spring tips

Landscape Water Features

Posted on by Hidden Creek Landscaping

Landscape water features give you a natural sanctuary providing a respite from the stresses of the day right inside your own backyard. There is a richness and diversity that water features produce as both people and nature respond to the refreshing and soothing qualities of moving water.

Whether it is a water fountain nestled among your flowers, a pool waterfall with underwater lighting as a focal point, a pond stocked with exotic fish, a stone waterfall, or spillways that feed into a meandering stream, we have ideas and tips for creating, planning and installing water features that cater to your specific desires.

 

Water has a Healing Effect

Landscape Water Features

Why install a water feature? Well, listening to the sounds of flowing or trickling water, studies have shown, ranks among the same beneficial effects we glean from sleep or massage for their restorative, stress-relieving powers. Water features help relax mind, body and spirit. There are all manners of stone and pool waterfalls, stream designs, koi ponds, fountains and more from which to select your own personal landscape water features.

 

Our Recommendations

The options for backyard water features in Ohio are endless whether you are dealing with limited space or have a large spread of land. We specialize in scaling landscaping projects to add beautiful tranquility to your outdoor living space. Not sure what type of water feature you are looking for to enhance your lawn and garden? Here is our comparison of a few common types to give you a better understanding of will work for you in your garden:

Pools

For one of the most classic water features, it is hard to beat the allure of a pool. This will take a substantial initial investment, but will be a great source of entertainment and beauty for years to come. You can even spice them up with fountains or waterfalls for a natural, relaxing feature. 

Pros:

  • Great source of entertainment for all ages
  • Flexibility – the pool can be whatever size/shape/style you need it to be
  • Increases the value of your home
  • Able to be heated to use for longer time period during the year
  • Great way to exercise

Cons:

  • Requires maintenance to keep the water clean and free of the accumulation of sticks, dirt, algae, etc.
  • Initial excavation may require substantial digging and investment
  • Not able to use all throughout the year
  • May increase your insurance costs

 

Container Ponds

If your available space is limited, a container pond is an impermanent and convenient alternative to an in-ground pool. You can convert just about any container into a container pond from glazed pots to a half-cut wine barrel to concrete bowls, all of which can be of any size. Whether the diameter is the same from top to bottom or the bowl is tapered, they typically have a wide opening, but even a 3-foot diameter allows enough space inside to add fish, aquatic grass, water lilies or other suitable plants for the perfect aesthetic touch. You can use a convenient plant support ring, which is a simple wire rack with openings that hold the plants in their containers just beneath the water’s surface. Now you are dealing with the equivalent of a fish tank to which you can add pumps and filters to keep the water clean and circulating.

Pros:

Landscape Water Features

  • No need for digging or excavation
  • Excellent choice for small spaces
  • Container ponds are available as kits
  • An inexpensive way to “get your feet wet” in the world of landscaping water features. Start with something small and graduate to bigger projects

Cons:

  • You may need to seal your container to prevent leakage
  • The deeper the container, the more difficult it can be to keep clean
  • You need to be cautious of the drowning risk posed when small children present

 

Wall Fountain

Wall fountains provide another alternative when space is an issue. These vertical water features offer the unexpected treat of a water aesthetic within the confines of compact spaces. They typically have a basin to catch and circulate the water with some wall fountains spilling directly into a container pond. Wall fountains use a pump requiring tubing or pipes that are invisibly set behind the fountain.

Pros:

  • Prime for small spaces
  • Can be uniquely designed and installed
  • Available as easy-to-assemble kits that are simple plug-in units
  • Different sizes and shapes available

Cons:

  • Fountain flow is not adjustable without an adjustable valve
  • Cost comparison between a kit and designing your own wall fountain is negligible
  • Can increase humidity in the air

 

Streams

For your larger property, man-made streams present a way to incorporate natural pools and waterfalls while offering a feature that may sidle up to a walkway, providing a tranquil path for all who traverse the landscape.

Pros:

  • Lends to a more natural, informal design
  • Adapts well to existing water features or to expand upon what you may already have in place
  • Conducive to decorative plants, grasses and river rocks for a natural aesthetic

Cons:

  • Streams require a pump system and plumbing to route the flow of water from the pond or pool destination back to the start of the stream
  • Longer streams just look better, which can involve a significant amount of digging
  • The initial build can be costly
  • Requires significant maintenance for the size and organic matter that can accumulate

 

Whatever landscape water features that you select, you should always install a pump to keep the water circulating. This helps detract still-water insects such as mosquitoes and wasps. If you do add fish and plants, make sure your pumps, filters and cleaners are up to the task. Anytime you install an outdoor landscape water feature that includes fish, expect to see other interested creatures appear on the scene such as frogs, raccoons and herons.

The pleasurable effects of landscape water features enhance the overall experience of your garden, whether enjoying a backyard party, a barbecue get-together or simply a private break all by yourself. You can make your yard a sanctuary, and the investment not only offers a calming presence at home, but it contributes to your property value as well.

If you are interested in learning more about custom landscape water features or how to winterize your existing features, our expert team of creative landscaping professionals can provide insight and in-depth knowledge of the many types of feature designs as well as the local Ohio terrain and trends. Contact us today to discuss your dream landscape and how we can bring your plans to fruition!

Share Button

Pet-Friendly Landscaping

Posted on by Hidden Creek Landscaping

How to Create a Pet-Friendly Yard

 

You love your pets and even consider them as members of your family! But, unfortunately, sometimes it is difficult to maintain a perfect yard with pets roaming around it.

Across central Ohio, you can see countless yards that have all of the familiar signs: big holes in the ground, dead spots in the grass, dog poop everywhere and flowers that have been trampled on. These yards have all of the bare essentials to be a beautiful space, but the owners have seemingly let their animals take them over.

The following are some ideas you may consider if you are looking to create a pet-friendly landscape.

 

Consider Hardscaping

 

Hardscaping may be something you want to consider if you have a puppy who likes to get his paws dirty. This will create a barrier between your dog and your garden. By designing your yard with hardscaping, you will be able to remove some or all of the spaces where your dog can dig. Whether it is stone structures, retaining walls, or paved paths, Hidden Creek can help you design and install these features to protect your space.

 

Pick up the Poo

 

This isn’t so much a design idea as it is a simple suggestion. Many yards and lawns are ruined because there has been so much pet waste accumulated in them over the years. You would be surprised how many families and children don’t like to enjoy their yards simply for this reason. And, guests don’t feel comfortable walking through your yard and enjoying the space unless it’s clean.

You may want to consider regularly cleaning up after your pet in your yard. It will make your yard both more enjoyable and healthier for everyone. Make “pooper scooper the yard” a weekly chore for you or your kids, and protect your beautiful yard!

 

Keep your Herb Garden Safe

Pet-Friendly Landscape

Many homeowners like to grow little herb gardens in their yards. This is a great way to provide your own additions to healthy meals to enhance the flavor.

Unfortunately, though, dogs and cats also seem to love herb gardens. Our little friends like to chew on and eat soft and small plants. Avoid this by creating a barrier around your herb garden. You could consider protecting your herb garden with chicken wire, a stone wall or another hardscaping feature.

 

Steer Clear of Poisonous Plants

 

A well-designed garden will usually feature a number of different plant species. When planning your garden, though, you need to keep your animals in mind when choosing plant species. There are some commonly-used landscape plants that are poisonous to dogs and cats when consumed.

Some of these common species include lilies, azaleas, and tulips. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruetly to Animals (ASPCA) has an extensive list of these plants which you may consult. Take care when choosing plants for your yard, and make sure your landscape professional is aware of this concern.

 

Pick a Hearty Grass Species

 

A beautiful, lush, green lawn is what most homeowners desire. However, dogs can be problematic when considering your lawn maintenance. As mentioned before, dogs can frequently burrow into lawns, which causes damage. Pet waste can also cause dead and yellowing spots in the grass. It can be difficult to balance the needs of your lawn and the needs of your pet.

Despite all of these concerns, if you still want a green lawn, then consider carefully which species of grass you choose. Some species of grass are heartier, and they can take the beating of a dog’s usage a little better. For a species recommendation, schedule a consultation with one of our landscape professionals.

 

Fence in your Dog Yard

Pet-Friendly Landscape

Oftentimes, the best solution to having animals and a beautiful landscape is allocating one part of your yard for them and another part for more intricate gardening or entertaining space. This separation can often best be done with fencing.

One solution would be to have a smaller backyard area where you allow your dogs and cats to roam that’s fenced in, and a separate space for entertaining and gardening. Or, if you don’t have that much space in your backyard, you can have a fenced in area in the back and then place more beautiful and delicate plants that could potentially be harmed by animals in your front yard.

 

Place Delicate Plants Away from your Pets

 

Features like flower beds, herb gardens, and succulent plants need to be placed away from where your pets go. As these features tend to be more easily harmed, they should be positioned in an area that will not be frequented by your animals. As mentioned before, this could be accomplished with fencing, or with a water feature or hardscaping.

In areas where your animals will be, you can place sturdier plants and landscaping features. In these spaces, hardscaping or ground covers would be great options, as well as larger shrubs or small trees.

 

Time your Irrigation Appropriately

 

In many cases, irrigation is necessary to maintain a beautiful garden. Plants have different moisture requirements to grow and be healthy. Irrigation allows you to control and create the ideal environment to keep your garden beautiful.

However, many times irrigation systems are set on timers, which can actually be problematic if you have pets. Don’t set your irrigation to run immediately before or during the times your pet will be in that area of the yard. When soil and lawns are wet, they can be more easily damaged by your animals. Not to mention, this could set you up to have muddy paw prints tracked into your home!

Creating a pet-friendly landscape is definitely doable, but does require some extra planning beforehand. Usage by your pet is simply another factor to be taken into account during the landscape design process. Make sure to communicate this need to your landscaping professional when creating your ideal design.

Have questions? Contact Hidden Creek Landscaping and together we can build a yard that is great for you and your furry friends!

Share Button

What Are the Best Trees for Ohio Landscaping?

Posted on by Hidden Creek Landscaping

The unpredictability of midwest weather can cause a lot of frustration.  One minute it is sunny, and it could be storming the next. There can be snow in the springtime and warm winter days. However, when the weather messes with your landscape, it can be discouraging. After all, homeowners usually put a lot of time, effort and money into the landscaping to ensure that it is always looking splendid.

To stop this frustrating dilemma from affecting your landscape, here is a list of trees, flowers, and shrubbery that will survive year-round in Ohio:

Best Trees for Ohio Landscaping

Red Oak Tree

The sturdy and heavy Red Oak wood has a reddish-orange color that adds vibrant color to the landscape and is an excellent source of shade.

Japanese Tree Lilac

The Japanese Tree Lilac is perfect for those who are looking for an exceptional accent plant with beautiful and fragrant spring blooms.  A big part of the popularity of this tree is that it is low-maintenance and resistant to diseases. Also, it prefers moist, well-drained soil, thrives in direct sunlight and requires very little pruning.  Among the most favorite selections of the tree are Summer Snow and Ivory Silk.

Witch Hazel Tree

This tree is a remarkable option for broad and open areas in your landscape.  The tree favors partial shade or direct sunlight and soil that is moist and well-drained.  Its orange and yellow foliage creates a spectacular display during the fall months. Even when there is snow on the ground, the Witch Hazel tree will flower.  The spicy fragrance and twisting branches of the tree are particularly unique and form a part of its grand appeal. crabapple tree

Crabapple Tree

Easy to grow and stunningly beautiful, crab apple trees produce incredible flower shows during the spring.  It is necessary for these trees to be planted in well-drained loamy soil because fruit trees will not flourish in wet soils. Crabapple trees require good air circulation and full sun exposure to ensure the leaves stay dry.  It is essential to keep these leaves dry because wet leaves on fruit trees tend to cause diseases. When the apples fall, disease resistant varieties will not create a mess.

American Hornbeam Tree

American Hornbeam trees are a fantastic option for naturalized or woody landscapes.  This magnificent tree thrives in shade or partial sunlight and favors soil that is wet and well drained. The American Hornbeam is native to the northeast and produces outstanding red and yellow foliage during the months of fall.

Pagoda Dogwood Tree

The Pagoda Dogwood tree is a well sought after the native of the Midwest and hails, more specifically, from the state of Minnesota.  This tree favors full sun exposure or partial shade and thrives well in these conditions. The foliage of this tree is a beautiful purple that shows out during the fall.  It produces a pleasing aroma and creamy white blossoms during the spring. The Pagoda Dogwood tree can be significantly affected by city pollution, and as such, your Pagoda Dogwood should not be planted near to the roadside. Argentina and Venus are popular types of the Pagoda Dogwood tree, and its unique horizontal branching is one of its most remarkable features.

Japanese Maple Tree

This spectacular tree produces beautiful spring and fall colors.  During the fall, its textured foliage changes to a hue that ranges from deep red to purple.  White and pink blooms show up in the spring and last into the months of summer. To maintain its form, it requires pruning, or it will reduce into a shrub.  It favors minimal sunlight and light shade and thrives best in average, well-drained soil. While this tree is typically hardy in Ohio, it is best to check with a local nursery to determine the variety that will thrive best in your region. Japanese maple tree

Asimina Triloba (Pawpaw)

This deciduous, conical tree grows between 12 and 20 feet tall.  It has tropical-looking leaves that turn yellow in autumn and become as big as 12 inches.  Dark-brown, velvety flower buds produce upside-down, maroon flowers as big as 2 inches across that bud for approximately six weeks early in the springtime. The Asimina Triloba produces the largest native edible fruit in America, and its flavor is similar to both banana and mango. Once established, this tree can tolerate full sun exposure, and young trees favor filtered sun. 

Stewartia Pseudocamellia (Japanese Stewartia)

This deciduous, slow-growing tree is shaped like a pyramid and extends between 20 and 30 feet in height and 8 and 25 feet in width.  It can be single trunk or multi-stem, prefers partial shade, favors well-drained soil and has no tolerance for drought. In July, its cup-shaped, white flowers emerge, and its fall foliage has incredible shades of burgundy and reddish-orange. It reddish-brown bark provides interest and fantastic winter color.  It can be used near the patio or as a specimen plant in the yard.

Best Shrubs for Ohio Landscaping

Buxus “Winter Gem” 

This trouble-free, dependable evergreen is not a deer favorite.  It is most effective when used to create a hedge, and it produces glossy, medium-textured foliage.  The leaves will hold their color even throughout long and brutal winters. This shrub’s growth becomes a refreshing light green color in the Spring.  It can be used to bring evergreen structure to the landscape, which is mainly essential during the winter when there is very little green left.  It is a low-maintenance plant as it only requires pruning once or twice a year.

Clethra Alnifolia (Summersweet)

This native shrub is delightfully fragrant, attracts beautiful butterflies and blooms in mid to late summer. The elegant foliage and form of taller varieties make them great accents for anyt landscape.  They typically reach between 5 and 6 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Shorter cultivars like the ‘Hummingbird’ work well for repetition and massing, staying approximately 2½ to 3 feet tall.

If you need more information about types of plants for Ohio landscaping or need help with a design, contact us!

SaveSaveSaveSave

Share Button

Spring Landscaping Tips After Winter

Posted on by Hidden Creek Landscaping

After the long months of winter, a number of homeowners recognize the need to perform spring landscaping tasks in their yards. This freshens up the lawn and other parts of the landscape that are in need of extra attention at this particular time of the year. Doing so gets the yard prepared for the growing season. A yard clean up checklist for spring can be separated into 6 categories of related tasks:

  • Major Clean Up
  • Flowerbed Preparation
  • Begin Planting
  • Control Weeds
  • Control Pests
  • Plant Care

Major Clean Up

This aspect of preparing the yard for spring landscaping will require a rake, gloves, and perhaps a few other small tools. Picking up after the snow melts can be quite a messy, yet necessary task. Therefore, you should roll up your sleeves, put on your gloves, and get to work. You can also ask a landscape maintenance specialist for help.spring landscaping preparation

Leaves that have blown around, trees, and perennials can remain in place and mulched over.  If they are in modest quantities, there is no need to remove them. However, there are often matted leaves all over the yard after the winter has passed, so we recommend you do remove most of those.

The cleaning process requires you to remove debris. This includes clearing away dead leaves, grass, pinecones, and whatever other unwanted rubble that may be on the lawn.

Flowerbed Preparation

For flowerbeds that performed optimally the prior year, the best thing to do is put additional compost around the plants for fertilization. Also, you should remove any weeds that have sprouted in the beds. This will prevent them from spreading and growing more as the season goes on.

You have a few options when it comes to opening up new planting beds. They include breaking new ground using a tiller and transforming lawn space into planting beds. There is also the option of building raised beds. You could consider soil solarization in areas that are particularly rough.

If you have broken ground to open up a new planting bed, there is no doubt weeds will find it fast. Therefore, in many situations, it’s a good idea to lay a landscape fabric on top of the ground. This should be followed by adding a layer of mulch.

Begin Planting

Early spring is ideal for the installation of trees and shrubs and the planting of perennial flower borders. However, this is only true if the perennials are hardy.  For tender perennials, annuals, and seed, you should await the passing of the last frost date for your region.

Control Weeds

Sometimes it is much easier to battle weeds prior to their emergence, instead of waiting for them to rear their heads. While landscape fabric can be used to eradicate weeds in flower beds, pre-emergent herbicides may be helpful for your lawn, especially to control crabgrass.  

Control Pests

Precautionary measures can be taken to deal with garden pests. Many gardens require the protection of deer fencing or rabbit-proof fences. In regions where deer could pose a problem and fencing is not an option, installing deer-resistant plants is a wise idea. You could also look into growing rabbit-proof flowers if this is relevant to your situation.

Plant Care

  • Pruning

Trees and shrubs can frequently benefit from spring cleaning as well. The period between the end of winter and early spring is ideal for pruning shrubs that will flower in late June and last through much of the fall.  For example, during this time you can prune shrubs like butterfly bush, abelia, beautyberry, clethra, caryopteris, smooth hydrangea, rose-of-Sharon and panicle hydrangea. It is also prime time to prune crape myrtle, St. Johnswort, vitex and summer-blooming spirea. Spring-blooming shrubs like rhododendron, azalea, lilac, weigela, viburnum, and forsythia should be pruned right after they start to flower.

There is no doubt that dead branches should always be removed.  However, the need to prune off live branches is typically determined by personal taste or one’s need to give the tree or shrub a more visually appealing shape.  The ideal time to prune shrubs to give them a desirable shape differs from shrub to shrub. 

  • Mulching

Any deep coating of mulch that may have been covering your perennials throughout the winter should be monitored to determine when they should be pulled away.  This is necessary for the perennials to emerge unhindered. There is no exact date for when the mulch protection should be removed from your perennials; this has to be played by ear.  

spring flower care

The exact time to remove this mulch will differ based on where you live. However, if a deep layer of mulch has been applied, it will ultimately have to be scraped away from the ground immediately under the perennials to prevent smothering.

A comprehensive spring clean up readies your lawn and other parts of the landscaping for the spring and summer seasons. However, so much more can be achieved through spring cleaning. In many cases, this will save you from frustrations as the season progresses.

Contact us for more tips and to discuss how we can help you clean up after winter and create a beautiful landscape for spring.

Share Button

Spring Landscaping Tips To Kickstart The Season

Posted on by Hidden Creek Landscaping

Screen Shot 2017-04-04 at 10.02.21 AMWinter is long gone. The snow has melted and your yard looks like a tornado swept through it. Sprucing up your yard for the upcoming spring season should therefore top your list of priorities if you derive immense satisfaction from having serene surroundings. With a myriad of ideas causing a frenzy in your mind, that can prove to be impossible. However, there’s no need to panic though as all it takes is a few spring landscaping care tips and you’ll be well on your way to creating your ultimate spring paradise. You’ll be surprised by what can be achieved when you blend simple creativity with a little structure.

Compiling a ‘to do’ checklist of chores for the season is important. Consider:

Dealing with weeds once and for all. There’s no better time to apply herbicides to your lawn than now. Since weeds are a constant nag, getting rid of weeds at the beginning of the season ensures that you can then focus on chores that demand more regular attention. Whilst you’re at it, this is the perfect time to be filing up all those bare patches in your lawn. For the sake of uniformity, pluck overgrown lawn -together with the roots- and fill the blank spaces. If you have the same lawn seed that can work as well.

Killing those parasitic pesticides. Pests not only feed off plants but they can spread very fast and become a perennial problem. Check plants regularly for any unusual coloring or foliage damage. Once you’ve spotted a few recurring pests be sure to take these samples to a gardening centre for a diagnosis.

Experimenting with an indoor garden. Bring plants indoors to make your indoors airy, vibrant and colorful. You’ll want to incorporate evergreen climbers and vines as they don’t shed their leaves often.

Spring is a fun time of the year. It is a time to go out and enjoy the sun, and what better way to do that than by preparing for it in advance.

Share Button

Early Spring Lawn Care Tips

Posted on by Hidden Creek Landscaping

Screen Shot 2017-03-20 at 4.37.36 PMAs the warmer weather moves in, it’s time to start getting your grass ready for the months ahead. Homeowners can take simple steps to prepare the lawn and garden. Here are some important early spring lawn care tips:

Cleaning and raking. The first thing to do is to clean up the yard and give it a gentle raking. Collect all debris like branches and dead leaves, and then lightly rake over the grass. If your lawn is in poor condition, you can do a deeper raking. If the grass has held up fairly well and you won’t need to put down seeds, go easy on it. By raking, you can remove debris, thatch, and find the patches that may need to be rejuvenated with grass seed.

Fertilize and reseed. Many homeowners take the time to fertilize their lawn in the fall, but if you haven’t, spring is the time to do so. Put down a fresh layer of the right type of fertilizer for your grass. If you have bare patches that need to be filled in, add fresh soil and seed. It’s important to purchase the right type of grass seed for your lawn, and pay attention to the amount of light and shade that each patch receives throughout the day.

Tackle weeds. Weeds can be a recurring problem throughout the spring and summer, and they can ruin the look of any lawn. Tackle them early by using a weed killer that will eradicate them for good. There are many herbicides available, so choose the one that best suits your needs. There are even safe options available for homes with children and pets. Be sure to read the product labels carefully.

Even if you’ve prepped your lawn in the fall, it’s a good idea to take some time working on it in early spring. By doing so, you’ll have lush, lovely grass to enjoy all year.

Share Button

Practical Lawn Care Tips For Spring

Posted on by Hidden Creek Landscaping

shutterstock_167236778Spring maintenance is an essential step in creating a healthy summer lawn. Soil pH can be altered by winter conditions and the soil could also become compacted. In addition, properly cleaning, fertilizing and mowing the yard early in the season is vital. This is so because winter conditions might have created conditions that are friendly to diseases and weeds.

Spring is about to turn into summer in just a few weeks. By now, problems such as invasive plants and bare spots would have been addressed. The broadcast spreader would have already played its role in filling in the spots left bare by the ravages of winter. You should have moved on to the stage of maintaining an attractive, healthy lawn that is both functional and aesthetically appealing.

Lawns are not just immaculately maintained patches of greenery. They play a valuable role in conserving soil, decreasing runoff, sequestering atmospheric carbon, helping to purify water, improving air quality and lowering urban heat loads.

Ideally, a lawn should not only look great, it should be able to take lots of pounding and maintain its visual appeal. Therefore, your approach to lawn care and landscaping in general should be practical and go beyond aesthetics. Below are some useful spring lawn care tips than can keep your yard looking remarkable all summer long:

Aerate. Now that the soil is dry and warm, use a scarifier to aerate a heavily-matted lawn. To promote healthy growth, a long-term fertilizer should be used during the months of spring. The best approach to achieving a thick lawn is mowing once a week. However, when there are periods of intense growth, the lawn can be cut 2 times a week.

Cut Cleverly. To ensure your grass is cut cleanly and not torn, newly sharpened blades should be used for the first cut of the year. To maintain a lush, healthy-growing lawn, only a maximum of 1/3 of the blade of grass should be cut.

Plant Entryway Flowers. The unpredictable weather of early spring should have passed by now and the sponginess of the soil should have disappeared. You can now plant some flowers at the entryway to give your home a more welcoming and pleasant look. Using annual flowers and perennials to adorn the entrance of you home will have an impressive impact on the overall look of the yard. Gertrude Jekyll roses, Lily-of-the-Nile and Petunias are great choices for the entryway.

Share Button

Expert Tips For A Spring Garden Makeover

Posted on by Hidden Creek Landscaping

Expert Tips For A Spring Garden MakeoverSpringtime is the ideal season to give your garden a makeover. Spending some time outdoors in the fresh air by getting your lawn and garden ready for the growing season will allow you to enjoy beautiful blooms in the coming months. Here are some expert tips for creating a beautiful spring garden:

Prune and trim. Prune shrubs to remove any dead branches, as well as to shape them up. This will allow you to get rid of any diseased areas, and it will also help to encourage fresh growth as the weather warms up. Trim shrubbery that has become overgrown. You may also find that dead leaves and other debris have gotten caught up in shrubs over the winter, so this is the perfect opportunity to remove them.

Add a water feature. Consider adding attractive features to your garden, such as a water fountain, bird bath, or even a small reflecting pond. Water features create a soothing, relaxing environment, and can enhance the overall look of your property. Whether you want to simply add visual appeal, or are seeking to create a more tranquil outdoor area, a water feature is an excellent addition to make.

Prepare flower beds. Start working on existing flower beds as soon as the weather allows. It can take time to do a thorough weeding, removing weeds from the root, as well as getting rid of other debris that may have landed in the beds over the winter, like twigs, branches, and dead leaves. Rake over the soil gently before spreading a fresh layer of compost.

Create a seating area. Take outdoor furniture out of storage and create a comfortable seating area in or near the garden. If your furniture has seen better days, consider replacing it with new pieces, or simply refinishing the ones that you have. A fresh coat of paint and some colorful cushions can go a long way.

Spring landscaping can be time intensive, but it should also be enjoyable. You may simply need to clean up your existing garden, or you may want to create new flower beds and add more plants for a fresh look. After a long, cold winter, you’ll appreciate the beautiful blooms that will soon be emerging from flower beds and sprouting from shrubs and trees.

Share Button

10 Steps To Prepare For Spring Landscaping

Posted on by Hidden Creek Landscaping

When springtime arrives, you are probably getting ready to prepare your yard. After a long winter, it may be necessary to do some cleaning. By following 10 steps, you are sure to have your spring landscaping looking great.

Tend to Your Perennials. Prepare For Spring Landscaping

After winter, it is likely your perrenial plants will need a trim. Many of these items can be cut to their bases. However, things like woody Russian Sage may need to have some growth left. After cutting the plants, you can begin pulling weeds as well.

Remove Dead Items.

It is important to examine all your trees and shrubs. This is the perfect time to perform some minor pruning. Also, it is wise to remove dead and diseased limbs and branches.

Get Raking.

Over winter, your garden beds are sure to have accumulated some debris. After raking the areas, the material can be discarded or added to your compost pile.

Edge.

Edging your spring landscaping will create defined lines between the grass and the rest of the yard, which results in a maintained appearance.

Using Fertilizer.

Applying fertilizer will offer necessary nutrients to your plants. When summer arrives, your garden will look lush. You are advised to apply the fertilizer before you mulch.

Control the Weeds.

Scattering pre-emergent weed control products will cut your work tremendously. Although they will not totally eliminate your weed problem, they will prevent germination.

Mulch.

For an aesthetically pleasing yard, mulching is a wise choice. Scattering mulch around plants is common, but it should not exceed three inch levels.

Remove Old Mulch.

With time, mulch accumulates around shrubs. Every few years, it is wise to remove old mulch and start fresh. This eliminates a breeding ground for insects and keeps soil healthy.

Protect the Ground.

Besides keeping weeds away, mulch protects the ground. It keeps the soil moist and regulates the ground’s temperature.

Get Planting.

Spring is the perfect season to begin planting outdoors. The comfortable temperatures allow new seedlings to adjust to a different environment without the stress of hot summer sunlight. If perrenials have become overgrown, they can be transplanted as well.

For more tips that help you prepare your landscaping for spring, consult with Hidden Creek Landscaping. This company provides a variety of services that will transform your yard into a private haven that enhances your lifestyle and increases your home value.

Share Button

Expert Tips For A Spring Garden Makeover

Posted on by Hidden Creek Landscaping

Expert Tips For A Spring Garden MakeoverGetting your garden in shape is so important to enhancing your property’s curb appeal. Spring is the ideal time to plant flowers and vegetables. Here are some spring garden tips from gardening experts:

Plan Out Your Flower Beds before Planting. Before planting anything in the ground, it’s a good idea to make a plan. Take note of which areas get the most sun and which are shady. This is important because each type of plant requires a certain amount of sunlight or shade in order to thrive. When you get to the nursery to choose your plants, read the information about each one so that you can decide the best placement in your garden.

Soil Testing. For your flower beds to thrive, the soil conditions also need to be right. The soil is actually one of the most important aspects to a successful garden, according to the experts. A simple soil pH test kit will let you know the alkalinity of your soil. You want to see a result of about 7, which is neutral. This means that the conditions are just right for planting.

Enriching the Soil. If the results of the pH test show that your soil conditions are poor, you will need to enrich the flower bed before planting. You can purchase bags of garden soil from just about any garden center in the spring, so this should be an easy fix. Another option is to add nutrient enriching formula to soil, such as compost.

Planting the Garden. You may be eager to get your garden started as soon as the weather turns nice, but it’s important to wait until the final frost of the season is over. Planting too early can cause your plants to die if the temperatures drop too low in the evenings. Once the weather conditions are right, you can start getting your seeds and plants into the ground.

Every garden needs proper care in order to thrive. Take the time to plan the layout of your garden and choose the right types of annuals and perennials for each area. By following these expert tips, you’ll have a beautiful spring garden that you can enjoy throughout the year.

Share Button