Author Archive
Tree Maintenance – Get Trees Maintained To Ensure Safety
Are you a garden enthusiast who has incorporated several trees within your landscape? Or maybe your home is located near wooded surroundings where trees are a prominent feature? Well if so it may probably be time for you to get started with tree maintenance.
Even though most people don’t like the hassle of carrying out tree maintenance this practice is considered to be extremely essential as it serves to eliminate the threat of damage to property or serious injury come winter.
Tree Maintenance Is A Great Way To Manage Tree Overgrowth
Despite all the great benefits that having trees in our surroundings provide, they can sometimes grow menacingly out of control. Some may grow tall reaching unbelievable heights while some can spread widely with huge amounts of foliage but regardless of the form of growth they possess they will most likely be a challenging task to manage.
This can not only present several challenges but some dangers as well. So to properly manage this issue pruning, topping, shaping or sometimes even removing trees are great ways in which people can maintain and keep control of trees in their area.
Tree Maintenance Provides Additional Security
Despite the fact that trees help to beautify and improve our surroundings their maintenance is essential to the security of homes and businesses. You see when trees grow out of control they tend to accumulate bushes and overgrowth making it easy for an intruder to conceal themselves.
So maintaining trees and keeping them well groomed and at an appropriate height can serve to keep homes and businesses safe while offering clean, unobstructed, surroundings.
Need Help Getting Your Trees Maintained Before Winter? Let DK Landscaping Inc. Give You A Hand!
With winter just around the corner getting trees in your surroundings maintained is something you should not hesitate to do especially since weather can get a bit extreme during this time. Well here at DK Landscaping we’re aware of the resources and effort
required to maintain trees which is why we’d be happy to come in and give you a hand with any tree maintenance you need performed.
Here at DK Landscaping we like to say that “We like Jungles” as no job is too big or too small for us and we aim to provide the highest quality landscape and gardening services to all clients. Our tree maintenance services are very affordable and we work with clients to manage any type of surroundings. Give us a call at: (707) 280-3632 or visit our website:dklandscaping.com for more information.
Protect Gardens In Winter By Mulching
Winter is just around the corner and its important to protect your garden from the most unbearable conditions. You want to do all you can to prepare and offer protection for when that time arrives. How do you protect gardens from the snow and ice? The answer is easy, mulching. In preparation for winter this practice is an excellent way to protect your plants during this cold period.
Mulching Helps Plants To Stay Warm In Cold Conditions
A responsible gardener would ensure that they mulch their plants as a preventative maintenance measure. Generally mulching plants in extremely cold conditions helps to provide an effective type of insulation that prevents them from freezing and thawing rapidly. It also serves to prevent plants from becoming shallow-rooted plants and bulbs caused when plants are lifting out of the soil which can damage delicate grafts.
If you experience brutal winters or nighttime temperatures below 20 F. (-8 C.) mulching plants in your garden may be the smartest decision.
Effective Winter Mulching Tips
Mulching is a great way to keep your plants active throughout the winter season and prevents them from becoming dormant. For instance if active plants that aren’t mulched decide to put out new growth at this time there’s a possibility that plant tissues can become damaged by nighttime frost. This can create entry points for many dangerous fungal and bacterial pathogens that are capable of causing serious harm to plants. In a nutshell mulching provides adequate protection to plants ensuring they bloom free of pests.
Gardeners can make use of a variety of organic materials suitable for winter protection including hardwood bark, straw, chopped corn cobs, grass clippings and pine needles. Nevertheless be sure to keep mulch at least one inch away from crowns and stems when making applications to prevent choking, damage or rot.
Gardeners should also take care to remember that organic mulches carry a low nitrogen content therefore before laying mulch you should first fertilize soil with a high-nitrogen product such as blood meal or fish meal to increase nitrogen levels in the soil.
Need Help With Winter Mulching? Dk Landscaping Inc. Is Here To Help
If you don’t know what to do or need help with your winter mulching don’t hesitate to give us a call at DK Landscaping Inc. at: (707) 280-3632 we’d be happy to come and give you a hand.
Here at DK Landscaping we strive to offer the highest quality landscaping and gardening services in Northern California.. Give us a call today or you can contact us online for more information on how you can take better care of your garden.
Tips to Get Gardens Ready for Winter
With the year slowly coming to an end and winter quickly approaching the outdoors can turn into a dull and inhospitable place forcing most people to remain indoors however, for garden and landscape enthusiast alike this time of year is the ideal time to prep gardens, lawns and surrounding landscapes for the upcoming growing season.
Keep Gardens in Shape During Winter
In the fall or just before winter most trees lose their foliage however at this time maintenance practices like pruning or trimming are encouraged during the latter months of the year as during this time of dormancy the majority of hedges, shrubs and trees can be pruned or trimmed without causing damage to the plant or tree.
This practice not only eliminates dead cumbersome branches from trees and plants but it also helps to improve their growth and shape while maintaining the general health of gardens.
As for the multitude of leaves that constantly fall and cover gardens at this time of year making it a practice to regularly clean gardens is extremely important as it allows garden beds and lawns to receive adequate sunlight which helps to promote optimal growth and health.
Another very important factor that gardeners should consider when preparing gardens for winter is the protection of plants from potential damage or destruction. Given the extreme conditions that come along with winter one clever tip that has proven to be an effective approach for protecting gardens during this extreme period is mulching.
Mainly used to help soil to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature and suppress weed growth mulching is also a great way to shield and protect plants against the hostile conditions of winter. Planting beds should be mulched at a depth of 1.5 – 2 inches to ensure plant roots remain the right temperature as well as to offer the right amount of protection from any potential damage.
Contract a Professional Landscaping Service
Not everyone may have the equipment to carry out trimming and pruning effectively and as for large, dead, trees and decayed branches hanging around gardens it’s best to contract trained professionals to manage tasks such as these since decayed trees and branches can pose serious threats of injury. Therefore contracting a professional landscaping service to manage tasks that might require equipment and trained personnel is the safest option.
Need Help with Preparing Your Garden for Winter?
Here at DK Landscaping Inc. we understand how tedious it can be to manage gardens on your own however we like to say that “We like Jungles” and we’d be happy to come in and assist you with all your garden preparations for winter.
We aim to provide the highest quality landscaping and gardening services to all clients. Our services are very affordable and we work with clients to manage any type of surroundings. Give us a call at: 707 217-6508 or visit our website: dklandscaping.com for more information.
How Mulching Can Benefit Your Garden
In seeking to maintain or improve the growth and health of trees, plants and flowers in gardens there are several practical, techniques that gardeners can apply. One approach that has proven to be very effective in helping to promote the health of gardens is mulching.
Mulching can be used for Multiple Purposes
Mulching refers to the practice of applying a layer of material to the surface of soil. Mainly it is used to improve soil health and fertility, retain soil moisture and reduce weed growth. Mulching can be utilized in several different, areas including vegetable gardens, flower beds and surrounding landscapes. It is so effective that it allows gardeners to spend less time plucking up weeds, watering gardens and fighting pests.
Apart from its main uses mulch can also be used to lend additional support to plants by helping to stabilize them as well as help to enhance the visual appeal of gardens.
Types of Mulch Gardeners can Utilize when Mulching
When mulching gardens there are two basic kinds of mulch that gardeners can use these are organic or inorganic mulches. Generally organic mulches consist of numerous materials including straw, grass clippings, chopped leaves, shredded bark, wood chips and sawdust and inorganic mulches are mainly comprised of gravel, stones, geotextiles and black plastic.
Nevertheless both types of mulch can be used to deter weed growth and improve soil quality however with organic mulches soil is improved gradually as the organic material decomposes while inorganic mulches don’t.
Important Tips to Consider
If mulching to combat weeds there are a few things that people should keep in mind if it is to be done properly and effectively. Firstly it is recommended that mulch be laid down over soil that has already been weeded and secondly it should be laid down thick enough to discourage the reappearance of new weeds.
Considering this the thickness of mulch placed over soil should range around 4- 6 inches though a 2- 3 inch layer normally suffices in areas that have more shade and weed growth is not as prevalent.
Another very essential tip gardeners can utilize when mulching is the addition of nitrogen products to soil. Products like blood meal or fish meal can be used and should be applied before the mulch is laid as organic mulches usually have a low nitrogen content and this can help to increase nitrogen levels in soil so that plants get the desired nutrients.
Nevertheless one of the most important things that gardeners should take care to remember when mulching is how they place the mulch. When laying down mulch it should be kept no less than an inch away from crowns and stems of plants. This is mainly because wet mulch resting against the stems of flowers and vegetables can cause rot. Therefore it would be wise to ensure that mulch is placed at the appropriate distance to prevent this from happening.
Need Help with Mulching Your Garden?
If you don’t know what to do or need help mulching a large garden area don’t hesitate to give us a call at DK Landscaping Inc. at: (707) 280-3632 we’d be happy to come and give you a hand.
Our services are prompt and professional and our prices affordable. Here at DK Landscaping we strive to offer the highest quality landscaping services to clients so give us a call today or you can check out our website: dklandscaping.com to have a look at the services we offer.
Turn to the Pros for a Professional Sprinkler System Design
Xeriscaping is a water-wise approach to gardening that reduces water use and maintenance in your front and backyards. An efficient sprinkler system design helps you maintain a healthy landscape, saves you money on your water bill, and helps maintain your home’s curb appeal.
Working with a professional sprinkler system design and installation firm has many benefits, including:
- Working with certified designers who can help you create a personalized, economical solution for your sprinkler system.
- Access to experts who understand the most efficient layout for irrigation system elements.
- Layout designs and maps that are minimally invasive.
- Identifying and maximizing coverage zones and spray patterns.
- Accurately measuring the landscape so the job is done right the first time.
Basics of Sprinkler System Design
There’s a lot that goes into designing, installing, and maintaining the right sprinkler system for your home. In addition to the traditional spray system, low water use irrigation systems often utilize features like smart timers and drip systems.
A good irrigation system not only improves water use efficiency, it also protects the water’s quality and is sensitive to the environment. The goal is to maintain a healthy, functional landscape without exceeding minimal water requirements of the plants or the maximum water allowance in your area.
Here are some of the points you should discuss with your sprinkler system designer .
- What are the ideal areas for the plants you want to install and how will the system be designed to avoid wasting water on plants and shrubs that require different needs?
- Is your home’s water pressure able to handle the proposed sprinkler system components? For example, high pressure can cause water to drift and blow away from the area you want to water.
- Does it make sense to install a rain sensor that pauses the system whenever it rains?
- Does the design work to prevent overspray onto patios, decks, driveways, paths, and sidewalks?
You’ll also want a watering schedule for your timed system. One of the greatest recent innovations has been the introduction of smart controllers into sprinkler system design. These systems decrease water use by drawing on data from weather and soil moisture sensors to accurately determine your landscape’s water needs, delivering just enough moisture at just the right time. You can even monitor and control different zones from your mobile device!
Learn More
Designing, installing, and maintaining a sprinkler system is not a small investment but it can be a smart one that will serve you for years to come. No one knows better than California homeowners that water is an extremely valuable resource for all our communities. Working with a professional sprinkler system design and installation company like DK Landscaping ensures you get an irrigation system that is perfect for all your landscape needs.
If you’re ready to get started on designing and installing a new water-smart irrigation system for your Sonoma County home, contact us today. We’d love to show you how a sprinkler system creates not only a more beautiful yard but a more beautiful life for you and your family!
The Ultimate Guide to Hiring Yard Maintenance Services in Santa Rosa
Every homeowner wants a healthy and beautiful yard that is weed-free and has healthy trees. Contrary to most people, fertilization and regular weed killer treatment won’t help you achieve this. There is a lot of time and experience required to have a beautiful yard that you are proud of. It is wise to consider hiring yard maintenance services providers with the knowledge and expertise needed for best results. Though this may sound simple, it can be challenging as there are many companies to choose from and many things to consider. Here is an ultimate guide to hiring yard maintenance services in Santa Rosa.
The main benefit of hiring a yard maintenance Santa Rosa.
As discussed above, maintaining a gorgeous yard can be challenging as it requires an ongoing commitment that your busy schedule may not afford you. Hiring a professional landscaping company like Dk Landscaping is a clever way of keeping your lawn looking attractive each day. Here are some of the top benefits to hiring a professional lawn care company:
Quality work
When working with professional yard maintenance Santa Rosa, you can rest assured of quality work. Landscaping companies here have a team of professionals who analyze your yard and know the type of soil it has and grass that will do well in it, the kind of fertilizer to use for perfect results, and the needed irrigation to make your yard stand out. They come with all the required equipment and have vast knowledge on what to do in case of challenges such as weed growth and dead patches.
Knowledge and expertise
Yard maintenance experts normally undergo training, which equips them for the job. When you hire a yard maintenance company in Santa Rosa, you can expect better than average results directly because of their knowledge and expertise.
Save time
With advancement of technology, hiring a yard maintenance service is very easy. All you need to do is call and ask for a quotation. For some companies you can simply get the quote on the company’s website, which takes minutes. This short process saves you the may hours you would have spent researching your lawn’s needs, buying the needed equipment, and maintaining the yard.
Comprehensive services
Yard maintenance services providers will not only give you a beautiful lawn that will change the appearance of your home. They will answer any questions you may have regarding treatment and your yards’ needs. Besides, they will alert you if there are threats to your yard from pests and diseases, which are very critical.
What to consider before hiring a yard maintenance company
Today, the yard care industry is very decentralized, which causes excellent variance between companies. So, how do you choose a lawn service that meets your needs with thousands of companies to choose from? Here are the main things to consider:
Reputation
There are many yard maintenance services providers in Santa Rosa. To get one that will deliver quality and timely work, you need to do thorough research. Google search would be a perfect place to search since you can compare the companies here. Get to go through their reviews which will give you an understanding of the company’s services. Another way to gauge a company’s reputation is by asking friends, family members, and even neighbours who may give you an idea of the perfect local service providers.
Insurance
It is vital to ensure that the company you are working with is fully insured. This way, if a worker gets hurt within your compound, you are not held responsible, but the insurance company takes responsibility.
Licensing
Though it may be cheaper to work with unlicensed companies, it is advisable to pay the extra cost but get quality work. Licensed service providers have the required training; hence you are assured of quality work.
Customer service
Yard maintenance is not a one-day service. When you hire a company, you will be working with them for an extended period. Therefore, it is vital to work with a company that you can easily communicate with should you have a question or a problem.
The contract terms
In the landscaping industry, lengthy contracts are prevalent. Before hiring a yard maintenance service, ensure that you have gone through the agreement to understand their terms and that they are flexible enough for you. Also, it would help to ask for a trial period before signing the contract. If you are not satisfied during the trial period, you can stop the services.
Bottom-line
By choosing us, Dk landscaping company, you are choosing to have a comprehensively cared for and clean yard through all the year’s seasons. We pride ourselves on offering highly convenient and dependable yard maintenance services in Santa Rosa. Give us a call today for all your yard maintenance Santa Rosa needs and water-saving landscape design (xeriscape). We are well equipped with the right professionals and tools required to get the job done and leave your yard looking gorgeous!
Setting Up a Sprinkler System Design to Save Water
Nothing is as gratifying as living in a home surrounded by blossoming flowerbeds and thriving lawns. Green and meticulous landscaping can transform any dull compound into a beautiful little paradise. However, if you live in a dry or semi-dry area, maintaining a green lawn throughout the year might prove to be a challenge. This is the point where investing in a good sprinkler system design comes in handy.
What is a Sprinkler System?
A sprinkler system refers to an irrigation system that waters your gardens and lawns without requiring much effort. It consists of a pump, a set of pipes, laterals, and sprinklers that all work together to extract, transport, and spray droplets of water to your garden, lawns, and flowerbeds.
The essence of this system is to irrigate your lawn and landscaping without your intervention using the least amount of water. You can set it up to be watering your lawn automatically at specific times of the day, even while you are away.
The benefits of installing a sprinkler system in your yard can never be understated. Sprinkler systems ensure your lawn remains green throughout the year while saving you from the hassle of having to water your garden every day.
Components of a Sprinkler System Design
A basic sprinkler system design consists of five major components. These include:
1. Pump
For a sprinkler system to work effectively, it must come with a pump. The work of the pump is to draw water from the source and push it into the piping system. The pumping system produces adequate pressure to extract and discharge water into the sprinkler system for efficient irrigation.
2. Pipes
The sprinkler system also consists of a network of pipes that transport water from the pump into the laterals for even distribution during watering. Your landscaper may install the pipelines above or below the ground depending on the design of the sprinkler system. Since the pipes remain exposed to harsh elements, they consist of rigid materials such as asbestos cement or aluminum alloy.
3. Laterals
The laterals are the tubes between the valves and the sprinkler heads. They hold water temporarily until the system turns the valves on or off. Laterals do not require much strength to function, and they usually consist of cheap materials such as plastic.
4. Valves
The valves open and close the laterals, allowing water to enter into the sprinkler heads for distribution. Each valve controls a different irrigation zone. The valves essentially divide the various watering zones allowing them to run independently.
5. Sprinkler Heads
There are several different sprinkler heads, but the two main types of sprinklers are rotary sprinklers and spray nozzles. As the name implies, the sprinkler head receives water from the pipes and sprays it on your lawn or garden in the form of water jets or droplets. The sprinklers are positioned strategically throughout the compound to ensure even watering.
Controllers and Rain Sensors
Modern sprinkler systems come with a controller and a rain sensor. The controller is the epicenter of the sprinkler system. You can program it to run the sprinkler system at specific times of the day and determine how long you want the system to stay on.
Highly advanced sprinkler systems have rain and moisture sensors integrated into the controller box. These sensors automatically detect the level of moisture to determine when to activate or deactivate the sprinkler. Some are even capable of automatically suspending a watering session in case of rain.
How to Set Up a Sprinkler System Design
No doubt, sprinkler systems are essential in keeping our lawns and gardens green throughout the year. However, they can be wasteful if set up incorrectly.
Here are the steps on how to set up your sprinkler system for efficient and effective watering:
- Obtain all the necessary permits and approvals before beginning the installation process
- Determine your water pressure to help you space your sprinklers. Ideally, the pressure required for each sprinkler head should be equal to the radius it needs to spray. For instance, if the water pressure is 48 psi, you may place six sprinkler heads with an 8-foot spray
- Map out the sprinkler system and dig the trenches
- Connect the pipes to the main water supply
- Install the zone valves
- Install the pipelines in the trenches
- Connect the pipes to the zone valves
- Install the sprinkler heads
- Install the ground heads
- Connect the controller
Call the Pros to Set Up Your Sprinkler System Design
A good sprinkler system design should use the least amount of water, and it should give you maximum control over how and when the system should water your lawn. However, installing the system can be a massive challenge even for seasoned do-it-yourselfers. That’s why it is always a good idea to involve the pros.
Our experts at DK Landscaping can help you set up your sprinkler system to save water while keeping your landscaping green throughout the year. Contact us to learn more about our services.
Top 10 Patio Ideas to Revitalize Your Outdoors
- Add personality using natural patio ideas
Sprucing up your patio can transform your entire outdoor space, making it a comfortable and relaxing spot where you can spend quality time with your loved ones. Interestingly, the upgrade process does not have to cost much. With the help of an experienced landscaper, you can come up with inspiring and inexpensive patio ideas to update your backyard on a budget. Here are a few suggestions that you can consider for your outdoor living space.
The whole point of upgrading your patio is to give it your personal touch and character. With that said, you will never go wrong with natural patio ideas and patterns. Even if you prefer modern features like fire pits, string lights, and hanging chairs, you can never overlook plants, flowers, or stones in your upgrade project. These natural items work to complement what is already on your patio.
Patio Ideas – Natural Lifestyle Goals
- Plant native species around the patio
Planting flowers and other plants around the patio is a great way to create a natural feel in your backyard. If you decide to use plants to spice up your patio, go for native species from local shops. Native, locally-grown plants do not require fertilizers or pesticides, and they tend to use less water.
- Use wall planters
You may find it challenging to set up potted plants in your small patio due to limited space. To avoid making your patio feel squeezed and cramped up, consider using vertical wall planters. These planters draw attention and make your relatively small patio look spacious. Besides, they are easy to set up, and they can accommodate a variety of plants ranging from ferns to pearls.
- Consider raised flower beds
If you want to enjoy some privacy without building a wall around your patio, then consider raised flower beds. Raised beds surrounding your patio paving allow you to enjoy your outdoor space while providing the privacy that you need. However, there’s the risk of making your patio look squeezed. To avoid this, paint the flower beds white to reflect light for a spacious appearance.
- Plant deciduous trees for shading
Shading is an essential factor to consider when building a new patio or upgrading one. Ideally, your seating area should be away from direct sunlight and radiate heat during hot days. Planting trees to the west or south of designated seating areas can help shield you from the scorching sun and protect your seats from damage. Deciduous trees are an excellent option since they only require minimal watering and they provide good shades.
- Create soft boundaries around the patio
Creating soft boundaries using flowers and plants can help make your patio functional and aesthetically pleasing. Some people choose to use fruit trees and vines to demarcate the areas near the patio, which is also a good idea. Whatever your preference, soft borders will make your yard appear bigger and attractive.
- Mulch your plants with matching materials
Mulching is a great way to prevent your plants from drying up and withering, particularly during the hot and dry seasons. It retains water in the soil by reducing the rate of evaporation, thus protecting your plants. For purposes of uniformity and to give your patio a stunning look, it is a good idea to mulch your flowers and plants using the same materials.
- Lay angular pathways to the patio
Another patio idea you can consider is using pebbles or cobblestones to lay asymmetrical, angular pathways to your outdoor space. These trails are particularly beneficial if you have a small backyard. However, you may need the help of a landscaper to know where to lay your stepping stones to create the desired effect.
- Create a focal point with potted plants
Many homeowners use fire pits to create a focal point in their patios. However, setting up a fire pit can sometimes cost more money than expected. That’s why it is good to use inexpensive options like potted plants to perform the same functions. Placing a massive potted plant at the center of the patio will create the focal point you want and give your space the much-needed sense of purpose.
- Surround your tiles with gravel
If your patio floor is made of porcelain tiles, consider spacing them out in a stylish layout and surrounding them with gravel or sand to create a soft, natural feel. The spaces between the tiles ought to be uniform throughout the patio. Porcelain tiles make an excellent choice for your patio since they are easy to maintain and are resistant to moss and algae.
So, what next?
There’s so much you can do to spruce up your patio and make it look nice. With the help of our team at DK Landscaping, you can quickly turn your patio ideas into reality. Our professional landscapers are highly experienced, and they have what it takes to transform your backyard into a small paradise with our xeriscape approach. To learn more about our landscaping services, do not hesitate to contact us for your free consultation.
6 Lawn Treatment Tips From The Experts
You’ve created the perfect lawn in your outdoor space. The soil is fertile, and the grass is ideal for your area. But to keep your lawn in peak condition, it needs regular care. The following are six lawn treatment tips recommended by landscaping experts.
- Mowing
What’s the perfect length for lawn grass? That depends on your preference. However, for easy maintenance, you should not allow the grass to grow more than 10 cm.
Experts recommend trimming only one-third of the grass’s length. Cutting the grass too short increases the chances of drying, weed infestation, and disease.
- Edging
A neat lawn has well-defined edges. Use a sharp pair of shears to stop grass from growing over your borders. Edging not only promotes neatness but also gives your lawn a satisfying finish.
If possible, install permanent edging – a border that grass cannot grow over or cross.
- Watering
Inadequate watering causes the grass to change color. Besides, well-watered grass has a spring; it doesn’t remain flat after walking on it.
How much and often you need to water your lawn is dependent on the weather. Remember, overwatering is just as bad as underwatering. Soggy soil discourages healthy growth of roots.
For best results, water your lawn early in the morning.
- Feeding
Want a greener, healthier lawn? Feed the grass.
Nitrogen is particularly essential for vibrant and green grass. A soil test will help you determine the amount of nitrogen your lawn needs. Other essential nutrients include phosphate and potash.
The typical lawn requires feeding twice a year. In the spring, apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. In fall, it is advisable to feed your grass with high levels of potash and phosphate.
Whichever lawn feed you choose, strictly follow the guidelines on the package.
- Weeding
Weeds prevent the healthy growth of grass. The best method of weeding is uprooting – pulling the weed together with the roots. You can weed manually or using a tool. But in cases of severe weed infestation, you might need to use a low-toxicity herbicide.
- Removing thatch
Thatch refers to the organic matter, made up of dead leaves, grass, and stems, that forms a layer above the soil. The buildup of thatch prevents water and other nutrients from penetrating the soil.
Methods of removing thatch include raking and scarification. You can find a good rake or scarifier at your local gardening store.
Keep your lawn lush, green, and healthy using the lawn treatment tips shared above.
Rock Garden – It’s More Than What Meets the Eye
Contrary to popular opinion, there is more to a rock garden than a garden filled with rocks. In reality, it is a blend of plants and rocks complimenting each other.
Unlike easterners, mainly Japanese who use rock gardens to find enlightenment, we in the west are more focused on creating beautiful spaces that are a pleasure to look at and relaxing.
Before we get into how you can use the rocks, here are some few benefits of having a rock garden.
- First, these gardens can survive harsh climate. You can throw anything at them from extreme winters to sweltering heat, and they will endure. Strong winds or droughts will no longer be a concern.
- They are low maintenance. Unlike customary gardens, these are easy to maintain as they don’t require frequent feeding, watering, mowing, aeration, or control of pests. Moreover, the rocks can be placed around the plants to control weeds reducing the need for chemical control. They are ideal for people who lead busy lives.
- Also known as Zen gardens, you will appreciate that they look great all year round. However, you should use a combination of plants that bloom in spring and summer together with evergreens and fall foliage.
- Rocks allow you to create depth and diversity by combining tiny pebbles with large boulders.
- Rocks also create the illusion that your yard is large. Seeing as you use fewer plants than traditional yards, you create the perception that your yard is extensive.
How you can use rocks around the garden
You can use different stones to create a specific impact depending on what you want.
First, if you are looking for ambiance or a casual, laid-back garden, an area you can sit and relax; we recommend beach pebbles or river rocks. These add warmth, are pretty inviting, and are customizable seeing as they are available in various sizes and colors.
You can also use rocks to control weeds. Place them around your plants and flower beds, and fill up those empty spaces between plants as mulch.
You can use white marble chips to create a cheerful and bright space. They are especially useful in shady areas as their bright color will contrast with the dark soil and general ambiance there. You can also use dark marbles to balance out a bright area.
A rock garden will come in handy if you have a steep slope or uneven surface. Some of these spaces are difficult to mow and maintain. However, you can use rocks to transform it into a showcase of more delicate plants.
You can also use stones to create a border around your ponds. They are great for camouflaging the liners and creating contrast with the water for a dynamic look.
Conclusion
Rock gardening can give you a sense of sophistication and class. It is rare but beautiful, and the rocks and greenery compliment each other superbly.
However, it takes expertise to create a terrific rock garden. There is a ton of technical knowledge and experience required, and we encourage you to hire professional landscapers. You can contact us to book an appointment for garden maintenance, irrigation, water saving landscape design, and rock gardens. Contact us for more information.
