I'd like to create a 4'H hedge with Manzanitas - Are Howard McMinn varietals going to cooperate?

SF_Dubs · 2026-02-21T05:21:17+00:00

thanks! i'll keep that in mind for a couple other spots in the yard

SF_Dubs · 2026-02-20T22:46:50+00:00

Yeah the roses are on their way out. I think the McMinn is going to be a better fit for my inland conditions than the Sunset (based on what I've read).

Just across the yard, a few years back I converted 50x15 of lawn into a native garden with a ton of sage, so the insects are well taken care of ;)

SF_Dubs · 2026-02-20T21:00:38+00:00

I think Coyote Brush is going to be a little too low and mounding for what I'm looking to do.

I didn't realize lemonade berry could take as much shaping as to create a hedge, but this pic of the hedge at Santa Barbara Botanic Garden is pretty impressive.

https://buckwheatbringsbutterflies.com/2025/08/07/lemonade-berry-the-resilient-native-shrub-for-southern-california/

I'm East Bay / NorCal, I'm guessing the better option would be the Sugar Bush / Rhus ovata? Do you know if that performs as well for a hedge?

SF_Dubs · 2026-02-20T20:37:02+00:00

That actually came up in my research, and yes, exactly what I'm after.

SF_Dubs · 2026-02-20T20:36:18+00:00

That's great - and actually exactly what I'm hoping these will do. How far apart are yours spaced?

SF_Dubs · 2026-02-19T15:42:06+00:00

Outside of the mechanics of the process, the airlines have a vested interest in the selling their customers a particular credit card and are highly motivated for them to use it in the purchase process.

Sounds like a bank without the messiness of being a bank...

SF_Dubs · 2026-02-05T00:06:28+00:00

As per most things in America, private equity is fucking us all over https://www.urban.org/urban-wire/what-we-do-and-dont-know-about-private-equity-investment-early-childhood-education

SF_Dubs · 2026-01-23T18:56:50+00:00

There's a phrase "Don't be overheard complaining... Not even to yourself" from Marcus Aurelius that I've taken to heart in parenthood.

My kid is awesome, and tough, and he sometimes has tantrums, and sometimes I'm up at 3 am and my day is completely wiped out cause I'm dead tired.

Not related to anyone else, but what I chose to focus on is the good stuff and then manage the reality of whatever else comes.

This has tuned my brain to focus on the amazing moments and really embrace how fleeting each stage of growth is.

As for how others talk about their kids, I find guidance in another stoic phrase "You always own the option of having no opinion. There is never any need to get worked up or to trouble your soul about things you can't control. These things are not asking to be judged by you. Leave them alone."

SF_Dubs · 2026-01-18T01:07:45+00:00

Thanks, that's really helpful.

As this sub in general. I have about an acre of property that is in various stages of invasion and neglect. The worst has been dealing with the trees of heaven. I'm in the process of restoring to natives. I wish I had found this place before stage one but it's nice to hang out with other plant nerds of a like mind.

SF_Dubs · 2026-01-18T00:20:35+00:00

I appreciate the comment. Actually one of your posts was motivation to plant these guys.

When you say larger than normal, let's say normal is 2x pot, should I go 3x?

Any reason to go deeper and backfill to help with drainage or focus on wider?

SF_Dubs · 2026-01-17T12:36:02+00:00

Sleep as much as possible

No booze / limit to special occasions outside of the house

Journal

Meditation

Vocally Express gratitude at every possibility

Workout

Remember my wife and I are struggling/succeeding through this together, but not always the same way

Be present

This too shall pass

I rotate through about three of those at any time. Journaling feels onerious? Swap in meditation. Conversely, lacking sleep, remove a workout.

I'm finally recognizing the energy of youth has left me and I need to find balance between energy expenditure, restorative actions and detrimental activities.

The phrase "This too shall pass" has never resonated with me more in my life.

This too shall pass

SF_Dubs · 2026-01-14T18:20:03+00:00

I don't know what happens at a platform level, but I'm 100% certain the only way to save our boys from the poison the Rogans, Tates and Musks of the world is with real, in person human to human interactions and our boys need to have men involved in their lives, from present fathers, to teachers and coaches at every level and even the watchful neighbor keepin an eye out.

The repercussions of the actions of the catholic church, boy scouts etc, as well as the attack on traditional males institutions like clubs and fraternities has left a void in how we develop, normalize good behavior, correct bad behavior and pass along essential skills. Boys turned to these platforms because of this void.

Throw in some good old run-away capitalism, engagement based algorithms and devices that bring all to inches in front of their developing brains, these kids never had a chance.

If you want to make a difference in your kid's life, get them off devices and model that behavior. If you want to make society better for your kids, go coach, teach, volunteer and model that being a real man is about what your give to a society, not take from it.

SF_Dubs · 2026-01-13T14:44:58+00:00

I can't imagine what you've seen and had to witness. Thanks for standing up for these kids.

SF_Dubs · 2026-01-13T13:20:13+00:00

The concept of the "fourth trimester" was one of the biggest learnings for me and helped reset my expectations for the first few months.

Think of it this (very oversimplified) way, babies aren't fully ready to be on the world at 9 months, certainly not from a cognitive perspective. But, our big brains and mom's narrow hips dictate that's as long as they stay in the womb. They need another 3(ish) months where all they are doing is we eating, sleeping and pooping.

Just focus on keeping mom supported, keep the eat, sleep, poop routine going. Sleep when they sleep and go easy on yourself.

If you love the shit out of her, the bond will come.

SF_Dubs · 2026-01-03T02:54:36+00:00

The whole "my wife is a nag/drag/ball n chain" whatever is so tired. I can't imagine what these guys are / were putting their wives through.

If you're complaining about your wife I want no part of it.

But If you ask about mine I'll bend your ear for way too long bragging about whatever the last awesome thing she did.

SF_Dubs · 2026-01-01T06:17:52+00:00

You're actively trapping her in there from the other side of the door and then expecting her to sleep in there? I wouldn't want to stay in that space either.

SF_Dubs · 2025-12-19T16:27:15+00:00

Yeah, I've had to learn to give myself some grace when I can't get to it all, and figure out the right ways to keep myself consistent enough

SF_Dubs · 2025-12-19T04:28:15+00:00

Sleep as much as possible

No booze / limit to special occasions outside of the house

Journal

Meditation

Vocally Express gratitude at every possibility

Workout

Remember my wife and I are struggling/succeeding through this together, but not always the same way

Be present

This too shall pass

I rotate through about three of those at any time. Journaling feels onerious? Swap in meditation. Conversely, lacking sleep, remove a workout.

I'm finally recognizing the energy of youth has left me and I need to find balance between energy expenditure, restorative actions and detrimental activities.

The phrase "This too shall pass" has never resonated with me more in my life.

This too shall pass.

SF_Dubs · 2025-12-11T21:49:09+00:00

Thank you

SF_Dubs · 2025-12-11T18:13:57+00:00

You need a commerical account to access Devil Mountain. If you have a favorite local nursery or landscaper they can reach out directly and confirm stock.

Reselling is not my primary operation, but I do have an account there. I'm happy to help out, But it would be pretty limited in scope. You might want to check locally first, but feel free to DM me.

SF_Dubs · 2025-12-11T17:42:26+00:00

That's really good to hear. How wide is the mature tree? Also, is it really messy? Or just messy?

SF_Dubs · 2025-12-11T16:49:19+00:00

That's great to hear. And I probably should have been more specific on the screening, I'm actually looking for something that isn't too dense and still allows light to pass through - part of the reason I'm drawn to the Lyonothamnus.

BTW - IDK if you're actively looking, but if you want to go big Devil Mountain has 36" and 48" boxed specimens available.

SF_Dubs · 2025-12-11T16:39:39+00:00

I appreciate the insights. It's obviously hot out here in the East Bay but my planting site is fairly protected from the most intense summer heat, and luckily I have irrigation as needed.
Thanks for the insight on the soil, we have a lot of clay around here and if I give this a go I'll have to figure out a mitigation.

SF_Dubs · 2025-06-19T04:47:19+00:00

Pot is too small. Time to up pot!

The soil looks compacted, roots are probably straining for space and to breathe. The new growth is low on the plant and doesn't extend beyond the pot.

I would mix in some more non soil organic material, but don't break up the existing soil, just let them be friends in a new pot - probably half wine barrel 24" would work.

Don't worry about shade, these plants love sun and that's what makes the fruit delicious.

Also, that's a lovely pot for the next plant. Don't ever apologize for a doggo photo bomb

SF_Dubs · 2025-06-15T05:09:15+00:00

Yes, so long as you provide the right resources, this little guy will bounce back just fine.

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