By: Andrew Obloy Integrated Pest Management (IPM) can be complicated and broad, to say the least. Essentially, it is a program to manage pests, but it is also so much more. Here are some ways we can use IPM to help keep your properties healthy and beautiful: Our use of IPM begins in spring, applying fertilizer to both plants and turf. Fertilizer ensures plants receive the nutrients they need for […]
February 1, 2022,
In Design, Ecological, Environmental Stewardship, Landscaping, Native plants, Planted Earth,
Right Plant, Right Place
By: Ash Green Proper plant placement plays an essential role in landscape design. It is a compromise between the science of growing plants and the desire for artistic expression with plants. It is also important to note the abundant environmental benefits associated with proper plant placement. For example, tree placement has a significant role in energy conservation. Winter sun that enters south facing windows can heat your home effectively. Evergreen […]
December 1, 2021,
In Clean & Removal, Contract Management, Garden Care, Landscaping, Planted Earth,
Winter Pruning
By Samantha Wright It is freezing cold outside, there are no leaves on the trees and not a flower in sight. Yet you see our gardeners in your landscape, looking up in the trees pruning with extended poles. Later in the day, our heads are in the shrubs continuing pruning. What is the point, is this really the right time? In the middle of winter? Do not be fooled by […]
October 4, 2021,
In Ecological, Invasive, Sustainability, Symbiotic,
Are all Invasive Species Bad?
By: Andrew Obloy We should all do our best to help our native plant species thrive. Whether in the environment around us, or in our own home gardens. Care should always be taken when introducing non-native plant or animal species anywhere. The potential damage could be catastrophic to an ecosystem. Today we are going in a different direction. I want to talk about the invasive species that have […]
September 7, 2021,
In Ecological, Invasive, Planted Earth, Sustainability,
Non-Native vs Invasive Plants
By: Andrew Obloy Our native plants are amazing. They are here for a reason, and we should use them as much as we can in our own landscapes. That being said, not all non-natives should get a bad rap. For many, the word invasive feels synonymous with non-native. I will always encourage the use of native plants in your own garden, but I don’t think we should look at all […]
November 9, 2020,
In Ecological, Sustainability,
White-tailed Deer Overabundance
Written By: Elena Roman The white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) is undoubtedly one of the most witnessed wildlife we interact with in our American existence. Come fall, as vegetation dwindles, depleting food sources in wooded areas, deer are forced to search for food in places they otherwise would feel insecure (as you can probably notice by your mauled or nonexistent Hostas). More recently, this shift has become particularly evident as deer […]
September 11, 2020,
In Landscaping, Sustainability,
Invasive Species in our Landscape
Written By: Elena Roman There can be many obstacles in the process of establishing a new garden, or even in the maintenance of an existing garden. The usual suspects being weeds, improper soil pH and/or drainage, irrigation, and pests. Among the most pervasive and stubborn of obstacles we encounter as gardeners are invasive plants; they compromise our designs, and more importantly, the health of our foundational native ecosystems that support […]
August 4, 2020,
In Garden Care, Landscaping, Planted Earth,
Boxwood Blight
Boxwood are a favorite evergreen shrub in home gardens, loved for their versatility, lush year-round color, and general hardiness. Unfortunately, in the past decade, Boxwood blight has threatened the health of many of these plants. Boxwood blight is a fungal disease that can affect all aboveground parts of the plant. Boxwood blight originated in the United Kingdom in the 1990s and was first confirmed in the United States in October […]
July 14, 2020,
In Design, Garden Care, Landscaping, Planted Earth,
Summer Edition: What’s Going on in the Garden
By Renee Godfrey Quillin The hot summer days are a reminder to take the time to sit back, relax and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you. This is also a great time to reflect on your outdoor living space by assessing the landscape. Over time landscapes change and early to mid-summer is the perfect opportunity to add a few plants here or there or even spruce (no pun intended) up […]
May 4, 2020,
In Fresh Garden, Landscaping, Naturescaping, Sustainability, Uncategorized,
Gardening with Kids
By: Justin Spittal If you’re anything like me right now you’re stuck at home, trying to keep a presence at work, accepting your new home-school teacher accreditation, and keeping the house from constantly looking like you left your windows open during a hurricane. Your friends and co-workers without school age kids are getting those home projects finally done that they’ve been sitting on for the past 5 years. Either that, […]