Landscaping For Smaller Space

Article by Landscaping Supply







The word “landscape” usually invites visions of rolling green lawns, picturesque statutes, gorgeous flowers and neatly trimmed bushes and for many homes who hire a landscaper (or homeowners who choose to do it themselves) this is usually the case. However, for city and condominium dwellers, the word “landscape” could be as much as a square patch of grass to something as small as a potted plant on a balcony. Smaller spaces, however, shouldn’t deter those with green thumbs. If anything, these smaller spaces should be welcomed as a platform for creativity and as an ability to really turn a small space into a small oasis.

1. Step One: Landscaping Materials

The biggest concern when landscaping for smaller spaces is materials. Are plants needed? Are flowers needed? Mulch? Stone? As a professional or amateur landscaper, consider the size of the space first to be able to consider what materials will be needed. Soil, stone, mulch are usually safe options for smaller backyards, decks and balconies as they can be incorporated into a multitude of mediums.

2. Step Two: Assess The Space & Design

Balconies could benefit more from hardscaping. A long, rectangular pot filled with soil and mulch could operate as a bed for flowers and plants. Placing taller plants or trees in the corners could add to the aesthetic quality and for those who aren’t fearful of “weeds,” draping faux vining* around the railing could create nice scenery. Additions such as tall lamps, lounge chairs and chaises and lanterns could add also add to the landscaping.

Decks that are slightly larger could actually have areas to serve as gardens. Selecting out a space, filling the area with soil and mulch and surrounding it with stone could create a gorgeous deck side garden. Growing flowers, plants or even small strawberry plants could not only create a nice area but also smell nice! Adding trees, shrubs, faux vining, lanterns and incorporating hardscaping such as statues, oversize stone and rock (as decks allow for more space) can also be used here.

Small backyards are usually harder to work with due to the conflict of space versus the all of the creative landscaping options and ideas. By narrowing in one corner or one select idea will allow the greatest utilization of the space. Stone hardscaping usually works best for these area as well as mulched garden spaces, as these areas help to break up the area and divide the space up.

3. Maintenance

The biggest inhibitor from turning these smaller spaces into a landscaping oasis is maintenance. More often than not, these smaller spaces frustrate the homeowner or renter and maintaining the space becomes a last item on the to-do list. By constantly maintaining and updating the space often the area will stay fresh, neat and landscaped!

*use faux vining as real vining are actually weeds and could overcome surrounding plants



About the Author

JKE are expert manufacturers landscaping mulch, topsoil, and other landscaping products and services in Northern Virginia. All the landscaping materials are created in-house, and are available for delivery or pick-up at one of our four locations in Northern VA.

Written on March 1st, 2011 , Landscaping Tags: , ,
Utility of Hiring a Landscape Company

Article by Atlanta Landscaping







If you have a sizeable area around your house that is devoid of any greenery, you should seriously consider developing a garden there to beautify your home and make it look attractive. You should hire a landscape designing company to do the job for you instead of trying out some random landscaping scheme by yourself. There are many innovative garden design ideas that can be implemented successfully by engaging such companies to do up your lawn. The most popular design theme is to make your garden and lawn look like the environment of some exotic outdoors location that you fancy.

Landscape services are not just about moving a few potted plants about your front yard or garden. An established landscape company will offer you a bouquet of services like drainage management, lawn care and of course landscaping services. The landscape company will take care of little things such as allowing enough space for all the trees and shrubs to grow properly. They will also prune the trees so that the branches do not grow in a haphazard manner. They may also recommend planting fruit bearing trees after examining the chemical composition of the soil in your lawn.

One of the important services that your landscape company will offer you is irrigation management. There are two separate components to this: irrigation design and installation of the system. The design aspect will let you know how much water is required and the places within your garden where it is required. The main job of the irrigation installation team is to fix the system aesthetically so that your garden does not have visible pipes and other irrigation equipment. The other important service that your landscape company will give you is in the field of plant healthcare. Plants are affected by all kinds of pests and they may ruin a perfect looking garden within a short time. What you would want to do is to identify and destroy these pests early on so that your pants continue to flourish and bloom.

Some landscape maintenance companies have specialized outdoor lighting services. If you have a good lawn you may as well use it for a pool party or for an intimate cookout with your family. Outdoor lighting has to be soft and the lights have to be placed in the correct spots so that the entire area can be illuminated easily. Once you have got your lawn all done up according to the advice of a landscape company, do not forget to sign up for a lawn care maintenance program with them. The irrigation systems, outdoor lighting all will require periodic care and will not function well if they are not maintained properly. It would be a tedious job for you to do all the maintenance work yourself. This is why I recommend that you sign up for the professional maintenance program offered by these companies. This will ensure that your lawn and garden keep looking good for many years to come.



About the Author

Jacobs Landscape Company is author of this article on Atlanta Landscaping Services. Find more information about Atlanta Landscape Company here.

Written on February 21st, 2011 , Landscaping Tags: , , ,
Edible Landscaping: The New Trend In Landscape Design

Article by Landscaping Supply







“An apple a day, keeps the doctor away,” might be a time old cliche but it’s a cliche that is slowly becoming an end result in the world of landscaping; edible landscaping that is. Edible landscaping is the new trend hitting major cities across the United States and is becoming largely influenced by a new environmental group titled ‘The Lawrence Fruit Tree Project.’ This effort is widely encouraging landscapers, home owners, foodies and fruit lovers alike to plant fruit and nut trees instead of regular plants and flowers into their landscaping design, in their backyard or even on their front porch.

The main idea and goal behind edible landscaping is not to only incorporate fruit and nut trees but also to encourage individuals nationwide to depend on their resources and to educate individuals on not only the health benefits but the environmental benefits of incorporating fruit and nut trees.

‘The Lawrence Fruit Tree Project’ is also investing funds into instructing seminars, assisting students and even handing out materials to those who desire to plant individual trees or those who wish to plant an entire orchard. The edible landscaping efforts of this project has ‘stemmed’ far and wide from plantings alongside the streets of New York City to planting small orchards on college campuses.

Although the chilly temperatures of winter are still lurking around many parts of the United States, as spring arrives, begin thinking how an apple tree or a strawberry plant could be incorporated into the lawn or garden design. Not only will this be a fun project for family and community members alike but will add to the aesthetic quality. Never before has landscaping been so delicious!

JKE are expert manufacturers landscaping mulch, topsoil, and other landscaping products and services in Northern Virginia. All the landscaping materials are created in-house, and are available for delivery or pick-up at one of our four locations in Northern VA.




About the Author

JKE are expert manufacturers landscaping mulch, topsoil, and other landscaping products and services in Northern Virginia. All the landscaping materials are created in-house, and are available for delivery or pick-up at one of our four locations in Northern VA.

Written on February 13th, 2011 , Landscaping Tags: , , , ,
Landscape Design

Article by Chris Orser Landscaping, Inc.







While landscaping is primarily installed to change the way a home looks, a well planned garden can change the way a home functions as well. By including factors such as the surrounding environment, and taking practicality of a design into consideration when planning a landscape, it is possible to increase both the aesthetic and monetary value of a home.

It is a little known fact that the installation of a “smart landscape design” can not only raise the value of one’s home, but in fact can even cut energy costs. Evergreen trees planted on the north and northwest sides of a house will block harsh winds while still allowing the winter sun to shine in. Healthy green grass grown just outside of one’s windows can cool the breeze off of hot pavement by as much as ten degrees. These changes can result in up to a 20% decrease in heating and cooling bills.

Landscaping also provides a multitude of environmental benefits. A 50′ x 50′ area of turf absorbs carbon dioxide and hydrogen fluoride while releasing enough oxygen to meet the needs of a family of four. Essentially, a garden is a living air filter. Finally, a beautiful landscape reduces stress and provides a welcome oasis from our busy lives. Researchers at the University of Delaware found that patients recovering from surgery, whose windows faced landscaped gardens, spent less time in the hospital than those facing a brick wall.

All in all, the benefits of installing landscaping are numerous, and in most cases, the costs pay for themselves in increased home value, energy efficiency, and health.

Chris Orser Landscaping, Inc. has consistently been providing high quality services to the Doylestown, PA and Bucks County areas for over 15 years. We are a complete design & build company. Chris Orser Landscaping, Inc. specializes in all areas of landscaping: design, brick and paver patios, walkways, retaining walls, ponds, waterfalls, pondless waterfalls, and other water features, plantings, drainage, lawn mowing, spring clean-ups, fall clean-ups, pruning, tree removal, fertilization, lawn aeration, pest control, snow plowing, de-icing, gutter cleaning, and firewood delivery.

Contact us at (215) 249-1236We also carry a highly effective de-icing product called “Magic Salt”. Magic Salt has a working temperature of -35 degrees, whereas regular rock salt is ineffective below 18 degrees. Magic Salt is also bio-degradable and plant and pet friendly. To learn more, visit our website at {a href=”http://www.magicsaltpa.com”> http://www.magicsaltpa.com



About the Author

Chris Orser Landscaping, Inc. is located in Doylestown, PA. We are a full service landscape design & build company, dedicated to providing clients with excellent service in Bucks County. Our team of professionals design, build, and maintain landscapes with customized programs to meet the needs of all our clients.For all of your landscaping needs call (215) 249 – 1236 or visit us on the web at http://www.orserlandscaping.com

Written on February 12th, 2011 , Landscaping Tags: ,
Landscaping Students Assist With Reality TV Series ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”

Article by Landscaping Supply







Reality television shows have taken pop culture by a storm and it was only a matter of time before the landscaping business jumped (or more shoveled) it’s way into the world of reality television as well. Television channels, such as HGTV, have definitely assisted with glamorizing the landscaping industry however, now nationally aired reality show “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” has taken the landscaping business and put an educational twist on it by ‘enlisting’ local college students, who are studying landscaping architecture in Lubbock, Texas, a ‘working chance’ to experience their 15 minutes of landscaping fame.

Landscaping architecture students currently in the undergraduate landscaping architecture program at Texas Tech volunteered their time, after receiving an invitation from the show producers, during the taping of ‘Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,’ a reality television show focused on building new homes for families in need , all within a 7 day time period. The landscaping architecture students were assigned the task of creating and designing a more family friendly backyard for the new home as well as the implementation of a drought tolerant front yard.

Learning quickly in the world of landscaping, the students encountered a vast array of challenges to include cold weather that delayed the pouring of the foundation for the home and delaying their back yard project and winds that continued to delay the construction crews with stabilizing frames for the home and causing delay in their front yard project.

Approximately 85 landscaping architecture students from the college under took this job and yet unlike jobs they’ll face in the future where ample time will be allotted, in adhering to the shows strict timeline, they had only 7 days to draft up, create, implement and finish the landscape design project. Rotating in shifts, all 85 landscaping architecture students worked diligently around the clock during the seven day project. All landscaping supplies were donated to the students. The episode is rumored to air sometime in the first few months of 2011.



About the Author

JKE are expert manufacturers landscaping mulch, topsoil, and other landscaping products and services in Northern Virginia. All the landscaping materials are created in-house, and are available for delivery or pick-up at one of our four locations in Northern VA.

Written on February 11th, 2011 , Landscaping Tags: , , , , , , , ,
Planning a Beautiful Landscaping Idea

Article by Al Landscaped







So what do we need for a beautiful landscaped garden to be the envy of everyone

It may sound so easy, but it’s not.

Putting your garden dreams into reality always requires a proper landscaping plan so you won’t end up delaying its execution because of increased cost and other problems.

Even if you will to do all the work yourself, you still need to plan everything before you start. A carefully planned out beautiful landscape garden will not only give you years of pleasure but will also help to sell your home if you ever wanted to. Remember, its not only about planting a few trees and plants here and there around your garden.

Landscaping is more of an art involving conscious organization of your outdoor space to make it not just pleasing to the eyes but a truly enjoyable place to stay in.

Setting your goals

As with most people you will spend a lot of money buying your home and building landscaping idea. To avoid putting much of that money to waste, you should set a goal and focus on realizing that. Also, you must understand not just how but why you landscape. Among the main goals of landscaping are:

. To develop and organize the area around your home for maximum use and human satisfaction

. To create a harmonious visual relationship between your house and the yard.

. To minimize landscape maintenance to a more practical level.

Creating a Landscape Garden

So now you have set your goal. The next thing you must do is to create the landscape design you want for your garden. This can actually be done quite easily using some landscaping software. Personally, I prefer to use a paper and coloured pens to draw a design first. Here is how to do it:

. Create a simple, scaled drawing of the site. Sketch its utilities, walks, and driveways and note where paved surfaces are. Then, point out the areas where flower beds, patios, vegetable garden and play areas will be situated.

. By drawing arrows, indicate sun angles as well as prevailing winds for winter and summer. Make sure to circle the place in your yard that need wind protection or shade.

. Highlight areas where landscaping height or width is restricted. Also, emphasize the place where drainage is poor and the areas with standing water. Note also the trees and shrubs already existing in your yard.

While sketching your landscape design, consider the needs and habits of your family. Make a design that best satisfies not just their needs but their hearts’ desire. Discuss with your family the things they want to incorporate and prioritize the most important aspects.

Find out the cost of materials before you begin

Once you have come up with a fascinating design, what you need to do next is to review the materials needed and find out how much the whole project will cost. Make a note of all the costs involved to make your project happen.

Do not forget other items such as fancy rocks, a garden bench and remember some plants are VERY expensive. And also remember the cost of any labour that you cant do yourself. When you already know how much you need to spend for your home landscaping, you can now decide when to push through with the project.

Those are the basic steps involved in every landscaping planning. So if you want a home that’s beautiful inside and out, give it a good interior design matched with an attractive landscape. Always remember, the key to a beautiful landscaping project is the proper planning before you start.



About the Author

If you need a garden landscaping service you can find some at Top Garden Centres

Brought to you by Colin Castle of Web Centre Plus – http://www.webcentreplus.com

Written on February 11th, 2011 , Landscaping Tags: , , ,
What’s In For Spring: Green Landscaping

Article by Landscaping Supply







All this snow fall and winter storms continue to occupy much of the country it’s hard for many landscapers to get excited about the season that is next in line: spring! However, there is no time like the present to begin planning gardens, designing a new backyard and/or deciding what plants will be used this spring however there’s another thought that should be taken into consideration: green landscaping.

The term “being green” is no longer reserved for the feeling of jealousy anymore and is now the term used in environmentally friendly efforts, whether in landscaping or in a trip to the grocery store. A new movement emanating from the state of Texas is ‘Earth-Kind,’ a green landscaping movement entirely focused on removing all pesticides ,using very little fertilizer and reducing water in all landscaping and gardening efforts.

The ‘Earth-Kind’ movement is a response to the current way many landscapers and gardeners grow their lawns and gardens. Wasting too much water, overusing pesticides, filling up landfills with yard waste and not using the discard as mulch. (Mulching up lawn discard can actually reduce the irrigation need by up to 70 percent for crop!)

This landscaping movement also promotes doing research. Plants and flowers that fail time and time again in harsh or changing seasons are advised to be removed from all further landscaping designs. “Adaptive plants” is the term used by this movement so that landscapers have less yard waste every season with bringing in new plants. Combining plants that are adaptable in a wider range of soils and climates can actually eliminate other growing problems within the lawn or garden, therefore reducing use of resources, time and energy.

Green landscaping doesn’t have to be a lengthy process and ‘Earth-Kind’ actually encourages small steps for those who are new to the movement. As more adaptable plants are incorporated and less resources are used, landscapers and gardeners are sure to see the “fruits of their labor” in their efforts to create an environment…that will also be environmentally friendly!



About the Author

JKE are expert manufacturers landscaping mulch, topsoil, and other landscaping products and services in Northern Virginia. All the landscaping materials are created in-house, and are available for delivery or pick-up at one of our four locations in Northern VA.

Written on February 10th, 2011 , Landscaping Tags: , , ,
A Landscape Supply Holiday Wish List

Article by Landscaping Supply







With the holiday season in full effect, many shoppers are preparing their holiday gift-buying lists and JK Enterprise Landscaping wants to ensure all landscapers out there aren’t forgotten. Whether traditional holidays are celebrated or not, every landscaper deserves to treat themselves.

At JK Enterprise, we’ve compiled a holiday wish list that is sure to leave even the most novice landscaper with a holiday grin on his or her face!

1. MulchEvery landscaper needs an excess supply of mulch during the winter season. During this time, the roots of the all plants and flowers can freeze in harsh temperatures. By adding even just a small layer of mulch, the temperature can be increased up to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, leaving all roots warm and cozy and alive for spring.

2. Ratchet Pruning ShearsDead branches from the winter season are a force not to be reckoned with. These shears have incredible power and can safely remove all branches that have turned into eye sores over the winter season.

3. Compost KitFallen leaves make great fertile soil if mulched and placed in a compost. As they decay over the winter, the bind with other compost items (vegetable peels, fruit peels etc.) the soil is rich and fertile.

4. Land MowersRemember the electric toys cars from childhood? Give back a little bit of that childhood with a land mower. A land mower is not only a convenient way to to cut grass and keep lawns manicured, it also saves time, which is something valuable to all landscapers. Less time on one job, means the ability to finish another job quickly!

5. Sprinkler SystemJust because it’s cold now doesn’t mean lawns should be left without proper hydration in the spring and summer. A sprinkler system is one of the best gifts to give and install during the winter season. Also, consider installing a micro-irrigation system as well for above ground plants and plants that need extra hydration without flooding lawns.

And lastly, supplies from JK Enterprise Landscape. With free delivery and on-going specials, giving the gift of supplies and services from JK Enterprise Landscape also gives the gift of convenience! Happy Holiday shopping!




About the Author

JKE are expert manufacturers landscaping mulch, topsoil, and other landscaping products and services in Northern Virginia. All the landscaping materials are created in-house, and are available for delivery or pick-up at one of our four locations in Northern VA.

Written on February 6th, 2011 , Landscaping Tags: , , , ,
Suffolk County Landscaping: Enhance your property value

Article by Splendor Landscaping







Landscaping your property will make your property more beautiful and scenic. Suffolk, one of the picturesque country side towns of England, is famous for its charming beauty. Having a home in this scenic town is like a dream come true. A good landscape will add to the beauty of your house and property. The Suffolk County landscaping is quite famous for its pleasing appearance and charming beauty. There are many Suffolk County landscaping companies which provide the best landscaping services. They can actually help in transforming your dream into reality.

Most of these Suffolk County landscapers do their work skillfully and professionally which somebody can acquire after years of experience. They provide the best services with unmatched quality and cost cutting ways, so that a customer can get a state-of-the-art decorative design. There are many advantages of making a beautiful and eye catching landscape. First of all it makes your house look more attractive and beautiful. Also, it increases the resale value of your house and can get you a better deal for your property. A customer will always get attracted to a property with eye catching landscapes which will in turn add value to your house.

The Suffolk County landscapers are the best in business when it comes to provide quality landscaping services. Their rates are very reasonable. Their services can be compared with any high profile metropolitan landscaping company. The Suffolk County landscaping companies carefully examine the conditions of an existing site and handle the execution of a landscape project staring from conceptualization to the finishing.

Their services include an entire range of quality materials and products for all aspects of landscaping to guarantee maximum results and full customer satisfaction. All these services can be availed at a very reasonable rate. A good landscape always augments the beauty of your house or office and will ultimately make you happy and content. So, if you stay in Suffolk getting yourself a good and beautiful landscape cannot be a big thing at all. Contact any of those Suffolk County landscaping companies and avail their services.

Along with a good landscape, a good mason increases the beauty of your property, be it your house or office. There are many Suffolk county masonry companies which provide the best quality masonry services to increase the beauty of your office. You can avail the service of a good Suffolk county masonry company and can get their great services. They give stylish hardscape and artisan touches to augment the look of your mason. Patios are also very important to give a better look to your house or office. The Suffolk County patios companies are well renowned for its quality services. You can avail the services of a good and reputed Suffolk County patio company to get the best quality services.

Good looking landscape, masonry and patio together can give a great look to your property and increase its resale value. So, use the services of companies which can give quality services and get benefitted.



About the Author

Rob Hirsch is the author of this article on Suffolk County Patios. Find more information about Suffolk County Patio Company here.

Written on February 4th, 2011 , Landscaping Tags: , , , , ,
Bringing Water To Your Landscape

Article by GreenScapes Landscaping







If you think now is not the time to contemplate water gardens, think again. There are a number of ways to add the element of water to your landscape and each requires a certain amount of planning. In addition, you’ll find much of what you need in the way of supplies to be relatively cheap during this time of the year, making now an even better time to start planning.

Adding a fountain or pond to your landscape does more than just create an attractive centerpiece. Running water has long been used in Eastern-inspired gardens to create an atmosphere of relaxation and tranquility. The sounds of moving water have been shown to induce a calming effect, perfect for an outdoor gathering spot or the merchant who wants to make his customers feel comfortable and relaxed.

Choosing Your SpotFirst, survey your landscape. How much room do you have to work with? How will the fountain or pond work with the rest of your landscaping? Fountains come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from the grand and elaborate – ideal as a centerpiece in a large open area – to the small and simple, perfect for a patio seating area or garden path. The right fountain for your landscape depends greatly upon the space you have available and the look you’re wanting to achieve but regardless of what type of fountain you choose, be sure to have an electrical plug in the vicinity so you can see your fountain in action.

If it’s a pond you want to install, you’ll need to determine not just the size and shape of the pond but factor in the backdrop as well. Will you want a small waterfall? A flower bed? All of these aspects need to be considered as you map out your pond. And like the fountain, you’ll need an electrical outlet close by if you want to use a pump to keep the water moving.

When choosing your spot, look for an area that’s fairly level, protected from runoff and free of trees. Your trees will shed their leaves, which will then fall to the ground below. If your fountain or pond is directly beneath the tree, you’ll spend more time removing leaves than enjoying your new garden décor.

Aquatic LifeA pond gives you the option of bringing nature into your design. You can add various animals, including fish such as koi, turtles, frogs and other aquatic wildlife. You should note however, that many of these will eat your plant life so keep that in mind when planning your pond.

PlantsWhen choosing plants, you’ll obviously want something that can handle a little more moisture. Fountains can (and often do) splash onto the ground below so if you’re planning to have a bed close by, you’ll want something that likes a wet soil. If you’re choosing a pond, there are plenty of colorful plants that can live right in the water, including vallisneria, dwarf sagittaria, water lilies and the lotus. The first two plants – vallisneria and dwarf sagittaria – are submerged plants, meaning they live below the surface. The latter two float on top of the water, creating a wonderful, eye-catching effect. Another good plant to have in your pond is anachris. Typically found in pet stores, this nutrient-rich plant helps to reduce algae’s food source and keeps your pond healthy.

Borders and BalanceA variety of rocks, potted plants and other garden decorations can be used o accent your pond or fountain and blend it into your landscape. A simple waterfall for example can be achieved with a pump hidden behind a small wall of decorative rocks. With a little planning and imagination, you can create a mini-oasis right in your own backyard.

Want to talk about your landscaping issues? Give GreenScapes Landscaping a call -512.263.3669 we’d love to help you find the perfect landscaping theme for your property. http://www.GreenScapesAustin.com



About the Author

GreenScapes Austin Landscaping specializes in residential and commercial landscape design, landscape installation, and landscape maintenance in the greater Austin, Texas. From patios and arbors, waterscapes, outdoor living to full service maintenance, tree trimming, and irrigation – GreenScapes Austin Landscaping does it all! http://www.GreenScapesAustin.com

Written on February 3rd, 2011 , Landscaping Tags: , ,
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