How is Your Garden Growing?

Maintain Your Garden in 3 Easy Steps

Watering:

Never let your plants drown or drought. Slightly moist soil is your best bet. If the ground is saturated, the plants will rot at the roots. Not enough water will cause desiccation. In the heat of summer, especially, keep an eye on the plants. The curling and drooping of branches and leaves is an urgent indicator: Water!

Watering in the morning or in the evening ensures that the most amount of moisture is reaching the plant and not just evaporating.

Weeding:

For better or worse, you need to manually pull out most weeds. Wear waterproof gloves and consider a comfortable sitting pad for extensive weeding. The trick to pulling weeds is to get the root out as well. Weeds will slide out of the soil easier when the soil is wet—and when the weeds are young. Pull the weed from its base (close to the soil line); if you miss the root, try using a fork to gently pry the plant out of the ground, roots and all.

If your weeds regrow, then you have a persistent root that you need to dig out. Use a spade or digging fork to dig up persistent weeds by the roots. Remove as many root pieces as you can. While weeding, hold the trowel vertically (like a child holding a crayon) to eliminate strain on your wrist.

Pruning:

By pinching and pruning, plants can focus their energy on making food instead of foliage. Pinching off extra flowers will help, too: Fewer flowers (along with fewer leaves) means more plant attention on developing bigger, better veggies, bringing forth that quality harvest you’ve been dreaming of.

In addition to increasing fruit size and quantity, pinching and pruning can help train plants to grow where you need them to, like up trellises, stakes, and other supports, keeping your garden looking well-maintained. This can also help keep your plants healthy, as removing excess foliage encourages good airflow through the plant, as well as makes it easier to spot pests or diseases before they become a serious problem.

Front Entrance Renovation

This project took on a space that was needing some attention. The client already had the wall in place, the original plantings had just been lost over time. They wanted to elevate the front entrances to be warm and inviting for all who came to visit or pass by.

We are always trying to create new ways to add value to our clients. Something we have added to our project process is providing better notes, better concepts, and better communication so we can ensure that our clients are happy with the ideas and understand what they are signing up for. It enables us to work out the issues ahead of time as well as to effectively communicate with our crews.

PROJECT: Nokesville New Installation

Landscape Design Concept to Real Life Beautiful

I think one of the best parts about what we do is taking something from ugly to beautiful--from barren and unimaginative to delightful. Unlike some home projects where you can measure and paint and have a pretty good idea of the outcome, landscape design is always a little bit of a mystery. While the design is the beginning of how everything works together, only time will tell whether or not the harmony persists.

This project in Nokesville was done in the spring, following the installation of an in-ground pool. The construction process generally leaves everything around it in need of attention. We essentially started from square one.

The design above laid out the plants. We combined the client's preferences for color and utility to come up with the concepts.

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL DESIGN INTERVIEW

Meet on-site well before you want the work done. It takes times to develop a concept and this first step is important in knowing where you are heading.
Take the time to research what you prefer and what you definitely despise. Last thing you want to do is have the design ruined by a key feature that you hate.
Do not say, "You are the professional. I defer to you." In the whole scheme of things, that's exactly why you hire us. In the beginning, though, take ownership of the project by communicating your preferences, your ideas and your long term goals for the space you will be addressing.
Communicate your long term plan and how you intend to use the space. If you are designing for near-future re-sale, that will elicit a different type of design than one done for longer term pleasure.
Supply your designer with any pertinent information regarding the condition of the area. For example, deer, rabbits, shade, dogs, sporting kids, etc. a good designer will ask you those questions, but it is good to be prepared.

Interested in developing a long term plan for your property?

Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

Summer Reset!

Summer is a great time to hit the RESET button on life.

Your landscaping benefits from a review also. While you are spending time outside, take note of how you are using the property.

+ Are you "outdoorsy" people who love to spend time outside all summer?

+ Do you entertain frequently outside?

+ Are there some neighboring properties that are affecting your privacy?

+ What value can you add to the future sale of your home?

Here is a Summer Check List for your property: Summer Landscaping Check List.

Questions on how to make your property work for your life? Contact us today for a design consultation. We love making your property a place you love to live in.

Lining Your Driveway with Trees

Planting trees along your driveway can be a long-term investment. An allee, or tree alley, is usually a planting of medium to large deciduous trees evenly spaced along a walk or drive.

There are a few things to consider before planning for your driveway allee.

Distance. Do you have enough space for 5 or more trees? Plan to space your trees evenly apart and with enough room to grow without crowding the other trees. For example, if a tree is destined to be around 20′ wide, plan to plant the trees 20′ apart.
Height. When using medium sized trees (like pears, cherries, crape myrtle, e.g.) it is usually not necessary to consider the overhead utilities. However, larger shade trees (like maples and oaks, e.g) may interfere with any utility lines in the air.
Future impact. A tree planted too close to a driveway or walk can do significant and irreparable damage. When planning, consider what you plan to do in the future (are you thinking of a garage or a parking space in the future? Will you widen the existing drive?).
Also stay away from trees that tend to be trashy. Some trees are more prone to dropping branches, producing copious amounts of pollen and unbearably pointy seedpods.

Taking the time to choose solid performers for your allee, you will create an elegant and long-term investment for your property.

Want the peace of mind of knowing that you made the best choice for your property and the conditions? Contact us for a consultation today!

Landscape Designs for “Your” Dream Yard

Awhile back, I had an enlightening experience with a local spa and wellness center that reminded me again of the importance of being clear in your wishes. A friend had given me a wonderful gift to pamper myself with relaxation and renewal. I called to set up the appointment, excited at the prospect of a fresh look. Do I dye? Highlight? Lowlight? Perm? So many choices, so unprepared to make decisions. I made the mistake of saying the forbidden phrase: "Oh, I don't know. You're the professional! I'd like you to recommend what to do."

Of course, I got exactly what I asked for--everything. I walked in for the hair appointment to find that the plan had changed to include a facial, a massage and makeup. Apparently, I really needed "the Works."Everything was wonderful, relaxing and unforgettable. However, had I given it some more thought and clarified my objectives, I could have gone back several times to enjoy the experience instead of in one swift (and overwhelming) occasion.

I use my folly to illustrate that it is imperative to know what you want from your landscaper, your designer, and your overall project. Things you don't want to deal with like

Budget
Maintenance demands
Final Outcome

Taking the time to know what you are looking for and expecting takes the disappointment out of the equation. A great project tends to feel overdone if you have exceeded what you thought was reasonable to spend. A project not taken up to the level of perfection that you expect, even though it stays under budget, will also leave you feeling less than satisfied. Either way, you can avoid these common pitfalls by taking a few minutes to discern your true intent and scope: is it a specific hairstyle or is it an open-ended 8 hour day at the spa? Save yourself the disappointment (and expense).

Don't expect the "professional" to make you happy . . . only you know what you really want or expect.

Category: Design