Month: August 2019

Professional Landscaping Drainage

Having in place the right residential drainage is essential not only for the health of the lawn, plants and trees, but also for the main residence. An effective drainage system is highly effective at protecting the foundation of property, which can stop the onset of swelling, shrinkage, or cracking. If planned correctly by a professional drainage company, any water will flow away from the lawn and vegetation to make sure that standing water isn’t a problem. It left unattended, the standing water has the potential to cause a buildup of mosquitoes, a potential slippery surface, or a generally water-soaked landscape.

A well thought out drainage system for a backyard area is designed in such a way that it is able to create proper grading, which will mean that the excess rainwater will always clear the main structures on the property. It is also vital to consider the neighboring properties and to make sure that the water isn’t directed in that direction.

In the planning stage, the professional drainage contractor might also need to consider other matters that relate to natural low areas, poorly positioned downspouts, and recently constructed extensions, which might have changed the direction that the water initially flowed. If the drainage expert is able to establish the reason for the backlog of water then this can often go a long way to eliminating the problem and putting in place the right drainage system.

Here are several points to consider in the installation process

Plans: if you are planning on installing a well planned drainage system in the backyard, it often benefits to call on the services of a professional who is able to inspect your landscape drainage problems and determine the best course of action to take. In devising the plans, it will be necessary to consider the overall drainage area in relation to the soil porosity, the gradient of the surfaces, the available run-off areas, and the space between the existing drainage areas, such as the lawn, deck and roof area. A drainage expert will be fully capable of identifying the different problem areas and suggesting the necessary fixtures and pipe systems that might be installed to create a high-quality landscape drainage area.

Permits: it is often a possibility that for the installation of a full landscape drainage system it becomes a necessity to send a detailed drainage plan to the local authorities. A key point that is often considered relates to the dimensions of the pipes as there are often minimum measurement requirements in this regard.

Preserving trees and vegetation: if it becomes clear that the drainage will need to be installed in near to trees or other vegetation, then it is often recommended to hand dig in these areas and not use a mini excavator. This ensures that minimal damage is caused to the tree roots.…

Design Is Key Aspect of Landscaping

How can my yard be changed so that it will look new and fresh? What does it take to create a landscape which wows your family and friends? The answers you are looking for are here. There are also tips here that will show you how to keep your project on track so that it will meet your needs.

Prior to starting a landscape endeavor, spend a bit of money on a professional consultation. Although landscape architects may seem expensive, they can save you both time and money. An hour of a professional’s time should suffice to get you all the pointers you will need to successfully complete your landscaping endeavors.

In landscaping your property, you need to understand the different species of plants to ensure that things are grown in the appropriate soil and at the appropriate times. Do not forget to take different seasons into account when landscaping, too. Knowing these things will help you make the most of your yard and your landscaping budget.

When planting seeds, cover as much ground as possible. It will take about the same amount of time to prepare the ground for seeding whether it is 10 square feet or 100, so working in large groups will end up saving you time.

Look for other resources when purchasing plants; don’t just stick with catalogs and stores. Check out any local botanical garden or arboretum where you can find a variety of native plants and materials for sale. Many times, you cannot find these plants at your local nursery. You may also wish to check with your neighbors to see if they have any perennials which need to be thinned.

If you want to hire a landscaper, get references. Price is very important, but so is quality. Being able to see properties that the landscaper completed will give you a better idea if the landscaper is a good fit for your needs.

For plenty of color at a reasonable price, consider using wildflowers in your garden. Most home improvement stores carry wildflower seeds. Scatter these over big areas as well as areas where it’s difficult to plant. With the seeds, you’ll get a variety of flowers of all colors and types. They will be great for bouquets.

Visiting with the neighbors is certainly great, but one goal you might have when landscaping is increasing the amount of privacy you enjoy. You may want to use a fence or a particular tree or shrub to create your personal space. When you combine living landscape elements with non-living, the possibilities are almost endless.

Buy your products online and in bulk to help save money. The web has many sites which provide great products at unbeatable prices. It is always wise to check reviews by other customers so that you are confident that the product you are ordering is a good one that is delivered in a proper protective package. Remember to compare prices of different websites.

Remember that watering is just one part of maintaining your landscaping. You also must think about fertilization, soil type, and many other factors. It is important to use the right fertilizer. It is equally important to follow the instructions.

Maintaining landscapes can be tricky. When mowing your lawn for instance, leave some grass clippings where they fall. This helps your lawn get good nutrients. The decomposed grass lessens the amount of fertilizer you will need on the lawn.

What you learned has provided a good introduction to landscaping that any homeowner can benefit from. Regardless of how much landscaping you intend to do or where you want to start, you should be ready to begin now.…

Raised Bed Garden Soil Preparation

Layering dependent on the type of soil:

Different soils require different types of layering. Sandy soils will require a mix that contains halve the quantity of sand and double quantity of peat. After putting this top layer sandy soils become more drought resistant and are able to retain moisture better. A clayey soil will require a layer of one part peat, 4 parts of sand, and 2 parts loam as it helps proper growth of roots as well as allows better drainage.

Ingredients have to be thoroughly mixed and only then evenly put over the soil. The mixture then has to be worked into the surface with the back of a rake or a stiff broom. This procedure is essential as otherwise the grass will not get smothered.

You must not hurry with the application as with patience only you will be able to prepare soil for a raised bed garden. At times the soil in the garden could be compacted with bigger particles. An even or thin layer of sand needs to be evenly spread over the layer in such a case.

Layering annually:

Make sure to aerate the soil before putting the top layer of sand. This needs to be essentially done to ensure that air circulates freely around the roots off the grass. With the creation of air channels, air can freely pass around the roots which can be done by removing the cores in the soil.

The process of removing cores is just like putting in spikes or coring of an apple. Raising the bed of your garden is essential as it helps to the lawn healthy throughout the year. The process may not take much of your time, and if you need to take the services of a gardener which is worth the effort after all the garden has to look healthy as it is a part of the surroundings of your house.…

Bark Blowing To Decorate Your Outer Spaces And Gardens

Decorating your garden and outer spaces can be a bit of a struggle if you don’t know what to put there and things such as plants and grass that grow can make the landscape less appealing if not maintained properly. One of the best ways to keep your outer space and garden neat, tidy and appealing without spending much on maintenance is to make use of bark mulch.

Bark mulch is usually used in playgrounds for kids. Its small chips of bark which create a unique and stylish surface. Bark is widely used for driveways, and gardens. It is available in different types of wood, sizes and colors. Bark offers durable surface for garden. The great thing about bark is it prevents weeds from growing through, thereby reducing cost of maintenance.

Everybody wants healthy and aesthetically pleasing outer space coverage that neighbors will envy. Bark blowing Portland Oregon is the best method to achieve high quality results in landscaping. A blower is used to apply the bark mulch uniformly all over the yard. Depending on the blower size and the type of bark, bark blowing Portland Oregon can be finished within minutes.

Bark blowing Portland Oregon is becoming popular since it enhances aesthetics with uniform application and helps in eliminating unsightly piles of bark. Bark mulch applied by blowing method gives a special finished look which no other method can provide. With a stream of high-velocity air, a bark blower applies correct quantity of bark mulch exactly where you need it.

Use of Bark blowing Portland Oregon method also eliminates damage to plants which is most common in other methods of application.

When you consider costs of material, labor and wastage of time, there can’t be a better choice than bark blowing in Portland Oregon!…

Growing a Liriope Plant in Your Sustainable Garden

You do not have to be an expert to appreciate a good landscape design. A sustainable garden is a great way to enhance the appearance of your home. A landscaping professional is one resource for you to learn all the ins and outs of having a successful garden. One of the joys of your sustainable garden comes in choosing the right plants to have.

Selecting The Right Plants For Your Garden –

Selecting a professional and experienced garden design company is an important decision. Selecting the right plants for your new garden is equally important, as this decision will make an impact on your property for years to come. Liriope plants are a great addition as these foliage plants produce beautiful flowers and are sure to be a hit in any sustainable landscape design.

Liriope plants can be categorized into four species. These include: Exiliflora, Gigantea, Muscari and Spicata. A common name for Liriope is “Lilyturf” and this is often referring to the Muscari and Spicata species. These two are the most common species to be cultivated in Australian gardens.

Many people select Liriope plants for their gardens due to their beautiful bell shaped purple flowers and their large evergreen leaves. Additionally, these plants are very easy to maintain and can easily withstand the harsh Australian weather conditions.

How To Grow Liriope –

Growing Liriope plants is moderately easy. The Muscari is generally used along pavement and walkways, or even along foundations of houses. This beautiful plant grows in clumps anywhere from 12 to 18 inches in diameter.

Liriope Spicata is generally grown under trees and shrubs as ground cover. The main reason is that the plant quickly spreads its underground stems which makes it an ideal choice for slopes and banks.

Liriope will grow in a variety of conditions. These plants require moist soil that drains easily. Whilst the plants flower mostly in direct sunlight, they can easily withstand diverse conditions. Some of these conditions include any amount of sun, heat, and even a drought. A surprising fact is the plant can even withstand salt spray.

When planting mature Liriope, it is important to space them approximately 30cm apart from each other. You can even increase the spread of the plant by transplanting it when it is about 3 to 4 years old. This is just for your convenience; the plant does not need this for its own health.

When mowing, you should set the blade at the highest setting so you do not injure the crown. Mowing should be done in late winter before the plant starts to grow. The reasoning behind this is it will help prevent anthracnose, which is a fungal disease.…

Proper Garden Furniture Selection Can Transform Your Garden Into a Magical Place

As a little girl of about 6 or 7 years old, I came in acquaintance with a lady who kept the most amazing garden. She was a friend of my Mom’s, and visit her a couple of times a year. This woman had the most intriguing setup that made it seem her garden would go on forever. Gardening was her passion and she spent hours working on her garden, the results of her loving efforts were absolutely stunning. I remember spending hours walking through the garden with her as she explained the variety of different plants and how to care for them, I could not get over how magical her garden seemed to be. She always had well-placed garden furniture throughout the garden so you can sit and enjoy the day.

Someday I would really enjoy to have a garden like hers. Her garden covered more than 2 acres, and I still wonder how she managed the entire garden by herself. Each of the pieces of the garden furniture was almost as lovely as the garden itself, in reflection I don’t think the garden would have been as beautiful and magical had the furniture not been as nice as it was. She had a talent and a special touch to make a garden unlike any I have ever experienced, or have seen since.

When you’re looking to purchase garden furniture, keep in mind that these pieces should complement and enhance your garden. Find pieces which seem as if it belongs there, rather than just being placed there. Today there are plenty of garden furniture pieces to choose from, so finding the perfect set or individual pieces shouldn’t be too difficult to find. If you spend any time in your garden, you will know the right piece when you come upon it.

Some considerations to remember our to check for durability and the material it’s made with. Some materials will rest somewhat quickly, and you want to stay away from those. Instead, look for products which are already protected, or be sure to paint and protect it on your own. Once you find that perfect piece, you wouldn’t want to have to throw it away next year because it didn’t survive the winter. There is no need to go overboard, a few strategic pieces to occupy a few small spaces will be perfect and then you can let mother nature have the rest.…