Russell Homes: Plan Spring Plant Spacing, Avoid Costly Moves
Quick Guide to Smart Plant Spacing:
- Why Space Plants? Prevents disease, reduces pest issues, ensures access to sun/water/nutrients, and promotes strong root growth for winter survival.
- Key Info: Always check the plant's mature width/spread, not just height.
- Planning Tip: Use stakes or pots to visualize the plant's full grown size before planting.
- Common Mistake: Planting too close for an "instant full" look leads to costly moves and unhealthy plants later.
- Benefit: Proper spacing leads to healthier, lower-maintenance, and more beautiful gardens long-term.
Need professional help planning your garden layout? Request a free quote today!
Introduction: Spring Planting Fever in Russell? Don't Crowd Your Garden!
Hey Russell and Embrun neighbours! Can you feel it? That glorious spring planting fever is definitely in the air around the Ottawa Valley! The snow is (finally!) retreating, and visions of colourful flower beds and lush shrubs are dancing in our heads. It's so tempting to rush to the garden centre and bring home everything beautiful, right? We totally get the urge to create that instant, full landscape look for your property.
But let's tap the brakes for just a moment before you start digging. Cramming those lovely new perennials and annuals cheek-to-leaf might seem like a fast track to garden glory, but it often turns into a surprisingly costly move down the road. Why? Because plants, like people, need their personal space!
Imagine your carefully chosen additions wrestling for sunlight, water, and soil nutrients. Overcrowding leads to stressed, weaker plants that are more likely to get sick or become lunch for pests. Eventually, you might find yourself doing the dreaded garden shuffle – digging up struggling plants and moving them, assuming they even survived the botanical battle royale. That’s double the work, potential plant loss, and definitely not the relaxing gardening experience we dream of during those long Ottawa winters. This kind of extensive correction might even require a full property clean up to fix.
So, let's talk about smart plant spacing from the get-go. Giving your green friends the elbow room they need is the secret to a healthier, happier, and ultimately more beautiful Russell garden that truly thrives.
Why Spacing Isn't Just 'Elbow Room' for Plants (Especially in the Ottawa Valley)
Okay, let's dig into why giving your plants some breathing room is way more important than just making your garden beds look tidy, especially with the unique quirks of gardening here in the Ottawa Valley. Think of it less like elbow room and more like giving each plant its own VIP pass to the resources it needs to thrive.
So, why the fuss about space?
- Air Flow is Your Friend (Especially in Humid Ottawa Summers!): Remember those sticky summer days we get around here, maybe strolling along the river in Manotick? Plants feel it too! When perennials and shrubs are jammed together, air can't circulate freely. Damp leaves become a cozy invitation for fungal diseases like powdery mildew – not exactly the garden feature you were hoping for. Good spacing lets the breeze blow through, drying leaves faster and keeping diseases at bay. This is a cornerstone of any effective Russell Homes' Summer Plant Health Plan.
- Sharing is Caring, But Plants Need Their Own Sunshine: Plants are solar-powered! If they're overcrowded, bigger plants hog all the sunlight, shading out their smaller neighbours. This leads to weak, spindly growth as plants stretch desperately for light. In our relatively short Ottawa growing season, maximizing sun exposure for all your plants is key to getting those vibrant blooms and lush foliage.
- Below Ground Battles (The Root of the Problem): Out of sight, out of mind? Not for plant roots! Underneath the soil, crowded plants are locked in fierce competition for water and nutrients. Imagine trying to drink from a straw with five other people! Some plants inevitably lose out, becoming stressed and weak. This is especially true if you're dealing with heavier clay soil, sometimes found in areas like Nepean, which can make it harder for roots to spread even without competition. Giving roots room to roam helps plants establish properly and benefits from good Soil Preparation.
- Winter is Coming (Strong Roots Needed!): This is a big one for us in Zone 5a/4b. Plants with strong, well-developed root systems are much better equipped to handle our freezing winters and annoying freeze-thaw cycles. Crowded, competing roots are often weaker, making plants more vulnerable to winter damage or death. Proper spacing is a crucial first step in winter preparation, making tasks outlined in guides like the Russell Fall Garden Maintenance Prep much more effective.
- Pest Prevention & Easier Upkeep: Dense foliage is the perfect hiding spot for unwanted critters like aphids or spider mites. Spaced-out plants make it harder for pests to spread and easier for you to spot and deal with any invaders early. Plus, tasks like weeding, fertilizing, and even deadheading are much simpler when you don't have to wrestle through a jungle. Having the right equipment helps too; keeping tools in good shape is vital, as discussed in Russell Summer Tool Maintenance for Yard Work. Healthy soil contributes significantly too, a principle important whether you're focused on Secrets to Perfect Russell Lawn Care: Your Ultimate Guide or thriving garden beds which benefit from ongoing garden maintenance.
Ultimately, respecting plant spacing means healthier, more resilient plants, fewer problems down the road, and a more beautiful landscape for your Russell or surrounding area home (like Metcalfe or Marionville). It might look a bit sparse initially, but patience pays off! Need a hand getting that spacing just right or managing existing beds? Check out Our Landscaping and Gardening Services – we offer everything from Russell Yard Cleanup Service to detailed garden care, and we're happy to help! Find reviews of our work on our Google My Business page.
Know Your Green Roommates: Understanding Mature Plant Size
Okay, imagine bringing home an adorable Great Dane puppy. Super cute, fits perfectly on your lap... for about a week. Plants are kinda similar! That tiny seedling or small shrub in the nursery pot has big dreams and even bigger growth potential. Ignoring a plant's mature size is like forgetting that puppy will eventually need its own sofa (or maybe the whole living room). Planting too close now means a tangled, overgrown jungle later, leading to stressed plants and potentially needing a major Ottawa Property Cleanup Service intervention down the line. Those initial savings on fewer plants disappear fast when you factor in replacement costs or major pruning battles.
So, how do you predict the future size of your green roommates? Thankfully, most plants come with a crystal ball – well, almost! Your first stop should always be the plant tag. It usually lists the estimated mature height and, crucially, the mature width or spread. Don't just glance at the height; that width is the golden ticket for proper spacing in your garden beds. No tag, or maybe it blew away in that famous Ottawa wind? Your next best friend is the internet. Search the plant's full botanical name (that fancy Latin one!) for reliable information from university extensions (like the University of Guelph Plant Agriculture site), reputable nurseries, or botanical gardens. Knowing the eventual size is a vital part of smart Material Selection for your landscape project, ensuring you pick plants that fit the space you actually have.
Different plants have different personal space bubbles, kind of like people on public transit. Here's a quick rundown:
- Trees: Think BIG picture. Consider their full canopy spread and their root zone, which can often extend even wider. Planting a mighty Oak or Maple too close to your Greely home, driveway, or septic field is asking for expensive trouble years from now. Give them lots of room – we're talking meters, not just centimeters! For local tree advice, check the City of Ottawa's tree planting resources.
- Shrubs: These are the middle children of the gardening world – their sizes vary wildly. A compact shrub like a 'Little Devil' Ninebark might only spread 3-4 feet wide, perfect for tighter spots or foundation plantings. But a classic Lilac or a spreading Serviceberry needs significantly more elbow room to look its best and stay healthy. Always, always check that tag or research the specific variety! Proper placement avoids issues needing services like our City Property Cleanup Service.
- Perennials: These reliable garden troopers return year after year, and many spread outwards to form clumps. Popular choices like Hostas, Daylilies, Peonies, or Coneflowers need spacing based on their mature clump size listed on the tag. Planting them like sardines means you'll be dividing them constantly, adding extra work that might otherwise be minimal during a routine Russell Yard Cleanup Service. Give them room to reach their full, glorious potential through careful garden installation.
- Annuals: These guys live fast and bloom hard, usually lasting just one season. You generally can plant them a bit closer together than perennials to achieve that instant full look in flower beds or containers. However, still avoid literal leaf-to-leaf contact to ensure good air circulation and prevent disease.
Before you even think about digging that hole, grab a tape measure! Use garden stakes, flags, or even empty pots placed on the ground to mark out the mature spread of each plant you intend to put in. Step back and look. Yes, it might look a bit sparse and empty initially, especially in brand new garden beds, but trust the process! This simple visualization step prevents future headaches, saves you the cost and hassle of relocating stressed plants, and avoids the need for a drastic City Garden Clean Up Service just to untangle the mess later.
Getting the plant spacing right from the start truly sets your Ottawa garden up for long-term success. It means healthier, more robust plants, less corrective pruning and maintenance, and a landscape that looks balanced and beautiful for years to come. If mapping out mature sizes and planning the perfect layout feels a bit daunting, or you just want a hand getting everything perfectly placed, remember that expert help is available. Check out Our Landscaping and Gardening Services for assistance with everything from design consultation to the final planting.
The 'Right Plant, Right Place' Rule for Thriving Russell Gardens
You've probably heard the gardener's golden rule: "Right Plant, Right Place." It sounds simple, right? Put a sun-lover in the sun, a shade-dweller in the shade. But it's much more than just matching sunlight needs, and plant spacing is a superstar player in this game! Think of proper spacing as giving your chosen plant the best possible chance to thrive exactly where you put it, preventing future garden drama. It’s like setting up your plant roommate for success from day one.
So, how does spacing fit into "Right Plant, Right Place"?
- Resource Allocation: We talked about plants competing underground. Proper spacing ensures that the plant you intended for that specific spot actually gets the sunlight, water, and soil nutrients available in that spot. If a sun-loving perennial is quickly overshadowed by a faster-growing neighbour you planted too close, it's suddenly in the wrong place, even if the initial location had full sun! Good spacing lets each plant access the resources unique to its designated microclimate within your garden bed.
- Maintenance Access is Key: Part of keeping a plant happy in its "right place" is being able to easily care for it. Can you reach behind that big shrub to weed? Can you easily water the base of your prized rose without getting tangled in its neighbours? Good spacing means you can actually perform the maintenance needed to keep that plant healthy in its chosen location. No one wants to wrestle a botanical beast just to pull a few weeds or check for pests – it turns gardening into a chore! If things get out of hand due to past planting choices, remember a thorough City Garden Clean Up Service or even our Marionville Garden Clean Up Service can help reset the stage.
- Playing Nice with Structures and Paths: "Right Place" also means not planting something that will eventually heave your walkway or clog your gutters. Around Ottawa, and particularly in areas like Metcalfe known for certain soil types, we need to consider frost heave and root spread near foundations and hardscaping. Give trees and large shrubs ample berth – think several meters, not just feet – from foundations, septic systems, and driveways. Also, consider snow removal! Planting too close to the edge of a driveway or path means your plants could be damaged by plows, shovels, or salt spray. Planning ahead prevents costly repairs and plant replacements, issues that sometimes necessitate a call for a Metcalf Yard Cleanup Service or even a more extensive Metcalf Property Cleanup Service to deal with damaged plants or overgrown areas.
- Eco-Friendly Hydrozoning: Here’s a smart tip! Proper spacing makes it easier to group plants with similar watering needs together (called hydrozoning). You can create zones for thirsty plants and zones for more drought-tolerant ones. This is much harder to do effectively when roots are all tangled together. Good spacing facilitates smarter watering, saving water and promoting healthier plants – a win-win! Consider local resources like the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority for water-wise gardening tips.
Getting the spacing right is fundamental to the "Right Plant, Right Place" philosophy. It ensures your plants not only survive but truly flourish, contributing to stunning garden Transformations that last. It respects the plant's future self and saves you headaches down the road. If you're planning a new garden bed or rethinking an existing one, considering mature size and spacing is step one. Need a hand planning or planting? The team here at Clean Yards brings years of experience – you can learn more About Us and our approach. We’d be delighted to help you create your dream Russell garden; reach out, and we'll be happy to say Thank You for considering us!
Core Spacing Principles
Remember these key ideas when planning your garden layout:
- Mature Width is Key: Base spacing on how wide the plant will get, not how wide it is now.
- Air Circulation: Leave space between plants for air to move, reducing fungal diseases.
- Root Competition: Give roots room to grow without battling neighbours for water and nutrients.
- Sunlight Access: Ensure smaller plants won't be completely shaded out by larger ones planted too close.
- Maintenance Room: Allow space for you to easily weed, water, and care for your plants.
Consider services like Mulching and Edging to help define spaces and keep beds tidy.
Common Spacing Examples (Approximate)
| Plant Type | Typical Mature Width | Recommended Spacing (Center to Center) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large Perennials (e.g., Peony, large Hosta) | 3-4 ft (1-1.2m) | 3-4 ft (1-1.2m) | Allow full clump development. |
| Medium Perennials (e.g., Coneflower, Daylily) | 1.5-2.5 ft (45-75cm) | 2-3 ft (60-90cm) | Gives room to fill out. |
| Small Shrubs (e.g., Dwarf Spirea) | 2-4 ft (0.6-1.2m) | 3-5 ft (1-1.5m) | Allow for slight overlap at maturity if desired, or space fully apart. |
| Medium Shrubs (e.g., Hydrangea, Ninebark) | 4-8 ft (1.2-2.4m) | 5-10 ft (1.5-3m) | Crucial to check specific variety tag! |
| Annuals (e.g., Petunia, Marigold) | 6-12 inches (15-30cm) | 8-14 inches (20-35cm) | Can be planted closer for faster fill, but ensure air flow. |
Note: Always prioritize the specific plant tag information over general guidelines. Need help selecting the right plants? Check our Material Selection advice.
Why Patience Pays Off
Resisting the urge to overcrowd yields significant long-term benefits:
- Reduced Maintenance: Less need for frequent dividing, pruning for size control, or relocating stressed plants.
- Healthier Plants: Lower risk of disease and pest infestations due to better air flow and less stress.
- Cost Savings: Avoids the expense of replacing plants that fail due to competition or needing major intervention like a Marionville Property Cleanup Service.
- Enhanced Beauty: Plants allowed to reach their natural form and size create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing landscape.
- Increased Resilience: Stronger root systems help plants withstand Ottawa's challenging weather conditions.
Investing time in planning now leads to years of enjoyment, complementing services like ongoing Lawn Care for a complete look.
Your Spring Blueprint: A Step-by-Step Guide to Spacing Success
Okay, let's map out your path to plant spacing glory! Creating a beautiful, thriving garden in Ottawa, whether you're in Richmond, Winchester, or right downtown, isn't about cramming plants together like commuters on the O-Train. It’s about smart planning. Think of this as your spring gardening blueprint – a simple guide to give your plants the room they need to flourish.
Here’s your step-by-step plan for spacing success:
- Become a Plant Paparazzo (Research Mode!): Before you dig a single hole, grab your list of desired shrubs, perennials, and annuals. Now, do a little homework on each one. The most crucial piece of info? Their mature width or spread. Check the plant tag or do a quick online search. Knowing how wide they’ll get eventually is key – don't just look at the height! Write these widths down next to each plant name on your list.
- Sketch Your Space (No Art Degree Needed!): Get a piece of paper and roughly draw the shape of your garden bed or landscaping area. Now, using your list of mature widths, start drawing circles representing each plant at its full size. You don't need perfect scale, but get the relative sizes right. Think of it as designing the seating chart for your plant party – no one wants to be squished!
- Map it Out for Real (Stakes and Visualization): Take your sketch outside. Using garden stakes, flags, bamboo sticks, or even the empty nursery pots placed upside down, mark out where each plant will go based on the center of your drawn circles. Now, physically place markers representing the edge of that mature width (e.g., if a shrub gets 4 feet wide, place stakes 2 feet out from the centre marker in all directions). This really helps you see the actual footprint each plant will eventually occupy. If your existing flower beds are a bit chaotic, clearing the space first can make visualization easier; sometimes an Ottawa Garden Clean Up Service is the perfect way to get a fresh start.
- Embrace the Awkward Teenage Phase (Resist Overfilling!): Step back and look at your markers. Yes, it probably looks sparse! This is the moment of truth. Your brain might scream, "Fill the gaps! More plants!" Ignore that voice. This initial emptiness is good. It means your plants have room to grow into healthy adults, not cramped competitors. Trust the process – patience now prevents playing plant referee later. Remember, a well-planned garden adds value and beauty, avoiding the need for major interventions like a Metcalf Property Cleanup Service to fix overcrowding issues down the road.
- Plan for Pathways and People: Walk around your staked-out area. Can you easily move between the markers? Imagine needing to weed, water, or deadhead. Can you reach everything without trampling other plants or needing advanced yoga poses? Ensure you leave comfortable access paths. This thoughtful landscaping approach integrates well with keeping the rest of your property tidy, perhaps complementing a regular Ottawa Yard Cleanup Service.
- Dig In (Finally!): Once you're happy with the layout and spacing, then you start digging your holes, centered on your main markers.
Following these steps turns potential plant spacing guesswork into a clear plan. It might seem like extra effort upfront, but it saves you work, money, and plant heartache in the long run. Need a bit of help turning your blueprint into reality? Don't hesitate to reach out! We're always happy to assist our Ottawa neighbours, and we'll be sure to say Thank You for Contacting Clean Yards for considering our help. And rest assured, your details are always handled carefully, as per our Clean Yards Privacy Policy. Happy planting!
Visualizing Growth Space Needs
Thinking visually helps! This chart shows hypothetical space requirements (as a percentage of total garden bed area) for different plant types at maturity. Notice how much space larger shrubs and trees eventually occupy compared to annuals.
Chart data is illustrative. Always refer to specific plant information.
Pro Spacing Secrets for Ottawa Gardens
Hey Ottawa gardeners! Want thriving plants instead of a tangled mess? Proper spacing is your secret weapon. Give your green buddies the elbow room they deserve and avoid future garden battles (or needing a drastic fix like a full Metcalf Property Cleanup Service!). Here are some quick tips:
- Width is Winner: Always check the mature width on plant tags, not just the height! Understanding the plant's full potential is key – think of it like knowing the details in our service Terms and Conditions.
- Map It Out: Use stakes or pots to visualize the full grown size before you even dig. A little sparse now beats needing a major Marionville Garden Clean Up Service to untangle things later!
- Let 'Em Breathe: Good air circulation is vital, especially during our humid summers. Space prevents diseases!
- Easy Access = Happy Gardener: Leave room to weed, water, and fertilize without gymnastics. Makes ongoing upkeep, like the tasks in a regular City Garden Maintenance Service, so much easier.
- Define the Zone: Use techniques like thoughtful Mulching and Edging to help maintain those crucial spaces between plants and keep things looking sharp.
Timeline of Garden Spacing Impact
Visualizing the long-term effects of spacing decisions:
Year 1: Planting Day
Garden beds look sparse with small plants placed far apart according to mature size guidelines. Temptation to overfill is high!
Year 2-3: Filling In
Perennials and shrubs start to establish and spread. Gaps begin to close, but individual plant forms are still distinct. Less weeding needed.
Year 5+: Mature Garden
Plants reach near-mature size. With proper spacing, they form a lush, full display without severe overcrowding. Healthy, vibrant, and easier to maintain. Minimal need for relocation or major cleanup like a City Yard Cleanup Service.
Alternative (Poor Spacing) Year 5+
Plants are densely packed, competing heavily. Some are weak/dying, disease is present. Requires difficult pruning, division, or costly plant removal and potential Marionville Yard Cleanup Service intervention.
FAQs: Your Ottawa & Russell Plant Spacing Questions Answered
Got questions about giving your plants the right amount of personal space in your Ottawa or Russell garden? You're not alone! Getting plant spacing right can feel like a bit of a puzzle. Here are answers to some common queries we hear from local gardeners:
Great question! For perennials, always check the tag for mature width and space them based on that – often 1 to 3 feet apart, sometimes more! They need room to grow over the years. Annuals are like short-term guests, so you can plant them closer, maybe 6-12 inches apart, for that instant colour pop. Just avoid actual leaf-to-leaf contact for air flow. Proper spacing makes things easier for ongoing care like a City Garden Maintenance Service.
Uh oh! Think botanical cage match! Overcrowded shrubs fight for sunlight, water, and nutrients. This leads to weak growth, fewer flowers, and makes them prime targets for pests or diseases. Plus, they'll look like a tangled mess! Eventually, you might face struggling plants or need a major relocation project, sometimes requiring a thorough Ottawa Property Cleanup Service to sort it out. Give 'em space!
You bet! Good air circulation from proper plant spacing is crucial during our humid Ottawa summers to help prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew. Come winter, plants with strong, established root systems (not crowded ones!) handle the freezing and thawing cycles much better. Giving plants their space helps build resilience all year, contributing to a healthier yard overall, which perfectly complements good Ottawa Lawn Care. Local advice from resources like the Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton often emphasizes this.
Smart thinking, especially for homeowners in Greely! Keep shrubs at least 2-3 feet away from foundations and walkways – always double-check their mature width on the tag. For trees, think much bigger, often 15-20 feet or more depending on the species. Planting too close invites moisture issues near your foundation, potential root damage to structures, and gives pests an easy highway! Avoid future headaches and corrective work like needing a Metcalf Garden Clean Up Service.
It sure can play a role! In heavy clay soil, like some areas near Vernon, roots might have a tougher time spreading, making competition worse if plants are too close. In very sandy soil near Kars, water drains quickly, so overcrowded plants might stress each other out faster competing for moisture. Regardless of your soil, proper Soil Preparation combined with correct spacing gives roots the best shot at establishing happily.
Yes, absolutely! That's a fantastic strategy used by many savvy gardeners. You can fill those initial gaps in your garden beds with colourful annuals or even fast-growing, non-aggressive groundcovers. They provide that lush look and help keep weeds down while your shrubs and perennials mature. Just remember to remove the fillers once your permanent plants start needing their full elbow room.
Conclusion: Plant Smart This Spring in Russell, Enjoy for Years to Come
Alright, fellow Russell gardeners, let's wrap this up! We know that spring fever hits hard, making us want to create an instant jungle in our yards. But as we've explored, giving your perennials, shrubs, and even annuals the right plant spacing from the start is the secret sauce to a truly thriving and beautiful landscape. It might feel a bit like you're planting postage stamps in a field initially, especially in newer developments around Winchester or Kenmore, but resist the urge to overcrowd!
Think of it this way: proper spacing is your garden's long-term health plan. It means:
- Healthier, happier plants with room to reach their glorious mature size.
- Less competition for vital sunlight, water, and nutrients.
- Better air circulation, reducing the risk of pesky diseases.
- Easier gardening for you – weeding, watering, and enjoying your flower beds without a wrestling match!
Getting the basics right, like thoughtful Soil Preparation and smart spacing, sets the stage for success. Planning ahead saves you from future headaches and the potential need for a major rescue down the line, like a full City Yard Cleanup Service to untangle a garden jungle years later. Imagine beautifully spaced flower beds complementing a healthy, vibrant lawn perhaps achieved through expert Sod Installation – that’s the complete, stunning picture!
So, plant smart this spring, Ottawa Valley! Give your green friends the elbow room they deserve. A little patience now means years of beauty, enjoyment, and a healthier garden that truly enhances your home. If you're considering getting some professional help to bring your landscaping vision to life, understanding the quoting process is helpful; knowing how to provide clear Estimate Feedback ensures everyone is on the same page for a smooth project. Happy planting!
Ready to Create Your Dream Landscape (Without the Guesswork)?
So, you've navigated the world of plant spacing, wrestled with the concept of mature size, and hopefully resisted the urge to pack your garden beds tighter than a rush-hour bus in downtown Ottawa. Phew! It’s a lot to think about when all you really want is a beautiful yard to enjoy, maybe with a cold drink in hand on a warm Russell evening.
That vision of your dream landscape – lush shrubs, colourful perennials that come back year after year, maybe even some delightful annuals for seasonal pop – is totally achievable! But getting there without the head-scratching, the tape-measure tango, and the worry of "Did I plant that too close?" can feel like the real challenge. You want the stunning results without becoming an accidental botanist overnight (unless that's your thing, then rock on!).
Proper planning, especially getting the plant spacing right for our unique Ottawa climate and soil (looking at you, neighbours in Greely and Barrhaven!), is the secret ingredient. It ensures your plants don't just survive, they thrive, saving you time, money, and frustration down the road.
Imagine skipping the guesswork and fast-forwarding to the part where you're simply admiring your gorgeous, healthy garden. That's where we come in!
- Ready for a Blueprint to Beauty? Let our experienced team take the uncertainty out of landscape design. We create personalized plans considering sunlight, soil, mature sizes, and your style. Learn more about our custom Landscape Design services via our main services page or contact us for details.
- Got the Vision, Need the Muscle? Our professional planting services are the answer! We source high-quality plants and install them correctly with proper spacing. Get a free quote via our contact page.
- Just Want to Chat Plants? Have questions about your specific yard in Russell or anywhere else in the Ottawa region? Need advice? Give us a call! We're happy to discuss your gardening goals. Contact us today for a friendly consultation.
Let's turn that dream yard into your reality – the easy way!
