Posts Tagged DK Landscaping
Preserve The Ecosystem With Gorgeous Landscape Designs
Over time scientists, environmentalists and activists have all pleaded with persons around the globe to take responsible measures when it comes to the safety and preservation of our environment. You can create landscape designs that enhance your surroundings and that are environmentally friendly as well.
Ecofriendly Landscape Designs
In order to achieve this persons around the world must take action by positively inspiring others to take care of their surroundings along with improving environmental aspects of society, nature and its resources. If these positive actions are consistently promoted and executed even to the tiniest degree they result in a major impact on the environment.
Having a wholesome and positive impact on the environment can be achieved in many ways some of which include recycling and reusing products and properly disposing of garbage and hazardous waste.
Another dynamic and eco-friendly solution would be for persons to preserve ecosystems by using impressive landscape designs. The birds, butterflies, squirrels and many other small creatures all call our gardens or outside surroundings their homes.
These delightful creatures astonish, entertain and offer us a tranquil ambience in and around our homes and surroundings. The individual role of each creature also plays a vital role to the environment and our ecosystem so it is very important that we help to attract and preserve all the elements that influence and affect their habitats.
One suggestion that has proven to be very effective as it relates to preserving the ecosystem would be to grow plants that attract wildlife. By planting the right flowers, trees, shrubs and vines in our gardens and backyards we will be helping to nurture and protect the ecosystems that exists all around our homes and communities.
Using plants and trees that occur naturally in the area you live provides an excellent source of food for birds, insects and other wildlife. Nectar, seeds and tasty fruits are all on the menu however pollen and nectar are among the most common food sources for insects and small birds so by utilizing pollen rich plants like wildflowers and other old fashioned varieties along with annuals and perennials we offer food, nectar and pollen to birds and insects throughout the growing season.
It may not seem like it but by planting a variety of trees and plants we also offer much needed shelter and protection to wildlife to rear their young and hide from predators. Utilizing tips like letting a part of your lawn grown wild to offer sanctuary to ground nesting bees or allowing a dead, hollowed, tree to stand to create nooks for birds and butterflies.
Bird baths, nesting boxes and small ponds all help to promote and increase the wildlife population around us which results in thriving ecosystems. Having readily access to water is very crucial to wildlife survival so again by installing a water gardens or a catch basins for rain can certainly help to provide a constant stream of water for wildlife in our surroundings.
In order to make this a reality as well as to get and stay on a path that encourages the preservation of the environment and it’s many ecosystems the goal would be for each individual to take responsibility and perform positive acts daily that ultimately improve, enhance and protect the environment as a whole. Contact us for more information.
Have A Narrow Walkway? Try These Gardening Tips
There are quite a few gardeners out there who have an extensive knowledge of plants and landscaping in which they use to come up with some very impressive and unique ideas for their gardens. However there are still many amateur gardeners or homeowners out there who love to beautify their properties and are excited about doing new things but lack gardening knowledge.
Try These Gardening Ideas
This might be just what you are looking for as this article offers some pretty insightful and dynamic tips that people can utilize to create gorgeous landscape designs while adding ambience and character to their surroundings.
Before focusing on choice of plants a great idea might be to add an outstanding feature to accessorize the garden and surrounding areas of the home. Installing an ornamental gate at the entrance of your walkway is a great start. This will immediately make the walkway feel more private for you and still feel inviting to visitors.
Once this is done establishing a focal point in the garden or surroundings would be the next step. Using an attractive tree, bird bath or bench brimmed with brightly colored plants can serve to draw the eye beyond the walkway while enhancing the appearance of the entire garden.
If the walkway or pavement needs repair it would be best to ensure that this is done in the initial stages. You should not wait until after you’ve planted the flanking beds mainly because this is exactly where you or your contractor will need to tread while working on the path or pavement. So to avoid the destruction of garden beds make sure you do any necessary repairs before proceeding to that stage.
Once you have secured and established the basic groundwork for your garden you want to make sure you choose the correct plants trees and flowers. If you reside in an urban area the best plants to use are low-growing perennials. Besides their beautiful shades most of them die in the winter or can be cut to the ground. This makes it easier for gardeners when dealing with the snow as well and when it’s time to regrow the next growing season.
- The Ajuga, lysimachia, and creeping phlox species all spread like a carpet and Ajuga reptans ‘Catlin’s Giant’ has burgundy-bronze leaves that supply color to surroundings long after its deep-blue flower spikes fade in late spring.
- The Lysimachia nummularia species possesses a delicate, looking foliage that covers ground quickly and softens the edges of a path.
To add more color and variety consider using the Phlox stolonifera species which is popular for the graceful flower clusters it sends up on 8-inch stems in late spring. The wild form is usually bluish but there are also blue, white, and pink varieties.
To give an added touch to your paths or walkways using slightly taller plants would be best. They won’t bend into the way of people using the walkway and at the same time they add a contrasting feature to the surroundings. Be sure though to avoid using plants more than 8 inches tall to prevent overgrowth in the walkway along with overshadowing other features within the garden.
Ensuring that a safe and nurturing environment is maintained throughout, gardens and surroundings should be the priority of every gardener. If in difficulty or you may be lost in some areas hiring a professional would be the best course of action, but if you are just looking for tips to improve and enhance there are a network of informative and effective tips available online that give tremendous insight into how those ideas can be achieved. Contact us for more information.
How To Winterize Your Drip Irrigation System
Leaving a drip irrigation system in its natural state during the winter is a mistake. Be proactive and winterize your drip irrigation system with the methods outlined below. These winterization methods will safeguard your drip irrigation system, protecting your investment as well as your property. If you fail to properly winterize your drip irrigation system, the system’s valves, plastic fittings, poly pipe, filters, PVC pipe or layflat hoses might burst as a result of water freezing inside. Even the main water lines can be damaged if you fail to winterize. It will take an hour or less to winterize your system. Here is how to do it.
A Helpful Preventative Measure for Drip Irrigation Systems
One of the best ways to prevent freezing in your drip irrigation system is to install automatic drain valves. Position them at the lowest possible point within the system. Drain valves allow water within the line to drain out. Some experts also recommend running chlorine (2 PPM) into the system and flushing it out thoroughly for a comprehensive clean ahead of the winter.
The First Step
Begin by turning off the main water supply to the drip irrigation system. Do this the day before freezing weather arrives. Make sure that there is no water in the backflow device, filter, valves, drip hose, sprinklers, pipe and pressure regulator. Run the controller/timer through its regular watering cycle. This allows each valve to open. Water pressure is relieved from the valves as well as the main line. Let the lines drain.
If the spring-loaded drain valves toward the system’s end are not properly installed, the main line might not fully drain. In some instances, the ground is not completely flat or the drain valve is positioned toward the bottom of the system. If you have any doubt as to whether the main line is drained, make use of air pressure to fully flush out the system.
Drip Tubing/Micro Tubing
Start out by disconnecting the drip tubing with the filter assembly’s swivel adapter. Wrap this piece to the filter assembly so grime doesn’t reach the drip tubing. If your drip tubing is above ground, open each end to permit the draining of water. Lift the hose a couple feet at a time so water can drain out. Once the water drains, close the drip tubing ends.
Irrigation Valve Assemblies
If your system makes use of AC valves with a pressure regulator and filter or battery operated controllers, consider storing them inside a warm area during the cold months of the year. If you can easily remove the full assembly from the pipe, you can store this assembly unit all the way from the pressure regulator to the controller indoors for the winter. If separating the valve assembly or filter assembly is not feasible, loosen or remove the valve bonnet to ensure the water from the upper portion of the diaphragm and filter cap can drain.
How to Proceed Through the Duration of the Winter
Leave the system in the “off” position and fully drained throughout the duration of the winter. If you decide to water your plants, yard or other items on your property, use your hose. In most instances, there is ample moisture within the ground to sustain your greenery until spring.
We’re Here to Help With Everything Irrigation-Related
If you have any questions about how to winterize your drip irrigation system, reach out to our landscape maintenance company. We specialize in irrigation and water saving landscape design. Put your faith in our irrigation experts and we will improve the beauty, integrity and utility of your property. Contact us the experts for more information.
Different Kinds of Irrigation Systems
If you are a farmer, gardener or even a landscaper you probably know how important it is to have an irrigation system installed to supply your plants, gardens or crops with water. Most irrigation systems are used during dry seasons when rainfall is scarce but since there are several types of irrigation it would be important for persons to identify which type would best serve their needs.
Lets Look At irrigation Systems
Irrigation techniques may differ in several ways but the basic concept of the system is that water is obtained from a source and is distributed to plants or crops. Generally the aim of the system is to equally and uniformly distribute specific amounts of water to each plant or crop.
Types of irrigation used include high or micro flow irrigation, sub-irrigation, in-ground irrigation, localized irrigation and even automatic irrigation systems. They are all utilized to best suit their specific purpose however the two, most, commonly, used systems are the high flow or micro flow irrigation systems.
With these two main types of irrigation systems one releases water with a high flow and the other distributes water with a low flow or a drip. The high flowing system operates so that water spreads heavily across the surface of the specified area, in order to wet and infiltrate into the soil and the low flowing system functions so that water falls in a dripping fashion and is delivered directly at the position of roots.
The high flowing system is mostly used when irrigating agricultural land. Here water levels that originate from the irrigation source and are used to flood or control the level of water in each distinct field. The flooding system is controlled by dikes which are slopes that help to regulate water levels. This form of irrigation is mostly seen with the cultivation of rice.
The low flowing or drip irrigation system as we know obtains water from a source and transports and delivers it to plants through emitters, mini rotors, micro sprays or drip lines in a dripping fashion where water goes directly to roots.This method has been seen as the most, water-efficient, method, of irrigation as it utilizes less water and once managed properly minimizes evaporation and runoff.
Since drip irrigation systems are the more domestic and commonly used system here are a few tips that can assist persons with operating and maintaining them so that they function as efficiently as possible.
For this type drip lines are most recommended and should be used for continuous rooting as they have flexible tubing containing tiny, water, flow, regulators, for evenly spaced water distribution.
Micro sprays and mini rotors clog easily, and should be regularly maintained. Monthly investigations should be conducted and if necessary repairs or replacements done to ensure there are no irregularities within the system.
Laying out emitters individually can also prove to be an efficient practice as this delivers water exactly where the plant needs. It reduces the amount of weeds produced and eliminates excess, irrelevant water. Persons also need to make sure that their drip system includes pressure reducers and filters as these ensure water is measured accurately and delivered at the specified rate.
Remember that these systems must be designed to prevent runoff, low head drainage and overspray. For more information on irrigation contact us.
Winter Plants – Part 2
During the winter season creatures prefer to hibernate and wait until nature affords them the opportunity to venture out into warmer conditions. There are no different to us humans as we seek to make our homes warm and comfortable during the dreaded winter weather. Your garden is certainly apart of your home and you should do all in your power to ensure it can handle winter’s fury and look its best. Vibrantly colored winter plants or even winter vegetables can enhance the life of a damp gloomy landscape.
Know Your Winter Plants
An uncommon but very fascinating winter plant is Harry Lauder’s Walking Stick or Corkscrew Hazel. Even though, this shrub flowers in the spring season, it is a beautiful winter plant. This is due to its coiled and zigzagged branches. This plant tends to grow better in a fusion of bright sunlight and shade. The branches will need frequent trimming to preserve its attractive appearance however when they fall they can resemble an overgrown untidy mesh of wood.
The Paper Birch tree displays its gorgeous yellow leaves in autumn. However, when it gets extremely cold, its white bark provides a sensational difference to a backdrop of evergreens. Frequently they are used during the Christmas holidays in many gardens. The paper birch tree should be planted in deep holes with mulch to keep it damp. Partial sunlight will be essential for this plant.
The Heather plant is another suitable winter plant. It flourishes all year round and provides attractive flowers in summer and fall. It’s rich foliage provides a fascinating difference when compared to other winter plants. You should plant these in winter with mulch in an area that obtains excellent sunlight.
Holly has always been linked to winter and there are 400 assortments to select from ranging from small to gigantic trees up to 80 feet. There are various types of the holly plant to fit every garden and winter scenery. Its vibrant berries and dense foliage make it very eye-catching.
Hellebore is another winter plant that can be obtained in a fusion of selections. When flourishing it has a cup like shape and they come in an array of colors making it easy to find a color that best suits your winter garden. This plant flourishes better in total shade. Contact us for more information on how you can make create the perfect winter landscape.
Winter Gardening: Growing Vegetables
Though snow may lie deep in drifts outside your window, this is the ideal time to get started with this year’s winter gardening program. There are many garden tasks that can be done now, while there is ample time to plan, research, and begin gathering materials. Some gardeners consider these winter chores to be the most enjoyable parts of gardening. Tasks can be accomplished comfortably from your armchair as the garden takes shape in your imagination, where it is always lush, abundant, and of course free of weeds.
Winter Gardening Advice
In midwinter, before the growing season gets underway you have time to organize yourself so you can accomplish everything you need to do from now until your garden is planted. This is the time to make rough plans which can be refined and modified as you go along. So while the birds twitter around their feeders and the forecast is for more snow, grab a stack of seed catalogs, some paper, and a pencil, and settle into a comfortable chair and plan your dream garden.
It is helpful at this early stage to make some key decisions about your garden. You need to compile the list of vegetables that you plan to grow. You must also decide which vegetables you will start from seed inside, which you’ll sow as seed directly into your garden, and which you’ll purchase as seedlings from a nursery. Additionally, you should list supplies you’ll need for cowing seedlings indoors, and begin to gather these items. It is also helpful to start composing a rough sketch of your garden layout. Finally, you should draw up a calendar of garden tasks to do to help you stay on schedule as the season progresses.
Start by thinking about which vegetables you’d like to grow this year. If you’ve had a vegetable garden before you should consider what grew well for you before and what failed. Certainly include any of your old favorites, those vegetables that are easy to grow and can be relied upon to produce abundantly. There may be new vegetables you’d like to try or new varieties of your old favorites that you would like to experiment with. Consider quantity too. Did you have as much as you wanted of everything last year? Was there something that you could not give away fast enough such as all those zucchinis? Perhaps there was something which you enjoyed eating but took up too much space?
If you haven’t grown vegetables before, a good way to start putting a list together is simply to consider what your family enjoys eating. You’ll want to think about vegetables that you’d like to provide fresh from your garden over the summer, as well as considering any vegetables that you’d like to can, freeze, or store for fall and winter eating. If this is your first vegetable garden it’s wise to start small. A small kitchen garden of ten or twenty square feet planted with a handful of vegetables and herbs will keep you fairly busy with garden tasks, supplement your family’s food, and provide you with good gardening experience to go forward.
Don’t forget to take your growing zone into consideration when choosing vegetables to grow. If you are not sure which zone you live in, you can readily find out in almost any gardening book or online. Do some research on gardening in your region to find out how long your growing season is, when planting time starts, and what types of vegetables do best where you live. Contact us for more information.
Lawn Care In the Fall
Lawn care is necessary if you are to keep your garden looking its best. At the end of a busy and fun filled summer, your lawn may begin to demonstrate symptoms of wear and tear. Early autumn is an excellent time to maintain the damage and make sure that your lawn would be in good fettle for the upcoming year.
Lawn Care Guidelines
Before raking debris, you should kill any moss with a lawn moss herbicide. For larger lawns, you can use a motorized scarifier. Ensure that you use a spring-tined rake. Scraping your lawn enhances its look and adds vigor to the lawn. Establish air channels in dense turf by placing a border fork in the soil. This action will draw plugs out of the soil.
After scraping and aerating your turf, fill the holes with a top dressing. You can purchase your top dressing from garden or hardware stores. It is such an affordable and simple technique that you can also make your own top dressing.
After all the fun times and frequent use during the summer, your lawn may exhibit signs of degeneration. Therefore, early autumn is a superb time to maintain any devastation. Make sure that your lawn is in excellent health for next year.
With the use of gloves, put some granular autumn fertilizer evenly over noticeable squares. If no rain falls within three days of applying the fertilizer, then wet it. In the initial stage of autumn, your soil would be warm enough and damp to plant grass seed. Additionally, scatter seed to correspond with your type of turf. Apply this at half of the suggested rate for contemporary turfs. This helps to enhance any depilated spots.
If you want to improve on the way you take care of your lawn then contact DK Landscaping. We are the experts in plant and lawn care. We can help you create the right conditions for a healthy and much improved lawn and garden.
How to Grow Boxwood Shrubs
Boxwood is an evergreen plant that grows in small, dense hedges. It doesn’t flower noticeably, but its rich green color makes it good for foliage cover. They work well for borders or near entryways. However, it’s a slow-growing plant, so don’t expect it to be impressive overnight.
A Few Boxwood Facts
As with all plants, be sure you’re placing your boxwood shrubs well. Boxwood typically does best in partial or full sun, so don’t plant it on the shady side of a house. Boxwood shrubs prefer well-drained soil, although it’s not very picky about pH. In very hot climates, try to plant your shrubs so they’ll receive some shade during the heat of the day, and do your best to water them semi-regularly so they don’t wilt. Try to remember your climate will impact the health of your boxwood.
Boxwood is generally hardy, but it has a few pests to watch out for. The most notable is the boxwood leaf miner, which causes the leaves to turn yellow. You can spray the leaves with insecticide to kill the plant, or try for an organic option such as neem oil.
You may also notice phytophthora root rot, a fungal infection. The fungus kills the roots, so the plant has a harder time taking in moisture and nutrients, and eventually begins to die back. To prevent this, make sure you’re not overwatering your boxwood shrubs, and ensure the soil is draining well.
Winter bronzing is a phenomenon where a boxwood’s leaves turn orange in the cold. This isn’t fatal to the plant, but many gardeners find it unpleasant to have. Winter bronzing is often caused by wind exposure.
To avoid winter bronzing, try to plant your boxwood shrubs such that they’re sheltered from freezing winter winds. If your ground isn’t frozen, give your shrubs a deep watering, especially if you live in a region with dry winters. You may also consider using a slow-release fertilizer in spring and fall. If your boxwoods are still bronzing, try spraying the leaves with an anti-desiccant, to keep their moisture in.
Though it takes dedication to reach its full potential, boxwood is a beautiful foliage plant that’s a staple of many gardens. If you plan to install boxwood shrubs around your home, get in touch with us and we’ll walk you through the process. Contact us at DK Landscaping for more gardening tips and advice.
Time To Mulch
There are various kinds of organic mulches used in garden maintenance. They act as fertilizers giving your soil the nutrients and conditions needed for sustainable growth. The State of California has policies in place that govern the production of mulch. Take a look at the various kinds of mulches that are highly recommended:
Types Of Mulches
Newspaper is becoming more widespread as mulch. Shredded newspaper has been used to maintain a damp environment for plants during shipping. This technique has been used on land as well. The way this all works is because layers of newspaper have excellent water retaining capabilities. They also help to control weeds and manage soil temperatures. This is an excellent benefit.
Shredded Leaves can be utilized as mulch any and everywhere in your garden. This is one of the most natural forms of mulch. Many gardens have flourished by using this technique.
Grass Clippings is used in the isolated areas of your garden where you want to restrain weeds. Grass clippings also are prone to mass down the water causing it not to pass through.
As part of your gardening maintenance plan you should utilize a mulching mower and leave back the clippings on the lawn to supply added fertility to your soil. Nonetheless, if you place your grass clippings in bags do not discard of them, unless you have utilized weed killer or some other pesticide on your lawn. You should also know that synthetic lawn care items can be harmful to some flowers, so you may not want to use them in your garden. Grass clippings that are not treated should be placed in your compost bin or utilize as mulch for open areas are not yet planted.
Some gardeners hate to see leaves in their garden, and that’s a fact. Leaves really aren’t suitable for a formal garden. But if you cover your garden with the leaf mulch it tend to fusion into the garden in no time. This way you can still have the beauty of your garden untarnished while giving it the advantages of having mulch added.
During rainy times, unshredded leaves may mass together and fight off the water. If the leaves are too wet to shred, they can still be used. If you are considering implementing this gardening improvement technique then seek an expert gardening service. Contact us the gardening experts for more sound advice and gardening maintenance.
Fall Garden Care
Fall is coming, and you should consider these useful tips as part of your garden care regime. After a flourishing summer of fighting weeds take pleasure in promoting a wholesome garden. This is truly a great time to entertain your family and friends in your backyard. By adhering to these easy fall garden care methods, you can ensure that it’s ready to be even more charming next spring.
Fall Garden Tips – Here’s What To Do
By the fall season, you should already be victorious in eradicating the weeds on your lawn. You should deal with any hold-outs before the leaves and snow make it too complex for you to handle. As it can be more difficult to handle the weeds. In addition, weeds can be extremely vigorous and can take over in the fall season when your lawn is less lively.
You should ensure that your lawn has an in-depth raking before snow falls. As time goes by, the leaves will begin to decay, depleting moisture out of the soil and encouraging a heartening dwelling for insects that may be damaging to your lawn. In addition, the plentiful layer of decomposed leaves may also leave behind dead spots in your lawn in the spring. Permitting weeds to rapidly move in and take over.
Over time, the soil of your lawn becomes flattened, decreasing the air pockets that permit nutrients and water to nourish the base of the roots. To fight this, ensure that you have your lawn aerated on a yearly basis. The best time to do this would be in the fall season. As it gives your lawn an opportunity to obtain the nutrients and water required for long term sustainability.
As your lawn matures it gets fatigued and the reproduction of your lawn decreases. Homeowners never want to see their lawns look unhealthy. It is suggested that your cover your entire lawn with grass seed before snow begins to fall. This will promote new lawn to start growing that will fill in the ailing areas. Consequently, next spring will have a winsome lawn outside.
There is an exceptional fall fertilizer that will assist your lawn with all the nutrients required to be wholesome in the fall season. This will encourage them to back even stronger in the spring season. It is better to fertilize early in the fall season to have your lawn charming and healthy in the autumn. Contact us and take pride in having a lawn that is luxurious.
