Cultivating a Sustainable Lawn

Would you like a 'greener', more sustainable yard? There are many ideas that can be incorporated into your landscape to give it a sustainable twist.

Replace your lawn with a friendlier alternative. Lawns are infamous for requiring ample water, fertilizers and care. Search for ground-cover and/or native plantings (check with your local nursery) to use in its place.

Allow the rainwater to infiltrate. By allowing the water to be absorbed by the native soil, you're not only being more sustainable, but likely cutting down on the drainage infrastructure you'd need as well, which can be extremely costly. Some soils, such as clay soils, don't absorb water quickly and would still require ample drainage. However, allow as much water to percolate even with this type of soil and use the drainage systems as a back-up option to maximize percolation.

Go native. Use plants that are indigenous to your area, and place plants wisely. If a plant prefers sun, plant it in the sun. If it's going to grow 4' wide and 8' tall, ensure there is enough room for it to grow to its mature height. And don't over plant. Check plant spacing recommendations and plant according to the grower's specifications.

Be water-wise. Group plants together that require similar watering regimes. Though an ideal garden would use all natives, there will be areas in most gardens where the home-owner might prefer a vegetable garden or ornamental plants that will require a greater amount of water. Group them together to water more efficiently and reduce your water bill.

Time it right. If you can, set your sprinklers on a timer, whether you have an above ground or underground irrigation system. This avoids the situation where the water is left to run a lot longer than what is necessary. Also, be sure you're watering at the right time of the day. Don't water in the middle of the day during the summer. The evaporation rate is at its highest and more water will be required to satisfy the plants' water requirement in order to thrive. Water very early in the morning, or in the late evening/night to maximize watering benefits.

These are simple steps anyone can take to 'green' their yard. The environmental benefits are great, and as an added incentive, you're likely to reduce your total costs by having a more sustainable garden.

Source: ezinearticles.com

Winter Landscaping Ideas Begin in Spring

Creating a winter landscaping scene is like painting a portrait. You need to take a good look at your spring, summer and fall landscaping ideas in order to know what the winter landscaping possibilities can be. Then, have an idea in mind of what you find pleasing in terms of your winter landscape.

Landscaping With Winter In Mind
Most people plan landscaping with the most active parts of a growing season in mind, completely ignoring the possibilities of winter. For example, many perennials that flourish throughout spring and summer can liven a wintry landscape long after the foliage or flowers are gone. Trees with a winter white or other interesting bark patterns can enhance the winter landscape.

Evergreens are the most popular winter landscaping choice and there are plenty of varieties to keep things interesting. Holly that produces red berries, hardy ivy, and eucalyptus plants that keep their glossy green leaves through the winter can all spice up a winter landscape. As for the evergreens, choose several different colors, i.e., silver or blue spruce trees.

Flowers In Winter?
In many planting areas where temperatures fall below freezing, the scenery can be brightened with a "Hot House" or detached conservatory where Christmas cactus, poinsettias and other winter hardy potted plants can be grown with protection from cold temperatures. More winter landscaping tips are to pot bulbs that are the first early risers in the waning days of winter such as Bells of the Snow and Crocus. Place these in the hot house or conservatory and the colors will brighten the landscape.

Don't Forget To Include The Birds In Landscaping
Although statuary may be a nice touch to winter landscaping ideas, very often, the few remaining winter birds can be a landscaping delight. Invest in a heated bird bath and several bird feeders in bright colors and hang them from tree limbs or attach to your deck in view of your windows. On a snowy day, it will be fun to watch the birds busily enjoying the feast and fountain you've provided.

Source: ezinearticles.com

Your sprinkler system saves you time, money, and is efficient at keeping your landscape looking stunning during the spring and summer months. However, once you feel fall approaching, it is best to begin the winterizing process of your sprinkler system. Winterizing your sprinkler system means that you take the steps necessary to ensure that your system's pipes will not freeze during the cold winter months and then break. There are two types of pipes typically used in sprinkler systems. These are Polyurethane and PVC. Though Polyurethane pipes are known for being more durable than PVC, they can still succumb to the ravaging effects of freezing temperatures and burst. Therefore, it is essential that you take the time to ensure that your sprinkler system is adequately protected during the winter months.

First of all, it is best left to professionals to winterize your sprinkler system. This is due to the fact that the system must be “blown out’ by using an air compressor. Many homeowners have unwittingly been hurt during this process, so if you aren't sure what you are doing, then it is recommended to hire a professional. It is considered money well spent, especially if you are injured or have an unforeseen mishap with your sprinkler system. Long® Fence now services and winterizes all makes and models of automatic sprinkler systems. Please contact us for more info. However, if you insist on performing the job yourself, then be sure to follow the sprinkler system’s manufacturer’s guide.

If you don't have an irrigation system, ensure your hoses are drained, rolled up, put away, and your sprinklers are stored for winter.