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A good rule of thumb for planting flowers is Mother's Day Weekend. Usually there have been several nice days, the the ground is ready to accept new plants. Start by taking a look at the soil in the area to be planted. Does it need to be tilled, weed barrier added, is new mulch necessary, etc... Now is a great time to do this. Also, look at the areas to be planted. Try to get a visual of what the end result you are looking for. Make a plan for flowers. Pick an assortment that will add depth,as well a color throughout the growing season. Remember that some plants and flowers will only bloom once, while others will keep blooming as long at they are taken care of. Start watching the sales flyers. The big stores are already offering plants and flowers on sale or at a discount. Once the plan is complete, pick a nice weekend and enjoy. I know it is a lot of work up front, but the end is near and it is so beautiful.
Lawn Care ideas:
May is another wonderful time to over seed your lawn. With all of the snow gone, you are able to get a good look at the bare areas. Do not be afraid to throw down some grass seed. With the cool temperatures, your lawn will thank you for it.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Don't Fertilize Too Early
Save your money...don't fertilize on frozen ground
We have been seeing a lot of companies out fertilizing for the last couple of weeks. As a customer, please know that this is not beneficial to your lawn. Fertilizing on frozen ground does not allow the nutrients to absorb into the soil. Therefore, this first application that you pay for, is not beneficial. In addition, the frost and the rain is also allowing this fertilizer to wash away. Again, this is not allowing the fertilizer to be absorbed into the ground. There is no point in throwing away money, have your fertilizer company wait until the ground thaws out. This is the only way that you will benefit from the first application (early spring). This first application is to work as a "wake up" for your lawn. This is a very important application for the start of a greener lawn. As long as the ground is still frozen, these nutrients cannot be absorbed into the root system, and therefore is not able to work as intended. It is better to hold off until the ground thaws, and then apply the first application to get the full benefits.
We have been seeing a lot of companies out fertilizing for the last couple of weeks. As a customer, please know that this is not beneficial to your lawn. Fertilizing on frozen ground does not allow the nutrients to absorb into the soil. Therefore, this first application that you pay for, is not beneficial. In addition, the frost and the rain is also allowing this fertilizer to wash away. Again, this is not allowing the fertilizer to be absorbed into the ground. There is no point in throwing away money, have your fertilizer company wait until the ground thaws out. This is the only way that you will benefit from the first application (early spring). This first application is to work as a "wake up" for your lawn. This is a very important application for the start of a greener lawn. As long as the ground is still frozen, these nutrients cannot be absorbed into the root system, and therefore is not able to work as intended. It is better to hold off until the ground thaws, and then apply the first application to get the full benefits.
Monday, September 13, 2010
September Lawn Care Tips
Labor Day marks the day for increased lawn care activity to begin. The cooler temperatures, and the rain make this is great time to start a new lawn, or repair and old one.
Avoid late seeding(after September 20th). After this date, the grass may not have time to establish and might get killed during the winter.
Now is the time to correct compacted and thatch problems. Both interfere with root growth and result in thin or bare lawns. Removing the thatch allows water and fertilizer to reach the roots. The actively growing grass will quickly recover from the stress of dethatching.
Water new planting often enough to keep the soild surface damp. Reduce the watering frequency onece the grass seeds have sprouted.
Fall is the best time to control perenial weeds. Use a broadlef weedkiller to control biolets and other difficult weeds. Make the first application in Mid-September and then repeat in late October is weeds are still present.
Grubs are starting to move deeper into the soil for winter. Do not apply a grub treetment after September 15th.
Watch for leaf spot, mildew and rust. Fall fertilizations and proper maintenance are usually enough to control these.
This is the time to start thinking about fall clean-ups. The removal of leaves from flower beds and planters is important for good spring health. The leaves will be falling soon enough. Be prepared to compost, or remove these from planting areas.
Avoid late seeding(after September 20th). After this date, the grass may not have time to establish and might get killed during the winter.
Now is the time to correct compacted and thatch problems. Both interfere with root growth and result in thin or bare lawns. Removing the thatch allows water and fertilizer to reach the roots. The actively growing grass will quickly recover from the stress of dethatching.
Water new planting often enough to keep the soild surface damp. Reduce the watering frequency onece the grass seeds have sprouted.
Fall is the best time to control perenial weeds. Use a broadlef weedkiller to control biolets and other difficult weeds. Make the first application in Mid-September and then repeat in late October is weeds are still present.
Grubs are starting to move deeper into the soil for winter. Do not apply a grub treetment after September 15th.
Watch for leaf spot, mildew and rust. Fall fertilizations and proper maintenance are usually enough to control these.
This is the time to start thinking about fall clean-ups. The removal of leaves from flower beds and planters is important for good spring health. The leaves will be falling soon enough. Be prepared to compost, or remove these from planting areas.
Friday, August 27, 2010
August Lawn Care Tips
By mid to late August, the weather usually begins to turn cooler. This is the best time to repair, replace, or start a new lawn. Lawns with 50% or more weeds should be replaced. Those with compacted soils, some weeds, or bare spots would benefit from renovation and repair.
Begin seeding at this time. The soil is warm, so the seeds will germinate quickly. The temperature is cooler and perfect for growing grass.
This is also a good time to lay sod. The cooler the temperatures promote rooting and mean that you will need to water less frequently for the sod to take root. Be sure not to cut the newly sodded areas until a good root system is in place.
Bare areas can also be repaired. Remove the dead grass, turn soil. Mix new grass seed in a bucket with some top soil and sprinkle this mixture over the surface to be repaired. Be sure to water often enough to keep the soil surface moist.
Overseed thin lawns. Creating a denser turf will help reduce weeds, fight pests, and improve the overall appearance.
Begin seeding at this time. The soil is warm, so the seeds will germinate quickly. The temperature is cooler and perfect for growing grass.
This is also a good time to lay sod. The cooler the temperatures promote rooting and mean that you will need to water less frequently for the sod to take root. Be sure not to cut the newly sodded areas until a good root system is in place.
Bare areas can also be repaired. Remove the dead grass, turn soil. Mix new grass seed in a bucket with some top soil and sprinkle this mixture over the surface to be repaired. Be sure to water often enough to keep the soil surface moist.
Overseed thin lawns. Creating a denser turf will help reduce weeds, fight pests, and improve the overall appearance.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Sunday afternoon
Hard to believe that two months ago this was bare space. I hope eveyone else gets the same carpet of flowers.
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Sunday, July 11, 2010
What is wrong with my mulch?
Hello everyone. We have been receiving concerned calls from people wanting to know what is wrong with their mulch. They are finding a slimy substance growing in their mulched beds. Some people are removing their mulch for fear of it "infecting" their plants. Others,are not letting their kids out to play on the playground.
We would like to let you know that this is called slime mold, and it is completely harmless to your plants, children, and animals. There is no need for alarm.
This type of mold generally appears quickly when the humidity rises after rain. Mulch is a living organism. The slime mold appearing confirms that nature is taking its course, and allowing the mulch to break down as it is supposed to. It does appear quickly, sometime overnight. It has the appearance of orange slime.(Some pet owners believe that it looks like pet vomit.) We have read that the movie "The Blob" is loosely based on this particular type of mold.
There are a couple of ways to deal with this. If you would like, though not necessary, you can remove the spot of mulch. We recommend waiting until it dries, and then raking it back into the mulch. This is a natural process, and therefore nothing to be concerned about. This is just the wonder of nature in your own backyard.
We would like to let you know that this is called slime mold, and it is completely harmless to your plants, children, and animals. There is no need for alarm.
This type of mold generally appears quickly when the humidity rises after rain. Mulch is a living organism. The slime mold appearing confirms that nature is taking its course, and allowing the mulch to break down as it is supposed to. It does appear quickly, sometime overnight. It has the appearance of orange slime.(Some pet owners believe that it looks like pet vomit.) We have read that the movie "The Blob" is loosely based on this particular type of mold.
There are a couple of ways to deal with this. If you would like, though not necessary, you can remove the spot of mulch. We recommend waiting until it dries, and then raking it back into the mulch. This is a natural process, and therefore nothing to be concerned about. This is just the wonder of nature in your own backyard.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
10 Tips for A Beautiful Landscape...cont
6)Be Creative. your landscape isn't limited to grass and a few flower beds. Fountains, ponds, sculptures and other landscaping accessories can make an ordinary space become extraordinary. Try stepping-stone walkways, arbors, gates and other structural pieces to give your landscape direction and depth.
7) Irrigate. While you want an attractive landscape, you don't want to spend all your time watering it. talk to a professional about proper irrigation so that you won't have to worry about getting enough water to your plants.
8) Use lighting. Lighting not only improves your ability to see where you're walking, it also adds an elegant touch to any landscaping style and allows you and your guests to enjoy the outdoors no matter what time it might be.
9) See into the future. Your landscape is going to look different five years from now so take that into account when mapping your layout. Trees and bushes will have matured and you may find that what was once a sunny spot now actually has quite a bit of shade. When planting long-term, think about how the plants will affect your yard in the years to come.
10) Be original. Creating a landscape is like creating a work of art - each one is original. Or at least, it should be. There may be similar pieces from place to place, but each landscape should have its own unique qualities. When planning your landscape, forget what your neighbors are doing and find your own look. Try different themes - country or Mediterranean for example - and experiment with benches, steps and swings. Factor in your normal outdoor activities and you'll end up with an outdoors that suites you perfectly.
7) Irrigate. While you want an attractive landscape, you don't want to spend all your time watering it. talk to a professional about proper irrigation so that you won't have to worry about getting enough water to your plants.
8) Use lighting. Lighting not only improves your ability to see where you're walking, it also adds an elegant touch to any landscaping style and allows you and your guests to enjoy the outdoors no matter what time it might be.
9) See into the future. Your landscape is going to look different five years from now so take that into account when mapping your layout. Trees and bushes will have matured and you may find that what was once a sunny spot now actually has quite a bit of shade. When planting long-term, think about how the plants will affect your yard in the years to come.
10) Be original. Creating a landscape is like creating a work of art - each one is original. Or at least, it should be. There may be similar pieces from place to place, but each landscape should have its own unique qualities. When planning your landscape, forget what your neighbors are doing and find your own look. Try different themes - country or Mediterranean for example - and experiment with benches, steps and swings. Factor in your normal outdoor activities and you'll end up with an outdoors that suites you perfectly.
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