Summer 2016
Welcome to NJ Summertime! It appears we are in for another hot and dry summer very much like a repeat of last year. Its been rather dry and we've been teetering on drought classifications for at least 6 weeks now. As grateful as we are for the 'pop up' storms that appear to drop an enormous amount of much needed rain, its important to realize that such a deluge of water
on drought stricken soil usually does not lead to quality penetration and often causes major runoffs displacing mulch, soil and other debris!
No worries! We've listed suggestions that will aide in protecting your landscape investments as well as several options that will not only increase the value of your property but will also increase its functionality, encouraging you to embrace the summertime season! Let us assist you in creating, building and planting a beautiful entertaining venue, one that will host wonderful moments and many memories with your family and friends!
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Tips for Hot & Dry Summer Weather
Here are a few tips to help protect your landscape investments;
Mulch
First, make sure you have an adequate layer of mulch, which should typically be about 1 to 3" in depth, depending upon the plant and its location. Mulch is a rather generic term and can be anything from hay and fallen leaves, to classic wood chips as well as typical shredded products. Even old newspaper can be used, usually on a short term basis for this type of use. Mulch is extremely beneficial to your landscape as it provides water absorption, reduces evaporation, stabilizes soil moisture and acts as an insulator for root systems both during the warm and cold months. Shredded mulch products also promote microorganisms which improve soil quality and minimizes compaction, just to mention a few of its attributes.
Watering
Regarding watering, usually it is best to provide long soakings rather than frequent, light
watering. Your goal should be to ensure the plant gets about 1" of water per week, either from you or the skies above. The best way to measure this is by using a rain gauge. If not, use the tried and true finger method. Stick your finger in the ground at the base of the plant and if it comes out sticky from the soil the moisture is usually fine. If it comes out like talcum powder it's time for a good soaking.
Remember the best time to water is early in the morning (4:00-9:00 am) as it is the most efficient use of water and helps keep disease away. If you must water another time, try late afternoon or early evening and do your best to keep the leaves dry.
Monitor Plant Material
Pay careful attention to recently installed plant material which is basically anything installed within the last
three years, including trees. Special attention should be given to any plants that were damaged during recent storms as well as this season's late frost, which delayed bud break and burnt foliage. As these plant materials are essentially "playing catch-up" its important to minimize further stress to them. Additional signs of stress are dropping or drooping leaves and needles. Damage usually occurs from the top down.
Turf
Turf grass in our area has been going dormant due to the dry, arid weather conditions. Although the browning out is not pretty to look at, it is best to let nature take it's course and the turf should bounce back once the precipitation returns to normal amounts. You may have received the following email from us explaining why we may choose not to cut your lawn: 'Due to the abnormally dry conditions in New Jersey, and depending upon any rainfall we may get, as of this date we may not visit your home next week to cut the lawn. We strongly feel it is in your best interest, as your lawn will remain healthier (and greener) with no browning out if we do not cut and wait for adequate rain fall before resuming'. As always, should you feel otherwise please call us and we will address your concerns.
Need more gardening tips or have more questions? Please feel free to contact us!
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Create an Entertaining Venue
or simply spruce up your gardens!
Every house where love abides
And friendship is a guest,
Is surely home, and home sweet home
For there the heart can rest.
Henry Van Dyke
The installation of an outdoor entertaining area offers a multitude of benefits. A patio or deck illuminated with low voltage LED lighting, undefined areas accented with unique statuary and fencing, and beautiful plantings that encourage beneficial insects (and repel mosquitos) make a huge impact on the functional square footage of your outdoor living space! It can also increase your home value upwards of 28%. Further enhance this entertaining space with a soothing/cooling water feature and cozy fire feature and your home entertainment venue has just become the 'go to' place where stress relief is waiting and cherished memories are to be made.
From the most extravagant to the basic, water and fire features immediately become 'stress relieving tools' & focal points for gatherings that engage all five senses
Fire features inspire rest, relaxation, and conversation for friends and family of all ages
~Before~
Narrow, undefined areas are often discarded as wasted space in the landscape when they can actually become an inspirational focal point...
~After~
Statuary, ornamental fencing (that doubles as deer protection) and gardens full of colorful and fragrant blossoms that attract beneficial insects have completely altered this landscape mastering the art of peaceful serenity
Pergola structures equipped w/LED lighting and a sun shade, wood or gas burning fireplaces and outdoor kitchens readily equipped, all add to the functionality and value of your entertaining venue
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CUSTOMER SATISFACTION
We make every effort to ensure that you are satisfied with our service and that all of your landscaping needs are being met with the high quality standards we strive for. If we have not done so already, in the near future you will be receiving a courtesy call or email from us, to confirm all is well. Please keep us informed of any concerns that you may have, and please do not hesitate to call us with any questions or comments as we truly appreciate your feedback. As always, thank you for your patronage!
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Referrals
We consider ourselves very fortunate to be busy however, if you know of anyone looking for a great landscaping service that provides a wide variety of landscape and home maintenance services, we would appreciate the referral. Word of mouth advertising is very important to us as we
participate in minimal amounts of advertising. We are always looking for friendly new clients to work with and appreciate your help in doing so.
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| Pretty perennials providing a plethora of priceless beauty! Perennials return year after year offering vivid color and a multitude of blossoms! Let us help you choose the right plant combination for your gardens so that you can enjoy a continuous progression of beautiful flowers from spring through fall! This combination of Salvia 'May Night', Salvia 'Caradonna' and Achillea 'Moonshine' are a stunning combination when planted in mass! They are not a favorite of the deer and thrive in hot, dry weather.
Echinacea 'Pow Wow Wild Berry' and Perovskia love the heat!
Hemerocallis 'Happy Returns', Rosa 'Knock Out' and Allium seed heads all perform happily through out the summertime, well into autumn. The classic Picea pungens (blue spruce) compliments the Cornus kousa (multi-stemmed dogwood tree) which provides a plethora of ivory springtime flowers and stunning shades of autumn hues.
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Visit Our Website
to view beautiful landscaping projects we have completed
and check out all of the landscaping services we offer!
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