Garden Blogs

How to Build a Retaining Wall

How to Build a Retaining Wall

A retaining wall is used for supporting soil and allows you to maintain soils at two different levels. While retaining walls are considered structural, there is no reason they can’t be an attractive element in your landscape. These walls can be constructed from different materials, such as pressure treated timbers or segmental blocks. A basic block retaining wall relies on its own mass to hold back the soil behind it. A lot of block options have a lip on the back that allows for the wall to set back into the hillside for additional strength of the wall.
Feeding Backyard Birds in the Winter

Feeding Backyard Birds in the Winter

Do you enjoy watching the birds flitting about your yard?  I certainly do.  Folklore tells us that the robin is the harbinger of Spring.  But what about in the winter?  There is a definite nip in the air and natural food sources for the birds are becoming scarcer.  Holly berries seem to be the go-to snack for the robins in my yard. To keep the beautiful robins, cardinals, finches, jays and other backyard beauties in my yard, I feed the birds year-round.  The robins love the worms after the rains.  But because the ground freezes in the winter…continue reading →
8 Steps for Successful Fall Lawn Renovation

8 Steps for Successful Fall Lawn Renovation

Early to mid-fall is a great time to take on the important job of a fall lawn renovation. The soil is still warm, which encourages quick germination, and yet the air is cool, which allows the young grass to grow without drying out. The perfect combination of grass seeds to germinate and turf to take root quickly. Why Renovate Your Lawn? There are many reasons to take on the task of a fall lawn renovation, first among them is because it will make your yard look better and can help raise your property…continue reading →
Did You Know You Can Plant in the Summer?

Did You Know You Can Plant in the Summer?

We’ve always been told to plant in spring and fall but warmer temperatures are still a good time to add interest to your landscaping beds. It only takes a little extra attention and a few simple techniques to help new summer plantings thrive. It is recommended to transplant existing plants in the fall or early spring (taking something up in your yard and moving it to another spot). You can plant new perennials, annuals, grasses and groundcovers, and trees and shrubs if the plants have spent the past several months in a container. Any shock…continue reading →
How to Grow A Wildflower Garden

How to Grow A Wildflower Garden

There’s something timeless and carefree about a wildflower garden. Wildflower gardens are full of beautiful annuals and perennials, a celebration of natural beauty. It can be intimidating to think about creating one in your landscape but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, planting a stunning wildflower garden doesn’t have to be hard at all. Sometimes it’s as simple as sprinkle, water and watch the wildflowers grow. There are easy wildflower seed kits, from such companies as Encap, that include all the essentials needed – mulch, seed and fertilizer. Or, if you just need the wildflower seeds, check out Olds Seeds Wildflower Mixes.
3 Tips for Adding Privacy to Your Yard

3 Tips for Adding Privacy to Your Yard

When we walk outside into our yard it is always nice to have a little privacy.  But not everyone likes the expense or the look of traditional fencing. Over the years, we have had countless customers looking for creative ways to add privacy to their yards with trees and shrubs. Trees and shrubs create a natural barrier that not only looks beautiful, it is also functional. Here are some of our tried and true tips for adding screens to your yard with fast growing privacy trees and shrubs:
Maximize Your Space with Container Gardening

Maximize Your Space with Container Gardening

Ready to start your garden but you’re short on space? Maybe you live in an apartment or townhouse or space is limited in your yard. Or, you just want to add an extra pop of color on the patio or porch. No worries – container gardening can be an easy and quick fix. All you need is the container, soil, fertilizer and plants