBtVOe27bECmOD1eJLStypUWodTsezC2mHNeGRAm3e17lJo2PeJ9mqnk/s1600/red%252Bwine%252Bcheese.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTm1-BpyNFfhMCI_Zam_9mT5S4M0fh_3AVlcWc3pSiPl8gTiRU4rpWKP067HQ533O7cMVIjyc9mdmVqNbq_ZJIBtVOe27bECmOD1eJLStypUWodTsezC2mHNeGRAm3e17lJo2PeJ9mqnk/s320/red%252Bwine%252Bcheese.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568389673906315266" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhor0HXb_D-8bXuBTViSjGYvNyGdaNAI5QZbqP4Hr-W2lDvXxapX0Dpk0aaO_lMKhEYK93eJBM_wp8d8_2u8AkpRjnwUQPDk2inkkMdTTdjybRK3vztZQAuTaG4m6ewMSxZFajz2aTXRdk/s1600/red%252Bwine%252Bcheese.jpg"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEies_pIJ2uppIkqW-5P1JBzaD3Ed9yPLnr6Cc_IEQmbghwDJUk7rgw4vrPBKCarJxDMDeP22TAHqqxcUXQd0RLGrvzWaPymljTm-8vLdhhdBxPTi9LUsrscYJ9UsSuVsP83eTbXKJYCbAg/s1600/red%252Bwine%252Bcheese.jpg"></a><p class="MsoNormal">After my last blog, I started to think about relationships.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> R</span>elationships in the context of my work. Like what kind of cheese I will have with my wine?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The longer I sat and thought about this whole idea, halfway thru the bottle, the more similarities I discovered that there were between my marriage, and the relationships that I develop with my clients on a professional level.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now, there are obvious differences, and I’m sure I need not explain those to you…..but the similarities are probably what makes working with my clients easy and rewarding.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So, this week’s question is……if I treat every client relationship , with the same amount of dignity and respect, as I do my own personal relationships……would the experience and outcome always be positive?</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I’m a relationship guy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Always have been.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I mean let’s face it…….they are what make the world go around.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>At any given moment, on any given day, we are interacting with someone!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Some are great experiences….some not so great!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The trick is, to make each encounter work for you in some way, shape or form.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Learn from it.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Grow from it.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">We all know that relationships require work.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Some of us are only discovering this after many failed partnerships. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We’re a little slower than the average Joe! <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>(no offence Joe!) <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Ya know what they say though…..it’s not the destination that matters…..it’s the journey there!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Now that I’ve got this whole “love relationship” stuff all worked out……(for the most part)…..I can apply some of the same strategies to my client relationships. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Doctor Phil would soooo appreciate this……..</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">First word of advice….. You have to love what you do….with a passion!!!</p> <p class="MsoNormal">We all know what happens when love and passion leave a relationship!</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So I look at what works for me in my partnership at home.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I’ve learned to be a good listener.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>To “hear between the lines”, looking for subtle hints or information about wants, needs, likes/dislikes etc.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I acknowledge that I’ve heard them, because EVERYBODY wants to be heard.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">TRUST! I think that once the client trusts me, and can appreciate that I know exactly what I’m doing…….a tight partnership develops.<span> </span>If you keep them abreast of what is happening and what is going to happen, their anxieties melt away!<span> </span>Imagine if you took off for a couple days without telling your wife/husband where you were and what you were doing?!?!?!?<span> </span>Ohhhhh the doghouse is not the most comfortable place to sleep!</p><p class="MsoNormal">Consideration and compromise………both very tricky when there are budgets to follow, and tastes to appeal to.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When a client has a particular desire, it can’t always happen the way they want it to.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>So here is where compromise comes in handy.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If your communication ability is in tact….there should be a happy ending.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The customer is happy, and I get to do my job within the budget, and by-law restrictions.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I like the fact that I develop relationships with my clients that allow them to feel free to ask questions, give input,<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>accept feedback and<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>tell me when there is something that they are not pleased by.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>But by far, the best part of my job, is the part where we stand in their gorgeous outdoor living space, and toast it with a glass of <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>merlot.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So back to the original question…….I would not be able to sleep at night if the outcomes and experiences I had on a daily basis were negative.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Like a marriage,….I work at it!!!<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The alternative? ……… Keep one eye open while I sleep.</p>Dave Maciulishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17264309327980838345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1569360793757661770.post-71422186202568258112011-01-17T19:26:00.000-08:002011-01-17T19:31:58.306-08:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0wU3HuRyYrdkHRI51tDoRXIK0uTD6gCZdHpIoEGkqGKKICiZs3z8oWvro7oozfT_SofEvjjDPHZZQuzoxgP0UzI8IDS-AUF-lSEsavQmykE9sbsNl0B2Bay-cYG-CdyFLu1OLfPY5_0/s1600/IMG_0021.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg0wU3HuRyYrdkHRI51tDoRXIK0uTD6gCZdHpIoEGkqGKKICiZs3z8oWvro7oozfT_SofEvjjDPHZZQuzoxgP0UzI8IDS-AUF-lSEsavQmykE9sbsNl0B2Bay-cYG-CdyFLu1OLfPY5_0/s320/IMG_0021.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563362732305209282" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US">WILL I EVER HAVE SHOES???</span> </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I think that if my wife had a dime for every sympathetic smile that followed the statement, “the cobblers children have no shoes”, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>she’d be on a perpetual shopping spree.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US">I’m pretty sure that she’s frustrated and confused about the state of our own yard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>On several occasions, she’s suggested that I NOT park my work vehicles in front of our home, for fear that the public would judge my design abilities…. by what they saw in our yard!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US">We have had many- a- laugh<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>discussing this issue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>And really…truth be told……..I think she’s been a pretty good sport about the whole yard thing!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Things ARE getting done!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>The pace is just not conducive to a stress-free, happy wife.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So my challenge is to find other ways to compensate for my turtle-like pace in completing the plan for our own backyard.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Shoes!!! ……..she loves them as much as she loves air……shoes might buy me a bit more time!!!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US">The sarcastic little “digs”, and the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>“off the cuff” one-liners she makes, are not lost on me!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I get it!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>So the question is……what is a reasonable amount of time to finish a project in my own yard,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>that clearly, I am able to accomplish in a client’s yard in a matter of a couple weeks?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US">Everyone with a job knows, that in order to keep that job, it must be done in a timely manner and it should be accomplished to perfection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Besides….it’s how I earn my living!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US">I have friends who are chefs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When they get home at the end of the day, the last thing they want to do is cook dinner.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I have friends who own cleaning services……I would not eat off of their floors!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I have friends that are gynecologists……..you get the picture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>My dilemma is…..Where do I find the time?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>How can I possibly balance my work, and “shoes for my own family?”</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US">The answer to that is……I can’t!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>This business is unpredictable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>Timelines don’t always happen as planned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>When I get home at the end of the long, long day, I’m exhausted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>I’ll BBQ some chiken, but doing more of what I’ve been doing all day……im not really feelin’ it!!!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span lang="EN-US">So, I’ve resigned myself to the turtle- like pace that our own yard is moving at.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>It’ll get done whenever it gets done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span>In the meantime…….I will continue to park my company trucks around the corner from our home……..and remind my “Lovey” that there’s an awesome sale on shoes at the mall today!!!</span></p> <!--EndFragment--> </div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4Kx_eymfQsJigmUROt8jVTcRqACR3GgkJJMWE89mfDzrhL0xVdnlr1jbs5tq_Ek5DP24XhxJAEc0TqnXRMSQigy3tVBg4WfYR_COb_73cgW-gRGKHJhkZUeEuG9t7t4aqqNZqvnqEtNM/s1600/IMG_0021.JPG"></a>Dave Maciulishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17264309327980838345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1569360793757661770.post-89000101276166224502010-01-18T16:54:00.000-08:002010-01-25T18:09:35.948-08:00Night at the 2010 Landscape Grammy Awards<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoLAKEeTEhhHs0Gt6kaaQEBE1zzKqkX341WxFYDWSwj0eUZBTlE02PzzSDfOdz3hUEdbVjHvkGojUr8OghhM4tsQXpDIRWb4UM0GzN1zEL1X-_jNUCVAR_J-wPUb216_DQGc1RUtqoQ4/s1600-h/grammy.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 236px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 157px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428253553514407506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtoLAKEeTEhhHs0Gt6kaaQEBE1zzKqkX341WxFYDWSwj0eUZBTlE02PzzSDfOdz3hUEdbVjHvkGojUr8OghhM4tsQXpDIRWb4UM0GzN1zEL1X-_jNUCVAR_J-wPUb216_DQGc1RUtqoQ4/s320/grammy.jpg" /></a> Hey Folks………<br />Well, it’s been a while……so I figured it was time for me to dust off my pen, (yes, I write it all down on paper first), and put some of my ever -racing thoughts out into cyber space to touch base with my fellow landscape buffs!<br />It’s been hard to contain my excitement over the past week, as I did something that I never before had the time for. No, no,……I didn’t get to that zipline thing I’ve been meaning to do, but I did, finally, submit a design to Landscape Ontario for their annual awards presentations……….and WON!!!!<br />My wife was not surprised, my staff were not surprised, anyone I’ve done work for, was not surprised. But just let me say……WOW…..was I surprised!<br />I have been doing this work for 20 years, I love my work and and I am damn passionate and knowledgeable at what I do. I am confident in my work. My knowledge is vast and if there’s something that I don’t know……I'm great at finding the people or persons who do!<br />So, why then , was I as nervous as a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs??????<br />OK….so let me explain to those who might not get it. The Landscape Ontario Awards are equivalent to the “Grammy’s” of landscaping. They are a big deal to those of us who run in the landscaping circles . You can love your own work as much as you like………but when a panel of judges fellow Landscape Professionals and Designers are holding your work up against many other submissions, and they say “We love this one……this one is exceptional! This design is soooo great, that we are going to announce to his peers, that we think this design rocks!” And that, my friends, is as good as it gets!<br />Over the years I have collected many awards for my work, but they always came to me via the construction of another firm . This time was different. This was an award solely based on my work alone……and that felt good! Toot toot!!! That’s the sound of me tooting my own horn! !!!!! LOL <div><div><br /><p align="left"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 132px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428251031309541122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVx45tQqSfjk9qMJG-1WYQOKBG85ug1mEvUNh7Q5Iy3qFx2V8TlrQUS39WWkqqKwmqY72o-zEzY_ulljz0nKkkXBbalKgdSiOlUM2LnY0hKFpl6ewbdPPHIRH_x8JfCNr_JoZKMtfxAAE/s320/awardslogomed.jpg" /></p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428250817932301554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Frvo1ldeQkGIEqlgttwWkdD5WQVW4whXe3YI9Mc2JWEnU9Ecypnv-GV82Ijo3cRPhfC3piv2uuVYJxMFxEAUBUMIwF-ugufM1_oRLqBJTL7XINyDGokey0dagQ0eh-bsNHM37GSx2Fs/s320/IMG_1694.jpg" /><br /><br /><br /><div></div></div></div>Dave Maciulishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17264309327980838345noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1569360793757661770.post-69644527346292780412009-10-26T18:36:00.000-07:002009-10-26T20:36:33.527-07:00How Does the Energy Flow in your Life?<img style="-webkit-user-select: none" src="http://www.exceptionalminerals.com/Tuc2006-431smokycluster.jpg" /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Bringing the energy of the outdoors, inside!</span></div><div><br /></div><div>I have always believed in the concept of Energy! That it flows through us, around us and within us. In my designs, I strive to create "balance in space"... both hardscape and softscapes. When I create spaces for my client's, .... even before the work has started, I can walk through every property and see it completely transformed by my minds eye. I can see it finished....... and i see dead people! ( lol jokes!)</div><div><br /></div><div>It has taken many years, a lot of yucky situations, a good load of cash on self-help books, painful, yet wonderful personal growth, and the odd episode of Dr Phil. I now feel like Ma Nature and I are really starting to see eye to eye! We're on the same page..... I can feel her pain. Who was it that said, "Be the change you want to see in the world"? Well, I want to see change in our world, dammit! I'm totally on the band wagon! Less waste, more conservation, and a healthy dose of spiritual healing! There, I said it! Yes, I DO think that our poor little planet needs a little spiritual healing, not just a band-aid! </div><div><br /></div><div>This most amazing place we hang our hats, comes with everything one could need for healing it's inhabitants, <i>and</i> for healing herself! We just won't let her! So now I'm going to start to do my little part in this global healing, by starting right in my own home! Just the other day, i found the most beautiful smokey quartz crystal, in my local Wiccan Boutique. The lovely sales woman held my attention with the vast amount of knowledge she fired at me about this huge hunk of wonder I held in my hands.</div><div>It was perfect for our home (not only because it matched the decor), but also because we all, children included, have felt a negative presense in the home since we moved in 3 years ago. Nothing that we needed to call in the Penn State Paranormal Team in for, but just a bad energy, and ok, maybe a few slightly freaky things!</div><div>Smokey (black) Quartz is known for drawing in and holding onto, negative energy that may be lingering around. Now, call me crazy, but just last night we placed this beautiful stone on the coffee table in the livingroom! We did burn a little sage as well, just for good measure..... and let me tell you, by the time i got home for dinner, the house just <i>felt</i> different. It felt clean, clear, light, and just plain different!</div><div>Such a great gift from the universe! Such a wonderful gift from our Mother Earth. We abuse the hell outta her, and she still keeps giving and expects nothing in return!</div><div><br /></div><div>My next venture is to find something else that is "of the earth" and of a healing nature, so that i can keep working hard at my relationship with HER! Stay tuned, I'll let ya know what I come up with!</div><div><br /></div>Dave Maciulishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17264309327980838345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1569360793757661770.post-58450060399960896652009-10-23T08:30:00.000-07:002009-10-25T14:26:01.362-07:00Facebook | Natural Landscape Inc. Links<div>Check out the Company Image on Facebook!!!</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dundas-ON/Natural-Landscape-Inc/317696775270?v=app_2309869772&ref=nf">Facebook Natural Landscape Inc. Links</a>Dave Maciulishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17264309327980838345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1569360793757661770.post-60238356964216012152009-06-17T15:59:00.000-07:002010-01-25T18:12:24.687-08:00Eco LandscapingEco-landscaping allows eco-conscience homeowners to minimize their environmental impact without sacrificing a beautiful outdoor living space.<br /><br />Eco-Landscaping eliminates chemicals and toxins in the landscape, conserves water and saves money through reduced energy and yard maintenance costs. It also reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions responsible for climate change.<br /><br />Reducing our energy consumption is one of the biggest reasons for wanting to green our home and work environments. The rising cost of energy and the impact on our global climate are important incentives to look for new approaches and technologies to reduce our energy footprint.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#663366;">Rain Harvesting</span> </strong><br /><strong><br /></strong>Use a cistern or rain barrel to capture and store rainwater for irrigation. It reduces stormwater runoff and the GHGs associated with drinking water. Make sure your barrel is covered with a tight-fitting lid or screen to keep disease-carrying mosquitoes from breeding there. For detailed savings and GHG emission reductions associated with using rainwater for outside watering see Rain Barrel calculations.<br /><br /><span style="color:#663366;"><strong>Sustainable Vegetation</strong><br /></span><br />Select plants that are native to your location and require little maintenance to flourish. The more native species you maintain and plant the better it is to preserve the natural habitat around you.Whenever possible, keep the vegetation that is already there and transplant it if necessary. Common plant life within a sustainable landscape includes:<br /><br />• Natural grasses and wildflowers<br />• Flowering and fruiting shrubs<br />• Evergreen trees to provide wind breaks and natural habitat<br />• Deciduous trees to provide shade, including fruit and nut-bearing trees.<br />• Organic vegetable or herb gardens.<br /><br /><span style="color:#663366;"><strong>Reusable Outdoor Materials</strong><br /></span><br />Elements such as decks, patios, walkways and driveways all contribute to the way you live in your landscape. If any of these elements are chosen without proper consideration, they can create a variety of problems, from lowering the value of the home to releasing toxic chemicals and polluting the environment.<br /><br />• Porous materials like crushed brick, gravel, and tumbles recycled glass<br />• Natural stone product like flagstone, ledge rock walls<br />• Precast concrete products or like interlock pavers and wall systems.<br />• Wood from sustainable forest and recycled plastic wood products<br />• Organic material like compost, leaves, bark mulch or wood chips.<br /><br /><span style="color:#663366;"><strong>Sustainable Outdoor Features</strong><br /></span><br />An assortment of Eco-friendly gardening techniques can be integrated into your sustainable landscape. Some of the most common include:<br /><br />• Xeriscaping<br />• Green roofs<br />• Bioswales<br />• Rain gardens<br />• Living wallsDave Maciulishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17264309327980838345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1569360793757661770.post-46032258975233991242009-02-02T10:25:00.000-08:002009-02-02T11:19:05.730-08:00The Landscape Design Studio<div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn51ivuhBH8LKyFdMNWMst4ViBwzu0BxKPgTVgOYS4tKFWoZlIDL2POO4QZdBQhezXGhOZcgE1ZBNxx8zMwP3gb4ekRp5Hv7ZhqAL-CNLjF6iNZs63xnNzDv_G-3y-8-TxgnE9NIq_rxI/s1600-h/dave_profile.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 206px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn51ivuhBH8LKyFdMNWMst4ViBwzu0BxKPgTVgOYS4tKFWoZlIDL2POO4QZdBQhezXGhOZcgE1ZBNxx8zMwP3gb4ekRp5Hv7ZhqAL-CNLjF6iNZs63xnNzDv_G-3y-8-TxgnE9NIq_rxI/s320/dave_profile.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5298275950380910402" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">D</span>ave J. Maciulis has been designing landscapes since 1990. He had a affinity for "Native Woodland Gardens" and signed his original designs "A Natural Landscape by Dave Maciulis." This is how the company was conceived. Starting his business in Dundas, Ontario his services span to serve the Greater Toronto Area and Niagara Region.<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The design work ranges from residential to commercial work. Dave prefers to focus on residential design. "I work closely with my clients to create their dream landscape, what I really love is creating the outdoor living experience."</div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The portfolio of Natural Landscape Inc. includes works of Woodland Gardens, Contemporary Courtyards, Pools with waterfalls, Sunken Patios with lush gardens, and Outdoor kitchens with cabanas and bars.<br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Dave has a philosophy that doing things right the first time is the only way. Working with a network of building professionals, our goal is to help our client's vision become reality. Dave will only work with professionals that are educated, experienced, and insured. "Only the best builders work with our team to ensure that our clients are getting the best results." <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div>Dave has recently acquired a property of his own, out of which he now operates his New Design Studio. "I have always dreamed of building my own tour garden to run my business from. I want clients to come to a place that will better allow them to get a good understanding what I am creating for them." The Design Studio is truly unique. Carved stone desks, stamped concrete floors, tranquil water feature and a large presentation plasma screen back dropped with a forest of trees.</div><div style="text-align: right;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo-leygUjgXro3gQY1m-yrVKRpyfffuBQ-KpvOPqkAZrGJsUIx6u0tybXBvD25GHZ6q_spxL7teBoyxZ90FvlWYDAxJdVhC22hFG15HAfgm2MMFDAhf0FyeNQxgYiUXhEx9aar4WRWDoE/s320/Design+Studio+015.jpg" /> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV_mY9C3mN0zV8JTME2cepQNLBrXflTx6amgBgW0In-e9RRxOQxQOu7kV-6Wp7ur3pnbS_pxeMBwzKdGRbVyvRYSIPa3G6gbScMgiVnOFD23D_lctUL0bzo8_btrqHgtaPE6EltTHzafw/s320/Design+Studio+006.jpg" /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div>Dave is using the latest presentation technology. Using CAD programs, Photo imaging software and 3-D technology Dave is helping his clients see the dream landscape before construction begins. "It is hard for our clients to contain their excitement, while the sit and watch their landscape transform before their eyes."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>The studio will be in a continuos state of transformation over the next couple of years as Dave takes the time to complete the tour garden. Dave invites anyone to come and appreciate the surrounding gardens to see the work in progress.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:small;">"Excellence in design is the goal of Natural Landscape Inc.. We are in constant pursuit of unsurpassed artistry, while utilizing the latest computer technology and sound construction principles. We combine nature and structures to create a surrounding environment that compliments your lifestyle and leave your guest in awe!" Dave Maciulis</span></span><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Dave Maciulishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17264309327980838345noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1569360793757661770.post-33652460259122855432009-01-31T13:50:00.000-08:002009-02-01T16:58:39.779-08:00Creating an Outdoor Room<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyjYosnPSsd_2P-V2nJwBdqWIaI5Oi5tKs517NDkAMD8M52w3vuRgJkyToTejN72JYGEJLmyzfn0epdpG6WD8tZqa4jCjmfpuV7abRp5rTgXabEF3CO1dmC_owbI5syl18blxLlJ7k6A/s1600-h/outdoorbar1.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyjYosnPSsd_2P-V2nJwBdqWIaI5Oi5tKs517NDkAMD8M52w3vuRgJkyToTejN72JYGEJLmyzfn0epdpG6WD8tZqa4jCjmfpuV7abRp5rTgXabEF3CO1dmC_owbI5syl18blxLlJ7k6A/s320/outdoorbar1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297897342317283202" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">I</span></span>magine sitting with your family or friends in the backyard on summer evening. Steak dinner cooking on the grill, you are gathered around a warm fire in your sunken patio, and the table is set on your flagstone dining room. <br /></div><div>Outdoor spaces can be "Outdoor Living Rooms" and should reflect the interior of your home. It has become a big trend throughout North America that people are turning their back yard decks and patios into outdoor kitchens and living rooms.</div><div><br /></div><div>Having an experienced Certified Landscape Designer help you create your outdoor living room can be a rewarding experience. If you plan to do any work yourself just keep in mind that it is important to choose proper materials that weather the outdoors.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EEG9Gs_-2ziSDNpMLY1-TqQYjmaH7Rt3KjK3kaSAEO0rw7eEuMiLdQAk4aDTWzpo7Awh2fj9k-vi76DyXmaCLtUZ0PFFXoKE5MM_NK7vFzCS_uF0GgSr2mHpuC9aPaRXqvbbCI2g7ZY/s400/outdoorkitchen.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297896723805190002" /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The hearth of any home entertainment is the kitchen.</div>Outdoor kitchens encompass the same criteria, a grilling area and eating area, brought together with a fireplace or fire pit area. Like many indoor kitchens outdoor versions can have the same countertop space for food preparation, bar entertainment complete with bar fridges, and plumbing for sinks.<div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Defining the outdoor space with low walls, benches and border gardens help ties the hardscaping to the surrounding green space. The additional touch of landscape lighting, sculptures and containers give the yard the detail it requires to make your outdoor room to feel like home sweet home.</div><div><br /></div><div>Check out a <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/outdoorrooms/DetailedLandscapePlan#5297997010297474610">Detailed Construction</a> Plan By Dave Maciulis</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Dave Maciulishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17264309327980838345noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1569360793757661770.post-21793541447868619362009-01-31T13:05:00.000-08:002009-02-01T14:00:46.823-08:00Why Choose a Certified Landscape Designer<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfkC0x1wXYPWPLL0r-2jVkMpSZJwXZ20yMWrjMc0jfS5AXpOGMnhoadD8_G19WjQ-ZXI9Vu6RHsVX02_kWHKsguwJ6v666HIKaKUpMVxJbPQThszmRs-ydyeDh-t3z4hoO5LJ1Dj4vYU/s1600-h/cldlogo_small.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 250px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqfkC0x1wXYPWPLL0r-2jVkMpSZJwXZ20yMWrjMc0jfS5AXpOGMnhoadD8_G19WjQ-ZXI9Vu6RHsVX02_kWHKsguwJ6v666HIKaKUpMVxJbPQThszmRs-ydyeDh-t3z4hoO5LJ1Dj4vYU/s320/cldlogo_small.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5297570055729882322" /></a><div>Landscape designers do a lot more than just show you where to plant flowers or how to sculpt your garden beds. They can design intricate patios and decks, plan complex multi level terraced gardens with pergolas, outdoor kitchens and amazing water features.</div><div><br /></div><div>Certified Landscape Designers are experts in exterior decorating, grading and drainage, horticulture, and basic architectural design. They can combine plants and architecture, while working within a budget.</div><div><br /></div><div>Certified Landscape Designers have to show proof of education, industry experience, present a portfolio of their own design work for a review and complete a rigorous exam. You defiantly want a professional who knows what they are doing. One good rain storm could flood your house or fill your pool with soil. You might not like spending the money , but if landscaping is not done properly the damage around your home can cost you several of thousands of dollars.</div><div><br /></div><div>Hiring an experienced Certified Landscape Designer who has the knowledge and experience understands proper techniques in construction and can help you avoid costly mistakes.</div><div><br /></div><div>By ensuring the most practical solutions for each design challenge, by helping the owner to find the best landscape contractor, through assistance in locating supplies and more, using the services of a CLD will help you achieve the most cost-effective results possible and ensure a well-preforming finished project.</div><div><br /></div><div>Make sure your Landscape Designer is Certified!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Call To Book an Appointment with </span>Dave Maciulis<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;">1-905-627-1466</span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></div>Dave Maciulishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17264309327980838345noreply@blogger.com0