Getting Rid of Grass

I took the first step towards my goal of removing all -- or at least most -- of the grass from my backyard and replacing it with flower beds and hardscape. Behold, the bird and butterfly garden:







So, I''ve still got a lot to do. But I''m pretty happy with what I managed to get done this year. I''ve got about 2/3 of the planned flowers planted. I''m working on getting the drip irrigation system in. Also need to level the pavers. And get a birdbath. Next year, I''ll finish up with the rest of the flowers and an arbor over the gate.

Problem with Microsoft Search

I ran across this while hacking together the PHP files for the blog. Apparently, the WindowsXP search does not actually search all files when using the "A word or phrase in the file" option. How very... useless.

Here is a workaround:

1. Open regedit and navigate to HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT.
2. Locate and expand the branch for the file type in question (for example: .txt, .adm or .asp).
3. If the PersistentHandler subkey does not exist, create it. Do this by clicking on the file extension key and going to Edit > New > Key. Name the key "PersistentHandler" (without the quotes). Click on the PersistentHandler key. In Regedit''s right pane, double click on the Default value and enter the following: "{5e941d80-bf96-11cd-b579-08002b30bfeb}" (without the quotes). WARNING: If the PersistentHandler sub-key does exist, do not change the default value.
4. Close Regedit and reboot the computer.

Source: Doug''s Windows Tweaks and Tips

Vegetable Gardening 2006

Due to the wonders of lead contamination, I got to completely re-do my garden this year. The new garden consists of two 4'' x 9'' raised beds, 15" deep. The walls are made out of "Veranda" brand composite decking. I started using the "Square Foot Gardening" method this year, so I''ve got a ton of stuff planted. It seems to be working out well, but I''ve already had to prune some stuff back, so we shall see what it looks like by the end of the season.

This year, I planted:

• Tomato ''Black Prince'
• Tomato ''Matt''s Wild Cherry''
• Tomato ''San Marzano''
• Pepper ''Lipstick''
• Pepper ''Tam Jalepeno'
• Pepper ''Carmen''
• Pepper ''Gourmet'' F1
• Pepper ''Yankee Bell''
• Cucumber ''Diva''
• Sweet Corn
• Zuccini
• Eggplant
• Okra
• Spinach
• Cantaloupe (Muskmelon)
• Watermelon
• Red Potatoes
• Carrots
• Onions
• Parsley ''Forest Green''
• Parsley ''Titan''
• Cilantro ''Santo''
• Basil ''Genovese Compact''
• Basil, Cinnamon
• Dill ''Superdukat''

Yes, those tomatoes are already over 5'' tall. In June.