Fresh mushrooms in our garden?

The shiitake log I ordered on a lark from Edible Landscapes arrived today. Until I'd browsed their website, I didn't know that it was possible to grow your own mushrooms. Well, we are about to give it a try. The log is about three feet long and came rattling around in a carboard box not much larger. The instructions advise putting it outside in a place where it will get plenty of rain and can be checked easily. We decided on the edge of the pad, under the rhododendron where it won't be underfoot, but we can see it easily whenever we're in the backyard. The rhody might shelter it from the rain, so we may have to water it occasionally.

My web research indicates the log may produce up to ten years, giving two or more bountiful fruitings each year. If we only get a handful each year we'll be happy for the $30 we paid for the log.