Planting

Why We Take Soil Samples (And You Should Too)

By Julian / October 10, 2018

When it comes to landscape installation or building gardens, we always take a soil sample. Plants have varying needs and will respond differently to particular types of soil. Soil sampling is important to determine soil texture, pH level, and the soil nutrients in order to grow the proper trees, shrubs, and turf. A soil test…

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4 Signs of Overwatering Plants

By Julian / October 7, 2018

Ever wonder if you are overwatering your plants? Chances are, the plants are probably getting more water than they need. There are a few obvious overwatering signs. If you can identify these four warning signs, your plant can still thrive! 1. Got brown and wilty leaves? Many mistake this for a dry plant, quite the…

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Preventing Wildfire Destruction: Removing Embers from ‘Home Ignition Zones’

By Julian / February 15, 2018

Research by the National Fire Protection Agency around home destruction vs. survival in wildfires point to embers and small flames as the most common and frequent way that the majority of homes ignite in wildfires. What is an Ember? Embers are burning pieces of airborne wood and/or vegetation that can be carried more than a…

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How To Plan and Budget a Residential Landscape Installation

By Julian / December 30, 2017

New year, new beginnings! January is a perfect time to start planning your residential landscape for the year. As we list our New Year’s goals, start visualizing your dream landscape design. We have listed some frequent residential landscape questions and answers to help you start planning your dream landscape for 2018, as well as a checklist…

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How to Add Bold Color to a Fall Garden

By Julian / September 10, 2017

How to add Bold Color to a Fall Garden  As we switch our wardrobe from shorts and tanks to long sleeves and jeans, we must also switch to fall colors in the garden. Fall colors in the garden can be started in late summer or early autumn. In this blog, we will show you how…

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Let’s Talk Turf

By Julian / May 30, 2017

Fertilizing  turfgrass isn’t just about enhancing green color for aesthetic. Fertilizing turf maintains the lawn density and plant vigor, and encourages growth and recovery from turf damage and seasonal stresses (such as a drought season). If you own a commercial property, manage an HOA, or a facility manager at a municipality, you’re probably well-informed about…

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Amazing Benefits of Mulching Flower Beds

By Julian / February 9, 2017

You’re not just mulching a flower bed for aesthetics. It may make the flower beds look pretty, but mulching has great benefits! Stop pulling weeds Ever wonder why a bare patch of soil loves to grow weeds? That’s just mother nature protecting her soil from blowing or washing away. Mulching is a chore that will…

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How To Organically Control Snails and Slugs in the Garden

By Julian / December 27, 2016

A typical San Jose January brings cool, wet weather which provides perfect conditions for slugs and snails to attack your gardens – and they are especially damaging in shady gardens. The severity of the damage from snails and slugs could really depend on the type of slug or snail that you are dealing with. Be…

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There’s A Big Pay-off to Planting Summer Bulbs Now

By Julian / November 30, 2016

It’s the most wonderful time, of the year! As we hang mistletoe, place our perfectly bright red poinsettias around the hearth, and fill the home with the sweet aroma of holiday dishes, we are also thinking of another important holiday tradition  – planting summer bulbs! Wait? What? Planting summer bulbs?! Gardeners across the US baffle…

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The 411 on Green Roofs for Your Home

By Julian / September 12, 2016

It’s not always possible for people to take extended breaks from modern life, but more and more people are looking for ways to bring elements of nature closer to home. One of the ways homeowners are looking to create financially and environmentally viable living spaces is through the installation of “green” roofs. So, what is…

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