HI FRIENDS,

Today was a great day, sunny and not too much wind. I see that the local weather is to be wet and cooler this week. I didn't have any time for the yard today as it was a busy workday.
All looks pretty good anyway so I seem to be mildly caught up.

We had just a little time today to visit the Street Of Dreams and was not able to see all of the homes but the ones we saw were very spectacular. I especially love the architecture and then I love the way the interior designers have created the flow, there is just so much creative talent out there, its an amazing thing what the human mind can create. And the well placed artwork was great I have always admired all great painters and good art really speaks to you and can be oh so powerful. It also seemed to me that the designers are not at all afraid of color and it can never be too bright for me and those pools were some of the best ever.

As far as the landscapes were concerned naturally I have a highly critical eye as I have been in the business my whole life. I thought some of it was excellent and the plant choices were tops and on the other hand I felt in my opinion that perhaps some designers did not have the experience to allow the home to reach its full beauty potential. I did think that the pool landscapes were very good on the ones I did see. A lot of tropicals were used so I hope we don't have a cold winter.

Well, take care, Vince

Dear Friends:

Tonight was one of the best sunsets ever on my dock, these things are really addictive. The water was still and the horizon was dark orange then a lighter orange above that. Then there were two vertical rectangles of the most amazing grey blue, in fact I studied the color as it was quite unusual. The Jack Russell stayed right by my side carefully noticing a frog, as well as the numerous fish jumps. As we walked back we went through the garden to admire and feed the koi fish and they too are addictive in their beauty. It was a successful evening!

Well, last Friday my friend Dave who is an Orthopedic Surgeon gave me a shot for tennis elbow. I resisted it for months as I'm not crazy about putting weird stuff in my body but it is clearly feeling better. So the plan is that the moment it seems to be back to normal Ill go out on the court and try it out. My backup plan and I'm not kidding is to play or learn to play with my left hand if the right still hurts, I really have to play as its the only sport I really like and the exercise is amazing. My good friend and teacher is a local tennis pro and the goal is to run me all over the court but I love hitting hard and that is part of the problem with the tennis elbow. So I will let you know how it turns out so stay tuned.

On another note, the dogs are doing great! Little Barcelo is now a whole 4 pounds and he is quite the character Yorkie. He is teething really bad but oh what fun the whole family is quite involved with the dogs and its not possible that they could get more attention than they do.
The Golden Lab is the oldest perhaps 7 or 8 and she has a little arthritis but she still has a lot of fun and definitely has taken on the mother role with little Barcelo.

A few weeks ago there was a 9 or 10 foot gator between my dock and the shore never have I seen one so close so needless to say the dogs are not allowed anywhere near there. We have an issue with the Jack Russell as he is quite the aggressor and is eating way too much as he gets older so we definitely have to get his weight down. The standard Poodles are fine as well and they too require lots of attention which they get in the late afternoons and evenings, and what great ferocious watchdogs as they hear every little noise and are on constant patrol.

No I haven't been on the boat in awhile mostly because the water seems to be too rough whenever I want to go but I think this weekend will be the time.

The garden looks amazing and I will be adding some Queen palms this week to the driveway area which I think will have a big impact, and as you know I never met a palm I didn't like! The weeds are mostly under control and the roses are just coming into bud so that's all for now.... take care.

Dear Friends,

You wont believe my cholesterol number! Yes I am very very happy! Last year when I was checked my number dropped dramatically from the year before. I told everyone on the radio exactly what I did in hopes that others will also have great results. My Dr explained at that time that I was one of the small percentage that diet really helps a lot. The year before I dripped about 30 points or so then this year I am now at 150. Never have I been this low. What did I do ? Well, exactly what the Dr told me to do.

1. Increased my exercise, in my case I have always been passionate about tennis so I have been playing hard twice per week consistently.
2. I do a lot of estimates so I think that I also get a lot of walking in as well.
3. I watch for fatty foods and still have bad stuff occasionally but less junk food than years ago.
4. Cut out all soft drinks which is very hard and it seems about once a month I still crave a root beer or coke and yes I go on a binge but less and less.
5. Eggs only on Saturdays and then its a white egg omelet with extra tomatoes and no meat.
6. I was never really crazy about fish but I find that when I go to the restaurants I still order the salad which I have always loved and yes even an appetizer and I am able to finish the fish but I am not as bloated as when I eat meat. My great brother in law, Ivan was a huge influence with me to eat more fish as he is a health nut and lives in Switzerland and is quite the knowledgeable health guy and has inspired me.
7 My wife buys less and less junk food and this is a major help too. However when I am out driving around I do stop at the store to indulge in vanilla cookies and sometimes even macadamia cookies if I'm having a stressful day, so you see I am hardly an expert at this stuff.
8 OK, now here is the big thing that I feel in my heart has made a big difference. Its soy milk!! Yes I use it on my cereal and I have loved the taste from the moment I tasted it many years ago. I never drink regular milk and I don't have any scientific studies but I really think that it has helped lower my number.
9. I realize that all of us are different and what worked for me might not work for you but my goal was not to go on any meds unless I absolutely had to and now it seems I have gained a lot of time.
10 So listen to your Dr and have a family member or a good friend inspire you. My wife has been an incredible inspiration as well as she is quite motivated and is always reminding me to do certain things but not in an irritating way. Her family has naturally occurring high cholesterol even though they have no body fat, exercise and eat little red meat so its even harder for her as she must work much harder than me to get similar results. By the way she also does the soy and loves it.

Its been so dry that some grass areas are showing signs of stress so it may be a good time to check and double check the sprinkler system in your yard.

We went to a great halloween party the other night , our friends house was so unbelievable as there were decorations on the outside as well as the inside. Drinks were served in gray goblets and the chicken and pork had some of the absolute best sauces I have ever had. Of course many of the decorations were very hilarious so it was a fun evening. Another great thing I like about parties is that I meet so many interesting people and I find that its a great opportunity to learn about subjects that I know little about.

The radio show went great today despite the fact that I have some kind of bad cold or allergies, but somehow I stayed focused and really enjoyed the two hours and I also want to thank Starbucks for being on my way to the station as it definitely is something I look forward to. I order a soy latte and a pumpkin scone that is probably very fattening but hay the will power will come later I'm sure.

All of the dogs are fine and as you probably already know little Barcelo the 3 pound Yorkie continues to be the best entertainment in the house. Hes not crazy about the Jack Russell and I think that we have some jealousy issues with these two. Yes he is in the chewing stage and so there is not a safe shoe or sock in the house! Its also interesting that he consistently continues to be a night baby wanting to chase us all over the place after about 9 at night.

I'm really looking forward to the coming week and hope to get a lot accomplished so hope to talk to you soon, take care....

Vince

It's been really dry lately, so its a good idea to get all of the sprinklers in order. If they haven't been checked lately then it should be done about once a month or so. Sometimes, a wheelbarrow tire or a lawnmower tire hits a sprinkler head and puts it out of whack, I intend to discuss this more on the weekend radio shows.

We now have lemongrass in 3 gallon pots in the nursery and this is an ornamental grass that looks like pampas grass but doesn't get as big and when you crush the leaf it smells like lemon.

Did a great landscape today in the Orlando area in Belle Isle, the folks absolutely loved it and I am very pleased with the outcome. It was a real red brick house and the lady told me that it was a long time to wait as they had things to do on the inside. She was so excited and that's why this is such a rewarding thing to do.

My bookcases are almost finished today and I have spent the evening putting family photos in albums, found photos of dogs when I was a kid and even pictures of my nursery, Shady Ridge which are very important to me. I also have great photos of my parents and my grandparents and what memories they bring back. I even found photos of me planting my first landscape at our first home. I love looking at them but it sure brings back a lot of emotions. Oh and those photos when we were first married, I was so skinny but now I'm so much wiser!

This afternoon we had to fix a sprinkler head as I am getting ready to plant my annual garden. The sunken garden is now in its prime and had a great papaya today and it was fantastic especially as I was able to beat the raccoons to it which makes me feel accomplished as often the wildlife wins.

It was a great day today as we did an incredible landscape in on the side with a winding brick paver sidewalk so I used Queen Palms so they would arch over the wall. Then I used Red Knock Out Roses for color along with brightly colored croton and purple and pink Mexican Petunia. For fragrance I used Tea Olive which just looked great, the homeowner said she never could believe that such a small space could be so dramatic. After this I did estimates all afternoon then came home and organized my office then went out and mowed the backyard. So all in all quite a productive day.

All of the dogs are doing great, Honey and Rascal, the Lab and Jack Russell got a haircut today and they look like they could be in the movies. The new Yorkie is amazing and we play and laugh with the whole family watching him and its so great that all of us are so into it because they do need a lot of attention and they definitely get it.

My good friend Tony is coming to visit for 3 days with his girlfriend so we have a golf game going on and boat rides and will be going to dinner , I am taking them to Pieces Rising in Mt Dora and to The Melting pot in Longwood which is a fantastic restaurant with great service and food.
I'm looking forward to the Sat and Sun radio shows as the weather is cooler now and I want to get everyone excited about fall planting. My yard is looking so good and all of that sweat equity is now paying off. I also want to discuss lawns as I am still seeing some issues out there. Take care, Vince

Tennis; Dogs; Steve Irwin...

I played tennis this evening which is still quite difficult as I have had tennis elbow for two months now. I keep thinking that each day will be better but it still seems to be the same. I have been swimming each day but it wont be long and the water will be too cold, its quite relaxing though and I put on my Paulina Rubio music in both English and Spanish and it instantly relaxes me. I really want to try to get more people to take whatever music they love and play it in the garden while they are working and I think that it adds an entirely different perspective to the yard.

All 5 dogs are doing great we have now introduced Barcelo, the 3 pound yorkie puppy to the standard poodles and Mike the white one doesn't seem to want much to do with him but the shy one Spike seems to act more playful and tolerant and its quite entertaining to watch as the puppy chases this huge dog all around the house all the while barking as he does. I took the Jack Russell for a boat ride last night and it seems it is favorite thing to do and sort of our special quality time together as he likes sitting in my lap as I drive. All I have to do is say Do you want to go on the boat and he absolutely goes crazy with excitement.

I am trying to stay up tonight as Barbara Walters is interviewing Terry Irwin, widow of the crocodile hunter and yes we too were huge fans of Stevie's and I especially like the fact that he truly loved the animals and was so instrumental in world conservation. Steve was a unique individual as he was able to get so many people so compelled to watch his special take on nature. Many people seem to be criticizing him for his demeanor but I think he was just being himself and I truly admire what he has created in Australia, it seem his daughter will have similar charisma and his wife is very remarkable and I think that that family will really go on to do even greater things. Anyone who is dedicated to a cause as this family is really put here for that purpose and I think Terry will continue to become a bigger star as she is a sincere person and that shines through. That's all for tonight, take care.

Sunday evening update...

We had a great time last night as we were invited to our friend, Gloria's birthday party. It was especially great as Gloria just turned 80 years old. The family was born in Jamaica and now resides all over the world and everyone showed up to enjoy the party. Wow what a classy family we were quite impressed with the respect and love of all who attended. The food was exceptional and included jerk chicken, curried goat and a variety of other west Indian foods. It was here that I experienced the best homemade rum cake that I have ever had! In fact I now wish that I had taken an extra piece for tonight, but I didn't so I just settle for a cracker or something.

On the national show today I had Tracy from Seminole Springs herb farm and thought it was one of the better shows. Remember that if you live out of state that she can still ship to you and yes she does have some very hard to find varieties. Her website is rosesandherbs.com and the farm is located in Eustis, Fl. She is always interesting and also a very fine person.

On another note I did spend the entire sunset of the day out in the garden, I am very pleased with the look and am enjoying creating a new area and preparing it for the spring when I intend to add some exotic fruit trees. I have already added some Purple Queen for color and some yellow ginger which adds that tropical look that I am after. Still there is lots to do and yes its a lot of work and no the work never ends but somehow the evening walks just taking in the various angles and looking and listening to the waterfall and watching the evening birds all seem to make it all worth it. Best Wishes, Vince

A mid-September update...

His teeth are razor sharp and he is as fast as the slickest jack rabbit. I'm talking about Barcelo, our 3 pound Yorkie. He is now 14 weeks old and got his booster shot today and cried like the big baby he is. He is quite over it now as he chases the 50 pound standard poodles all over the house, quite the bossy little 3 pounder. My wife takes him everywhere almost so he is quite the yorkie citizen of the world, I do hope that he can build up muscles in his legs as my wife carries him all the time. As of this writing he has not destroyed any furniture. only the occasional roll of toilet paper. We figure Barcelo must be the most loved yorkie in the world.

The yard is coming along real good. I have added two new islands and am also prepping a huge area for my exotic lychee fruit and carambola trees and some wild dwarf blueberry plants which are small but very sweet. I am also adding a lot of annuals this fall and winter as I have been spending a lot of my free time in the yard and have been on a creative binge to tweak and change particular areas for the better. My papayas are dwarf types and loaded with fruit I just hope that they ripen before winter or I could loose the fruit. I'm cutting the roses back this weekend then i will feed with Turf Pro so they should look great for fall. That's all for now, Barcelo is barking at me so he wants to play......

PUPPY UPDATE

THAT LITTLE MUNCHKIN REALLY BITES HARD. IM TALKING ABOUT OUR NEW YORKIE PUPPY WHO JUST TODAY HAD HIS VERY FIRST BATH, SUCH AN HISTORICAL DAY. HIS NAME IS BARCELO AND IM TELLING YOU A YORKIE IS THE BEST ENTERTAINMENT IN THE WORLD AND THEY BOND WITH YOU SO QUICKLY. I THINK RASCAL, THE JACK RUSSELL IS JEALOUS AS HE IS WITH EVERYTHING SO HE IS STILL IN SHOCK THINKING THAT HE IS NO LONGER THE TOP DOG. NATURALLY, WE ARE GIVING ALL OF THE OTHER DOGS A DRAMATIC AMOUNT OF OTHER ATTENTION SO THAT WAY WE EASE THEIR NEW BROTHER INTO THEIR LIVES SLOWLY. I HAVE TONS OF WORK IN THE YARD TODAY SO I HAVE TO GO AND ITS A SHORTER WORK DAY AS WE ARE GOING TO A DINNER PARTY AT OUR FRIEND, SUZANNA AND JOHN WHO BY THE WAY ARE GREAT REALTORS IN MT DORA,CAMELOT REALTY. SO THAT SHOULD BE FUN AND I THINK MY WIFE NEEDS A BREAK FROM BARCELO! ITS CLOUDY TODAY AND THE LAKE IS ESPECIALLY CALM SO I THINK I WILL SQUEEZE IN A SHORT BOAT RIDE LATE AFTERNOON. SEE YOU LATER.

Dogs...

THERE'S A NEW BABY IN OUR HOUSE. HIS NAME IS BARCELO AND HE IS A YORKIE PUPPY. AS YOU MAY KNOW WE ARE HUGH DOG LOVERS IN OUR FAMILY AND HAVE HAD YORKIES IN THE PAST AND ARE TRULY BONDED WITH THE BREED. I AM SLOWLY AND VERY CAREFULLY INTRODUCING HIM TO THE OTHER DOGS IN THE HOUSE AND I AM MOSTLY CONCERNED THAT THE JACK RUSSELL ACCEPTS HIM. ITS ONLY BEEN A FEW DAYS AND HE IS SO TINY THAT WE HOLD HIM AND MAKE SURE HE IS PROTECTED UNTIL ALL THE DOGS GET USED TO HIM. THE FEMALE GOLDEN REALLY SEEMS TO LIKE HIM AND SEEMS TO HAVE TAKEN A MOTHERLY ATTITUDE AND SEEMS TO LET THE STANDARD POODLES KNOW NOT TO GET TOO CLOSE AS THEY ARE VERY CURIOUS.YES HE IS ALREADY VERY SPOILED AS MY WIFE CARRIES HIM EVERYWHERE AND TAKES HIM TO WORK AND NEEDLESS TO SAY HE IS QUITE ENTERTAINING. IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT HE HAS CRIED TWICE AND WE ARE LOSING SOME SLEEP AS MY WIFE TREATS HIM LIKE A BABY AND PLAYS WITH HIM. ITS BEEN A YEAR SINCE WE LOST OUR LAST YORKIE,ZEKE, WHO LIVED TO ALMOST 15 YEARS OLD WHICH IS AMAZING FOR A YORKIE. SO IT IS QUITE SPECIAL TO HAVE A PUPPY IN THE HOUSE AGAIN.ON A DIFFERENT DOG NOTE WE HAVE HEARD OF PEOPLE TYING DOGS UP IN THE BACKYARD AND IT SEEMS SO SAD TO HAVE A DOG JUST TO KEEP HIM TIED AND OFTEN ALONE DAY AND NIGHT . IN THIS FLORIDA HEAT PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT IF THE DOG DOES GO OUTSIDE THAT HE HAS SOME SHADE AND HIS WATER CHANGED DAILY. ALSO IT IS CRITICAL IN ANY SEASON ESPECIALLY IN THE SUMMER TO MAKE SURE THAT THE DOG OR CATS COLLAR IS NOT TOO TIGHT AND THIS CAN HAPPEN AS THE DOG AGES OR GAINS WEIGHT. AND HAVE YOU NOTICED THAT THE PEOPLE WHO TIE THEIR DOGS RARELY SEEM TO GO OUTSIDE AND PLAY WITH THEM AS THEY ALWAYS SEEM TO BE CRAVING ATTENTION. IT WOULD BE NICE IF THE NEGLECTFUL DOG AND CAT OWNERS WOULD JUST FIND ANOTHER HOME WHERE THEY CAN BE GIVEN THE LOVE AND ATTENTION THAT THEY ALL DESERVE. ALSO SOME OF THESE DOGS THAT ARE TIED WILL SOMETIMES HAVE A THICK COAT AND IN THE SUMMER HEAT TO BE TIED IS TRULY A FORM OF ABUSE AS THE POOR DOG HAS NO CHOICE TO GET TO A MORE REFRESHING SPOT. IF YOU EVER COME ACROSS ANYONE WHO DOES THIS TO THEIR DOG PLEASE DO YOUR BEST TO TRY TO GET THEM TO FIND ANOTHER HOME FOR THEM SO THESE DOGS WILL HAVE A FIGHTING CHANCE IN LIFE. THAT'S ALL FOR NOW AND ILL TRY TO KEEP YOU UP TO DATE ON ANY FUTURE DOG STORIES THAT WE MAY HAVE HERE IN THE SIMS HOUSEHOLD.

Heat!

DEAR FRIENDS
THE HEAT IS ALMOST UNBAREABLE NOW AND SOME STRESS IS BEGINNING TO SHOW ON MANY OF THE PLANTS. IF YOU HAVE YOUNG PLANTS IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO HAND WATER THEM TO GET THEM ESTABLISHED. ALSO EVERYTHING IS GROWING VERY FAST SO IT IS A GOOD TIME TO TRIM ANYTHING BACK THAT IS BECOMMING OVERGROWN.
TONIGHT I HAVE ON MY AGENDA SOME WEED PULLING AND I HAVE TO CLEAN THE KOI POND FILTER, ALSO I MIGHT TRY TO GET A JUMP START ON THE WEEKEND BY CUTTING SOME OF THE LAWN AS IT IS COOLER AROUND 700 OR SO. IT LOOKS LIKE NO BOAT RIDE TONIGHT AS THE WINDS ARE PICKING UP AND ITS WAY TOO WINDY.
LAST NIGHT WE WENT TO PISCIES RISING AND HAD SNAPPER BROILED WITH A SPECIAL KEY LIME SAUCE, IT WAS SO GREAT AND YES I DIDNT NEED IT BUT I DID ORDER THE ORANGE CAKE AND I COULD USE ANOTHER PIECE RIGHT ABOUT NOW
SEE YOU NEXT TIME!

Heat!

DEAR FRIENDS
THE HEAT IS ALMOST UNBAREABLE NOW AND SOME STRESS IS BEGINNING TO SHOW ON MANY OF THE PLANTS. IF YOU HAVE YOUNG PLANTS IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO HAND WATER THEM TO GET THEM ESTABLISHED. ALSO EVERYTHING IS GROWING VERY FAST SO IT IS A GOOD TIME TO TRIM ANYTHING BACK THAT IS BECOMMING OVERGROWN.
TONIGHT I HAVE ON MY AGENDA SOME WEED PULLING AND I HAVE TO CLEAN THE KOI POND FILTER, ALSO I MIGHT TRY TO GET A JUMP START ON THE WEEKEND BY CUTTING SOME OF THE LAWN AS IT IS COOLER AROUND 700 OR SO. IT LOOKS LIKE NO BOAT RIDE TONIGHT AS THE WINDS ARE PICKING UP AND ITS WAY TOO WINDY.
LAST NIGHT WE WENT TO PISCIES RISING AND HAD SNAPPER BROILED WITH A SPECIAL KEY LIME SAUCE, IT WAS SO GREAT AND YES I DIDNT NEED IT BUT I DID ORDER THE ORANGE CAKE AND I COULD USE ANOTHER PIECE RIGHT ABOUT NOW
SEE YOU NEXT TIME!

RAIN!

THE LAST TWO DAYS HAS BEEN LARGE AMOUNTS OF RAIN . THE GRASS IS AS GREEN AS IT HAS BEEN ALL SUMMER. NOW IS A GOOD TIME TO TRIM AND SHAPE ANYTHING YOU WANT ESPECIALLY AZALEAS AND CAMELLIAS. ALSO FERTILIZE NOW AS THE RAINS CAN WATER IT IN. USE THE WEEDKILLERS EXACTLY AS DIRECTED ON THE LABEL AND READ IT TWICE SO THAT YOU DON'T OVERDO IT.

THE GRASS IS GROWING FAST AND THE MOWER BLADE MAY NEED SHARPENING. ALSO BE SURE TO EDGE AROUND THE BORDER OF THE BEDS FOR A CLEAN CRISP LOOK.

THE LANDSCAPE JOB TODAY WAS INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL BUT IT TOOK A LOT LONGER THAN IT SHOULD AS THE RAINS WERE COMING DOWN PRETTY HARD. WE ALWAYS STOP THE SECOND IT STARTS TO DRIZZLE AS I NEVER TAKE ANY CHANCES WITH LIGHTENING. ONCE THE COAST IS CLEAR WE RESUME OUR WORK. I NEED TO CONTINUE TO TALK ABOUT THE DANGER OF LIGHTENING AS I THINK TOO MANY PEOPLE ARE NOT REALLY AWARE OF THE DANGER. I HAVE STRESSED THIS ON THE LOCAL SHOW FOR 26 YEARS BUT I NEED TO TALK ABOUT IT EVEN MORE ON THE NATIONAL SHOW.

THE OTHER THING THAT IS IMPORTANT TO MENTION IS THE FACT THAT MANY MEN THIS TIME OF YEAR DURING HURRICANE SEASON TEND TO TRIM TREES AND END UP GOING TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO SEVERAL OF MY CUSTOMERS AND THE STORIES ARE NOT FUN TO LISTEN TO AS THEY TEND TO BE GRAPHIC WITH BROKEN BONES. I ALSO SUGGEST THAT CHILDREN BE IN THE HOUSE WHEN DAD IS USING POWER SAWS AND NO WHERE NEAR THE LADDER SO DAD DOESN'T FALL ON THEM.

Check those sprinkers!

dear friends,

this is a good time to check all of your sprinklers and clean them out or replace with newer heads if necessary. if you do not do this yourself then hire a professional to check all of the sprinklers at least twice a year, sometimes to get better distribution all they need to do is change the small nozzle on the inside of the sprinkler then you don't have to buy a whole new head. also sometimes plants will grow too tall and block some of the flow of water so this needs to be addressed from time to time, ill try to talk about this more on the national show.

THE RAIN WAS LIGHT BUT STEADY ALL DAY TODAY...

THE RAIN WAS LIGHT BUT STEADY ALL DAY TODAY. THIS MEANS THAT THE GRASS WILL START LOOKING A LOT BETTER AS WELL AS ALL OF THE PLANTS. EXPECT THAT THE WEEDS WILL START MULTIPLING IN THE NEXT WEEK OR SO, I HAVE BEEN DOING A LITTLE HAND WEEDING IN THE EVENINGS BUT ITS HARD ON THE BACK. i AM PLANNING TO CUT OFF THE FLOWERS OF THE QUEEN PALMS AS THEY WILL FALL INTO THE POOL IF i DONT. IT'S ALSO TIME THIS WEEKEND TO DO SOME EXTRA LIQUID FEEDING THIS WEEKEND.

WE FINALLY HAD A GOOD HARD RAIN...

WE FINALLY HAD A GOOD HARD RAIN SO NOW I EXPECT TO SEE MANY MORE LAWNS GREEN. SO MANY PLANTS WERE UNDER STRESS AND THIS WILL BE GOOD FOR THE MORE TENDER PLANTS.

THE YARD IS LOOKING REAL GOOD AS EVERYTHING IS GROWING OUT WITH ITS SPRING GROWTH. OUR KOI ARE THRIVING TOO ALTHOUGH I AM ALWAYS CONCERNED THAT THE RACCOONS WILL BE BACK. I HAVE THEM IN A UPPER AND LOWER POND AND WHEN THEY HEAR THE FOOTSTEPS ON THE DECK THEY ARE ALWAYS ANXIOUS FOR A HANDOUT.

TOMORROW I AM PUTTING TURF PRO ON AS MANY PLANTS AS I CAN AND ALSO ITS TIME FOR ME TO FEED THE ROSES AGAIN.

THAT'S ALL FOR NOW I HAVE TO GET READY TO WATCH AMERICAN IDOL. BYE.

EXCITING SEASON!

DEAR FRIENDS , THIS SEASON IS CERTAINLY AN EXCITING SEASON AND ONE OF THE REASONS IS THAT THE YARD LOOKS SO GOOD.

LAST FALL I ADDED A FERTIGATOR TO MY SPRINKLER SYSTEM WHICH AUTOMATICALLY INJECTS TURF PRO AND OTHER GREAT NUTRIENTS AROUND THE PLANTS. WHAT A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE! ANOTHER CONTRIBUTING FACTOR IS THAT I STARTED EARLY WITH MY TRIMMING AND WEEDING WHICH MAKES A HUGH DIFFERENCE TO STAY ON SCHEDULE.

PLEASE DON'T THINK THAT ALL IS PERFECT AND ROSY AS OF COURSE THERE ARE ALWAYS AREAS OF THE GARDEN THAT NEED HELP. BUT OVERALL ITS IN REALLY GREAT SHAPE ACCORDING TO MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY. I'M PLANNING ON GIVING SOME GREAT TIPS ON KEEPING UP WITH EVERYTHING ON THE NEXT WDBO SHOW.

SPEAKING OF THE SHOW I MET SOME GREAT LISTENERS TODAY AT THE NURSERY AND WE HAD A WONDERFUL CHAT, ITS SO GREAT TO FIND POSITIVE PEOPLE WHO HAVE THE SAME INTEREST.

ITS 10:53 SO I BETTER GET SOME SLEEP AS I HAVE AN ACTIVE LANDSCAPE DAY TOMORROW. TAKE CARE.

TRIED SOMETHING NEW...

DEAR FRIENDS I TRIED SOMETHING IN THE YARD THIS AFTERNOON THAT I HAVEN'T DONE IN A LONG TIME, I TOOK THE HOSE END SPRAYER AND USED LIQUID BONE MEAL ON MY ROSES AND ANNUALS SO I CANT WAIT TO SEE THE RESULTS.. THE ROSES ARE ABSOLUTELY PERFECT AND AS LOADED WITH BUDS AS I HAVE EVER SEEN ANYWHERE. THAT TURF PRO IS THE BEST.

THE ZOYSIA GRASS THAT I AM EXPERIMENTING WITH IS DOING GREAT I HAVE ALREADY MOWED IT TWICE AND AM VERY HAPPY SO FAR.
WE ARE CONTINUING TO MULCH 25 YARDS OF MINI PINEBARK EACH WEEK SO WE ARE MAKING PROGRESS AND IT LOOKS SO FANTASTIC WHEN ITS NEW.
AT THIS STAGE I HAVE NOT FOUND A SINGLE BUG SO THAT'S PRETTY AMAZING ON A YARD THIS SIZE.

WE HAVE NOT EDGED IN TWO WEEKS SO THAT WILL HAPPEN ON SATURDAY.
WISH YOU ALL THE BEST, VINCE.

GOOD LANDSCAPE DAY!

WELL, IT WAS A REALLY GOOD LANDSCAPE DAY, WE DID A COMPLETE MAKEOVER FOR A REMODELED HOME IN MT DORA. IT WAS A SMALL FRONT YARD WITH A HUGE DRIVEWAY SO IT REALLY NEEDED THE PLANTS TO SOFTEN IT. THERE WAS A SLOPED LONG NARROW BED BETWEEN THE SIDEWALK AND THE DRIVEWAY AND I SPACED EVENLY 3 LITTLE JEM MAGNOLIA AND USED KNOCKOUT ROSES BETWEEN THEM WITH JUNIPER PARSONI ON THE SLOPE TO CONTROL ANY POSSIBLE EROSION PROBLEM. IT WAS REALLY PRETTY SO I WILL SURELY USE THIS COMBINATION AGAIN.

I FED THE FISH TONIGHT IN THE BIG KOI POND AND SPENT A LOT OF TIME WITH SPIKE OUR JET BLACK STANDARD POODLE WHO TENDS TO BE THE MORE TIMID ONE OF ALL THE DOGS. HE'S SO SWEET, VERY SOFT AND GENTLE BUT HAS A MISCHIEVOUS STREAK BUT TENDS TO LIVE IN HIS BROTHERS SHADOW. I KEEP TELLING HIM HE NEEDS TO GET A LIFE OF HIS OWN BUT HE'S ONLY INTERESTED IN FOLLOWING HIS BROTHERS LEAD. THIS MORNING THE GOLDEN WAS OUT SUNNING HERSELF ON THE DRIVEWAY AND LOOKED AT ME AS IF I WAS CRAZY WHEN I ASKED HER TO COME BACK INSIDE,SO I JUST LET HER ENJOY HERSELF OBVIOUSLY IN TOTAL SPRING BLISS SO WHO WAS I TO INTERRUPT HER PERFECT DAY. MY WIFE IS ON THIS YORKIE KICK AGAIN SO IT LOOKS LIKE WELL HAVE ANOTHER ADDITION TO THE FAMILY THIS SUMMER, BUT I ONLY WANT ONE THAT IS THE LARGER TYPES AS THEY HAVE TO BE ABLE TO FIGHT OFF A HAWK OR EAGLE AND BY THE WAY WE ALSO HAVE COYOTES IN THE AREA NOW SO WE HAVE TO BE CAREFUL WITH THE DOGS NOW, BEFORE WE ONLY HAD TO WORRY ABOUT THE ALLIGATORS!

THE ANNUALS ARE LOOKING GREAT I DID LOBELIA AND SALVIA AND EXPECT TO DO A LOT MORE IN APRIL.

MAN, WE ARE LOVING AMERICAN IDOL THIS SEASON ALTHOUGH I THINK THAT THIS GROUP IS LACKING IN CHARISMA, IM SURE THAT ONE WILL EMERGE TO THE TOP AND DO WELL.. ITS SO SAD TO US TO SEE THE KIDS GET VOTED OFF, IT IS HARD TO SEE THE PARENTS CRYING BUT I GUESS THAT'S THE LIFE IN SHOW BUSINESS.

I PLAYED TENNIS TONIGHT WITH MY BEST FRIEND AND COACH, CESCAR,HAD SOME AMAZING FOREHAND SHOTS BUT BACKHAND WAS EMBARRASSING BUT THERE'S ALWAYS TOMORROW AS ANNIE SAID.... TOMORROW OR UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN.

OCEAN CENTER TALK

DEAR FRIENDS THE TALKS I DID AT THE OCEAN CENTER WERE INCREDIBLE, THANK YOU TO ALL WHO CAME AS IT WAS STANDING ROOM ONLY AT ALL OF THE TALKS, I TRULY ENJOYED MEETING ALL OF YOU.

THE NURSERY IS REALLY STOCKED WITH A LOT OF BLOOMING VERBENA IN PURPLE, RED, AND WHITE. ALSO THE ANISE ARE IN 15 GALLON POTS AND ARE ABOUT 6 FEET TALL IF ANYONE NEEDS A REALLY LARGE HEDGE TO BLOCK ANY UNSIGHTLY VIEWS. THE DAYLILLIES WILL START BLOOMING IN JUST A FEW WEEKS.

AT HOME I'M TAKING GOOD CARE OF ALL THE ANNUALS AS I JUST PUT TURF PRO ON THEM AND NOW THE GROWTH WILL BE EVEN BETTER.

VALENTINES DAY UPDATE

DEAR FRIENDS TODAY IS VALENTINES DAY AND WHAT A FANTASTIC DAY IT WAS. I MET A LOT OF GREAT PEOPLE DOING LANDSCAPE ESTIMATES. IN THE EVENING THE WHOLE FAMILY HAD A FANTASTIC DINNER AND THE BIG DEAL FOR ME WAS THE FRIED BANANA CHEESECAKE.. YES I KNOW HOW BAD IT IS FOR ME, AND I STILL THINK THAT I COULD EAT ANOTHER PIECE. THE WEATHER WAS THE COLDEST OF THE SEASON LAST NIGHT, BUT FROM WHAT I CAN TELL IT DOESN'T SEEM LIKE MUCH DAMAGE. I RECENTLY PUT DOWN EMPIRE ZOYSIA AND IT SEEMS TO BE DOING GREAT . ITS ON THE SIDE OF THE HOUSE AND I INTEND TO PUT TURF-PRO ON IT THIS WEEKEND. ITS A BIG EXPERIMENT SO THAT I CAN KEEP ALL OF THE LISTENERS TOTALLY AND ACCURATELY INFORMED. SO FAR I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT BUT IT HASN'T EVEN HAD ITS FIRST MOWING YET. PLAN TO GET MY WEED AND FEED THIS WEEK OR NEXT BUT I WONT PUT IT ON UNTIL THE BEGINNING OF MARCH. IN MARCH I AM ADDING 700 LOBELIA, WHICH IS VERY HARD TO FIND , IT HAS INCREDIBLE MIDNIGHT BLUE FLOWERS AND I USE IT IN A SERPENTINE LINE AND EVERYONE ALWAYS SEEMS TO LOVE IT . IT BASICALLY LAST UNTIL IT GETS REALLY HOT. I GET SO BOARD WITH MARIGOLDS, AND ALL THAT OTHER COMMON STUFF. WHO WANTS TO BE LIKE EVERYONE ELSE?FOR ALL OF THE DOG LOVERS WHO FOLLOW ME. YES THE STANDARD POODLES ARE JUST AS CRAZY AS EVER. THEY REALLY ARE MAGNIFICENT ANIMALS AND JUST AS SMART AS YOU HAVE ALWAYS HEARD. THEY DO REQUIRE A LOT OF ATTENTION SO YOU REALLY HAVE TO BE A DOG FANATIC LIKE US. THE GOLDEN IS GETTING A LITTLE OLDER NOW BUT THE POODLES SEEM TO BE OF INTEREST TO HER AS I CATCH HER PLAYING WITH THEM WHERE SHE USED TO PRETEND THEY WERE INVISIBLE. SHE'S FINALLY MATURING AND TAKING THE TIME TO UNDERSTAND THAT FAMILY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING! NOW, THE JACK RUSSELL,YOU MUST UNDERSTAND THAT THEY ARE UNLIKE ANY OTHER DOG IN THE WORLD, THEY ARE VERY CLEVER AND THEY ARE ACTUALLY A DOG THAT ANTICIPATES. HE IS THE LONG LEGGED JACK AND YES HE IS THE BOSS. A JACK LOVES PEOPLE YET HE IS AN EXCELLENT WATCH DOG AS ARE THE OTHERS. BUT A JACK SHEDS LIKE YOU WOULD NOT BELIEVE, IM NOT KIDDING IT IS A DAILY THING AND WOW WHAT A LOT OF WORK. THE FISH IN THE POND SEEM TO BE AS HAPPY AS A FISH CAN BE, I CLEANED THE FILTER TODAY, ONE OF THE MORE ANNOYING CHORES OF THE GARDEN. I NEED TO DO A LOT MORE MULCH THIS SPRING WOW, WHAT A HARD JOB AS THE JUNGLE PLANTING BEDS ARE SO HUGH BUT I REALLY WOULDN'T HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY. UNTIL NEXT TIME.......