Pruning is done to reduce the size of a plant, change or maintain its shape, change its habit, and promote health. This can all be accomplished to some extent in the winter, and in some cases winter pruning is preferred. It is generally easier to see what needs doing in the winter, when leaves […]
Control of Landscape Pests and Turf Diseases that cause Lawn Damage As the weather turns warmer and more humid, the activity of and damage from landscape pests and turf diseases can become a costly issue for Atlanta-area homeowners, businesses, and parks. Of most concern to most homeowners is damage to lawns from fungus activity. The most common […]
Transitioning from the cold winter months to the spring warmth can be a welcome reprieve for us, but for our lawns it’s one of the most difficult yet most important times. If we want a healthy, green lawn all summer long, what we do from February to April is vital. Here’s a helpful run down […]
Extreme Winter Cold Protection for Your Plants Winter is finally here and with it comes our crazy Atlanta temperatures! Most of your landscape plants will be fine during this period but occasionally with extreme cold like we are having now some plants may show damage. Right now the most important plants to protect are those that […]
MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES TO ACHIEVE A BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE [Original Title “Maintenance is Key”, Published in Atlanta Home Improvement Magazine – Oct. 2006, 2007, 2008] Once your landscape is planted, make sure to keep it beautiful How exciting! You have finally made the investment in the creation of a beautiful landscape or new garden area! Now what? It […]
Getting Started with Edible Gardens Over the past 3 years, we have received more requests for edible gardens , including herb and vegetable gardens. My impression is that this increase in interest has come about due to the trend and encouragement to “be more green” and the health interest for organic food. Find a spot that […]
TYPES OF OUTDOOR ROOMS Sleeping, Reclining, Reading Areas: On a beautiful day, haven’t you ever just felt like lying down to relax and feel the breeze and hear the birds and squirrels chatter? You can when you have an outdoor bed or sofa. Much like the appeal of sleeping inside a screened porch when the […]
Small Space Design Considerations 1. Consider the type of space How much space is there? How do you want to use the space? What garden theme excites you? 2. What level of maintenance will be provided? 3. Will furniture be included? What type of furniture and how much space will it require? 4. What type […]
Many homes within the Atlanta Perimeter area have a mature landscape that is looking tired and outdated. If you are one of these homeowners, you may be unsure what to do about it or where to start. Following are some tips to guide you in understanding what can be done: A. TYPICAL AGE FOR RENOVATION […]
Spending just $400 to $500 (for do-it-yourselfers) on fresh landscaping, for example, can boost your home’s curb appeal and value by $1,600 to $1,800, according to a survey of real estate agents conducted by HomeGain, an Internet real estate service. CLEANUP YOUR LANDSCAPE PRUNING – Reign in those unruly shrubs that are hiding your […]
SHRUBS GREAT FOR CUTTING Red Twig Dogwood – Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’ Yellow Twig Dogwood – Cornus sericea ‘Flaviramea’ Forsythia – Forsythia (multiple varieties) Quince – Quince (multiple varieties) Curly Willow – Salix babylonica ‘Tortuosa’ Pussy Willow – Salix caprea Tardiva Hydrangea – Hydrangea paniculata ‘Tardiva’ Smoke Tree – Cotinus coggygria Buttterfly Bush – Buddleia Deciduous Holly (Red Berries) – Ilex verticillata Weigela – Weigela (multiple varieties) Ruscus – Ruscus […]
Hot Seasonal Color Combinations: 1. Alabama Coleus (Yellow and Rust Red) Red leaf, Red Begonia Alternanthera gold or Duranta gold 2. Purple Salvia Rose color Begonia or Zinnia Profusion Cherry 3. Red Begonia Purple Scaevola (Fanflower) 4. Orange Zinnia Purple Setcresia Cool Seasonal Color Combinations: […]
Summer Annuals for Sun Begonia Geranium Vinca Sun Coleus Verbena Wave Petunia Scaevola (Fan Flower) Salvia Ageratum Zinnia Angelonia Fountain Grass (green variety is a perennial) Plumbago Purple Setcresia Dusty Miller Alternanthera Penta Summer Annuals for Shade Impatien (annual) Caladiums (annual) ‘Summer Wave’ Torenia (annual) Shade Coleus (annual) Astilbe (perennial) Hosta (perennial)
What does low maintenance mean? Low maintenance doesn’t mean NO maintenance but it definitely can mean much less time caring for a plant that may otherwise require regular pruning or insect and disease control. Roses have deservedly earned the reputation of being difficult and time consuming to grow but today there are a multitude of […]
MATERIALS: Container with drainage holes Styrofoam Peanuts Good Potting Soil w/Fertilizer Soil Moisture Crystals STRAWBERRY POT a. Rosemary b. Parsley c. Cilantro d. Lemon Thyme e. Oregano f. Chives g. Spearmint VEGETABLES in long container a. Romaine Lettuce b. Baby Leaf Lettuce c. Brussel Sprouts d. Red Cabbage PACIFIC NORTHWEST a. Cedar b. Blue Star […]
