<span>Landscaping Tips</span>

Best Time to Plant Palm Trees in Florida

Florida is known as the Sunshine State for good reason. With its subtropical climate and the most beachfront in the country, the peninsula is home to many exotic species of plants, and among the highly prevalent are palm trees. With so much sun, plenty of rainfall and miles and miles of white sand beaches running along the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean, palms are part of practically every landscape in the state.

Though there are about a dozen species which are native to Florida, many more have been introduced to the Sunshine State that hail from Asia and South America, according to the Department of Biological Sciences at Florida International University. Surprisingly, the majority of palm trees on the peninsula aren’t native to the state, but the climate is just perfect for these trees associated with tropical living. Of the native species, six are Paurotis, Needle, Cabbage, Thatch, Silver, and Royal; and, there are another half dozen which are also native, however, the transplants still outnumber these species.

Regardless of species, these trees love the sun but surprisingly, some of them thrive remarkably in what many lay-people would believe to be too adverse. There are actually palm species which grow and survive in cold climates where temperatures can fall to 10 degrees below zero. Though these species cannot tolerate cooler temperatures, especially when the mercury falls below 50 degrees or more.

Best Time to Plant Palm Trees in Florida

Most people know that the best time to plant ornamental trees and shrubs is during the early fall. The reason for this is because there’s enough time for the roots to take hold and grow before the first summer, a season that’s typically most stressful. However, the quite the opposite is true for palm trees. Though palms can be transplanted during any time during the year, the best time to plant young palm trees is during the spring or early summer.

Of the 17 nutrients that are essential for plant growth, only the 6 nutrients discussed above typically cause deficiency problems for south Florida landscape palms. Fertilizers for palms should be chosen carefully, with attention to the content of K, Mn, Fe, Mg, N, and B. Like most plants, palms can be affected by innumerable pests. There are, however, 3 key pest problems in south Florida that produce significant symptoms on mature landscape palms: Royal Palm Bug, Lethal Yellowing, and Ganoderma Butt Rot. —Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida

Palms planted during the spring and early summer can take advantage of rising soil and air temperatures, two key components to their young health. This provides ample time for the roots to develop, take hold, and nourish the tree before temperatures begin to fall five to six month later in the late fall and early winter.

How to Plant a Palm Tree

Timing is important to growing a health palm, but equally so is planting in the right manner. Because these come in a variety of species, not all tolerate full sun exposure well. Some species do not thrive or even grow under direct sunlight. If you have a young palm that prefers partial shade, you can acclimate it to the sun by placing it in a pot and exposing it to sunlight incrementally over several weeks.

When you’re ready to plant a palm tree, you should follow these steps to give it the best start and grow healthy in its first five to six months prior to late fall and early winter:

1. Pick a spot that will accommodate your palm in its maturity. Depending on the species, your palm might grow up-to fifty feet and span out its palms several feet in each direction. So, choose a spot that’s free of erected infrastructure, like utility lines if your tree will grow to this height or more.
2. Dig a hole that’s sized appropriately. Palms can be shocked by transplanting, particularly when being moved from a container to a hole that’s too deep. It’s important to dig a hole that’s about twice as wide as the root ball, but just deep enough to accommodate it.
3. Scores the sides of the hole to promote growth. When you place the palm into the hole, you should score the walls of the hole with a shovel to loosen the surrounding soil so the roots have ample opportunity to grow out.
4. Water the roots. To stimulate the tree and acclimate it to its new home, reducing transfer shock, you should wet the roots but not too much.
5. Add soil mix to the dirt. Palms need a bit of a primer to help them get off to a great start. Add soil mix, Canadian peat moss works best, along with about 30 percent of sand. Palms thrive in well-drained soil that’s moist but not soaked.
6. Create a barrier around the base. Use organic mulch to build a three inch barrier around the base of the tree to help trap nutrients and moisture.

Water your newly planted palm daily for two weeks and then slowly taper-off over the next few months for best growing results.

The Five Basic Landscape Design Elements

The very phrase “landscape design,” is an imposing one, concocting a vision of complexity seemingly unimaginable and obtuse. Indeed, one could spend years upon years studying the various theories and applicable aspects of the art-science, but, what about weekend do-it-yourself types who just want to spruce up a yard or install some features? You probably want to give your front or backyard a facelift of sorts, either to create a space to relax and entertain or because you’re going to sell your home. Whatever the reason, you likely want to avoid any in-depth explanation and get right to the most important aspects or practical details just to make it cohesive and professional. Well, that can be done, if you understand basic principles.

The Five Basic Landscape Design Elements

What makes landscaping design seem all too complex is the end-result. You’ve seen those gorgeous outdoor spaces and thought about how long and how much effort went into coming up with the concept and then making it into a reality. The truth is, it does take quite a bit of planning and a lot of elbow grease to get from concept to reality, but, it’s all done through the lens of five basic design elements. These are guidelines to work within and serve as a great help to produce an eye-catching ebb and flow.

Landscape designers work on a canvas that is distinctly different from other art forms. The “art” is always changing as the plants grow, environmental conditions change, and people use the space. For this reason, landscape designers use a design process that systematically considers all aspects of the land, the environment, the growing plants, and the needs of the user to ensure a visually pleasing, functional, and ecologically healthy design. —The Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences

One of the best ways to visualize and emulate a particular look is to browse through images. If you take time to identify common components and know the five main elements, you’ll have a good grasp on just what the art-science is all about. Achieving the results you want to accomplish isn’t about having it all. Like with many concepts, if you keep it simple, you’ll have a lot more luck at realizing what you imagine. The less is more application is a good approach to follow because you’ll largely avoid the urge to cram things together just to fill up space.

Landscaping doesn’t have to be intimidating, and, you can approach it by thinking about it in a different way. You’ve no doubt encountered “some assembly required,” followed the directions and put this or that together. Well, that’s design broken down into a step-by-step process. When you compose an email, you’re essentially “designing,” based on common principles of spelling, grammar, and punctuation. So, let’s look at the five basic landscape design elements:

• Color. One of the most compelling aspects of landscape design is color. It’s divided into four categories: primaries (red, blue, yellow), secondary (green, orange, violet), tertiary (a mixture of primary and secondary, and, neutrals (white, silver, and grey). It’s best to weave a complementing color scheme throughout the yard, with a little contrast to make it more visually appealing and exciting.
• Texture. The visual surface or even the actual feel of objects comprise a landscape’s texture. In general, texture is represented by a mix of fine and coarse textures to break up any monotony. These add to the atmosphere and blend at a distance, while appearing distinct close up.
• Form. This element is about shape, and, there are six types: oval, upright, columnar, weeping, spreading, and broad spreading. Form is often expressed through hardscape and softscape features, such as pergolas and waterfalls and shrubs and trees.
• Line. Direction or line is perhaps one of the most familiar elements of landscape design because it’s often a pathway and/or physical directions which point. Line is generally found in things such as pavers winding through an outdoor space, or, surrounding a fountain.
• Scale. This is all about balance and should be in-line or relative to the size of your home. In other words, a landscape should not overwhelm, rather, complement, a home. In addition, the various components should also have balance.

To be sure, there are other concepts which are incorporated into landscaping design. For instance, variety, grouping, and repetition are all commonly used in landscaping. The key is to settle on a theme and then duplicate it to create a wonderful outdoor space. It’s also helpful to use plants that are native and complement one another.

Fall Landscaping Ideas For Florida Homeowners

Florida fall landscaping ideas range from simple to complex. Regardless of what you choose, this is the perfect time of year to do something to transform your landscape. With cool weather, pleasant breezes, and dry air, it’s invigorating to be outdoors, making wonderful home improvements. If you stay away from poisonous plants and think about combining style with function, you’ll really enjoy the results.

Florida Fall Landscaping Ideas

The fact of the matter is, there are plenty of ways to update your outdoor living space. Upgrade and add more lighting, now that the days are shorter and the nights are cooler. You’ll be able to enjoy outdoor entertainment well after the sun goes down. It’s also a good time to replace outdoor furniture because it’s out of season and will be less expensive. You can also make other small improvements, like hanging curtains for privacy.

From growing blooming shrubs, to planting annuals and perennials, to deer-proofing your garden, there are many beautiful and wonderful ways to make your home inviting and appealing. Some of our best landscaping ideas include adding height with planters and baskets, and creating spaces where outdoor party guests can sit, relax, and enjoy drinks and company. Each of these yard landscaping ideas is both attractive and functional, so let them stir your imagination. —Southern Living

If you feel ambitious, now is a great time to put in a mini-bar or to install an outdoor kitchen so you can cook, eat, and entertain outside without having guests track through your home. Since you’ll be outside more often, consider laying out some area rugs for color and space definition. But if you really want to make improvements which add to your enjoyment and/or to the value of your house, here are some more Florida fall landscaping ideas:

• Install a deck. Fall is an ideal time to improve your landscape with different features. A new wood or composite deck is just the thing. After all, now is the right time of year to be outside, enjoying the weather and the beauty of your landscape. You don’t have to install a massive deck, just one that fits nicely with your house and one that will accommodate your furniture and more, like storage. Surround it with deck lighting for a neat effect and function and consider putting a planter along one of the rails.
• Lay a pathway. If you have a flower or vegetable garden or plan to plant one in the near future, laying a pathway is a great first step. It will help to define the area and add a lot of style and function in your backyard. Choose from brick, stone, or other materials and one that’s complementary to the rest of your yard and landscape theme. Whatever you do choose to use, be sure to stay away from right angles, because these look out-of-place in landscape design.
• Put in a fire pit. Now that the weather has turned cooler here in Sarasota in west-central Florida, take advantage and install a fire pit. One great choice is a multifunction fire pit. These come equipped not only to handle fire, but also, do more, such as serve as a table, grill, cooler, and more. These are great for entertaining, where are few guests can gather around, enjoy a casual meal, and feel the warmth of the fire, all at the same time.
• Erect a new pergola. Since the weather is so wonderful, now is the time to erect a pergola. It can be covered with vines and/or surrounded with folding curtains. This makes an idea escape when the balmy summer days return and it makes a beautiful hardscape feature in practically any yard. It also makes the perfect centerpiece for a backyard landscape and it can be used for different purposes. One such use is a lounge area for you, family, and friends.
• Install a privacy fence. There are several benefits to a privacy fence. One is its primary purpose — to provide a stylish privacy barrier for your property. Another is it’s a great home improvement addition that actually adds value to your house. Yet another function is it’s a great place to hang plants and decor. If you do install a fence, be sure it’s the right fence for you property so it doesn’t look out-of-place or doesn’t really deliver on its primary purpose.

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.

Florida Fall Landscaping Ideas

Florida fall landscaping ideas range from simple to complex. Regardless of what you choose, this is the perfect time of year to do something to transform your landscape. With cool weather, pleasant breezes, and dry air, it’s invigorating to be outdoors, making wonderful home improvements. If you stay away from poisonous plants and think about combining style with function, you’ll really enjoy the results.

Florida Fall Landscaping Ideas

The fact of the matter is, there are plenty of ways to update your outdoor living space. Upgrade and add more lighting, now that the days are shorter and the nights are cooler. You’ll be able to enjoy outdoor entertainment well after the sun goes down. It’s also a good time to replace outdoor furniture because it’s out of season and will be less expensive. You can also make other small improvements, like hanging curtains for privacy.

From growing blooming shrubs, to planting annuals and perennials, to deer-proofing your garden, there are many beautiful and wonderful ways to make your home inviting and appealing. Some of our best landscaping ideas include adding height with planters and baskets, and creating spaces where outdoor party guests can sit, relax, and enjoy drinks and company. Each of these yard landscaping ideas is both attractive and functional, so let them stir your imagination. —Southern Living

If you feel ambitious, now is a great time to put in a mini-bar or to install an outdoor kitchen so you can cook, eat, and entertain outside without having guests track through your home. Since you’ll be outside more often, consider laying out some area rugs for color and space definition. But if you really want to make improvements which add to your enjoyment and/or to the value of your house, here are some more Florida fall landscaping ideas:

• Install a deck. Fall is an ideal time to improve your landscape with different features. A new wood or composite deck is just the thing. After all, now is the right time of year to be outside, enjoying the weather and the beauty of your landscape. You don’t have to install a massive deck, just one that fits nicely with your house and one that will accommodate your furniture and more, like storage. Surround it with deck lighting for a neat effect and function and consider putting a planter along one of the rails.
• Lay a pathway. If you have a flower or vegetable garden or plan to plant one in the near future, laying a pathway is a great first step. It will help to define the area and add a lot of style and function in your backyard. Choose from brick, stone, or other materials and one that’s complementary to the rest of your yard and landscape theme. Whatever you do choose to use, be sure to stay away from right angles, because these look out-of-place in landscape design.
• Put in a fire pit. Now that the weather has turned cooler here in Sarasota in west-central Florida, take advantage and install a fire pit. One great choice is a multifunction fire pit. These come equipped not only to handle fire, but also, do more, such as serve as a table, grill, cooler, and more. These are great for entertaining, where are few guests can gather around, enjoy a casual meal, and feel the warmth of the fire, all at the same time.
• Erect a new pergola. Since the weather is so wonderful, now is the time to erect a pergola. It can be covered with vines and/or surrounded with folding curtains. This makes an idea escape when the balmy summer days return and it makes a beautiful hardscape feature in practically any yard. It also makes the perfect centerpiece for a backyard landscape and it can be used for different purposes. One such use is a lounge area for you, family, and friends.
• Install a privacy fence. There are several benefits to a privacy fence. One is its primary purpose — to provide a stylish privacy barrier for your property. Another is it’s a great home improvement addition that actually adds value to your house. Yet another function is it’s a great place to hang plants and decor. If you do install a fence, be sure it’s the right fence for you property so it doesn’t look out-of-place or doesn’t really deliver on its primary purpose.

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.

6 Most Popular Landscaping Trends for 2017

The National Association of Landscape Professionals recently released its list of top residential trends. “Savvy homeowners are seeking smart landscape solutions, which means we’re finding new ways to adapt to environmental elements, making continued advances in technology and taking outdoor living to the next level,” explains Missy Henriksen, Vice President of the NALP.

Simultaneously, there’s a return to more simple planting. Color remains popular because of its beauty. And, homeowners still love eye-catching landscaping but aren’t particularly keen about performing a lot of maintenance to keep in looking great. That’s where technology comes into play. Just as inside the home, smart technology is becoming more ubiquitous, so too is it beginning to take hold with outdoor living spaces. Therefore, designing the best outdoor kitchen includes a step-up from tradition.

6 Most Popular Landscaping Trends for 2017

In today’s environment, there are a few phrases which dominate residential landscaping: smart technology, thoughtful but simplistic design, and sustainability. Homeowners are looking to incorporate technology into their outdoor living space so it’s easier to maintain. Additionally, homeowners still relish professional looking but simple designs. And, sustainability is likewise popular because it reduces the need for precious resources.

Dubbed the slowest of the performing arts, gardening can seem trend proof. After all, you can’t hurry an oak’s progress from acorn to shade tree, and making a garden isn’t like buying a new throw rug for your home but rather stitching a few glimmering threads of your own into nature’s rich tapestry. And yet tastes do change in gardening, as your once-obsessed African violet-growing parents or grandparents could tell you. Those who work with the buying public are especially attuned to what’s hot and what’s not. —Garden Design

For instance, drought tolerant plants for landscapes are a great way to promote sustainability. This helps to maintain soil quality, reduces soil degradation and erosion, and saves water. With a sustainable landscape, your yard becomes more welcoming to a variety of organisms, which increases biodiversity. Moreover, sustainable landscapes require less resources, using less energy, which provides you as a homeowner with more long-term savings. So, here are the six most popular landscaping trends for 2017:

• Variety of greenery. An ongoing trend is to use a variety of greenery in residential landscape designs. It’s the time-tested concept of adding different colors, shades, shapes and more to create eye-catching landscapes. But, it doesn’t have to be complicated. Landscapes can still be simple and sport a variety of eye-pleasing elements. Creating a rainbow effect is one popular landscaping trend for 2017.
• Incorporating “hygge.” Unfamiliar to most people is this Danish concept of “hygge.” Translated, it simply means “fun.” But, that’s a bit misleading. It’s actually the creation of close-knit spaces, where homeowners, families, and guests alike can have intimate and relaxed conversations. By planting aromatic flowers, installing comfortable seating, adding water features, and more, people will truly enjoy an outdoor living space.
• High-tech outdoor kitchens. The popularity of the outdoor kitchen continues to rise and it’s something that goes beyond just a grill with a small seating area. Now, homeowners are adding smart technologies, LED lighting, high-tech refrigerators, televisions, WiFi boosters, and more. Additionally, plenty of prep, work, and serving space is part of a growing trend for many homeowners, particularly in mild-winter climates, like Florida.
• Infusing hardscape features. Waterfalls, pebbles, walkways, pergolas, and more hardscape features are rising in popularity. Decks, patios, and fire pits, are also very popular hardscape features for residential outdoor living spaces. The contrast and function these provide are great for more enjoyment options.
• Installing pollinator gardens. Butterflies, hummingbirds, and honeybees are likewise seeing an increase in popularity. “More homeowners are asking landscape professionals how to select native plantings that are abundant, year-round nectar sources throughout their yards, and the best ways to maintain these natural havens,” the National Association of Landscape Professionals notes.
• Creating beautiful, smart lawns. Advancements in cultivars, which are cultivated grass varieties, are a form of smart grass. So, exactly why would landscape professionals develop cultivar smart grass? Well, it’s because it provides a more hardy variety of grass that’s able to withstand normal weather patterns and even inclement weather events. But, it remains lush and beautiful, making it highly desirable. Cultivars offer a great looking lawn with less maintenance over time.

10 Sun-Thriving Shrubs You Can Use in Your Landscape

Shrubs range in size from small to medium and are a woody plant. These differ from trees because of their multiple stems and short height. Shrubs make a great addition to any landscape because they can respond very well to renewal pruning. Depending on their growing conditions, plants can become shrubs or trees and most shrubs do not exceed 20 feet in height. Some shrubs only grow to between 4 feet to 6 feet and can be clipped as topiary, making them grow more densely. Shrubs grouped together in a shrubby habitat are typically species that are either deciduous or evergreen.

Of the many species, shrubs can thrive in certain climate environments, ranging from shady and cool to completely exposed to the full strength of the sun in warm climates. Here in Sarasota, there’s certainly no shortage of sunlight and summers are quite warm and balmy. Hydrangeas, for instance, like morning sun, but don’t do as well when exposed to a lot of sunlight through the day. These prefer shady conditions during the afternoon hours when the sun is at its hottest. Red Japanese barberry shrub is another species that likes sun in the morning, but grows best under shade during the long sunny hours of spring and summer.

Some Shade Loving Shrubs

Other species don’t perform well under sunlight but do thrive in the shade. Kalmia latifolia or mountain laurel is just one example. Found throughout New England, mountain laurel its natural habitat is woodland areas, where it thrives because it is shaded under larger trees. These sprout glossy, evergreen leaves and colorful flower clusters, which make for great landscape additions. Kerria japonica or Japanese rose is another shade loving shrub that is deciduous and blooms yellow colored flowers. Climbing hydrangeas are curious because they tolerate shaded areas, but do well when exposed to a reasonable amount of sunlight. Florida might prove to be a bit too much for these, if you are able to strike a balance.

Shrubs that grow best when exposed to morning sun are often categorized as needing “partial sun.” This is because these plants often can’t tolerate hot, afternoon sunshine. Many have broad leaves that scorch easily, or prefer cool soil. On the other hand, they still need some sun exposure to bloom and grow. —San Francisco Chronicle

Emerald and gold euonymus both do well in shaded environments but also need sunlight to be healthy and look their best. Pieris japonica or Andromeda shrubs emit a strong odor, so you either enjoy the scent or are repelled by it. This is an evergreen with a bonus, Andromeda produces flowers. Carol Mackie Daphne is in the family of climbing hydrangeas like shade but do need sunlight to grow healthy. Carol Mackie produces aromatic flowers, making it a great choice for landscape beauty.

10 Sun-Thriving Shrubs You can Use in Your Landscape

Though there are a number of shrubs which do well under shady or partial shade conditions, there are species which do well under direct sunlight. Here are ten shrubs that thrive in the sun:

1. Gold mound spirea. This shrub not only thrives under the sun, it also has wonderfully colored flowers, making it a great choice for a landscape in the Florida climate. The foliage is typically gold during the spring season, turning yellow during the summer and then red in the fall months.
2. Flamingo Japanese willow. This reddish-pink shrub takes a shape that’s much like that of a flamingo. It also does well in the sun but needs the right care to look its best.
3. Forsythia. This yellow flowering shrub is one of the first to wake from winter when spring begins to arrive. Forsythia likes sunlight and proves so with its early flower blooming.
4. Flowering quince. Having multiple colors such as orange, flowering quince can also be pink or red. It thrives in the sun and is a flowering shrub.
5. Diablo ninebark. During the summer and spring months, this shrub is one that produces dark foliage and does well in sunny conditions.
6. Mock orange. This white, fragrant flowering shrub is one that does well in the sunlight. The smells it produces ranges from sweet to more interesting aromas.
7. Weigela Florida. This shrub grows 6 feet to 10 feet in height and produces, pink, red, or white flowers during the spring and first part of summer.
8. Fothergilla bush. Also commonly called “bottlebrush,” this shrub will grow under shade or partial shade, but it performs best and looks most beautiful when it’s exposed to the sunlight.
9. Doublefile viburnum. This deciduous shrub produces white flowers and grows 10 feet to 12 feet in height, with a larger spread.

Oakleaf hydrangea is another flower producing shrub that loves its sunlight. These shrubs grow in height and spread ranging from 4 feet to 6 feet and their summer white flowers become pinkish-brown as the fall months roll off the calendar.

Poisonous Landscape Plants to Avoid

Poisonous landscape plants come in many varieties. Unfortunately, this presents a real danger to homes with children and pets. Many are bright and colorful. Additionally, some are eaten by birds and other wild animals. Some are flowering plants, while others are nuisance weeds. So, when you’re, it’s a good idea to identify and rid your property of them as soon as possible.

Poisonous Landscape Plants to Avoid

Every household wants to keep their children, pets, and plants healthy. But the number of poisonous landscape plants found in residential backyards is staggering. This is due, in-part, to our modern way of life, removed decades ago from our ubiquitous agrarian ancestors. So, most of us simply don’t think about the dangers lurking in our yards. Even those who take great pride in their landscapes, might not know which plants are safe and which are poisonous.

Vegetation helps sustain life. We eat many plants, herbs and so forth in our daily diet. But, we must remember to be choosy. Some plants, trees or shrubs are potential killers of man. Some part of the ornamental plants or flowers in your yard may contain deadly poison. Many poisonous plants are so common and seemingly innocuous you do not suspect their toxic qualities. For example, who would expect that the beautiful oleander bush-grown indoors and outdoors all over the country-contains a deadly heart stimulant, similar to the drug digitalis? It is easy to be deceived by plants…one part may be edible while another is poisonous. –Texas A & M Horticulture

In fact, aside from poisonous plants, there are many household properties with non-native, invasive plant species. These are a concern because they take away precious resources from native, non-invasive species. To best protect your children and pets, you need to know which plants pose a danger. Here are the most poisonous landscape plants to avoid in your yard:

• Pokeweed. Phytolacca americana or pokeweed is a traditional salad ingredient in the southern United States. Unfortunately, if it isn’t prepared the right way, its toxins remain and it is poisonous. Children are drawn to it because of its colorful berries. Birds eat pokeweed because they are immune by the plants natural but toxic, chemicals.
• Doll’s eyes or white baneberry. This plant also grows berries and when eaten in a sufficient quantity, is poisonous. Unlike some other toxic plants, all its parts are poisonous, making them all-the-more dangerous. Two other very common poison species are white snakeroot (Eupatorium rugosum) and water hemlock (Cicuta maculata).
• Bittersweet nightshade. Another poison plant common to residential yards is bittersweet nightshade. Like pokeweed, wild birds eat the berries because they are unaffected by its toxins. Birds pass seeds through their waste, which helps to distribute the species. Bittersweet nightshade also possesses bright, colorful berries, which are tempting to small children.
• Warning yew. These shrubs are very popular in the United Kingdom and the United States because they have an excellent reputation for being tolerant of different soils and sunlight conditions. However, all parts of this plant are poisonous, just like doll’s eyes.
• Castor bean. Traditionally grown for its medicinal uses, castor bean is the ingredient to produce castor oil. Used as a laxative, it’s one of the most familiar medicine cabinet staples of older generations. But, the toxin ricin is made from castor bean seeds.
• Angel’s trumpet. A tropical plant, angel’s trumpet boasts colorful trumpet-like flowers and emits a wonderful fragrance — two qualities which are very attractive to young children. It’s a hallucinogenic plant and poisonous when eaten in large quantities. Also, its sap is a skin irritant to some people.
• Oleander. Typically found the western United States, this desert flower can cause skin rash and all of its parts are toxic, when enough of it is ingested. Oleander grows white or pink flowers, which are all too tempting to children.
• Wolfsbane. Aconitum, also known as monkshood, is one of the most poisonous plants and like some others, all parts of it are toxic. Wolfsbane contains the alkaloids, aconitine and aconite and it does not need to be eaten to be poisonous. Its toxins can be absorbed through the skin.
• Foxglove. Digitalis purpurea or foxglove is used to medically treat heart conditions. Unfortunately, like castor bean, it’s not only medicinal, it’s also deadly. In fact, it’s one of the most poisonous plants around.
• Rhododendron. This colorful, green and purple shrub can be found in many landscapes in the country. But, all parts of this plant contain andromedotoxin, which makes the entire plant poisonous.

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.

Biggest Landscaping Myths Homeowners Believe (But Shouldn’t)

We live in a modern, technological world that keeps getting more sophisticated and savvy about sharing information and developing creature comforts. We have the best of the best when it comes to conveniences and those just keep getting better as time goes on, which is why it’s so perplexing that so many of us believe things that aren’t true.

Everyone of us sees things on television, the internet, and social media that defies logic or puts our ability to suspend disbelief to the ultimate test. Of course, these medium are usually where we collectively go to escape from reality but that doesn’t mean the content doesn’t creep into our subconscious. While there is an immediate availability to find information, particularly on the web, it’s quite alarming at how much of it isn’t accurate, is exaggerated, or is just plain wrong.

The sad part of this common phenomenon is that it can result in harm. When it comes to landscaping, there are plenty of myths and lost lasting folklore people believe. It’s only after experimenting and experiencing the results that the truth is revealed. The problem is that it can cost you a lot of time and money to make these mistakes and what makes it worse is that it’s all completely unnecessary.

Where Landscaping Myths Come From

Just a bit over one-hundred years ago, in 1910, the total population of the country stood at nearly 92 million residents. Of those, 31 percent were farmers, or, approximately 32 million, with some 6.3 million farms, spanning over an average acreage of 138 per farm. Only ten years later, in 1920, there total country population rose to almost 106 million residents, and farmers accounted for 27 percent or 31.6 million, with 6.4 million farms averaging 148 acres each. By 1990, there were just 2.9 million farmers working over 2.1 million farms, with an average acreage of 461.

Are landscaping myths harmless? Well, that really depends on what category they fall into. That is, we can speak broadly of two different classes of misguided notions: Those of a practical nature and those of an aesthetic nature. Category 2 deals in the subjective realm, so I would not term any landscaping myths of this sort “harmful.” But when it comes to Category 1, you can, in fact, do quite a bit of harm in some cases if you allow yourself to be guided by these misguided notions. —Landscaping.About.com

The reason this is important is because it shows how much innovation and progress that has been made. Now, it takes less to produce more, and because of the very rapid change, at-large, people don’t know much about caring for land. Sure, homeowners might fertilize and water their yards, trim their trees, and mow grass, but it’s not enough to be sophisticated about landscaping. This is why so many people believe in things that just aren’t true.

What began as something that was at one time common knowledge has morphed into various versions of what is and isn’t proper landscaping care. Since so much misinformation and half-truths are available, spread so widely and so often, it’s little wonder why these are accepted.

Biggest Landscaping Myths Homeowners Believe

It’s only natural that you want to take care of your property and make it look its best. If you’ve added a deck, laid a brick patio, installed a water feature, or made other improvements, you also want the rest of your exterior living space to look great. That’s easily attainable, but don’t give into these big landscaping myths:

• Mowing the grass shorter means less mowing. While this might seem logical, it leaves out the fact that cutting grass down to as short as possible initiates quite a bit of harm. When grass is cut too short, weeds are able to take advantage of the sunlight and grow. What’s more, being cut short also means getting burned, which will yield brown patches.
• Watering the yard at night is the best time. The justification behind this is that water won’t evaporate quickly and therefore, less water is needed. However, the problem is precisely with the amount of water and the lack of evaporation. The sitting water is a breeding ground for mold, fungi, and disease. You should water just before the sun rises to take advantage of the dew.
• The best and only time to plant is in the spring. While the months of March, April, and May, are great times to put in new plants, this isn’t the only season which is ideal for plants. There are plants which thrive in cooler conditions, making fall another season to add new plants.
• Planting shrubs near the house is the best location. It use to be common to plant shrubs close to exterior walls to hide ugly block foundations. Since homes are now built more attractively, there’s no need to plant shrubs near the exterior. If you do, you are only inviting pests to nest and invade your home.

Lawn Edging Mowing Strip Installation Made Easy

If you have a garden, or another feature that has a visually designated shape, but no real border, you’ve probably grown tired of the encroachment between your lawn and it. For years, the way to separate the two was found in a simple solution that did set a boundary between lawn and garden, or lawn and planter. It was a shallow trench, dug and cut to create a defined edge of grass, which ran along the often curved line of the planter or garden.

Unfortunately, there’s an ongoing problem with such a solution. It would fill with grass while mowing; what’s more, it would slowly be littered with mulch from the planter, requiring time and effort to clean out. This, not to mention the fact that the trench had to be periodically dug again and re-cut to stay defined. That’s a lot of work with very little function. Eventually, homeowners were introduced to lawn edging.

It comes in several forms and in a variety of materials. Lawn edging can be found in home improvement stores and nurseries everywhere. It’s available in wood, composite material, metal, brick, and plastic. What’s more, it comes in a wide variety of sizes and colors, allowing homeowners to pick one type that best fits their wants and needs.

Lawn Edging Functions

The function of lawn edging is quite remarkable, given how simple it is. Not does it only separate a lawn from a garden, from a planter, or from another feature, it actually stops grass from encroaching into the the planter mulch or garden soil. The reason is because grass is spread through what’s known as “stolons.” It’s a botanical term with a simple explanation–it grows upward, eventually bending its top down or grows horizontally, and thus, spreads the growth of grass. This is why you’re constantly having to pull grass from your mulch or garden soil.

Mowing strips, regardless of their complexity and ornamentation, are essentially paved borders that separate gardens from lawns. In addition to the functionality that comes from not having to worry about cutting the grass too close to your garden plants, they add aesthetic appeal that, if coordinated with other paved areas in your landscape, contributes harmony and visual balance to your property. It’s relatively inexpensive to make your own mowing strip, and requires items commonly found in most home and garden stores. —San Francisco Chronicle

Fabricated edging prevents that natural phenomenon from happening and thereby, keeps your garden soil or planter mulch grass-free. Edging also works to prevent mulch from spilling out onto your lawn, which is broadcast further out, thanks to your mower. Edging also serves as an aesthetic feature, clearly defining two spaces. It likewise can serve as a mower strip or mowing strip. Instead of mowing next to it and then using a string or line trimmer, you actually run the wheels of the mower along the top of it, which eliminates the need for further trimming.

Mowing Strip Installation Guide

To take advantage of this wonderful, yet very simple, lawn and garden feature tool, you only need visit your local nursery or home improvement center. There, you’ll find many choices in color, size, and material. Choose one that fits into your “theme” and be sure to purchase enough to completely separate your garden or planter from your lawn. To install it, follow these steps:

• Cut along the border of your garden or mulch. Using a spade shovel, place the tip right at the edge of your mulch or garden and use one foot to sink the spade shovel into the ground, then, pry it a bit to create a small fissure. Do this along the length of your mulch or garden to have a clear line to follow.
• Dig a small trench. Now use your spade shovel to dig out along that line, unearthing the grass. You can either choose to compost the sod or shovel it into a heap and let it degrade into loam. The depth and the width of the trench should be commensurate with the size of the edging you purchased.
• Line the bottom of the trench. Washed sand works quite well and provides a very effective barrier to keep weeds and grass from growing up through it. The lining should be about 1 inch to 2 inches thick, and evenly distributed across the bottom of the trench.
• Cover the lining with gravel. Once the trench has been evenly lined with sand, cover the lining with gravel and then use a hand tamper to compact it down. This will create a sturdy base so your mower strip doesn’t sink into the ground when you run your machine over it while cutting the grass.
• Insert the edging into the trench. Place the strip into the trench pushing down on it to further compact the base and make it steady within the trench. Backfill any gaps as necessary to finish.

Now, you can cut your lawn with your mower without having to trim along the edge of your garden or mulch.