An Attempt at Landscaping

We've lived on this property since June 2005, and we thought it was about time we did more than just plant our annual living Christmas tree. We were told by our neighbors, the Kaysers, that Home Depot had a sale on "Flowering Plum" trees. We bought six trees at $15.00 each. This picture shows Gary, along with George and Charlie Kayser, planting the first tree. The trees will line the dirt driveway as you first enter the property. Gary, George, and Charlie planted the first one in about 106 degree weather. There is an old saying that "Only mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the noonday sun." So, here is a picture of the Englishmen working out in the noonday sun!

This view is looking toward Oak Hills Road. (Notice the thunderclouds in the eastern sky. Maybe it will rain today and cool everything down.) According to the tag on the tree, "Prunus C. Krauter Vesuvius" is its scientific name. The description also states that, "Flowering plum trees grow to 18 feet tall with a 12-foot spread with an upright branching form. Light pink flowers are followed by purple black leaves." We have always admired the purple-black leaves of the Flowering Plum tree when we have seen it at other homes here in the high desert.

With all the dirt we have moved around on this property, we needed some plants along the north and west side that would keep the dirt in place and not wash away our house when it rains.

We asked the local nursery about the type of plants to use as ground cover to help with erosion. We also needed a plant that rabbits don't like to eat. The nursery lady recommended "Rosemary". We've had Rosemary bushes before, but not Rosemary ground cover. We bought just one flat to see if it is truly "rabbit resistant". In a week or so, we will plant more--if the rabbits don't kill it first. If you look really hard, you should be able to see some small green stubs of Rosemary on the hillside.


This little Christmas tree was a gift from the Ericson Family. It was small enough to fit in a medium-sized soft drink cup when we got it in 2007. It is about 18" tall now. We actually planted it after Christmas in 2007, but this is its first picture!

This Aleppo Pine tree is a gift from the Failing Family. It was Asia Failing's first Christmas tree! Come and visit it anytime, Asia.