Creating A Backyard Landscape With Gardens Full Of Beautiful Flowers

Article by Ann Marier







Not only do landscaping and gardening add to the beauty of your home, they can become a very fulfilling hobby as well. What could be more satisfying than filling your home with vases full of fresh flowers from your own garden landscape, or feeding your family fruits and vegetables that you have grown yourself? There is something tremendously peaceful about spending a morning in your beautifully landscaped garden, tilling the soil and reaping your harvest. Of course, gardens don’t appear on their own – they require much work to plant and maintain. But with a few tips and hints for creating a beautiful garden landscape, you will be on your way to growing your own amazing plants.

How Do Gardens Fit Into Landscape Design?

Landscape designs should include zones for various outdoor activities. These can include areas for play, entertaining, and (yes, indeed) gardening. Gardening adds to the beauty of landscaping by providing a variety of plants and flowers that will bring color and texture to your yard. But before you haul out the hoe and shovel, you will need to prepare your garden area for seeds. Soil is the most important starting point for a healthy garden landscape. Your garden soil should contain three key ingredients: nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium. Most bagged soil at your garden centers will provide you with the proper balance of these nutrients, but if you are in doubt there are test kits available so you can check your soil content for yourself.

Once your garden has been planted, you will be faced with the dreaded “need to weed” issue. There is actually a simple solution to your weed problem. Pre-emergent herbicides can be safely used in gardens once your seedlings have reached a height of at least three inches. These herbicides can be applied to the garden once current weeds have been removed, and should keep new weeds from cropping up.

Pests are another problem that can appear in your garden landscape, so keep an eye out for any signs of distress on your plants. If you do finds a potential problem, taking a leaf from your infected plant to a local nursery will help you to diagnose and treat any diseases or pest infestations. Taking action at the first sign of a problem will increase your chances of saving the infected plants as well as the rest of your garden.

Gardens can be a beautiful addition to a landscape design. They can also provide many hours of pleasure for a gardening enthusiast. By preparing your landscape properly for garden beds, you can enjoy the additional color and plants that your garden will provide.



About the Author

Ann Merier writes articles about family health,house and garden Topics. Gardening and LandscapingBarbq Ideas Enjoy Your Garden

Written on April 5th, 2011 , Gardening Tags: , , , , , ,
Landscape Lighting

Article by Chris Orser Landscaping, Inc.







When the sun sets your landscape should not go unnoticed. A well planned lighting scheme will not only illuminate the main features of a dwelling, but will also highlight important landscaping accents. In order to achieve this it is important to use the four main elements of lighting design: uplighting, spotlighting, shadowing, and silhouetting.

Uplighting creates dazzling affects that stand apart from the background. It is most often used to highlight structural elements of a landscape, such as; columns, building edges, ornamental grasses, and trees.

Similar to uplighitng, spotlighting floods an area with light to outline special features like fountains and statues. This effect is also commonly used in conjunction with boulders and medium sized trees. Spotlighting should be used carefully to avoid over-lighting, which occurs when light actually begins to detract from the details of an object.

Shadowing and silhouetting are the most dramatic types landscape lighting because they use darkness to their advantage. By placing lights either in front of, or behind objects with unique profiles one can create a gap in illumination that draws the eye.

COL, Inc. is a distributor of Kichler Cast Bronze lighting. These fixtures are low voltage, allowing for easy installation and flexible design. Due to their exceptional craftsmanship these lights could easily be considered works of art in their own right.

Call today for lighting ideas, samples, and set up a consultation with one of our professionals!!

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 March 9th, 2011 , Landscaping Tags: ,
Landscape Maintenance; Landscaping Spring Clean-Ups

Article by Landscaping; Chris Orser







Before you do anything else to your yard in the spring make sure your beds are prepared to host plantings. Be sure to remove any debris or leaf refuse left over from the fall, and apply a pre-emergent weed control to stop foreign seeds from germinating. A three inch layer of fresh mulch should be applied and the entire garden should be edged to give a clean appearance. To receive professional advice and to set up a consultation visit http://www.orserlandscaping.com or call (215) 249-1236. You might also consider supplementing your garden beds with compost or manure mixture to give your existing plants a boost. Or slow release fertilizers will do wonders for your plants in the garden. When it comes time to add new greenery be sure not to step in the garden to prevent soil compaction. Chris Orser Landscaping, Inc. can prepare your beds for you and even plant some spring annuals at your request. Give us a call today and we’ll get your beds into tip top shape!

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) 249-1236 http://www.orserlandscaping.com

We 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 http://www.magicsaltpa.com



About the Author

Chris Orser Landscaping is located in Doylestown, PA. We have been consistently provide exemplary designs and professional service for 16 years. Visit us at http://www.orserlandscaping.com We also carry Magic Salt. Visit http://www.magicsaltpa.com

Written on March 4th, 2011 , Landscaping Tags: , , , ,
Landscape Fertilization for Trees and Shrubs

Article by Orser Landscaping; Doylestown







How can you keep your trees healthy and disease-free all year round? A fertilizer treatment adds nutrients needed by the tree for root development such as phosphorus and nitrogen. This root development gives your tree access to deeper water through its tap roots, and easier absorption of nutrients through its fibrous root system. Not only will the fertilizer strengthen the trees vascular structure, but you will see a noticeable difference in the depth of the tree’s foliage color. A Spring treatment is also used to give your tree a jump start on the growing season.

Have one of our professionals set up a customized program for your trees and shrubs so that your landscape can look great year-round!!

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.

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, 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) 249-1236 http://www.orserlandscaping.com

We also carry Magic Salt, which is a highly effective deicing product that is environmentally friendly, leaves no white residue, and has a residual effect. These benefits lead to using less product, saving money and time for the contractor and homeowner. Visit {a href=http://www.magicsaltpa.com”> http://www.magicsaltpa.com or call (215) 285-9161.



About the Author

Orser Landscaping is located in Doylestown, PA. We have been consistently providing exemplary designs and professional service for 16 years. Visit us at We also carry Magic Salt. Visit {a href=http://www.magicsaltpa.com”> http://www.magicsaltpa.com

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: ,
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: , , , ,
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: , ,
How To Minimize Landscape Maintenance Requirements

Article by Donald Dubay







Whenever you look at a beautiful landscape, you do not consider the amount of work and planning that goes into it. Nevertheless, that doesn’t mean you have to work morning and evening in your lawn to have a good landscape. Landscape maintenance is a bit difficult but if you have an organized approach it can be done in simpler ways.

The first step is to plan and learn about how to construct a low maintenance landscape. If you already have a lawn and garden, you have to spend some time modifying it but if you have to build a new one, then you can plan it from the scratch and make it a perfect lawn requiring minimum maintenance

Let us start off from the basics. The most basic factor associated with lawns is watering. One of the main issues concerned with watering the lawns is over irrigation or wastage of water. This mainly happens in case of manual watering systems. Whether you use a hose or a handheld sprinkler it is hard to eliminate water wastage. Not to mention the time taken for completing a single round of watering. If you have a big landscape with lot of garden plants and exotic ferns, then watering manually can be a real good labor. All this adds to the routine maintenance requirements. So install an automated sprinkler system for your landscape. If you feel that it is unnecessary at this point then you can simply try converting your existing watering facility to work on a timer. This would save your time and energy and also minimize water wastage. Once the grass and plants are used to a regular amount of watering, they tend to grow and respond in a more consistent manner.

For plants and garden ferns growing in pots, you can install self watering containers. These pots contain a compartment at their base that when filled with water acts as a reservoir. The water penetrates through the soil and reaches the roots soaking them directly. Certain plant varieties respond excellently to such techniques because the roots get constant moisture. The method can save you lot of time as you need not worry about watering these plants in particular.

You can cut down your landscape maintenance expense and time in several ways. Weed control is one of the most problematic areas a landscape has to deal with. The best way to tackle with weeds is to kill them before they start growing. There are several herbicides available in the market that effectively prevents the growth of weeds at their germinating stage. Use an organic pre-emergent weed killer for your landscape so that you need not waste time on pulling out weeds all the time.

Use slow-release fertilizer for your garden and lawn. This would allow you to have a gap of 3 to 4 months between two fertilizing sessions.



About the Author

Be sure to read more about lawn service Atlanta firms provide, and how well those correspond to the needs in landscape and lawn maintenance Atlanta metro homeowners tend to have.

Written on January 15th, 2011 , Landscaping Tags: , , ,
<< Older Entries

Madison Landscapes is proudly powered by WordPress and the Theme Adventure by Eric Schwarz
Entries (RSS) and Comments (RSS).

Madison Landscapes

Landscaping and Gardening Information