Appalachian Creations, Inc.

Landscape and Design Company

Your 1st Choice
Landscape Company

Call 484-239-3918 today!

P.O. Box 86 Northampton PA 18067
Fully Licensed & Insured - HIC PA005993
info@appalachianinc.com

Lungwort (Pulmonaria)

By Leave a Comment

 

Lungwort Dark Vader

Lungwort (Pulmonaria)

By Jenn Stumer – Appalachian Creations, Inc.

The scientific name Pulmonaria comes from the Latin pulmo meaning lung.  During the Middle Ages, when plants were used as medicine based on their shape, Lungwort Pulmonaria was thought to resemble a diseased lung and so were used to treat pulmonary infections.  To this day, it is still used as a remedy for asthma, whooping cough and bronchitis.

Native to Europe and western Asia, lungwort became more visible in the United States in the early to mid-’90s with many new varieties introduced.

Lungwort is an herbaceous, hardy perennial that has an average height of 12” with an average spread of 24”.  I ran across them a few years ago looking for unique plants for a shady perennial garden.  I decided to try them for the customer but also planted one in my own shady garden area.  They have outperformed coral bells and astilbe for my customer AND they are deer resistant.  The deer glossed right over them and decimated the hostas instead.  I am truly a fan.

What does it look like?

The leaves of Lungwort are lance-shaped, silver-spotted with a light to rich green color and are usually covered in small, bristly hairs.  The plant itself has a mounded shape that slowly spreads into an attractive groundcover.  Lungwort are one of the first perennials to bloom in the spring and depending on the variety, the trumpet-like flowers emerge pink.  Many will change colors as they mature or are pollinated turning white, blue, dark pink or blue and pink combined.  The flowers are tiny and dainty but sprout from the foliage profusely.  Oh, and bees love them!

Lungwort is considered a woodland plant and will do well in moist, shady gardens.  They Lungwort works great paired with bleeding heart as they both bloom at the same time.  The striking leaves of lungwort also complement hosta, astilbe and coral bells during the rest of the season.  Considered a semi-evergreen perennial, the foliage of lungwort will be visible throughout the winter.

Lungwort is difficult to find as not all garden centers will carry them even though there are hundreds of varieties.  Whenever I see some for sale, I usually grab as many as I can, knowing I will be able to use them somewhere during the planting season.

Lungwort Strawberry Splash

Lungwort – Strawberry Splash

Lungwort Foliage

Lungwort Foliage

 

The Knock Out Rose

By Leave a Comment

 

knock out rose

The Knock Out Rose

by Jenn Stumer – Appalachian Creations, Inc.

For hundreds of years roses have been known to hold symbolic meanings. The Greeks identified the rose with Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love.  This was the beginning of humanity’s love affair with these seductive flowers. All over the world roses are used for symbols of love, friendship and compassion. Along with these symbolic meanings, there is also the myth that roses are extremely sensitive, and difficult to grow.  There was truth to that myth…until now.  In comes the Knock Out Rose.

When the Knock Out Roses were introduced, they busted that myth for three reasons.  They are extremely disease resistant, require very little maintenance, and are quite easy to grow.  Plus, an added bonus – It has turned out to be one of the longest blooming roses on the market, blooming from May until well into the late fall months.

The Knock Out Rose was developed by Wisconsin rose breeder William Radler.  He began breeding roses about 20 years ago and focused on developing repeat blooming, cold hardy shrub roses that didn’t get disease (especially black spot and powdery mildew).  Radler crossed seedlings of Carefree Beauty and Razzle Dazzle, both hardy roses with good disease resistance.

The result is the most widely sold rose in North America today.  Radler’s first introduction, ‘Radrazz’ produces clusters of single 2-3-inch diameter cherry red blooms.  In 2000, ‘Radrazz’ won the prestigious All-American Rose award.

From then on, the Knock Out quickly became the fastest selling new rose in history, with 250,000 sold the first year alone.  Today the Knock Out Rose is the most widely sold rose in North America.  Since ‘Radrazz’, Radler has introduced several sister lines, including ‘Radcon’ (pink), ‘Radtko’ (double red or pink), ‘Sunny’ (yellow), ‘Rainbow’ (coral with yellow center), ‘Blushing’ (light pink) and ‘White Out’.  Research and development continues each year to find new members of The Knock Out Family of Roses.  Soon, we can look forward to seeing ‘Coral’ and ‘Peachy’.

Hassle-Free Roses

The Knock Out Roses are easy to grow and do not require special care. They are the most disease resistant rose on the market. The flowers are stunning and profuse with a generous bloom cycle of about 5-6 weeks that will continue until the first hard frost.  All of the varieties are self-cleaning so there is no need to deadhead.

Like most roses, Knock Out is best in full sun or light shade in a fertile, well drained soil. Water and fertilize as the season progresses to ensure plants continue to grow and set new flower buds.

If unpruned, The Knock Out Roses can easily grow to be more than 3-4′ wide by 3-4′ tall.  Periodically trimming them will keep them maintained at a smaller size.  Once a year they should be cut back to about 12-18″ above the ground (late fall or very early spring) for maximum performance.

Knock Out Roses can be planted individually or included in the landscape among shrubs, annuals and perennials. They can be particularly striking used in large groups to create a colorful hedge.

If you are a lover of roses and would like a “hassle-free” rose or two to compliment your landscape, try the Knock Out Rose.  They are a true performer in the right conditions.

The New Landscape

By Leave a Comment


The New Landscape – By
–

If you have ever started from scratch with a landscape you know how tempting it is to fill in the beds with lots of plants.  So many plants look interesting when touring the garden centers that it’s tempting to fit them into the landscape.  Just as with so many other things, landscaping with plants ends up becoming a trial and error process.  What works for one area might not work for another.  A plant doing great for a neighbor down the road might die where you put it.  Who knows why plants flourish for some and die in one week for others?  Why does one plant out of a group of 3 or 5 not perform as well as the others?  Sometimes there just isn’t an explanation.  Sometimes plants just die.

Don’t give in to the temptation to plant as much as will fit.  If you want your landscape to last for 15-20 years, you will have small plants to start and spaces left in between.  Here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

¨ Shrubs and trees will grow – some quicker than others

¨ Perennials will spread

¨ Grasses will multiply

¨ Trees and shrubs planted too close will grow into each other (or into your house)

Pay attention to plant maturity sizes either by reading the plant tags or doing your own research.  Try to envision how the plants will look when they have reached their mature size.  Keep spaces open for them to grow into instead of planting them closer together for instant, maximum impact.  As the landscape matures, most of the plants will spread and grow into the space left open for them.  (Or into the plants next to and around them if they are too close together.)  An overloaded landscape will only last a few years before more maintenance is required.  The plants will need to be sheared or trimmed to maintain a smaller size or you will find yourself removing some of them to make room.  Plant bulbs or annuals in the meantime to help fill the void until the installed plants begin reaching their potential.

Nobody wants an overgrown landscape just a few years after planting.  Your landscape should last for a minimum of 15 years before you need to think about removing and replacing plants.  A carefully maintained landscape will last longer.

Pruning shrubs and trees becomes a little more important as they grow larger with maturity.  You will get more longevity out of your landscape with some regular trimming.  We recommend pruning a minimum of once annually after the first 2 years.

Some evergreens are perhaps the hardest to keep manageable.  If let go without trimming, the foliage can become too great to cut back aggressively without exposing bare branches and causing unsightly or irreparable damage.

Deciduous plants can be a bit easier to maintain regularly by size.  Most of the time with a deciduous plant, you can maintain an overgrowth in size by cutting it down significantly during its dormant season (late October through February.)  Otherwise, once annually pruning will be sufficient.

Finally, a note about “No Maintenance.”  There simply is no such thing.  Landscapes can be designed for low maintenance but the no maintenance is impossible.  All plants want some kind of attention at some time or another.  Whether it’s just fertilizer or a healthy pruning or a hefty cutting back in the fall.  Bed edges will only last for a season or two before the grass begins to encroach into the bed or there is no definition left between the bed and the grass.  Yes, you can make a landscape lower maintenance but you cannot make it no maintenance.

Partnering for the Monarch Butterfly

By Leave a Comment

Partnering for the Monarch Butterfly- – by Jenn Stumer, – Appalachian Creations, Inc.monarch butterfly

Did you know that the monarch butterfly is in crisis?  Even to the point of being considered for the endangered species list?  This is bad news in more ways than one.  The monarch butterfly is North America’s most loved insect and they contribute to the health of our planet by pollinating many types of wildflowers.  This article will discuss how Appalachian Creations, Inc. is partnering for the Monarch Butterfly.

Recently, a concerned group of individuals from the Butterfly Garden Committee of Hope Lutheran Church in Cherryville, PA approached me with a plan to create a butterfly haven.  The location chosen is an area in the Uptown Park in the borough of Northampton, the site of our most recent community landscape project.  The group, headed up by Reverend Jerry Mraz, received the go-ahead from the Northampton Borough Council.  Appalachian will be donating the labor to prepare the proposed sections of the park and the Butterfly Garden Committee will be procuring the milkweed and butterfly plants. The group even went so far as to apply for grants and received approval for $500!

According to the Center for Food Safety, monarch numbers have been declining steadily for the last 20 years.  Although monarchs feed on the nectar of many flowers, they lay their eggs only on certain types of milkweed plants. Monarchs need milkweed to survive because it hosts much of their life cycle.  The eggs hatch into caterpillars and feed on the milkweed through the five stages of their growth.

Unfortunately, milkweeds are often eradicated as noxious weeds. Especially in the last two decades where we saw the introduction of Round-Up Ready (RR) corn and soybeans. Round-Up Ready crops are genetically engineered to survive direct broadcast application of glyphosate.  Glyphosate, (otherwise known as Round-Up) is one of the very few herbicides that is effective on milkweed.  Once absorbed it kills milkweed to the root and prevents regeneration.

There are two other unrelated reasons for the decline of the monarch.  One is the deforestation and development of their winter habitats in Mexico and California.  The other is climate change.  Especially during the last decade, changes in climate have brought on more out-of-season storms, severe temperature drops and excessive rain. The combination of both wet and cold is deadly and has resulted in the deaths of hundreds of millions of butterflies.

What can be done?  Obviously, here in the Lehigh Valley, we have very little power over the deforestation/development on the other side of the continent.  And we have absolutely no power over climate change.  Only one resolution remains – we must plant milkweed.  And we must create habitats that attract monarchs.  The Uptown Park Monarch project is just one small step in the direction of partnering for the monarch.

Be Kind to Your Trees

By Leave a Comment

Be Kind to Your Trees – By–

 It may not be easy to hear, but sometimes your best intentions can actually be harmful to your trees.  Most of the time, you probably won’t even know if a tree is in trouble or not.  Short-term damage is obvious, but long-term damage usually isn’t.  And if you don’t know what to look for or how to choose placement, you won’t be able to stop it before it’s too late.  So let’s learn how to be kind to your trees.  Here are some common ways that trees can be harmed – on purpose:

Staking  – This practice seems to come naturally to even the beginning tree planter.  Staking can be beneficial when done properly.  But it can also be destructive when overdone or not done properly.  It’s important to know that most tree species do not need staking and if they do, most of the time only minimal support is needed for a short time.  This is the key – if you must stake, be sure to check on the tension periodically to avoid bark damage and remove the staking material when the tree is established (usually within one year).  Keep in mind that staking can also cause abnormal trunk growth and girdling and could cause a tree to become top heavy.

Mulching – I am a big fan of mulch rings for trees.  It not only looks nice, but it protects the roots and helps hold moisture.  It also keeps mowers and trimmers at a safe distance from damaging the bark.  But be mindful of the amount of mulch you place at the base of the tree trunk.  Applying too much (more than 4”) can hinder root and bark function.  One technique is to create a “moat” around the base of the trunk leaving a trench a few inches deep.

Girdling – This is the process of intentionally (or unintentionally) removing or damaging the bark encircling the tree.  Lumber companies will intentionally girdle a tree so that it dies and is then cut down for lumber.  Examples of unintentional girdling are dog chains looped around the base of a tree, wires for clotheslines, unchecked staking material, and rope (especially nylon).  Dog chains rub and saw through the bark from constant movement around the tree.  The other materials do not expand along with the tree as it grows and eventually they girdle it.  This pressure from the girdling cuts off food and water movement that seriously weakens and could potentially kill the tree.   In some instances, the trunk swells, grows over the material and heals back so that it looks like it has survived.  However, the damage is done and the trunk is forever weakened at that point.

Power lines – Usually there is a zoning issue when it comes to planting anything under a power line.  Don’t take any chances.  Eventually the tree will no longer be a sapling and your local power company will have no sympathy when they send their crews to saw off the top of your tree to keep it away from their wires.

Know the tree’s needs – If you are going to plant a tree, be sure to know its space and growth requirements.  Some trees can suffer from too much shade or too-wet conditions and vice-versa.  It’s also good to know how tall and wide a tree is meant to grow at its full potential.  Always avoid planting trees that will outgrow the space provided.  Poor tree placement can become a real issue 5 or 10 years down the road.  There exists the possibility of damage to building foundations, water and utility lines, and walkways or patios not to mention over-crowding your other ornamental trees or shrubs.  Maintenance and/or removal can become costly and time-consuming.  Consult your landscaper or garden center if you are not sure of a certain tree’s requirements.  It’s very tempting to put those beautiful evergreen trees at the corner of your house not knowing that in 10 years, you won’t even be able to see your house.

Be kind – and plant trees where they belong so they can grow to their full potential and perform as they were meant to.

Landscape Articles to be published…

By Leave a Comment

Jenn Stumer landscape articlesAppalachian Creations, Inc., a landscape contracting company based in Northampton PA, is pleased to announce that owner Jenn Stumer will once again be a contributing writer this spring and summer for the Lehigh Valley Trader and submitting landscape articles to be published.  Jenn Stumer and Appalachian Creations, Inc. have been providing landscaping services in the Lehigh Valley area since 2001. They specialize in landscape design, landscape installation & maintenance, as well as all aspects of property maintenance.  Jenn began writing informative, educational articles for her landscape business newsletter since the business began in 2001. Her articles have been published in the Lehigh Valley Trader, on Angie’s List and various local newspapers.  Jenn also writes and publishes her articles on the Appalachian Creations, Inc. website blog in addition to the bi-annual company newsletter. The articles cover a variety of topics from plant care and maintenance to landscape design to issues related to current climate conditions. Watch for her informative articles starting with the March 19 issue of the Lehigh Valley Trader.

Eastern Bluebirds and Nest Boxes

By Leave a Comment

Eastern Bluebirds – by Jenn Stumer, Appalachian Creations, Inc.eastern bluebirds

     Imagine our surprise when we found a pair of eastern bluebirds moving into the nest box our son Joey made. The house was installed about a month ago even though it was a little late in the season for bluebirds. We were still hopeful and thought it wouldn’t hurt to put it up. A family of wrens started moving in a short time later so we really gave up hope. Then about two weeks ago, my husband Joe sent me the picture above. The bluebirds found the nest box, kicked out the wrens and moved right in! Amazing! (Although I’m sure the wrens didn’t think so.)

      Preferring open country, bluebirds were rare in Pennsylvania before the 1900s, when forests covered most of the state. They increased in number as forests were cut in the early 1900’s but declined sharply in the mid-1900’s because of the widespread use of pesticides and competition for nest sites from house sparrows and starlings. Today, bluebirds have made a significant comeback mainly because of landowners installing nest boxes.

      Bluebird nest boxes are used to increase available nest sites and attract the bluebirds. They are easy to make or can be purchased at a local garden center or bird supply store. Once you have a nest box, mount it on a fence post or a 4X4 post that is at least 8 feet tall. (The first 2 feet should go into the ground.) The nest box is then mounted 4 to 6 feet above the ground. Be sure to choose a spot so that the box faces away from prevailing winds.

      To attract migrating bluebirds, prepare nest boxes for use by February (this is why we thought we were too late.) Leave them up all year as some eastern bluebirds stay year-round. To ensure that they are weather-tight and clean, open the boxes after each nesting season and remove all nesting materials.

      For the bluebirds that do migrate south in the winter, expect them to return in early March. The males will arrive first with the females arriving a short time later. The adults often return to the same territories where they previously lived, and the young from the previous year return to breed near the area where they were hatched.

      When they arrive, the bluebirds look for suitable nesting sites. Pairs begin breeding in early April. Because of this most pairs will raise two broods in a season. The female lays three to six pale blue eggs, which she incubates. The eggs hatch within 2 weeks, and the babies are fed in the nest by both the male and the female for about 3 weeks. The adults then feed the young out of the nest for another 10 days before they are on their own.

      Now for their diet…Insects, including grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, and caterpillars, make up 68% and the remaining 32% is fruit. They gather insects from leaves, branches, and the ground. They also catch insects in the air by hunting from perches, a technique known as “hawking.”

      I think what helped fill our bluebird house so late in the season was the extended winter and spring we experienced. Without that I’m not sure we would have them in residence. The wrens would still be happily living in the nest box and we would be hoping for bluebirds again next year!

The Hummingbirds Are Here!

By Leave a Comment

Hummingbird 3          Hummingbirds are Here! by Jenn Stumer – Appalachian Creations. Inc.

        With cooler temperatures lending such a late start to this spring season, it’s been easy to forget about the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.  Imagine my delight when I saw one hovering over the burgundy pansies in my hanging baskets!  I knew there were very little options for food for them so I hung my liquid feeder the same day.  Of course the arrival of this Archilochus colubris, prompted me to research more information on them.  Which I’m happy to share!

          Ruby-throated Hummingbirds begin their migration from the south and arrive around the same time every year regardless of the temperatures in our area.  They need the warmth of the sun, and they need food sources as soon as they arrive.   This cooler weather prevents them from feeding, and forces them to go into torpor, a state of being still and stiff, in order to conserve energy.  If they can’t find food to generate warmth, they might not survive.

          Hummers will feed every 15-20 minutes all day long.  An adult bird can eat twice their body weight in one day but it burns this up with the high metabolism necessary to sustain its rapid wing beat and aerodynamic maneuvers.  Nectar is their primary source of food from which they gain carbohydrates for energy.  But they do not suck nectar as you would expect them to (as in drinking through a straw). They place their open bill in the feeder and lick up the nectar at a high rate of speed similar to how a cat drinks.  The birds will also catch and eat insects and spiders that will provide them with fats and proteins. They will spend more time eating insects to fatten up as the time draws near for their southern migration. 

          The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the most common hummingbird in our area. The adult males migrate north several days before the females and young males in order to claim their territory.  The territory is usually rich in nectar-containing flowers and could cover a quarter acre or more.  Hummers are extremely protective of their food source and will defend their territory by chasing intruders out of their space.  They will descend aggressively upon cats, squirrels, butterflies, moths, bees, larger birds and even humans to defend their territory.  Even the female builds her nest away from the male territory.  

          Ruby-throated Hummingbirds like to nest in deciduous or mixed woodland areas often near or over water.  The female alone builds the nest usually on a downward facing tree branch anywhere between 4’-50’ off the ground.  She will use old flowers and leaves and lichen on the outside.  The inside is lined with soft plant down and spider’s silk.  The outside diameter is no bigger than a half dollar.  Old nests are reused for several seasons and refurbished every year. 

          Female Hummingbirds provide all the care for the babies.  They lay 1-3 eggs, incubating them for about two weeks.  Upon hatching, the young are no bigger than peas.  They are blind and featherless and virtually helpless, in need of constant care.  They are fed by the female as she is hovering.  She inserts her bill into the baby’s throat and pumps in nectar and insects.  Because brooding periods vary with the weather, a female may have several broods in a season. 

          Hummingbirds have unique skeletal and flight muscle adaptations that enable them to have high maneuverability in flight.  Muscles make up 25-30% of their body weight.  Their wings connect to the body only from the shoulder joint.  From this joint the wing rotates almost 180 degrees.  This allows the bird to move freely in any direction.  They can fly not only forward but also straight up and down, sideways and backwards.  And of course they can hover in order to drink nectar and eat insects.  During hovering, their wings beat an average of 53 beats per second.  When moving backwards, 61 beats per second and an astonishing 75 beats per second when moving forward.  When they fly, they always follow regular routes.  This is called traplining.  

          Hummers have more feathers per square inch than any other bird and have no down feathers. Many of the feathers are iridescent and require sunlight to show colors.  The ruby-throated adult male sports the tell-tale brilliant red throat.  The immature males may show some slight coloring in this area but do not fully mature until the following spring.

           Hummingbirds are guided by sight.  They can see the color red, especially large groups of it, from over half a mile away.  But they are not only attracted to red.  Orange, pink, purple, white and blue flowers will also draw them. 

          Hummingbirds share favorite plants with butterflies.  Mimosa, butterfly bush, shrub verbena, monarda and hollyhock are a few examples.  Cardinal vine, trumpet vine, honeysuckle, rose of Sharon, and Rhododendron are Hummingbird magnets.  They are also attracted to artificial feeders.   And they love dripping water.  They will fly through it instead of perching on a bird bath.

          The oldest known Ruby-throated Hummingbird on record is 9 years and 1 month of age. Almost all hummingbirds of 7 years or more in age are females, with males rarely surviving past 5 years of age.  Possible reasons for a higher mortality rate in males may be weight loss during the breeding season (it takes a lot of energy to defend its territory), followed by a grueling marathon migration south. 

          The Ruby-throats are back!  And the late start to spring may be hindering them from keeping up with their regular diet.  Not much to be done about the cool temperatures but if you have an artificial feeder, fill it and put it out!  In researching this article, I learned a good bit about them that I didn’t know before.  I hope you enjoy reading it!

Beautify a Business Landscape

By Leave a Comment

        Beautify a Business Landscape – by Jenn Stumer, Appalachian Creations, Inc.

           Someone recently asked me for some tips on how to beautify a business landscape for maximum effect.  A business’s landscape can be perceived as a reflection of the business itself.   First impressions are key and the first thing people see is the exterior of a business. 

          One of the first things to do is evaluate the landscape.  Is there outdated and overgrown plant material?  Do the plants present year-round interest?  Are the plants healthy and performing to their potential?  Are they lacking proper maintenance?  If the answer is yes to any of these questions then perhaps the landscape is ready for some attention. 

          Start by removing trees or shrubs that have outlasted their stay or just aren’t working anymore.  Redesign using contemporary landscape techniques and mixing different textured evergreens with flowering deciduous plants.  Intersperse hardy perennials and grasses for splashes of color and seasonal interest.  Work towards bringing out the natural flow and design of the landscape without letting nature take over and run wild.

Just a few thoughts to keep in mind during refurbishing:

•       Watch using plants with thorns near high traffic areas

•       Keep plants that attract stinging insects away from entrances/exits

•       Carefully place plant material to keep it from growing into or hanging over your walkways or main traffic areas as it matures

•       Choose plant material that requires very little maintenance

•       And learn the maintenance requirements of the plants

          If the landscape simply needs attention, start by concentrating on things that can be done now in spring.  Redefine landscape bed edges for a dramatic effect.  Remove any residual leaves hanging out in the bushes and check for weeds.  Cut back grasses and perennials if you didn’t get to them in the fall.  For maximum plant health, use a granular acid fertilizer for evergreens and flowering shrubs and perennials.  Finally, refresh the mulch.  I’ll never forget when someone once said to me, “mulch covers a multitude of sins.”  So true!  And so nice and fresh!

Add Ambiance with Landscape Lighting

          Consider using landscape lighting to draw attention to the business.  Lighting adds beauty and ambience at the same time as safety.  Light up foot traffic routes and parking areas.  Make sure to light up business signs and entrances.  Strategically place spotlights to enhance feature plants or graze architectural features on the façade of the building.

          Businesses need to decide what they want their outward appearance to portray.  They can make a statement with their business landscape.  And welcome people with clearly lit foot traffic areas and tidy, well-kept landscape beds.

beautify a business landscape

Funeral Home Landscape with Landscape Lighting

beautify a business landscape

Funeral Home Landscape with clear foot traffic routes and modern plant selection and placement.

Are You Ready to Upgrade Your Landscape?

By Leave a Comment

Upgrade Your Landscape

New landscape with evergreens, deciduous trees/shrubs and perennials.  Use of boulder accents and contrasting decorative stone.

Are You Ready to Upgrade Your Landscape?

by Jenn Stumer, Appalachian Creations, Inc.    

Are you getting tired of your landscape?  Does it seem like it is all one color – green in the spring and summer and brown in the fall and winter?  Are there plants out there that seem like they have been around forever?  Have you been trimming evergreen shrubs faithfully only to see them growing bigger and rounder every year?  If you say “yes” to any of these questions, then you are definitely ready to upgrade your landscape!

     There are quite a few ways you can upgrade your existing landscape.  From the less costly to a size-able investment, you can spruce up the curb appeal of your property while adding to the value of your home. 

     Evaluate your existing landscape using the following checklist:

·           Is there seasonal interest? 

·           Do you use annual or perennial plants to add splashes of color and foliage interest? 

·           Do you have a “flow” or theme to your plantings? 

·           Is there a feature plant or area that draws attention to the best face of your home? 

·           Could you use stone or pavers (hardscape) to enhance certain areas?

     Seasonal interest means that there is always something going on in your landscape.  This could mean you have bulbs for early spring, rhododendrons or azaleas blooming next and creeping phlox (Mountain Pink) or bleeding hearts filling in the blanks.  For the summer, are there flowering perennials splashing color or areas where you can plant annual flowers? Mums have always been a favorite to brighten things up in the fall but have you thought of using sedum or ornamental grasses instead?  Winter interest means having a good handful of evergreens, berry-producing shrubs or deciduous plants with interesting bark.

     Having a flow in your landscape simply means the layout of your plantings and the groupings of similar or same types of plants.  A theme could be a “woodland garden” area or “butterfly garden” area. 

     Sometimes adding a feature plant or using annuals and perennials could make a world of difference in a mature landscape.  A feature plant is usually the focal point of your landscape and is typically an ornamental tree or shrub.  Sometimes using a specific grouping of plants can draw attention or accent the best feature of your home.

     Finally, use stone, boulders, pavers, or retaining walls to focalize an area or grouping.  Add a hardscape walkway or patio for a beautiful, modern entrance-way or entertaining area for your home.

     Upgrading a landscape doesn’t have to take a lot of time or money.  Refurbishments or enhancements can be done in phases.  Or perhaps it truly is time to rip it all out and start over fresh.  In deciding about upgrading, the age of the landscape, the health of the plants, and future maturity are taken into consideration as well as the overall look and flow.  There might be one specific area that you are unhappy with or there might be a few.  Now is the time to decide if you are ready to take the next steps towards making a change.

Are you ready to upgrade your landscape

Before – The home is barely seen through the overgrown landscape.

Are you ready to upgrade your landscape

After – Redesigned and refurbished modern landscape.