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  • What You Need to Know and Do About Lawn Mushrooms

    Here in the Sunshine State and across Sarasota, we see these puffy protrusions poking up from the soil amidst green grass. These are quite common growths, especially during the rainy season, which, we are presently experiencing. Large varieties are referred to as “lawn mushrooms,” while small growths are considered to be toadstools. Regardless of the name or size, these are unsightly nuisances, and, can be quite harmful.

    Lawn mushrooms are the result of fungus growing in the ground. Essentially, these are fruits of growth, which are fueled by moisture. Because we live in such a humid, subtropical climate, these growths thrive. All that’s needed is there in droves: soil, moisture, plenty of sunlight, and room to rise. This growth is remarkably rapid, seemingly sprouting overnight, and, when pulled, grow back with vigor.

    Constant combat is a worry for homeowners, especially those with vegetable and flower gardens. It’s not just how ugly these growths are, but also, what the possible dangers may unfold as lawn mushrooms push up through the soil and tower just above the grass. Mow over them, and sure enough, they sprout again, or, pull them and the same thing happens.

    What You Need to Know about Lawn Mushrooms

    As stated above, lawn mushrooms are fungi. We typically associate fungus with gross things. And, these are hardly an exception to that perception. The good news is, most of these do very little to affect the turf. But, certainly aren’t benign. In fact, these are so prominent and associated with negative perception that one folklore purports these growths are what’s left from the devil churning butter in the dead of the night.

    They might show up after a rainy spell or emerge in new sod. Or you might have a fairy ring surface in your yard. Whatever the situation, having mushrooms pop up in your lawn can be a nuisance, an eyesore and, if you have children, potentially dangerous. —Bayer CropScience

    Lawn mushrooms of all shapes and sizes are not harmless. Quite to the contrary, most are poisonous and considered toxic. Because of this, it’s best to keep children and plant nibbling pets away from these fungi growths. One positive thing about lawn mushrooms is their very short lifespan. After blooming, these release spores to jump start the next generation and then quickly shrivel. However, just because some die doesn’t mean more won’t grow.

    What You Need to Do about Lawn Mushrooms

    Because we live in a climate that’s very friendly for mushrooms to grow, controlling them isn’t easy. In fact, these are some of the most difficult growths to combat because the food they thrive on is ever-present on the grass and in the soil. Dead roots, rotting wood and leaves, and, thatch all feed fungi growth. These are essential elements for mushrooms, and, there’s certainly no shortage. While this is largely beneficial to lawns, but, still remain eyesores, at the very least, ruining otherwise beautiful landscapes. Mycelia, the root of fungi, is the vegetative part of the growth. These grow at a remarkable rate, so, controlling them is quite difficult. Here are a few ways to deal with lawn mushrooms:

    • Pull up mushrooms when they first appear. One way to keep mushrooms from being a potential danger to children and pets is to pull them up by the root as soon as the fungus sprouts from the ground. This prevents the fungi from growing to maturity and spreading spores that promote future growth.
    • Mow your lawn regularly and limit watering. When you mow your yard, the grass is shorter, which means it takes less time to dry from morning dew and rain. In addition, limit how much you water because that also contributes to the growth of lawn mushrooms. Before you start mowing, be sure to pull all visible fungi because the blades will cut and broadcast fungi, and it spores, across the lawn.
    • Clean all debris on your lawn. Since fungi live off decaying organic matter, limit the food supply by raking leaves, grass clippings, and any other debris which acts as a nutritive source. This is especially important during the rainy season because more organic matter falls to the ground during and after storms.
    • Aerate the lawn periodically. If you aerate your lawn, you necessarily increase drainage and promote drier conditions. Dig down about three inches to get to the roots and newly forming fungi for the best results. Try to break-up the mat as much as possible to prevent new fungi from taking hold.
    • Apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. When you apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, like ammonium sulfate, is speeds-up organic matter decaying process, which gives fungi less food to feed on.

    Another control measure is to excavate the area where mushrooms thrive. You’re likely to find rotting wood and other organic matter breaking down that serves as the fuel for fungi growth.

  • Dog-Friendly Landscaping in Sarasota

    We love our furry, four-legged, family members and do everything to ensure they are well taken care of, complete with a good diet, exercise, play toys; and, of course, plenty of room to romp outside. For most families, a two income household is a reality and that presents somewhat of a challenge for Fido and friends.

    You want them to be able to heed nature’s call when it’s necessary and don’t want them suffering from heat exhaustion. Here in Sarasota, summers are quite warm and that means keeping pets inside when it’s possible. However, as you and your spouse are working during the day, you probably don’t have time to go home and let the dog(s) out.

    That’s okay, because you can make your backyard into a dog-friendly landscape that has all the comforts of home, along with some fun features. This will allow you to leave Spot roam during the day and provide them with a whole host of amenities that will be just right for resting, chowing down, and frolicking about freely.

    Adding Features without Decreasing Aesthetics and Function


    The first thing that many homeowners think about having a dog, a vegetable or flower garden, and a landscape that accommodates all, is just not possible. Their curious and sometimes mischievous quadruped will wreak havoc on the garden and probably do a number (we’re talking 1 or 2) on their hardscape. Such thinking is a valid concern, but with the right planning, you and your fur-people will be able to have your cakes and eat them too.

    A dog or dogs happily romping in the backyard is a classic dog-owner dream. Achieving this, though, takes more thought than just sending your dog out in the yard and hoping for the best. Take the time to make sure your yard provides your dog with the amenities he or she needs and loves. Fortunately, pet-friendly yard amenities are also great for people as well. —Houzz.com

    You probably know your dog’s disposition and proclivities, so, try to be creative with a workable solution. You’ll need to provide the basics and can also put in a few things that will provide necessary shelter, comfort, and nutrition. With the right plan, you can also declare certain areas off limits, while making other areas easily accessible. In addition, you should be aware of certain dangers posed by great landscaping features, such as Cocoa mulch, which is toxic to dogs in large doses. So, if your dog likes to masticate on mulch or does so when bored, avoid putting in mulch. That also goes for plants and those on the list are many. You can find a complete list of toxic plants on the ASPCA’s website.

    Fences can be great for containment but can also be an obstacle to overcome, or rather, dig under to pull off an escape. If your pet is susceptible to the siren call of a strong scent, that’s certain something to take into consideration so you don’t come home to find your dog has taken flight.

    Creating a Dog-Friendly Landscaping Design

    To make a dog friendly landscape, you should consider some of the following options to provide a safe, yet fun, environment for your pet to enjoy:

    • An automatic water dispenser. A self filling water bowl is just the solution for needed hydration during the day. Fill it once in the morning before you leave for work and that will take care of the day.
    • Plenty of food, but not too much. Along with an automatic water dispenser, a food dispenser is also necessary. However, if you have the type of pet who likes to consume every last speck of food in their dish, be sure to moderate the amount to avoid trips to the veterinarian.
    • A nice place to nap. You probably have a covered porch leading out to the pool and/or back yard, so make good use of it. A nice comfortable bed under cover out of the sun will be a great place to nap during the day.
    • Toys and other play items. Depending on your dog’s chewing and playing habits, pick toys which are appropriate. In addition, you can put out a little swimming pool to frolic in the water when the mood strikes.

    Here’s another idea: strolling paths. Some dogs really enjoy patrolling the yard and sniffing along the way. If your’s appreciates this, then put in a stone pathway. This is not only a great exploration feature, it’s also perfect for family and friends to enjoy. To keep their “toilet space” to a minimum, do a little old fashion training, teaching where it is and where it isn’t acceptable to do their business.

    The good news is, none of these steps are difficult to take and in just a matter of a weekend, you can create and peaceful oasis of rest and play for your furry friend.

  • How to Attract Butterflies to Your Landscape

    Everyone loves the site of colorful butterflies in their garden. These delicate and diverse creatures are marvels to the eye and provide a sense of nature that can’t be duplicated. The truth is, you don’t really need a “butterfly garden” to attract these beautiful creatures. In fact, if you study the species a bit, you’ll learn that some of the most attractive things to butterflies are weeds–the last thing that we would purposely add to our landscapes.

    Butterflies are attracted to certain plants but don’t necessarily spend a lot of time in them. If you want to attract butterflies, you’ve got to think about not only adults, but also larva and caterpillars. In other words, you have to provide a complete environment to truly attract butterflies and this includes other elements than just plants.

    The good news is there are so many types of plants that attract these colorful creatures, that’s it’s somewhat difficult to select ones that won’t do the trick. This is a welcome fact, because the more butterflies you attract to your yard, the more they’ll help in pollination and that promotes more robust, health growth of your flowers. However, when to attract these brightly colored insects, you’ll also attract predators, like birds, spiders, reptiles, other insects, which include such unwelcome guests as wasps, flies, and mites, as well as small mammals.

    What to Know about Butterflies

    Butterflies are very fragile and nearly defenseless creatures. To ward off predators, caterpillars and butterflies have few defenses. Caterpillars can emit foul odors–at least foul to potential predators, or, are poisonous. Butterflies rely on camouflage, flight, poison, and mimicry for defense. Mimicry is the adaptation of certain patterns and colors to fool predators into believing a butterfly is a poisonous one.

    Brightly colored butterflies can be a welcome addition to your wildlife garden, not only because of their beauty, but also because of their usefulness in pollinating flowers. Attracting butterflies involves incorporating plants that serve the needs of all life stages of the butterfly. The insects need places to lay eggs, food plants for their larvae (caterpillars), places to form chrysalides and nectar sources for adults. —National Wildlife Federation

    Butterflies begin their lives as eggs attached to plants. When the eggs hatch, tiny larva emerge to grow into caterpillars. The caterpillars begin to eat immediately to grow, first their own shells, and second, their host plants. Eventually, a caterpillar will enter its pupa stage and form chrysalis. This is the beginning of what’s known as complete metamorphosis. When the transformation is done, a butterfly emerges and flies off to find host plants to feed and lay eggs. This is why your landscape must incorporate more than just attractive plants. You also need to provide them with shelter and plenty of places to fly about and explore.

    How to Attract Butterflies to Your Landscape

    To attract butterflies and do so consistently, you have to incorporate all the elements they need for their various life stages. While flowers and plants will certainly do a lot, you’ll need a few other things to make your yard a have for butterflies. Here are some helpful tips you can use in your landscape:

    • Plant native flowers. One thing that ought to be obvious is that butterflies prefer native plants. This, of course, is because these serve as their primary food source and because non-native plants can be very poor places for their eggs and larva. In fact, some non-native plants won’t provide caterpillars with the necessities most needed to survive.
    • Plant colorful flowers. Butterflies seem to prefer colorful flowers and “open.” Pink, purple, orange, red, and yellow will do the most to attract these pollinators. Butterflies are most attracted to clustered and flat-topped flowers, especially those with short flower tubes.
    • Provide places to rest. Flowers and plants alone won’t be enough to attract butterflies. Flat stones, fences, and other places are great places to rest and bask in the warmth of the sun.
    • Give them plenty of water. Feeders are another way to attract butterflies, but these colorful creatures also need water. When butterflies drink, they often do so in what’s known as “puddling.” This behavior is grouping together by extracting minerals from puddles. Fill a pan with course sand and work it into the soil to provide the right environment.

    Two more Tips for Attracting Butterflies to Your Landscape

    There are also a couple more ways to make your outdoor space attractive to butterflies:

    • Plant for continuous blooming. If you’re able to work it out, plant flowers to bloom in succession, one after another for continuous blooming. This will give butterflies ample reason to make your landscape their home.
    • Refrain from using insecticides. Because butterflies are so delicate, they are susceptible to even benign insecticides. Don’t use these, either organic or chemical, anywhere near where you’d like to attract butterflies.

    One more important tip is to provide flowers that thrive in the sun. This is because adult butterflies generally feed from the mid-morning to mid-afternoon and only visit plants that are in the sun.

  • How to Kill Lawn Crabgrass DIY Style

    Here in beautiful, sunny Sarasota, summer is here, even as most of the country remains in much cooler temperatures. That means plenty of opportunity to enjoy the beach, time on the water, and those wonderful sunsets along the Gulf of Mexico. It also means it’s time to get back into the pool, host cookouts, hike or bike along winding trails, get out on the links or the tennis court, or just relax outside with a cool pitcher of lemonade.

    It’s also time to give your landscape some attention. A few new plants, flowers, and a trim here and there to make everything look just right is in order. Perhaps installing a new fire pit or adding a deck is on your to-do list. What’s probably not on your want-to-do list is to battle crabgrass, that unsightly and unwelcome weed that thrives on the warm Florida sun and doesn’t ever seem to go away no matter what you do.

    You’ve tried yanking it out of the ground, pulling it up by the root, even raking it until none of it remains, yet it comes back to threaten the beauty of your yard, year after year. The only good thing about it is it makes for a nice variety for livestock grazing, which isn’t of much condolence. Fortunately, there are a few different ways that you can win the battle over crabgrass.

    Why Crabgrass is a Problem

    Crabgrass, also known as tropical crabgrass, summer grass, and southern grass is actually an annual called, “digitaria ciliaris.” It’s thought to have originated in Asia, but now can be found in many places on the planet, and Sarasota is no exception. It spreads by seeds, making it difficult to contain. The roots are actually located at the nodes and its stems produce long runners which allow it to grow fast and aggressively.

    Warmer spring temperatures bring your landscape to life. Unfortunately, tenacious crabgrass also comes to life. With a little preventative action, you’ll keep crabgrass from taking over your lawn. If crabgrass has already established itself, you can control and remove it from your lawn. —Lowes

    The reasons it’s harmful are twofold: it competes with your lawn for nutrients and sunlight, and can be a danger to pets, especially dogs. Like other weeds, crabgrass spreads at the expense of your lawn, taking in valuable nourishment from the sun and soil, leaving less for your lawn to thrive upon and therefore, suffer shortages. The more crabgrass creeps throughout the yard, the more damage it does and treating it with herbicides poses a danger to household pets.

    DIY Ways to Kill Lawn Crabgrass

    If you have battled crabgrass in the past, you know that it isn’t an easy weed to kill off permanently. Like other species, such as Brazilian pepper and other invasive species, it is hard to rid a yard of because of the way it grows. Fortunately, there are a few ways to kill crabgrass effectively:

    • Pull it up by hand. If you’re yard only has a few patches of summer grass, then water each spot lightly to loosen the soil around it. Using a firm grip, slowly pull the weed out of the ground completely. This can be a quick fix and it might or might not regrow.
    • Try solarization. You can harness and direct the power of the sun to kill crabgrass, as well as other weeds. This method works best for small patches, where southern grass is contained in a small area. Moisten the weed lightly with a garden hose, then cover it with clear plastic. Weigh down the edges with rocks or bricks to keep it in place. The process generally takes between four to six weeks and will also have the benefit of killing off pests, harmful bacteria, as well as nematodes.
    • Use pre-emergent herbicide. Timing is everything when it comes to controlling and killing crabgrass, so striking before it become a problem is key. This comes in liquid or granular form and can be quite effective in killing this type of stubborn weed.
    • Use post-emergent herbicide. If you already have crabgrass sprouting up in your yard, then you can use a post-emergent herbicide to get rid of the weeds. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results.

    Some homeowners have had a bit of success in controlling crabgrass using household items such as corn gluten meal or baking soda. Mixing a half-cup of baking soda with a teaspoon of cinnamon in a gallon of water creates a homemade herbicide that can be applied to tropical crabgrass to kill it off.

    In addition to these controls, you can also prevent crabgrass from growing and/or spreading by maintaining your lawn, keeping it healthy. The less weeds have to feed on, the weaker they become and cannot spread. By properly mowing, watering, and fertilizing your lawn, you can keep weeds from overtaking the grass.

  • How to Kill Yard Ticks DIY Style

    The great outdoors, right outside your back door, with all those beautiful flowers, plants, features, and creature comforts. You’ve put a lot of time and effort into transforming your outdoor space into an oasis that’s the envy of everyone who visits, but now, you’re discovering ticks. Those little nuisances are more than a bother, they are dangerous.

    As practically everyone knows, ticks can carry such scourges as Lyme disease, something which causes at the very least, a rash. It can also cause joints to swell and arthritis, even muscle pain, headache, and heart problems. Those are problems which you want no part of and you’re going to do something about those pests.

    You want to take action and deal with the tiny menaces, but you worry about the method and what impact it will have on other insects, like ladybugs, which are generally a good thing to have around. You also don’t want to turn your yard into a toxic hazard, exposing little ones and four-legged family members to chemicals.

    Choosing between Treating the Yard or Yourself, Children, and Pets

    Dealing with ticks begs the question about how to go about it. The answer depends on what you are really trying to accomplish. In other words, are you out to destroy every single invader or are you just trying to keep family and pets safe? Another reality is that no matter what method you choose, there are pros and cons to each.

    If you have trees, tall grass, or open space in your yard, you could have a bunch of hungry ticks lurking there. They lie in wait for a passing deer, pet, or person. Then they drop from their perches and land on their victims. These little blood-sucking critters can feed on their hosts for 15 days. They can pass diseases, such as lyme disease, to their hosts, which can be very debilitating. —Scotts

    If you elect to treat your outdoor space, you are probably going to spend a lot of time, and money, trying to repel pests. However, there are ways to mitigate the cost and still achieve your desired results. The best option is to combine treating your yard and yourself, your children and pets.

    Ways to Kill Yard Ticks DIY Style

    There are a number of ways to get rid of ticks in your yard, which of course, include hiring a pest control service or having your current pest controller apply a special application. Here are a few things you can do on your own:

    • Keep grass and plants maintained. Where ticks find refuge and love to hunker-down is in tall grass and overgrown areas. Weeds are an ideal refuge, as are flower beds, nooks and crannies, under objects like hardscape features, and pretty much anywhere there will be access to a warm-blooded meal. In addition, keep leaves raked-up and pick-up any debris which falls during storms.
    • Keep wild and domesticated animals away from your yard. Most animals come out at night, strategically using the camouflage of darkness to hunt for prey and to prey on your garden, dig-up your yard, and wreak havoc. Your neighbors’ cats and perhaps dogs might also pay a visit sometimes. All those animals presents a prime opportunity to feast and travel from one place to another. Depending on which animals sneak into your yard, this will be a bit of a challenge, but you’ve got to keep the things that attract them off your property as much as possible.
    • Keep your pets’ treatments up-to-date. Most homeowners apply flea and tick repellent to their cats and dogs, but can occasionally forget. Create a reminder system to keep on track because if your pets bring ticks inside, that’s not going to be a good situation.
    • Keep children and adult play-things out-of-reach. If your yard has a play-set and/or a swing, and other things which are for people to enjoy, move those objects away from wooded areas if they’re nearby. Basically, the further away things are from prime tick-hiding areas, the better.
    • Keep pest repellent handy. If you’re going to be in your yard for more than a few minutes, then just grab a can of pest repellent and apply it. This is advisable when you have cookouts, drinks around the fire pit, a bit of backyard play, or any other time of enjoying your yard longer than a few minutes.

    Another thing you ought to do is treat your yard to repel rodents, especially large ones who are prime targets for ticks. You can also put-in a barrier, like gravel around the perimeter of your yard and that will help to keep the bitters out. If you use a combination of these tick trouncing tips, you’ll like be able to keep them out and be able to enjoy your yard without worry.

  • How to Build a Beautiful Brick Patio

    If you want to add a bit more function and style to your backyard, increasing the size of your living and entertaining space, you call install a beautiful brick patio. You might believe this to be a colossal job, one that requires the skilled hand of an experienced tradesman, like a mason, but it’s actually not that difficult. However, it is time consuming and will take a lot of effort to get the job done right so you don’t have to call-in a professional to rescue a botched attempt.

    You only need a few common hand tools and the stamina and determination to do it right. This doesn’t mean it will be a cinch, but it will not be so complicated that you can’t handle it on your own. Of course, it’s always nice to have at least one set of helping hands and even better if that person is good with DIY projects.

    Types of Brick Patios

    You don’t necessarily have to just lay brick after brick in a linear, stock fashion, but you certainly can choose this very classic look, if you wish. There are actually six different types of configurations you have to choose from; and, depending on how much time you have to commit, along with your level of skill at laying bricks straight and within the confines of the border, you might just opt for something a bit more visually dazzling.

    It’s a common misconception that you have to hire a skilled mason to get a flat, uniformly handsome brick patio that stays that way. All you really need are a few hand tools, knee pads, and the determination not to cut corners. In fact, it takes more skill to build a simple wood deck than to put down a handsome surface. —This Old House

    Okay, so you can have the time-tested look that is just one after another in a straight line, across and out, which you can see is called “Jack on Jack.” You can stagger the bricks in a Running Bond fashion, making it a bit more visually appealing. Another option which is also a great choice is the classic Basket Weave, which invokes a more stylish look and feel, or, you can opt for shuffling it up a bit with the Half Basket Weave. The Herringbone is a more complex style, while the Diagonal Herringbone is for the truly adventurous.

    Regardless of the style you ultimately choose, you should take the time to carefully plan ahead. Not only for your budget, but for the time it will take and the size of your new brick patio. Once it’s installed, you can line the border with gravel, mulch, colorful plants, or just use border stones.

    Steps to Build a Beautiful Brick Patio

    The first thing you need to do is to gather the tools and materials you’ll need to install your new brick patio, which are as follows:

    • Bricks
    • Landscape fabric
    • Landscape spikes
    • Stone dust
    • 2 pipes and a 2×4-inch board for a screed
    • String
    • Nails
    • Level
    • Rubber mallet
    • Sod lifter
    • Plate compactor
    • Shovels
    • Rakes
    • Push broom(s)
    • Garden hose

    When you have your tools and materials together, you can then follow these steps to lay a beautiful brick patio:

    1. Using a sod lifter, clear the grass, digging down to two inches to get the roots of grass. You can transfer the sod to another area, but you’ll have to keep it watered for it to remain healthy and to grow in its new location.
    2. Shovel and rake the area you’ve dug up to make it as level as possible. The extra dirt can also be reused in another area, like a planter.
    3. Roll out the landscape fabric to form a weed-resistant barrier and to keep any grass from growing in the future.
    4. Take the two pipes and place them parallel apart about five feet. Then, fill in between the pipes with stone dust and use the 2×4-inch board to scrape off the excess. Do this in sections until the entire rooted area is filled with stone dust.
    5. Once the area is filled with stone dust, use the plate compactor to tamp down the dust and then repeat steps 4 and 5 as necessary until there is sufficient, compacted coverage. The stone dust should be about 3 inches thick for the best base.
    6. Nail two spikes or nails on either side down the precise middle to create a true centerline to work off of when laying the bricks. Check at least twice to ensure that your center line is indeed in the exact center to have an accurate marker.
    7. Start laying the bricks from the center out, beginning at the stringed center line, in the pattern that you desire. This is where the challenge will be greatest, especially if you’re laying the bricks in Diagonal Herringbone configuration.
    8. Use the plate compactor to carefully tamp the bricks down into the stone dust.

    Once the bricks are securely in-place, spread more stone dust over the entire patio and sweep it with a broom to fill in the cracks–you might have to do this two or more times. After the cracks are filled, spray the patio with a garden hose to finish.

  • How to Design a Rock Garden

    If you’re wondering how to design a rock garden, you might think it’s going to be a long, difficult project.
    The truth is, it’s only going to be a complex as you choose to make it and with the right planning, you can create a beautiful rock garden design.
    What’s more, you don’t have to resign yourself to the idea this is a pure backyard landscape feature,
    it also makes for a wonderful front yard improvement which increases your home’s curb appeal.

    A great advantage to installing a rock garden is it’s simplicity compared to other, more detail orientated projects. For instance, you might have an urge to plant new species on your property, like bamboo or giant Salvinia. While these might look good in a landscape design, understand both are invasive species. In fact, there are a number of non-native, invasive species found in Florida that wreak havoc on private properties across the state.

    Organic and natural materials should be anyone’s first choice when decorating the outdoors and having a rock garden should definitely be on your wish list this summer. Use rocks to transform your plain and boring backyard into a beautiful and relaxing oasis. Use their sculptural beauty to create eye-catching designs and try to make them look as natural as possible in the setting you’re providing. –homedit.com

    Another advantage to a rock garden is this decorative feature is one that’s low maintenance. It does require much attention but it provides a lot of beauty. The best location for a rock garden is in an open area, where it can be expanded in the future. Moreover, you can select different plants to celebrate a season and because there are so many warm days in Sarasota, you won’t have to wring your hands over the right choices. So, let’s get to how to design a rock garden for your property:

    1. Choose an area and clear it. The first step to creating a rock garden is to choose a specific location and clear it so you have an empty slate on which to create. As stated above, it ought to be an open area as rock gardens typically meander widely. It’s part of their appeal and gives it a zen feel when you and guests visit it.
    2. Decide on a workable design. One of the biggest landscaping mistakes is to forgo thoughtful planning and just winging it on a concept seen on the web, in a magazine, or down the street. To avoid problems during and after the installation, choose a workable design. While this might not be an exciting part of the process, it’s one that’s absolutely necessary. You do not want to be part way or nearly finished when you realize there’s a big problem. Think about space, use, and where plants and rocks will be set.
    3. Select different sized stones for your rock garden. Although this is an obvious part of the design, it bears inclusion because it is so important. Select large boulders, medium boulders, small boulders, flat stones to use for a walkway, along with colored riverbed stones and flagstone to mix it up. Be careful with which you select as these can be too heavy for a single individual to handle on his or her own.
    4. Start setting the stones, beginning with the largest. With the area cleared and a design selected to work with, start building your rock garden by setting the largest boulders and stones first. Be sure to take some time to consider how the largest will be arranged because it’s very difficult to relocate these as they can easily weigh up to 500 pounds. Set stones according to size, from largest to smallest.
    5. Choose complementary plants for your rock garden. Become familiar with different plant species and which will not only thrive in the Sarasota climate, but also, will be complementary to the rock garden. Mix up colors and sizes so the final product doesn’t look mundane and boring. Remember, a key rule of landscaping is to avoid straight lines as non-linear shapes look and feel more natural.
    6. Create a rock garden riverbed and/or walkway, if desired. You can also opt to put-in a riverbed to allow water to flow through your rock garden, which gives it more charm. Another great additional feature is to lay a winding walkway around, inside, and to and from your rock garden. This not only adds a wonderful aesthetic, it has the benefit of creating a separate space to enjoy when in your yard.

    If it’s time to refresh your landscape, contact us. We are a full-service, professional landscape design company and serve all of Sarasota, including near Bayfront Drive, around Rolling Green Golf Club, along Longboat Club Road, and elsewhere.

  • Unexpected Landscape, Outdoor Living Improvement Costs

    So, you’ve decided it is high time to really deck the halls or deck out your outdoor living space. You’re envisioning a new deck or patio, complete with an outdoor kitchen, plenty of comfortable lounging space, and a beautiful landscape to make it all pop. You’ve even gone so far as to calculate the cost of a new deckand found just the right outdoor furniture. But, there’s a lot more which you probably haven’t factored into your budget. Regardless, there are still unexpected landscape and outdoor living improvement costs which surprise many homeowners.

    Unexpected Landscape, Outdoor Living Improvement Costs

    There are a number simple ways to update an outdoor living space. Such as upgrading the lighting, installing fans and misters, replacing that outdated outdoor furniture, hanging curtains, installing a multi use fire pit, putting in a mini bar and laying down an area rug. None of these are terribly expensive but they do a whole lot to really enhance the look and function of your outdoor living space.

    Think you know down to the penny what your remodeling project will cost? Not so fast. You may be able to recite the price of materials and the budget for labor in your sleep, but you’re bound to get tripped up by odds, ends and extras — known in the trade as soft costs — that you never imagined shelling out for. That’s why it’s always a good idea to budget 20 to 30 percent over your remodeling estimate so that you’re covered no matter what happens. —Houzz.com

    There are also several ways to customize a wood deck. But, you have big, grand plans for a marvelous new, outdoor living space and an eye-catching landscape. You’ve included the cost of materials, furniture, and more. You’ve also thought about the cost of hiring a professional to get the very best results. But what’s likely escaped your planning are the following unexpected landscape and outdoor living costs which really add up quickly and to a lot of money:

    • New plumbing. While you have factored in the cost of a new sink, countertop, small refrigerator, and all else that’s needed for an outdoor kitchen, you could easily have overlooked the cost of installing new plumbing. It’s not just about water supply lines and drainage, but also, permits. Oh, and the new landscaping you have planned is also going to run up the cost. You might have to upgrade your irrigation system.
    • Higher utility costs. When you undertake any type of home improvement, your utility costs will increase the entire time it’s underway. After all, it takes electricity to power the equipment and your water use will skyrocket as the project goes on. Not to mention, having to go inside and out constantly, which adds to heating and cooling costs. All of that equals higher utility bills, so be prepared. Once your project is finished, you’ll still have more expensive utility bills.
    • Waste management. Perhaps the single-most overlooked renovation or new feature installation project cost homeowners forget to include is waste management. After all, you’ll have to do something with the debris that’s created. And make no mistake about it, waste will be plentiful. So, you’ll have to rent a roll off dumpster or hire a local junk removal service. Even if you manage to do it yourself, there’s still dumping fees to pay.
    • New electrical wiring. If your outdoor home improvement project calls for more lighting (which it really should so you can actually enjoy the space at any time of day), don’t forget about the cost of installing new electrical wiring for things like fans, lights, outlets, and more. It’s not just the cost of materials, but also, will include labor and probably some building permits will be necessary to obtain.
    • Ongoing maintenance. After the entire landscape and outdoor living project is totally complete, you’ll have to maintain it all. Even if you go the do-it-yourself route, it’s going to be an ongoing expense for your household. Although these will likely not be too expensive, they will add to your overall operating expenses.
    • Future repairs. Last but certainly not least are future repair costs. Something will inevitably break down or need to be completely replaced and that doesn’t come without a cost. At some point, you will have to pay for repairs or replace this or that.

    If it’s time to update your landscape or add more features, like a new deck, just go ahead and contact us. We are a full-service, professional landscape design company and serve all of Sarasota, including near Bayfront Drive, around Rolling Green Golf Club, along Longboat Club Road, and elsewhere.

  • Don’t Make These Big-Time Landscaping Mistakes

    Every homeowner wants their property to look its best, inside and out. After winter and spring has passed, the summer sun comes on strong and it’s a great time to give your home’s curb appeal a boost. However, some homeowners make some big mistakes, not thinking things through when they are planning their new landscape.

    Taking ideas from various websites, from home improvement stores, and magazines, they get excited about how it will look once it’s done and that provides the inspiration to get outside and get started. Unfortunately, in the excitement of a new yard comes a bit of myopic thinking, not taking some factors into consideration.

    In just a few weeks, months, or even a couple of years, it becomes quite obvious that some of those things were not the best ideas. It’s then you’re left with the task of undoing the damage, which can be costly in some cases, or just purely inconvenient in others. In order to avoid such mistakes, make sure you pick and choose wisely because that will save you time, energy, and money in the future.

    How Landscaping Impacts Your Home’s Value

    Real estate professionals, such as brokers and home stagers, know the value of a beautiful landscape. They also know when it’s gone too far and when it’s lacking. Curb appeal is a big thing because people form an impression of a home in just 7 to 10 seconds. A nice looking yard with colors not only helps boost your home’s value, but also makes it more welcome for guests and the envy of your neighbors.

    Clumsy, neglected, and hodgepodge landscaping not only hurts your home’s curb appeal, it can cut the value of your property and make it harder to sell. Real estate appraisers say bad landscaping is a buyer turnoff that can increase the number of days a property languishes on the market, which also hurts prices. Even more important, bad landscaping is a downer that hurts the way you see and enjoy your home. Don’t let bad landscaping happen to you. —House Logic

    Small changes make a big impact and when you’re planning your landscape, think about accenting your home’s exterior features. Try to avoid linear, hard lines, because those aren’t visually appealing. The ebb and flow of non-linear features will look the best.

    Identify the best features on the exterior of your home and be sure to pick landscaping material that highlights them. You want to amplify those and spruce-up the not-so-exciting features to really make your curb appeal of maximum value to your home. Another thing to keep in mind is consistency. You want the landscape to have a single theme and not to be a hodgepodge of different things because that’s precisely how it will look. What’s more, it will detract from your property’s curb appeal.

    The Top Landscaping Mistakes You Need to Know

    When it comes to landscaping, you should have a realistic and actionable plan. Piecemeal, disparate, off-the-cuff installation of different plants, flowers, hardscape features will yield and unsightly result. What’s more, you’re much more likely to sabotage your own lawn. Here are the biggest landscaping mistakes you’ll want to avoid:

    • Planting too close to your home’s exterior. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that plants grow, as do their roots. Shrubs, bushes, and trees might be a great idea for specific areas, but be sure they have ample room to grow, or you could see them growing under your home’s foundation or running into plumbing.
    • Clumping plants too close together. Not only do you want to put plants away from your home’s exterior, driveway, and walkway, you also don’t want to plant them too close to one another. That will cause them to not only grow into one another, but “fight” for nutrients and water from the ground and sprinklers.
    • Planting non-native plants. Invasive plants might look beautiful, but if they are not native to the locality, then the best policy is to outright avoid them. If you choose not to refrain, you’re likely going to deeply regret throwing caution to the wind.
    • Putting in messy trees. Ginkgo biloba, sweetgum, and pine are some of the messiest trees and no trees should be planted near a swimming pool. Not only will you have to constantly skim out leaves, but the roots could easily find their way to the walls of your pool and that will be a big problem to deal with.
    • Repeating the same thing. Another mistake that many homeowners make is choosing a few plants they really like and planting them all over the place, creating a monotonous look that seriously lacks charm.

    Last but not least, and this is where most homeowners get themselves unwittingly into trouble–they overestimate they’re DIY abilities. They put in a lavish landscape and then become disenchanted when they’re spending too much time in upkeep.

  • How to Prepare a Landscape for a Tropical Storm

    With Hurricane Matthew spinning just off the east coast of the Florida peninsula, it’s good to know how to prepare a landscape for a tropical storm. Those conditions are highly expected to occur on the central west coast of the Sunshine State, and Sarasota, still reeling from previous storms, will likely be affected. The good news is, because Sarasota was previously hit earlier in the year, a lot of loose debris has already been cleaned up. What’s more, Sarasota is on the west side of the cyclone, which is much more preferable to the east side. With Hurricane Matthew still a good day, two, or three away, now is the time to prepare your landscape for a tropical storm.

    Common Tropical Storm Damage

    Tropical storm conditions wreak havoc on homes and landscapes. With so much rain, it’s very possible to have to save a completely flooded lawn. Common tropical storm damage to homes and landscapes include scattered debris, HVAC damage, siding and window damage, roof damage, vehicle damage, uprooted trees, downed trees and branches, scattered mulch, fence damage, downed or damaged hardscape features (like a damaged or fallen pergola), pool debris, deck damage, and more.

    The worst thing that people who live along coastlines can do is not to prepare for tropical storms and hurricanes. According to the National Hurricane Center, the two key factors contributing to weather safety during hurricanes are preparing in advance for the risks and to act on those preparations when alerted by emergency officials. —Accuweather.com

    This is why upkeep and maintenance are so important. For instance, periodically resealing a wood deck, regular pool filter maintenance, pruning trees, bushes, and hedges, repairing retaining walls, and other proactive steps. But, just keeping your landscape maintained and updated isn’t enough to prepare it for the impact of tropical storm conditions. When winds begin to gust at over 39 miles per hour or higher, your landscape must bear the brunt.

    How to Prepare a Landscape for a Tropical Storm

    When we think about tropical storm preparation, we typically think about our homes. Covering windows, staging sandbags, buying plenty of non-perishables, water, batteries, charging devices, getting a first aid kit ready, and more. What we tend to forget are the very things which can’t escape the severely inclement conditions — young trees, vegetables, flowering plants, hardscape features, and more. So, here are some helpful tips for how to prepare a landscape for a tropical storm:

    • Lay potted plants and trees on their sides. It seems perfectly fine to wrap potted plants and potted trees in tarps but that creates dangerous situations. If you wrap a potted plant or tree in a tarp, the material will probably come loose and act like a sail — creating an unstable projectile. Lay potted trees and plants on their sides and brace with bricks. Face the tops away from the anticipated wind direction, as well.
    • Take care of trees, especially near your house. Take time to look at the trees on your property to spot any dead or dying branches, particularly any trees near your house or those with branches extending over the roof. While previous storms might have broken weak branches, there could be more branches will are susceptible to wind damage. Any leaning trees should be dealt with appropriately, especially those which can fall onto your house or vehicles.
    • Remove all debris from your front and back lawns. If there is any debris on your lawns, front or back, now is the time to clean it up. Remember, any loose objects become dangerous projectiles when winds gust to speeds of 39 miles per hour or higher. If you have the equipment to cover your pool to repel debris, now is the time. But don’t use the cover if it’s worn or damaged, or if it cannot be totally secured.
    • Bring outside furniture and decor inside your garage. Outdoor patio furniture and any decor hung around should be taken to an inside location, such as a garage, shed, or even a pool house or cabana. In the alternative, rope or chain furniture together and secure it to a strong tree that’s well away from your house.
    • Don’t forget to harvest your vegetables out of the garden. Now is also the time to harvest vegetables out of your garden so they aren’t lost to the storm. During heavy wind gusts, vegetables will be damaged and/or carried away. Even those which survive and are submerged under flood water will need discarding.

    If it’s time to update your landscape or add more features, contact us. We are a full-service, professional landscape design company and serve all of Sarasota, including near Bayfront Drive, around Rolling Green Golf Club, along Longboat Club Road, and elsewhere.