In many ways, decomposed granite (often referred to as DG) is the ideal hardscape material. Formed from the natural erosion of solid granite, it’s similar to gravel but finer and more stable. It compacts down hard like concrete, but has a more natural feel than paving. Decomposed granite comes in a variety of colors, such…
Installing a drip irrigation system is a great way to keep your landscaping watered correctly, while saving you the trouble of standing in the yard with the garden hose. But even though drip irrigation saves you a ton of work, you still have to maintain your system. Many homeowners choose to perform this routine maintenance…
Fruit trees are intertwined into California’s history. Settlers from Spain brought seeds for the Spanish sweet orange, and quickly discovered that the climate is ideal for growing other types of fruit as well. During the gold rush, oranges sold for a dollar each in San Francisco (no small sum of money back then!).
If you’re planning a summer vacation, chances are you’re focused on hotel reservations, restaurants, and activity ideas. But it’s equally important to make plans for your home while you’re away. In particular, if you don’t care for your landscaping you could come home to dead plants and an out-of-control yard. Follow these tips to get…
One landscaping challenge we commonly see is that gardeners really want to take advantage of every empty spot in their yards, and this often means planting shrubs or perennials underneath trees. Unfortunately, without proper planning this can cause problems for both the trees and whatever is planted beneath them. One common frustration is the idea…
Summer is upon us, and we’re all rejoicing at the beautiful blooms in our gardens. But while summer can be a gardener’s favorite season, it can also be a dangerous time for plants. Heat stress can strike quickly and do major damage to your plants, so it’s important to learn the signs of stress along…
If you’re looking for a way to fill out your garden with a low-maintenance hardy plant for the summer, warm-season grasses may be just what you need. These grasses grow quickly in warm weather months to fill out empty spaces, and provide beautiful movement in the garden. As with any other landscaping project, though, you…
During the hottest part of summer, trees tend to provide welcome shade – but that’s about it. Spring, and the glorious flowering of ornamental trees that we associate with the season, is long over. Many of us miss the color and drama provided by flowering trees once summer is in full swing.
A professional landscaping job will add curb appeal and monetary value to your home. A well-landscaped yard also increases your personal enjoyment of your home, which can be priceless. But if you’re considering hiring a landscaping company, it can be confusing to sort through your options. In order to choose the service that best suits…
Even the most novice of gardeners has heard that applying fertilizer is essential to the success of any landscaping project. And yet, a lot of you are still skipping this vital step. If you’re wondering why fertilizer is so important, read on:
In most home gardens, roses bloom and provide the most color during the spring and fall months. But during the hot summer months of June, July, and August, rose bushes often do not look their best. Colors may be less vibrant, and blooms may be smaller due to lower petal count. It’s important to provide…
Backyards have truly become an extension of the home. When properly planned and landscaped, your backyard can provide additional space for recreation and entertaining guests. You’ll enjoy your home more, and add monetary value to the property as well. But before you jump into adding recreational space to your yard, it’s best to do a…
We want to provide you with the landscape design of your dreams, but we also understand that budget can impact the design process. For those of you who want to invest in a valuable upgrade to your homes, but may not have enough cash saved to achieve all you want, we offer two affordable financing…
Once you’ve invested time, money, and sweat into your garden, you’re no doubt eager to show it off! Flowers are blooming this time of year, offering some great photography opportunities. Follow these garden photography tips, and you’ll have beautiful photos to share on Facebook – or print and use them to decorate your home!
Each year, the U.S. Small Business Administration honors local small businesses and entrepreneurs for their contributions to the economic well-being of our country. Small Business Week was established in 1963 in order to recognize the importance of small businesses, and to reward those who have made a positive impact on their communities. More than half…