Time to Plant:
Time for Summer Gardens
May 4, 2014
We have had a warm dry winter but now is the time to start planting our summer gardens. Hot weather is perfect for tomatoes especially Heirlooms which have more flavor. Plants some Roma's for pasta sauces as they are meatier and have less water. Also consider zucchini and summer squash, Corn, Cucumbers and beans. Make sure that you have Basil, Dill, Fennel, Sage and Thyme to had flavor to your dishes. Check out a vegetable page for the best plants to grow in the summer. Make sure to add and till in a slow acting, low concentrate of Nitrogen, Phosprous and Potassium. For an organic solution for Nitrogen use Bloodmeal, Cottonseed Meal or well composted manure, for Phosphorous use bone meal and for Potassium use a kelp meal or wood ash.
Water Conservation
Steps to Reduce Water Use.
May 4, 2014
Water is a problem here in Southern California, especially after our dry warm winter. The following suggestions will help cut down your water bill. If you must water by hand, use a soaker hose or sprinkler wand. They are more effecient than a regular hose and nozzle. Make sure that you store your hoses in the shade. Hot water coming out of a hose that has sat in the sun all day can stress and damage your plants. Let the water run and cool down before you shower your plants. Lawns need about 1 inch of water per week and perennials need 1 to 2 inches of water per week, so don't over water. If it is overly hot and windy, you may have to add additional water - Just don't over do it. Too much water can cause root rot. Water in the root zone, which is about double the size of the canopy. If the water starts to run off, let the water soak in before continuing. Water runoff is the biggest waste of water. Keep an eye on sprinklers to make sure your plants are receiving the benefit of the water and not the sidewalk. Keep your mulch fresh and loose. If it looks crusty, rake it up to allow the water to soak through. Water in the morning to allow the plants to soak up the water for the lond hot day.
Call now to schedule a yard spruce up. 818 371-8005
Summer in So California
Hot Hot Hot
May 4, 2014
With our hot summers in Southern California, one of the best things you can do is to apply Mulch to your garden areas. A good organic mulch will not only reduce the amount of water evaporation from your soil but will also add essential nutrients back in. It helps break up the clay in the soil providing for better water satuation. It also insulates the soil and, most importantly, helps keep the weeds down. If you notice bare areas in your garden that could use a boost of organic mulch, call us to schedule a fresh layer of mulch to be installed. Not only will your plants love it but it will give your yard a clean fresh look for the summer.
Member of :
State Contractor's License
# 457152
# 913180
HARDSCAPE
The hardscape of the project are the solid foundation of the yard. This includes drivew
ays, walkways, barbecues,fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, patios, pools, ponds, spas, sport courts, gazebos and patio covers. Your hardscape project will start with a design and an architectural drawing. Once this process is approved and drawn, then the necessary premits will be pulled at each stage of the project. Our crew will demo out the old and begin the process of constructing the new design. Once the hardscape is completed, then the irrigation and lighting will be installed in preparation for planting.
SOFTSCAPE
Plants are an intregal part of every yard and create the ambience. Plants can be used to hide walls, garages, equipment or can be used to create a visual and aromatic painting in your yard. Perennials are plants that will return year after year and annuals last only for a few months. They need to be replaced with the season and are used to put an additional patches of colors in your yard. Xeriscaping - With the concern about water and the rising cost of utilities, many people are converting their yards to more drought tolent plants. This type of gardening is used to reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental water from irrigation. The word comes from the greek word Xeri which means dry. Many grasses and scucculents are drought tolerent. Choosing to go drought tolerent does not mean that you have to just plant cactus. There are a variety of colorful natives plants that will add every bit as much color to you yard.
MAINTENANCE
We offer a full service landscape maintenance service. We offer two types of payment options. 1. A monthly set fee or 2. A Time and Material basis. Our service includes, mowing, weeding, and clean up. Fertilizers, insecticide spraying and seasonal plants are extra.
