21 Best Urban Parks and Trails for City-Dwellers Seeking Green Spaces
Calling all city-dwellers: You need an escape. Research shows spending time in green spaces (read: nature) makes us happier, less stressed, and less anxious, so seeking out the best urban parks and trails near you is paramount to your well-being.
Escapes—whether mental or physical—are highly important for your physical and mental health. They help us find ways to decompress, and hightailing it to the best urban parks and trails provide the added benefit of exercise.
Surveying what’s right in your own backyard may be the simplest way to rediscover what’s been waiting for you outdoors. As the author and activist Edward Abbey wrote, “Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit.”
Here, we’ve rounded up some of the best urban parks and trails in the U.S. From the 1904 World’s Fair site to a Los Angeles observatory, we found outdoor spaces that inspire and invigorate. Feel free to simply soak in their beauty, or look into getting outdoors and enjoying them yourself.
For a breath of fresh air in Macon, venture to Amerson River Park, spread across some 180 acres of pristine forests, meadows, and wetlands surrounded by a river oxbow of Ocmulgee River. Lace up your sneaks for a run along the seven miles of walking trails or enjoy kayaking, canoeing, and tubing on the river to beat the afternoon heat after exploring some of the high bluffs earlier in the day.
Read the full list of best parks and trails across the nation here: Best Urban Parks and Trails to Find Green Spaces in Cities | Men's Journal (mensjournal.com)


City living can often feel frantic and hectic.
But within the hustle and bustle of some of America's most populated cities lie unique wellness spots waiting to be discovered. We're exploring unusual self-care day trips within urban spaces, focusing on cities with significant African-American communities. Grab your city map, and let's embark on an urban self-care adventure!
Detroit, Michigan: Belle Isle Park
Spotlight: Belle Isle Park, an Island Sanctuary
situated in the Detroit River, is a refreshing urban retreat offering various wellness activities.
What to Expect: Hiking trails, picnic spots, kayaking, and a captivating view of the Detroit skyline. Don't forget to visit the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory and the Belle Isle Aquarium.
Cost: Entrance is free, but the State Recreation Passport ($12 for Michigan residents, $34 for non-residents) is required for vehicle access.
Interesting Fact: Belle Isle Park is the largest city-owned park in the U.S.
Atlanta, Georgia: Atlanta Botanical Garden
Spotlight: In the heart of the city, the Atlanta Botanical Garden offers a tranquil environment filled with beautiful blooms, art installations, and more.
What Expect: Stroll through the Japanese Garden for a Zen experience, explore the Orchid House, or simply relax amid the greenery.
Cost: General admission is $22.95, with special discounts available.
Interesting Fact: Don't miss the Canopy Walk, a 600-foot suspension bridge soaring through the Storza Woods.
Kingman and Heritage Islands Park
Spotlight: A hidden gem in the nation's capital, Kingman and Heritage Islands Park is a perfect destination for a peaceful retreat in the city.
What to Expect: Bird watching, tranquil walks, and an immersive experience in the park's aquatic gardens.
Cost: Free to the public.
Interesting Fact: The park is part of the Anacostia Water Trail and can be explored by kayak or canoe.
New Orleans, Louisiana: City Park
Spotlight: The sprawling New Orleans City Park is a haven for relaxation and rejuvenation.
What to Expect: Art appreciation at the New Orleans Museum of Art, wandering through the lush Botanical Garden, or meditating amid the centuries-old oak trees.
Cost: The park is free, but some attractions, like the museum or botanical garden, have separate entry fees.
Interesting Fact: The park is home to the world's largest collection of mature live oak trees, some older than 600 years.
Baltimore, Maryland: Leakin Park
Spotlight: Leakin Park, the city's most extensive green space, provides an unusual self-care retreat with its rich history and tranquil environment.
What to Expect: Hiking trails, the historic Crimea Estate, and the unique Nature Art in the Park installations.
Cost: Free to the public.
Interesting Fact: Leakin Park is one of the largest urban wilderness parks in the U.S., spanning over a thousand acres.
Rediscovering your city through the lens of self-care can be a delightful and rejuvenating experience. Each of these urban spaces offers a tranquil oasis amid the urban hustle, reminding us that wellness is accessible, even in the heart of the city. So why wait? Start your self-care city adventure today!


This historic train depot has a long & interesting history … it all started when George Vanderbilt first came to Asheville in 1888 and decided that this was the location where he wanted to build his grand estate. When Vanderbilt purchased the town of Best and surrounding property, he hired architect designer Richard Morris Hunt and landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted to help make his dreams a reality. Hunt & Olmsted were critical to the design, planning, and execution of the Biltmore Estate as well as the surrounding community which became Biltmore Village. A fully functioning passenger train depot opened in 1896. Biltmore Village was intended to be an independent community from the Biltmore Estate and it became just that. A busy & thriving passenger train depot remained here until August 1975.


Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden
Botanical garden is a place where people come for learning and relaxing. In a botanical garden you can enjoy the beauty of plants and flowers, and relax from the hustle of life. A botanical garden will provide you with the opportunity to learn the different varieties of plants, their characteristics and also their functions. It is a great way to relax from the hectic schedule of your day. There are different types of botanical gardens which include the arboretum, the natural landscape and the horticultural garden. A botanical garden is the perfect place for learning about various topics. It can be a place to learn about human history, ecology and many more.
Henrico County, Virginia, is home to the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, a botanical garden spanning 50 acres (200,000 m2). The park features a conservatory, library and café, as well as over a dozen themed gardens. The regular daily admission price for adults is $17, $14 for seniors, and $8 for children (ages 3-12). Children under 3 are free. Those with a SNAP/EBT card are eligible for $1 adult admission and $5 annual membership at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden as part of the Museums for All program. On select days, usually July 4 and Labor Day, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden offers free admission to the public. The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden has an indoor butterfly exhibit called Butterflies LIVE! It also has seasonal exhibitions, art exhibitions, special events, and occasional evening concerts. For Fidos After 5, dogs on a leash are allowed on selected Thursday evenings. There is typically an additional fee for tours, classes and select special events.
The Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden corporation was founded in 1981. Grace E. Arents Trust funds were used to establish the botanical garden. Environmental Planning and Design, a Pittsburgh landscape architecture firm, was hired in 1987 to design a master plan for the gardens and acquired additional adjacent land the following year.
Conde Nast magazine and USA Today readers named the gardens among the most beautiful in 2017.
There are many reasons why people visit botanical gardens. You can learn about the history of the plants, their characteristics and also their uses. There are many benefits to visiting a botanical garden, and you can get a complete knowledge of the plants and their properties. You can also learn many different things about the world of botany. It is one of the best ways to relax and get away from the world.


Camellia is a broadleaf woody plant native to South Eastern Asia, Bhutan, Japan and China. The name Camellia honors the Jesuit priest Georg Joseph Kamel, a Czech who contributed to the growing science of botany. Camellia flower symbolizes everlasting union between two lovers. The vast majority of this flower species produce white, red, pink and yellow flowers.
Camellia Flower Varieties:
Let us have a glimpse at the top 15 camellia flowers.
1. C. Alaska:
Alaska is a hybrid camellia of an unknown parentage. This vigorous, upright, medium shrub has ascending branches and glossy, dark-green, oval leaves. It bears medium sized, semi double, white blooms from late winter to early spring. The flowers have clusters of yellow anthers and white stamens. Camellia Alaska prospers in humus rich, non-alkaline soil. Keep it away from harsh winter, sun and wind.
2. C. Aston’s Pride:
Ashton’s Pride is a hardy camellia, which bears numerous pale pink flowers every autumn. It is a hybrid between camellia Sasanqua Sanrozaki and camellia Plain Jane. William L. Ackerman of the United States National Arboretum developed it. The leaves have a semi-glossy surface and serrated edges. Each flower has approximately eight petals and a cluster of yellow stamens. The light silver, pink camellia flowers appear for several weeks from mid to late fall. This flower excels best in partial shade, as intense sunrays will lead to plant deterioration.
3. C. Beautiful Day:
Beautiful Day is a medium, upright shrub with lustrous green leaves and ruffled, creamy red flowers. It is a hybrid of Camellia “Crimson Robe” originating at Heartwood Nursery, Fort Bragg, California. The flowers emerge from rose like buds over several weeks in midwinter. Beautiful Day camellia is prized for its abundant, showy flowers and leathery foliage. It prospers best in partial shade and humus soil. Beautiful Day camellia would look amazing in the flower border or woodland garden.
4. C. Chekiangoleosa:
Chekiangoleosa is an evergreen shrub native to southern China. The small to medium funnel shaped flowers are produced in pairs on slender stems. It has waxy red petals that overlap to create a funnel shaped camellia. Its upright, open branching habit and fall flower will definitely make a powerful impact in your garden. The elliptical leaves of the shrub are glossy, leathery and dark green in color. In China, the ripe seeds of Yunnan camellia are pressed to yield edible oil.
5. C. “Cinnamon Scentsation:
Cinnamon Scentsation is a hybrid camellia introduced by William Ackerman, a renowned camellia breeder. This medium sized shrub bears white, spicy scented flowers. The flowers have gently ruffled petals and numerous yellow stamens. The shrub has lustrous, oval shaped leaves. Like most of the camellias, Cinnamon Scentsation also prospers in partial shade and acidic soil.
6. C. Crimson Candles:
This species originated at Camellia Forest Industry, North Carolina as a random seedling. The large shrub bears rosy pink flowers and bronze-red leaves, which mature to deep green. This eight-petaled flower emerges in late winter from elongated deep red buds. Crimson Candles is also noted for its hardiness. This flower prospers best in fertile and well-drained soils.
7. C. Freedom Bell:
Freedom Bell is an evergreen, tender shrub, prized for its abundant and showy flowers. It is an upright plant with small, glossy green leaves and semi-double red flowers. Prune the flowers regularly to maintain its shape and size.
8. C. Frost Prince:
Camellia Frost Prince bears numerous purplish pink flowers, double flowers in late autumn. Yellow stamens surround the ruffled, pink flowers. It is a hybrid cross between Camellia Plain Jain and Camellia Shishi Gashira. It is one of the hardiest varieties developed.
9. C. Hiemalis:
Camellia Hiemalis is a slow growing, upright, evergreen shrub, noted for its beautiful, pinkish white blooms. It blooms every year from late fall to winter. Its leaves are dark green and glossy with toothed edges. The flower blooms for longer time than most of the camellia flowers. Camellia Hiemalis will make excellent bonsais and greenhouse plants.
10. C. Showa-No-Sakae:
The Showa-No-Sakae is an evergreen camellia shrub native to eastern and southern Asia. Its soft pink, semi double flowers appear every year in the fall and reach its peak in winter. The petals may be bright pink, fuchsia and light pink in color.
[ Read: Most Beautiful Rosemary Flowers ]
11. C. Adolphe Audusson Variegated:
Camellia Adolphe Audusson Variegated is a broadleaf evergreen shrub with an upright, open habit. It bears red and white blotched flowers every year in late winter. The shrub produces blossoms with additional petal rows, creating semi-double to double flowers. As the flowers age, they open to show a core of golden stamens. Their attractive smooth gray branches hold glossy, oval shaped green leaves.
12. C. Japonica Anita:
The pink flowers of Anita Camellia look like it is decorated with red confetti and streamer. The double blooms open to reveal the golden flowers. Camellia Japonica Anita was first discovered in 1940 in the Baldwin Estate, California.
13. C. Apple Blossom:
Apple Blossom is an upright, dense shrub with beautiful, glossy green leaves and fragrant flowers. The flowers have white petals and cerise-red on the edges with golden yellow stamens. Apple Blossom requires neutral to acidic soil to flourish.
14. C. April Melody:
Dr. Clifford Parks in North Carolina developed April Melody. It is one of the hardiest cold resistant varieties. The shrub bears single, red camellia flowers with a hint of gold. It blooms for a very long season, sometimes even till spring. Unlike other camellia flowers, April Melody has red stamen. The flower is native to eastern Asia.
15. C. April Remembered:
April Remembered is one of the most beautiful flowers. It is a large semi double flower with a delicate blend of creamy white and pale pink. The flower opens to reveal a crown of yellow stamens. It has attractive glossy foliage and deep green flowers. This ruffled double flower blooms for several weeks.
[ Read: Most Beautiful Rose Flowers ]
Hope you enjoyed reading the article. Do let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
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After the holiday season, many residents are left wondering what can be done with their discarded “live” Christmas tree. There are several options to repurpose the trees to benefit wildlife, a yard, and even a pond.
The first step in repurposing a Christmas tree is to remove tinsel, ornaments, or any other synthetic materials that have been applied to the tree. The recommendations in this factsheet do not apply to artificial trees; these trees are made of plastic and metal, which do not decompose in a way that benefits wildlife and can potentially cause harm to the local ecology.
In the Yard
Living habitats require food, water, and shelter. Adding an old Christmas tree to a yard or pond will enhance the natural environment by complementing an existing habitat and adding several benefits:
- Organic matter is added to the land through decomposition, providing additional nutrients in the soil, which help to enhance plant growth and benefit wildlife.
- Provide shelter and shade, critical components to healthy habitats.
- Help the soils beneath it retain water: increased shade reduces the amount of water evaporating from the soil.
- Reduce erosion by slowing down water movement (either by planting the tree or laying the entire tree on the ground)
Re-Plant or Intact
If a living tree was chosen, either balled and burlapped or in a container, it can be planted in the landscape. To determine if the tree will thrive in the chosen site conditions, ensure it is the right plant for the right place. HGIC 1750, Selecting A Christmas Tree, provides information on the most commonly found trees at farms in South Carolina. Be aware that not all the trees at a farm are suitable to grow in South Carolina; some have been transported from out of the region. Of the trees listed from the previously mentioned factsheet, these trees have the best chance of flourishing in South Carolina: Arizona Cypress (Blue Ice, Carolina Sapphire, and Clemson Greenspire), Deodar Cedar, Eastern Red Cedar, Pine (Eastern White, Scotch, and Virginia), Leyland Cypress, and Murray Cypress. Information regarding the best growing conditions for each species above can be found on the Carolina Yards Plant Database, HGIC 1020, Pine, and the United States Department of Agriculture. For more information on best tree planting practices, please refer to HGIC 1001, Planting Trees Correctly.
A tree without roots can still be planted to attract wildlife, but do not expect it to grow. A standing dead tree, called a snag, can provide habitat or food to many wildlife species, from raccoons and squirrels to birds and beneficial insects and everything in between. To make the repurposed tree more attractive to wildlife, embellish the tree with pinecones coated in peanut butter or hang suet, corn, or birdseed ornaments made with natural materials. The snag should be planted far away from vehicles or play areas for children and pets, as the decomposing tree will eventually fall.
Laying a dead tree on the ground will deliver many of the same benefits as planting will. Drilling holes in the tree and placing it directly on its side will speed up the decomposition process. A few items to remember when placing the tree:
- When planting a live balled and burlapped or containerized tree, do not place the tree atop or in the proximity of a septic system; trees should be planted as far away from the septic system as they are tall at maturity.
- Do not place the tree in or near structures that could result in a fire hazard; consider locating the tree in an area that is not used regularly, such as along a fence line.
- Do not place the tree where it could negatively impact stormwater runoff, resulting in localized flooding.
Mulch or Compost
A tree can also be shredded to create mulch by using a woodchipper or other heavy equipment, which may not be readily available. Mulch can also be used in a compost pile as an additional form of organic material. For more information, please refer to HGIC 1600, Composting. If opting to mulch a tree, check with local government agencies, as many have community mulch centers that will collect trees and create mulch for free for pick up at a later date. If mulch is needed, contact a local government agency as a resource to locate mulch pick-up locations. Mulch discourages weed growth and helps with moisture and nutrient retention, temperature control, erosion reduction, and aesthetics. For additional information on the benefits of mulch, please refer to HGIC 1604, Mulch.
In the Water
With special considerations covered in this factsheet and permission from the pond owner, a Christmas tree can be recycled by sinking it to create fish habitat, often called a fish structure. In water, a tree can become a food source, as it decomposes, algae will populate and attract aquatic insects, which benefits the food web. Trees in ponds also provide a sanctuary and protective structure, increasing fish production and the number of fish attracted to the location. Creating a habitat for fish is beneficial for anglers or anyone who wants a healthy pond ecosystem.
Considerations and requirements: Sinking old Christmas trees is not for every pond. There are a few requirements and considerations to make before deciding to sink a tree or a group of trees into a pond.
Pond type: Stormwater ponds that receive runoff in order to treat the water before it reaches rivers and streams are not designed for fish structures. They not only reduce the amount of water the pond can hold but can also add nutrients into an already nutrient-rich environment and lead to algal blooms. Recreational fishing ponds are ideal candidates; however, algae and other aquatic plant growth must be under control before sinking the tree. As the tree decomposes, it will add nutrients into the water and use available dissolved oxygen, which can exacerbate any existing pond weed issues. Finally, permission must be granted from the pond owner if it is not owned by the one installing the fish structure.
Design and Implementation: Avoid high-traffic waterway areas, such as access points. The trees should not be placed in areas with significant boat traffic or
areas where people or pets may swim. Consider placing a visible marker in the area to warn visitors of a potential underwater hazard. Know what type of fish to attract and where other sunken tree attractors are located. Trees sunk in areas with a mucky or muddy bottom may sink into the substrate over time; rocky or sandy bottoms will be more stable. Charles E. Basset conducted a study on fish use of habitat structures and found that location and depth play an important part in fish attraction.
Depth and Spacing Recommendations
- When sinking multiple trees, small groups of 3 to 4 trees at varying depths are most effective.
- The depth can vary from 6 to 10 feet.
- Structures placed less than 6 feet deep can run the risk of getting too warm.
Large Ponds and Reservoirs:
- When sinking multiple trees, long lines of small groups are more beneficial.
- Deeper ponds and lakes allow for deeper trees, 10 to 20 feet, but take care not to place them too deep.
- Water deeper than 20 feet runs the risk of not having enough oxygen for fish to thrive.
Recommended strategy for placing evergreen trees in ponds in reservoirs.
Used with Permission of Ohio State University
Public Land Notice: SCDNR asks the public not to add their own fish structures in publicly managed lakes; in some lakes, it is against the law without a permit. Instead, donate trees to identified sites located across the state to be placed by SCDNR biologists. Contact a local regional SCDNR office to find a nearby location.
How to Sink a Tree: Always check with local government agencies for locations, permissions, allowed uses, and any fees. If there are no recycling plans for the tree, consider donating it so others can take advantage of this resource and use it to benefit wildlife.
Attachment of concrete blocks to evergreen trees.
Used with Permission of Ohio State University
Why Weigh Down the Tree
- A floating tree can be a swimming or boating hazard
- Weighted trees resist movement from wind/shifting currents
- Easily located to make fishing easier
- HGIC 1750, Selecting A Christmas Tree
- Carolina Yards Plant Database
- HGIC 1020, Pine
- United States Department of Agriculture
- HGIC 1001, Planting Trees Correctly
- HGIC 1600, Composting
- HGIC 1604, Mulch
- Placing Artificial Fish Attractors in Ponds and Reservoirs
Bassett, Charles E. “Use and Evaluation of Fish Habitat Structures in Lakes of the Eastern United States by the USDA Forest Service.” Bulletin of Marine Science, vol. 55, Sept. 1994, pp. 1137–1148.
Document last updated on 11/23 by Barbara Smith
Originally published 03/21


Whether you’re a homeowner, landscaper, or business owner; most of us have a garden we need to look after as part of home or work life. Between watering, mowing, fertilising and more; it can be difficult to keep up with caring for our gardens and confusing to know how each thing we do to nourish our garden actually serves a purpose.
At CopperRock, we sell garden supplies that are designed to help you refresh your own garden, or the garden you’re working on for someone else. As experts on garden supplies, we’re sharing everything we know about mulch and the benefit it has for gardens of every shape and size.
What is Mulch?
Firstly, let’s establish what mulch actually is. Mulch is a combination of natural materials usually consisting of anything from grass clippings to leaves, hay, straw, shredded bark, sawdust and more. At CopperRock, we have several different types of mulch that are suitable for different purposes, including:
Mulch is generally used as a soil topper in gardens, providing a fresh look but also a range of benefits that we will cover below.
Mulch Keeps your Plants Hydrated
One of the first benefits of placing mulch on your garden is that it stops the water evaporating from your soil. When water evaporates from your garden soil, your plants won’t be able to get the hydration they need, especially in times of drought. If you’ve mulched your garden, however, you don’t need to worry as the mulch helps reduce moisture loss from soil, protects the soil from exposure to the elements and keeps your plants hydrated and healthy, even during the driest of months.
It Improves the Quality of your Soil
Every garden owner’s dream is to have good quality soil. Good quality soil allows your plants to thrive and remain as healthy as possible and mulching your garden can help with this process. This is because as mulch decomposes it can break up the clay within your soil, which allows for better water and air movement through the soil. If you have sandy soil, decomposing mulch can provide much needed nutrients and assist in its ability to retain water.
It Acts as Insulation
During the warmer months of the year, your soil can bear the brunt of the hot weather and begin to dry out. However, if you mulch your garden, the mulch will act as a layer of insulation so that your soil can stay nice and cool during summer.
It Keeps Weeds at Bay
Nobody likes weeds in their garden, and mulch is perfect for keeping these little pests at bay. Mulch not only restricts weed’s ability to grow, but, if any weeds do grow, mulch makes them much easier to extract.
How to Mulch Your Garden
If you’re a professional landscaper, you’ll be more than familiar with the mulching process. However, for those who are new to gardening, below is a how-to on mulching:
- Before applying your mulch, remove any weeds and water your soil generously. This will help you get the most out of your fresh mulch.
- Replace any grass that sits under trees with mulch so as to minimise water and nutrients competing to feed both grass and mulch. This actually mimics the way trees grow in nature and is the optimal way to grow them.
- Place your mulch at least 6-12 inches away from the base of your trees and shrubs.
- Apply mulch 2-4 inches deep in each planting area. When using finer mulches, apply no more than 2 inches of mulch. Coarser mulches can be applied up to 4 inches deep.


Before & After
Edgewood GardensClick here to view
“Edgewood” is a private garden which has been evolving since the family’s move from the UK to the north-east USA in 1995. It is home to several thousand hardy plants, trees and shrubs, grown in a variety of microhabitats including sunny and partially shaded raised beds, xeric beds, bog gardens, woodland, and cold greenhouses.
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Your backyard is one of the most used areas of your home during the warmer months. It can serve as an outdoor living room, entertaining space, or quiet retreat. You can transform your backyard into an inviting and visually appealing spot with the right materials, some landscaping touches, and simple furniture.
Fibre cement decking is an excellent option for creating a stylish outdoor space. This durable and low-maintenance material can withstand the elements while adding a touch of style.
This blog will provide tips on designing and installing an eye-catching outdoor deck using fibre cement decking. From layout and landscaping ideas to furniture selection and finishing touches, you will learn how to maximise your space and showcase your unique sense of design.
Benefits of Fibre Cement Decking
Fibre cement decking has many advantages, making it a great choice for outdoor spaces. As a manufactured material, it is stronger, denser and more durable than traditional wood decking.
When exposed to moisture, the cement matrix protects the wood fibres from rotting or warping over time. This makes it highly resistant to damage from weather, moisture, insects and UV rays.
Unlike wood, it won’t splinter, crack or peel. Low maintenance is also a big selling point, as fibre cement decking typically doesn’t require sealing or staining like wood. It maintains its appearance for many years with just an occasional cleaning.
The material is also affordable and easy to install yourself with simple hand tools. Fibre cement provides the look of wood with far superior performance— creating a beautiful, long-lasting deck for enjoying your backyard oasis.
Planning and Layout
Proper planning and design are essential to create a functional and aesthetically pleasing deck. Start by measuring your space and considering how you want to utilise the area.
Will you need seating, a dining area, or space for activities? Sketch some design ideas to scale on paper first before making permanent decisions. Consider the flow of foot traffic and focal points you want to draw the eye.
For drainage, plan for a slight slope away from the house. Lay out deck boards in a linear pattern, such as straight runs or at angles, and leave small gaps between boards for contraction and expansion.
Deck boards should also run perpendicular to the floor joists below for added strength and stability. Leaving at least 12 inches between the decking surface and ground level allows for adequate airflow.
Choosing the Right Fibre Cement Decking
There are a few factors to consider when selecting fibre cement decking materials. Fibre cement comes in various widths, usually ranging from 5 to 7.5 inches wide.
Wider boards create a more spacious look, while narrower boards allow for smaller gaps. The thickness, or gauge, of the boards, is also important, with thicker boards providing more durability.
You’ll also need to choose from different Edgar profiles – flat, grooved or textured. Flatter surfaces are best for high-traffic areas, while textured surfaces offer added traction.
Samples should be reviewed in person for accurate colours and tones that blend or contrast appropriately with your home exterior and landscaping. Knowing local suppliers can help you pick decking products suited to your project needs and design aesthetics.
Incorporating Stylish Elements
Creating an inviting outdoor space can be simple and inexpensive. With some basic planning and strategic additions, you can transform your yard into an attractive retreat. The following tips will help you utilise fibre cement decking to achieve a polished look:
- Start with a solid layout incorporating adequate walking space and designated lounging, dining and entertainment areas.
- Select high-quality fibre cement decking boards in a neutral colour that complements your home. Consider a textured surface for visual interest.
- Add built-in planters or potted greenery to define spaces and introduce natural elements.
- For ambience, include outdoor lighting such as pathway fixtures, string, or embedded deck lights.
- Incorporate outdoor furniture made for low-maintenance use, such as wicker or all-weather material pieces.
- Use rugs, pillows, and throw blankets made of water-resistant fabric to introduce texture and colour.
- Consider accessories like a fire pit, grill or unique outdoor decor pieces to define the style and complete the space.
Maintenance and Care
With a few simple steps, you can keep your fibre cement deck looking its best for many years. Regular sweeping or blowing clears away dirt, debris and accumulated leaves. Hosing the deck down periodically with a water rinse removes additional surface residue.
For tougher stains, use a mixture of water and dish soap or a deck-safe cleaning product applied with a broom or mop. Don’t allow excess moisture to pool on the decking surfaces.
Minor scratches can be touched up with exterior paint matching the board colour. Over time, a deck sealer may be applied to help repel water or prevent mildew growth—but unlike wood, fibre cement rarely needs more than an occasional sealant treatment. With low-fuss upkeep, your deck will retain its attractive appearance for relaxing enjoyment.
Safety should always be the top priority when designing and building an outdoor deck. Be sure to consult your local building codes for specifics on deck construction standards in your area.
Fibre cement is naturally fire-resistant and won’t rot, but other decking materials may require special treatment. Proper railings of a suitable height are important, especially around elevated deck sections.
Slip-resistant decking surfaces will help reduce falls. Limit stored items underneath and ensure adequate lighting along stairs and walkways after dark.
Some sealers or stains contain volatile organic compounds, so good ventilation is important during application. And be aware that decks can get very hot under direct sun, so use caution on scorching summer days and provide shaded seating areas when possible. Taking these precautions will help ensure safe relaxing and enjoyment of your outdoor space.
Unleash Your Outdoor Style
Designing a stylish outdoor space with fibre cement decking can transform your backyard into a haven of beauty and functionality. Fibre cement decking offers a practical and visually appealing solution for your outdoor needs with its durability, low maintenance requirements, and aesthetic appeal.
To ensure the success of your project, partnering with a skilled and experienced carpentry and construction company like Final Carpentry and Construction is crucial. Our team of experts deeply understands the intricacies involved in designing and constructing outdoor spaces, and we are committed to delivering exceptional results.
If you’re ready to bring your outdoor vision to life, we encourage you to contact us today. Our dedicated professionals will work closely with you, providing personalised guidance and turning your ideas into a stunning reality. Take advantage of the opportunity to create an outdoor space that reflects your unique style and enhances your enjoyment of your home. Reach out to Final Carpentry and Construction, and let us help you design the outdoor space of your dreams.


loft urban trough
Your roof terrace needs more than just a table and a bench. Turn it green with this elho balcony planter and you will always be in good company. This oblong planter will keep your plants in a beautiful shape all the time; its built-in water reservoir stores the surplus from watering or a downpour until your plant can use a bit of extra energy again. Complete your balcony planter with the accompanying saucer to prevent water stains and keep your plants in top condition.
|loft urban trough 50 white||49 x 17||18||10|
|loft urban trough 50 anthracite||49 x 17||18||10|
|loft urban trough 50 warm grey||49 x 17||18||10|


GREENBACK FLUSH VALVE 13MM/19MM
13mm/19mm Greenback Flush Valve for low-pressure irrigation systems. Simple on-off operation and straight-through flow. Operating pressure range up to 45 psi. Green Back cap for standard irrigation applications. Purple Back cap for recycled water applications. Applications Individual dripline control, tank valves, drain valves or where 1/2 MNPT connections are required.
- On-off device to control the water flow in low-pressure irrigation systems
- Simple on-off operation and straight through flow
- UV stabilized materials for a long life.
- Always install as an in-line valve with tubes connected to both inlet and outlet.


As one of the leading asphalt paving companies in New Jersey, we’re seasoned experts in many different paving, landscaping, and road construction projects. Through thoughtful planning and knowledgeable execution, paving your driveway, roads, and surfaces with Dan The Paver will ensure you protect your asset as a financial, aesthetical, and qualitative investment.
Your ground surfaces have a large role to fulfill. It’s one of the largest areas on your property, so it’s a significant part of how you and visitors perceive your house. So its appearance is pivotal to creating a pleasing overall visual appeal for your property. However, it also has to support everything above it and everything that travels on it.
Dan The Paver delivers driveway installation, parking lot paving, asphalt laying, road installation, and any other paving services at the highest quality to ensure it becomes an asset that adds value to your home or commercial property.
Whichever area or feature you need paved, from feature gardens to driveway installation, we’ll help you increase the value of your asset using superior materials and workmanship. Many of our most common services include:
Are you a business or organization that needs paving installation or repair? Our works are regulation and safety-informed and refreshingly affordable so you can attract customers while investing in quality assets. We execute:
Paving Near Me
Looking for Paving in Monmouth County? We offer Paving services for your home and business.
Paving Monmouth County
Driveway Paving Contractor
Driveway Paving Services
Blacktop Paving Services
Parking Lot Paving
New Driveway Installations
Belgium Block Borders For Driveways
Block Border For Driveways
Basketball Court Installation
We provide paving and all of our services to Monmouth County and Northern Ocean County. We do paving in Toms River, Brick, Jackson, Red Bank, Holmdel, Middletown NJ and all of the cities throughout the area. If you’re interested in any kind of paving, including driveway paving, asphalt paving, road paving and more, give us a call at 732-403-3053.


Date & Time
Wed 7 Mar 2018
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Eastern Time
Presbyterian Church of Danville
500 W. Main Street
Danville KY Contact
Email the author http://www.thegardenclubofdanville.org
The Garden Club of Danville will host popular garden designer, author, and lecturer Jon Carloftis for a free public appearance on Wednesday, March 7, at 1:00 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church of Danville, 500 W. Main Street. The Kentucky native will talk about 12 new gardens he has designed in New York City. www.thegardenclubofdanville.org.


3 Yards of Chocolate Mulch
We will be your best value!
We mow each client’s yard once a week generally, unless otherwise requested. Below is a list of some of the other lawn care services we offer.
* Clean-up of dirt plugs from concrete areas is included
* This is a professional 6-step program
* Grub control is included
Paver patios look much nicer than a standard concrete patio. In addition to a better looking patio, pavers handle the freeze and thaw cycles without cracking. The options for designs and colors are vast, so you can customize your patio to look exactly the way you want.
Ponds & Waterfalls
Nothing establishes a serene natural atmosphere for a backyard like a pond does. The pictures below illustrate the way we are able to completely transform an ordinary section of yard into a natural-looking body of water exuberant with life, as though it had always been there.
We offer the professional construction of retaining walls and steps using high quality materials that are built to last.
Our decorative concrete projects have significantly enhanced the properties of those who requested this service. See for yourself the differences we have made using unique colors and designs with concrete.
With concrete, there are very few limits, so always feel free to ask; we can probably get it done for you.


The artist and film-maker Derek Jarman (1942-1994) left behind an extraordinary legacy. Perched on the wild, dynamic landscape of the beach at Dungeness in Kent this artist’s beloved home Prospect Cottage is surrounded by a marvellous garden. Often portrayed in books and film, the garden has since come to be recognised as a spectacular art work.
The Derek Jarman Garden was commissioned by Bold Tendencies and designed by Dan Bristow. Joe Balfour first approached Bristow, artist and garden designer, on behalf of Bold Tendencies in 2012, with the idea of creating a new, green space within the urban landscape of the Bold Tendencies’ site. This inaugural organic space for the multi-storey complex came to fruition as a major achievement of Bold Tendencies 7 in 2013, and has continued to develop since. With the creative guidance of Keith Collins, Jarman’s partner before his death, the garden at Peckham is both an homage to Jarman’s original creation, and an extension of his ideas within an urban location.
Balfour, an admirer of the garden designed by Jarman for Prospect Cottage in Dungeness, asked Bristow if he would be able to design a garden inspired by the filmmaker’s creation for Bold Tendencies. Bristow, who cites Jarman’s garden as an ongoing source of inspiration in his garden design practice, worked alongside Balfour and Greta Hewison to form an ambitious idea for a large garden space using Jarman’s work as a creative catalyst. After the early design stages in 2012, the major build for the garden began in May 2013. Approximately 800 plants were brought in to build the garden over a period of three weeks.
The conditions of Jarman’s Dungeness garden, near the coast of Kent, and those of the garden at Peckham within a multi-storey car park, are similar in many ways, both providing sympathetic locations for desert-style plants that are able to endure the elements, with their strong yet lyrical aesthetic. The garden at Bold Tendencies introduces a new facet to the original creation by Jarman, with the garden acting as an organic foil to an urban environment in the way that the seascape influenced the design of the garden at Dungeness. The 50 tonnes of soil and 25 tonnes of crushed granite (the sub-base for road building) which were transported to the roof of the car-park and used to create the distinctive terrain of the plant beds, act as an urban parallel to Jarman’s use of shingle.
Plants were chosen to be similar, though not identical, to those used by Jarman, mirroring the original garden and thus both paying tribute to and utilising it as a creative spring-board for something new. In response to Jarman’s use of Gorse, for instance, Bristow selected Poncirus trifoliata, a citrus which bears bright, acrid oranges and perfumed flowers. The circle and square motifs of Bristow’s design are suggestive of those that shape the garden at Dungeness. Railway sleepers have been used to echo the rail-tracks running parallel to the car-park; like Jarman’s garden, the Peckham garden is responsive to the local area in which it is located. Where Jarman used ‘found’ marine detritus for his garden, Bristow has included sculptural fragments of industrial waste from Peckham and the surrounding area of South London to complement and protect the plants. The plant beds were designed by Bristow to appear as though they had arrived naturally in the space, as though with the currents of an ocean, once more alluding to Jarman’s coastal conception at Dungeness.
The garden will continue to change year-on-year, with new plants being introduced and existing plants self-seeding in new areas of the garden as they thrive. The Derek Jarman Garden at Bold Tendencies will always be in a shifting state, and through it we hope that Jarman’s ideas continue to be explored innovatively and brought to new audiences.


Exquisite. Expansive. Enchanting. The Erindale is a unique, contemporary design that reflects and reconciles our clients’ passions for minimalist design, space and horticulture delightfully.
The clean lines of the striking façade, tastefully accented with Western red cedar and travertine, carry through to the monochrome interior.
It’s a subtly chic aesthetic that amplifies the calming sense of light and space that permeates this spacious four-bedroom, four-bathroom home, which includes two luxuriously appointed master suites and a four-car garage.
Indeed, with the open-plan living areas orientated to the north and segueing via the outdoor entertaining area – complete with outdoor kitchen and operable roof – to the landscaped garden, it’s a home flooded with natural light.
The Erindale is the beautiful embodiment of our clients’ loves, principles and aspirations. From the array of garden beds to the glazed wine cellar nestled beneath the floating staircase. From the solar system and battery storage to the see-through fireplace, pool, gym, mudroom and home theatre.
A home with everything their hearts desire. And without compromise.


Castle Minibus has agreed an annual sum to plant and support the planting of trees and ongoing maintenance of approx. 1500 trees over the next three years in partnership with the FSC (Field Studies Council). The immediate plan is to fund three seasons, planting around 500 trees per year and subsequent maintenance, at the FSC’s Preston Montford site in Shropshire. Once planted the Field Studies Council will assume ‘ownership’ of the trees and will manage the resultant woodland sustainably. After the initial three years the planting project could be extended to further planting at the same site or at Blencathra in the Lake District.
The FSC has created a phased plan for the long term planting success of Castle’s trees. This includes an initial beating up, a forestry term for the replacement of unsuccessful newly planted trees or dead young trees. As well as dealing with any issues that may have arisen during the last growing season such as weed and animal controls. Although beat ups replace existing stock rather than adding immediately to the total tree count they are a crucial part of sustainable woodland management. This initial establishment process not only identifies an issues it also allows for a count of the number of surviving trees from the previous planting season.
Planting for landscape, wild life and native species
The FSC are planting an original wild wood mix;
20% Small- leaved Lime ( Tilia cordata)
10% Wych Elm ( Ulmus glabra)
10% Pendunculate Oak ( Quercus Robur )
5% Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea)
5% Ash (Fraxinus excelsior)
5% Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus)
5% Field Maple (Acer campestre)
5% Aspen (Populus tremula)
5% Silver birch (Betula pendula)
5% Downy Birch (Betula pubescens)
5% Wild Cherry (Prunus avium)
5% Rowen (Sorbus aucuparia)
5% Holly (Ilex aquifolium)
10% Wood shrubs :
Wild service (Sorbus torminalis)
Midland hawthorn (Crataegus laevigata)
Alder Buckthorn (Frangula alnus)
Hazel (Corylus avellana)
Blackthorn ( Prunus spinosa)
Eldar (Sambucus nigra)
Gueldar Rose (Viburnum opulus)
Common Gorse (Ulex europaeus)
Broom (C. scoparius)
Common Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
The actual % mix planted will reflect the landscaping and grading elements of the project to ensure that there are soft borders to planting rather than abrupt edges. The trees will be spaced to require little gaping or spacing in the future, but to allow for dragging up, sculpting and thinning of high order trees in the planting ‘block’. Understorey planting is also important to ensure biodiversity and provide effective protection of wips and soil during the establishment phase.
The Beat Up for Castle’s planting has a particularly positive side as it engages local volunteer support including a local youth group as well as local FSC staff. The trees will not be located near paths or boundaries which would incur additional costs to the FSC estate such cutting back or clearing away decay cycles.
Chris Maynard, Managing Director of Castle Minibus commented ‘Whilst we can’t accurately calculate the carbon emissions from the business or the vehicles we rent, lease and sell we can make a contribution to off-set our carbon footprint. I am very pleased to be able to fund the planting and maintenance of these 1500 trees with the FSC who will not only oversee the initial planting but the maintenance and growing success of our block in Shropshire.’
Mark Bolland, Director of Infrastructure at FSC commented ‘We are very pleased to be receiving this funding from Castle Minibus to help us not only plant more trees but support our work in helping people learn about, protect and enjoy the environment’
Castle Minibus will be sharing more information about their tree planting project as they have it. But to learn more about Castle Minibus visit www.castleminibus.co.uk or The Field Studies Council visit https://www.field-studies-council.org/


Are you here to make a gravel patio? You're in the right place!! A gravel patio is an affordable way to finish your yard and make a pad for entertaining. Our backyard has been a tough place to rehab since we got this house eight years ago. We've been trying to find a solution to our side yard, an area where we wanted to put our firepit and pots of flowers so we can relax while barbecuing. The backyard has been an eyesore and we want to have a space we can enjoy and be proud of. Let's get started:
This post contains affiliate links. When you click and make a purchase from these links, we might get a commission. It doesn't cost you anything extra!
Why choose a gravel patio?
There are lots of choices for patios and decks, from wood to concrete and even bark. We chose gravel for several reasons:
Pea gravel is relatively cheap ground cover
To cover a large area, you can beat the price per square foot of pea gravel. It's recommended that you make the pea gravel 2″ thick. A ton of gravel will cover about 100 square feet, 2″ deep. Typically gravel is sold by the ton or scoop, and a scoop is usually equivalent to a ton.
We used pea gravel in our raised bed garden for drainage in the pathways because it was much cheaper than using bark or mulch.
You can get pea gravel in bulk and delivered to your home
Local rock yards will deliver pea gravel to your home and you can order it by the scoop for about $40-80 per scoop.
Why not bark? Bark comes in bags that you have to buy individually at a home improvement stores so you're paying for all of that packaging, even though you don't need it. I have yet to find bark in bulk to buy for the public.
Concrete patios. You can mix concrete yourself but you need a mixer or need to order a concrete truck, both of which are an additional cost and another step for creating the patio. And you'll also need to build a from for the concrete pad, which is more work and requires additional supplies and tools like 2x4s and a saw.
Gravel is simply the easiest choice!
Pea gravel allows for drainage
There have been drainage problems and other things we discovered in our backyard and we've been trying to find solutions to the problems so our backyard can finally be livable. We've done a lot of projects to make our back yard look beautiful but this side yard has long been a problem for us.
One year we had a mud pit, literally, in the backyard! The kids loved it but me, not so much.
Okay, truth be told this photo is from my front yard but you get the idea … (p.s. we used the same under layment for the rock garden in the front yard as we did for this gravel patio!)
We tried gravel with black plastic, which kept some of the weeds out but mostly caused a stinky runoff problem because of the lack of drainage in our yard.
So what do you use to allow drainage with pea gravel?
When someone told me that I could use the same felt that I make crafts with as a barrier for a rock patio, it got the wheels turning in my head. I was sent several bolts of felt by my favorite felt company, Kunin Group, and we set to working. Eight weeks later, it really does work and the patio looks great!
You can make a gravel patio yourself!
You can DIY this gravel patio in a weekend or even in a day if you are super fit and the area s already relatively flat. We are not super fit so it took us a couple days to complete this process. You'll save on labor costs and get a work out in the process!
Here's a before photo of our sideyard:
Do you have a weed filled mud pit like this in your yard? We are gonna fix that!!
Click the NEXT button to see the AFTER photo plus HOW to actually DIY a gravel patio yourself.


Nestor’s outdoor lighting enhances the beauty of your home and business. We ensure each lighting project fits perfectly with the architectural details and landscape elements as well as provide safety and security. It’s important to have proper lighting so you, your family, and guests can enjoy the ambient lighting on any deck, porch, pool, garden and pathway late into the night.
We only offer the latest in energy efficient landscape lighting, including LED and fluorescent lighting installation, ensuring that you continue to get the most cost effective lighting available. We are your LED outdoor landscape lighting company in all of the greater North Georgia area.
- Low Voltage
- LED/Halogen Lights
- Flood Lights
- Up & Down Lighting
Outdoor Sprinklers and Irrigation
Nestor’s provides only the best in sprinkler installation, maintenance and repair. We are the leaders in irrigation and install industry-leading products from Hunter, Rain Bird, Toro, and Irritrol. We are committed to researching the best products centered around innovative solutions that save water, money and promote healthy landscapes.
We can repair and improve your existing drip irrigation systems, lawn sprinklers and drainage systems for both residential and commercial areas. We are also available for yearly maintenance on your system and give you tips to ensure proper care throughout the year.
- Hunter, Rain Bird, Toro, and Irritrol Products
- Spring Inspection & Fall Weatherization
- Main Shut Off & Install
Outdoor Landscape Design, Construction & Installation
Every project starts with a consultation to assess a client’s requests and to understand their outdoor environment. Nestor’s caters to each client’s taste and takes in account details of the space to choose colors, styles, exact shapes and measurements to ensure proper installation. Most installation jobs take only a few days to a week to complete.
We present creative landscape designs and concepts to flourish and last so water restrictions and drought don’t prevent you from enjoying your space. Upon your feedback on design and budget, we work toward a finalized plan and proposal for construction.
- Tree, Evergreen, Shrub & Flower Planting (Shrub & Ornamental Tree Pruning, Clean Up)
- New Lawn Installation, Hydroseeding, Dry Seeding or Sod
- Drainage Installation for Lawns & Beds
- Mulch & Decorative Stone Installation, Retaining Wall Installation
Hardscaping can add the wow factor in creating curb appeal for your home or business. Nestor’s offers many attractive features including complex pathways; decorate retaining walls and unique mailboxes. As a professional we can help you understand how to utilize your entire outdoor area and ensure every decision compliments your patio, porch, driveway or walking paths.
Nestor’s takes in every detail when putting together any outdoor element. We ensure that our measurements are correct and fit perfectly every time so you’ll love our installation for years to come.
- Stone Accent Walls, Steps, Front Entrances, Outdoor Accents
- Dry Creek Beds & Fire Pits
- Garden Walkways and Outdoor Pathways
- Demolition Services and Tree/Plant Removal


Broadland: Cash boost for Broadland’s green future
Grants of up to £500 are available to Town and Parish Councils, community groups and registered charities to plant trees within Broadland.
The new Community Tree Planting initiative by Broadland District Council will help to improve public outdoor spaces for people and nature and forms part of their overall aim to plant one tree for every resident, as set out in their environmental strategy.
Broadland District Councillor Judy Leggett, portfolio holder for Environmental Excellence said:
“There are huge benefits to planting trees, including absorbing carbon dioxide and reducing air pollution, increasing biodiversity and improving soil quality.
“These additional trees will also help to create and improve community spaces and encourage greater wellbeing for our residents.”
The funding can also be used to plant a tree or trees to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022 and form part of The Queen’s Green Canopy. This is a unique tree planting initiative created to mark Her Majesty’s Jubilee which invites people from across the United Kingdom to “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee” and help to create a legacy in honour of the Queen’s leadership of the Nation, which will benefit future generations.
Grant funding is available to town and parish councils, registered charities and other constituted community groups.
The maximum grant per project is £500 and is for this tree planting season (November 2021 to March 2022). The Council is asking for applications for costed projects including a planting plan (a map of where the trees will go), details of chosen species and an aftercare plan.
Councillor Leggett added:
“Broadland is leading the way when it comes to the environment, we have the highest recycling rate in the county, our food waste scheme is diverting rubbish and creating energy used in homes and we will soon be running all our refuse vehicles on Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil fuel, cutting our carbon emission by 90%. By working with our community on this latest tree planting scheme, we hope to protect and enhance our environment for many years to come.”
The Council is keen to hear from all interested groups that would like to plant trees in Broadland. To find out more please visit Broadland District Council’s website, where there is more information and an application form. If you need further help, or have any queries, please call 01603 430105


The Path of Least Resistance: 5 Easy Steps to Help With Erosion and Sediment Control When Developing a Site
If you are putting up a house or any other building, you need to make long-term plans for diverting stormwater away from the structure. Whilst building, you also need to focus on erosion and sediment control. There are a lot of steps you can take that have varying levels of involvement and difficulty.
However, there are a few easy things that can help as well. Try these ideas:
1. Limit the Amount of Vehicles on the Site
Heavy machinery is essential when you are developing a site, but if you let the big trucks drive all over the site, their wheels will break up the land. That can lead to unwanted soil erosion. Preventing this is easy.
Just make a plan so that the heavy machinery only drives over key parts of the lot. For example, outline an access trail or restrict them to a corner unless it's absolutely necessary for them to come closer.
2. Keep Plants Intact
Restricting where your heavy machinery can go helps with this step, but in general, consider keeping as much vegetation intact as possible throughout the project. The roots help to absorb stormwater and prevent soil erosion.
Even if you plan to eventually remove some of the vegetation to put in turf, you should keep it intact until you are ready for that step. It can help with erosion and sediment control whilst you are building.
3. Develop With the Natural Slope
You may want to plan your development around the natural slope of the land. This helps with present and future erosion and sediment control. An example of this is placing the structure on the highest point on the property.
4. Place a Sediment Barrier
Even with vegetation intact and using the natural slope, the project will still generate some sediment. To deal with it easily, put down a sediment barrier. That just stops the sediment from rushing into the area's drainage system or nearby waterways.
Too much sediment in those areas can lead to clogs which end up making drainage impossible. In addition, set up a special area for washing off tools and machinery. When you knock off dirt or concrete, you don't want it to flow into waterways. Ideally, those activities should happen behind the sediment barrier.
5. Work With an Erosion and Sediment Control Management Specialist
To further make these tasks easy on yourself, you may want to hire an erosion and sediment control management specialist. These professionals can help you control these elements throughout the development stage. They can also help set up long term stormwater drainage for the site.


The latest garden bed to be built is the Chook Food Garden. It is a simple construction of boards and another smaller piece of timber on the inside that the boards are screwed to. It is a rather deep garden that will take a fair bit of soil to fill. Luckily I still have another pile of dirt left from digging the Big Hole.
Once this bed is completed I will be landscaping around this area, laying a path and leveling the area behind the fence. The plants that will be planted around this garden need to be kid and chook prooffriendly and drought tolerant. During the summer months the luffas plants will be grown on the fence and left to die off during winter.
I’d love to hear any of your suggestions for this area, it is rather shady in some places but very dry as it is under the Oak Tree canopy. The area is only 1m wide.
Ideas so far: Lemon Grass, Mondo Grass or Lirope, Lavendar,


The rooftop garden will provide the perfect backdrop for your event. Rooftop gardens allow for homegrown veggies and flower gardens in that often unused space urban dwellers everywhere can enjoy fresh food and flowers gardener's supply. New york rooftop gardens (english, german, french, italian and spanish edition) [charles de vaivre] on amazoncom free shipping on qualifying offers high above the bustling streets of new york city, there's a whole other world--a universe filled with calm and natural beauty. If you want to create an amazing garden on terrace, then it is essential for you to understand about the terrace/roof garden construction must read.
Chicago specialty gardens 1765 north elston avenue suite 203 chicago, il 60642-1558 (773) 697-9897 [email protected] Browse 238 photos of rooftop garden find ideas and inspiration for rooftop garden to add to your own home. Take community relationships to a new level by building a rooftop garden on your apartment building or condo.
Our pick of rooftop gardens in london where bees, breeze and booze await get a breath of fresh air on high at these lovely london roof gardens. Find inspiration for turning a rooftop into a functional, beautiful garden with the experts at hgtv gardens. Rooftop gardens provide environmental benefits similar to on a stretch of his company's flat roof and used forced air and a hot-water heater to. Our rooftop gardens are completely custom designed and built in a modular format with consideration taken to the site access licom76™ is perfect for use in rooftop gardens, terraces and balconies, as it is lightweight, ideal for meeting the buildings weight restrictions.
What is a roof top garden rooftop gardens are man-made green spaces on the topmost levels of industrial, commercial, and residential structures. Amy azzarito unearths history's finest (and wildest) rooftop gardens.
The roof gardens, london: see 426 reviews, articles, and 283 photos of the roof gardens on tripadvisor. Santa catarina do fogo, cape verde a settlement on the island of maio brazil campina da lagoa , paraná this single storey flat roof house like other. Dine on the norwich skyline in the city’s first restaurant of its kind: the rooftop gardens.
Building a roof garden centuries old, the roof garden concept has been most recently embraced in europe both functional and aesthetically-appealing, this technology improves the structure’s energy efficiency while adding plant life in populated areas. If you live in a city without access to land for gardening, a roof garden might seem like an attractive option some roof gardens -- on commercial buildings, apartment complexes or private homes -- flourish and produce flowers, fruit or vegetables without much difficulty. Check out our top 8 awesome and creative rooftop gardens from around the world for inspiration in your urban, container and small space garden this spring.
Rooftop gardens and gardening roof top gardens in our cities are becoming increasingly popular and are in effect ‘greening’ the urban jungles of the world. How to create a rooftop garden rooftop gardens are a beautiful and environmentally-friendly addition to urban homes if you live in an apartment or a house with no yard, rooftop gardens can let you cultivate ornamental trees and grasses. Rooftop gardens, norwich, norfolk 23k likes norwich's first rooftop bar and restaurant located on the top floor of the union building bar opening.
Tips for creating a rooftop garden in an urban setting, including choosing containers and plants for gardening on a roof. Roof gardens keep flat roofs cool in summer – and also help insulate in winter roof gardens impact on energy saving biofuels controversy and climate change. If you enjoy gardening but find yourself limited by space, rooftop gardening can provide an excellent alternative, especially for city dwellers these gardens have numerous benefits as well for instance, rooftop gardens make use of space that would otherwise go unnoticed or unused and can be quite.Download


Death of a Garden Gnome 2015
Death of the Garden Gnome: This work features a truncated tree trunk upon which a present-absent gnome is hinted at. The dead gnome appears to have been swallowed up and melted into the tree stump, and what remains of it is a puddle of a shiny and “cultivated” porcelain glazed substance. This represents the encounter between untamed and wild nature on the one hand and the cultivated, well-kept and pruned garden on the other. One is spontaneous, growing and wilting according to the seasons and the cycles of nature. The other is well cared for and controlled by the actions of the gardener. The garden is the representation of culture. On the one hand it is a place of encounter with nature for the weary urban resident who seeks refuge from the burning asphalt—a corner of beauty in the urban ugliness. On the other hand it is marked by artificial and European signs of culture, like a fountain, a bench, a gazebo and garden gnomes. The gnome is a reminder of the tradition of artificial decoration in gardens. The work hints at the hopelessness and manifest the inevitable failure in transforming what is natural and wild into something restrained and controlled.
Death of a Garden Gnome / sculpture / 2014 / tree stump, plaster, polyurethane foam, epoxy / 0.45 X 0.40 m


ARTIFICIAL GRASS EXPERTS
If you are looking for artificial grass suppliers and installers, we have a dedicated specialist team with over a decade’s experience who can help. Simply Landscaping are one of the leading companies in West Wales for supplying and fitting artificial grass.
We install artificial grass lawns to the highest standards.
We are one of the leading providers of top quality British manufactured artificial grass. We offer our artificial grass supply and installation services at very competitive prices.
Artificial grass is becoming more and more popular for that maintenance free and always immaculate look.


America Walks’ Scott Bricker Joins Placemaking Leadership Council
America Walks Executive Director Scott Bricker has been selected to join the Placemaking Leadership Council, an organization of 600 influencers dedicated to creating sustainable public spaces to strengthen communities. The Council’s purpose is to work for collective impact, with the Project for Public Spaces serving as its backbone organization and convener. The Project for Public Spaces (PPS) is a nonprofit planning, design and educational organization dedicated to helping people create and sustain public spaces that build stronger communities. The organization’s pioneering Placemaking approach helps citizens transform their public spaces into vital places that highlight local assets, spur rejuvenation and serve common needs. “Placemaking is rooted in community-based participation, Placemaking involves the planning, design, management and programming of public spaces. More than just creating better urban design of public spaces, Placemaking facilitates creative patterns of activities and connections (cultural, economic, social, ecological) that define a place and support its ongoing evolution, according too the Project for Public Spaces. More information about the Placemaking Leadership Council and the Project for Public Spaces is available online.


The Hadley Valley Habitat Restoration project is an ongoing project conducted at multiple locations in Hadley Valley
in several phases over the past decade with the assistance of various grants and partnerships.
Habitat restoration between Interstate 355 and Bruce Road was funded by a North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Districts operating budget. Tree and shrub plantings were funded by the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority (ISTHA). The initial restoration was completed in 2012 and 2013. Approximately 150 acres of former agricultural fields are being restored to prairie, wetland, and savanna habitats. Prairie mowing, invasive species control, and prescribed burn management are ongoing.
Habitat restoration between Gougar Road and Interstate 355 was funded by the OHare Modernization Mitigation Account administered by OpenLands in conjunction with the City of Chicago and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The initial restoration activities were completed between 2008 and 2010. Nearly 190 acres of former agricultural fields and approximately 1.5 miles of Spring Creek were restored. Native trees and shrubs were planted in the fall of 2013, funded by ISTHA. Erosion repairs, invasive species control, and prescribed burn management are ongoing.
Habitat restoration between Farrell and Gougar Roads was funded by ISTHA as wetland mitigation for the I-355 South Extension and the Districts Capital Improvement Program. Nearly 300 acres of former agricultural fields and approximately 1.2 miles of Spring Creek were restored. Invasive species control, mowing, prescribed haying, enrichment seeding, and prescribed burn management are ongoing.
For more information and to view a map of the project area, download the Project Fact Sheet and Mapping linked below.Photograph Courtesy of Ron Molk


The Montreal Botanical Garden, located at 4101 Rue Sherbrooke E, Montreal, QC H1X 2B2, is a fragrant oasis that offers a remarkable diversity of plants to visitors in all seasons. It is the third-largest botanical garden in the world, after London’s Kew Gardens and Berlin’s Botanischer Garten.
A Garden for All Seasons
Spanning more than 75 hectares (185 acres), the Montreal Botanical Garden has approximately 20,000 plant species and cultivars under cultivation. Its wealth of flowering plants is carefully managed to bloom in stages, ensuring that there’s always something to see, no matter when you visit.
Greenhouses and Thematic Gardens
The garden features over 20 thematic gardens and 10 exhibition greenhouses. Each greenhouse showcases a different theme, including penjing (Chinese miniature trees), orchids, and cacti. The thematic gardens allow visitors to learn about different cultures through their flora, including the Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden, and First Nations Garden.
Educational Activities and Events
The Montreal Botanical Garden is not just a place to admire plants. It also offers a bio-diversity of fun and educational activities. For instance, the Youth Gardens program provides gardening education for youth ages 8 to 16. The garden also hosts various events throughout the year, such as the Gardens of Light festival, which illuminates the cultural gardens with lights, installations, and lanterns.
A Hub for Scientific Research
The garden maintains a herbarium consisting of nearly 100,000 reference specimens. This, along with its extensive live and naturalized collections, contributes to the unique character of the garden. The garden’s scientific research and educational capacities make it more than just a beautiful place to visit—it’s also a vital resource for the study of botany and horticulture.
Whether you’re a plant enthusiast, a student of botany, or just someone looking for a peaceful place to spend an afternoon, the Montreal Botanical Garden has something to offer. With its diverse collections, educational programs, and stunning displays, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone in Montreal.
Please note that the greenhouses of the Jardin botanique are currently closed for inspection and maintenance work. Access to the outdoor gardens remains open and free. For the most up-to-date information, please visit their official website or call them at (514) 868-3000.
Image credits to feature image – MBGMother.Earth5_.jpg (3088×2056) (georgeweigel.net)


Timber Frame and Log Home on San Juan Island, Washington
This single story timber frame home was carefully tailored to fit its beautiful site on San Juan Island.
As you approach the house, it modestly peeks out from a lush forest setting.
All interior spaces open onto a stone terrace running the entire length of the house that was designed for outdoor living.
A blend of timber and log details give the home its unique character appropriate to its island setting.
The beautiful entry door was designed specifically for the house.


Add some greens to your house and come closer to the nature
Are you bored of the regular plant pots and want to opt for something different? The Sky Garden Potted Big House Micro Landscape Meat Plant Pots are what you need to get your hands on in this case. As they look distinct and change the entire ambiance of the place where you put them, they are surely the best use of your money.
The manufacturers have paid great interest in the designing of this plant pot. With many layers coming across each other side by side, this pot surely stands out in the garden. It is so well designed that you can place it even inside your house and it will give a great outlook to the space where you put it.
The detail that has been put in the landscaping inside these plant pots is phenomenal. The three layering and the countryside scenery crafted on it is just so much close to the reality. As there is a great variety available when it comes to landscaping on these plant pots, you can choose whichever comes closer to your heart.


Soooo... it's been a long time since I posted in this thread. I put in a new shade garden and rock pathway in some troublesome spots where nothing grows under some maple trees. here's hoping the shade-loving stuff I planted doesn't die! Shade Garden: This is full of native Canadian forest plants: 3 types of fern, wood poppy, 1 trillium, solomon's seal, Canada Wild Ginger, Virginia Bluebells, Virgin's Bower (a native clematis) and northern bush honeysuckle. Rock Path: It starts at the front walkway and goes all the way around the side of the house to the backyard gate. T'is a vast improvement over the hard-packed dirt that was there before.


The worlds leading luxury fashion retailer, Yoox Net-A-Porter Group, developed their new Tech Hub in White City early 2017. It is a 70,000 square ft space aiming to create a new centre for digital expertise within the company. This innovative project was designed by Grimshaw (award-winning British architects) who had a vision to create a future-focused environment.
Specialist Commercial Joinery’s package totalled over £600k and included the design, manufacture and installation of spectacular feature planters on tensile cables in the atria, as well as, the custom-made tree planters and benches. We fabricated and installed bespoke tea points with Corian worktops, and also manufactured and installed distinctive banquette seating in the canteen and boardroom. With having to source materials from the likes of Spain, North America and Japan, it was a challenging yet exciting project to have worked on.


It’s officially spring, but it’s been raining like crazy here in Portland. Last month was the second wettest March in Portland. As a result, our lawn is very green right now. But the grass is also growing wildly, which I don’t like. I’m one of those dads that likes a well groom lawn. Normally, I have one of the better lawns in the neighborhood. Many of my neighbors have told me they think my lawn looks great. In my opinion, a healthy, green lawn makes my home look better and increases it value. Few people want to buy a house with a horrible looking lawn, right? This is actually related to today’s blog post topic: tips for improving your lawn, which I am writing on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for TruGreen. I will receive a promotional item as a thank you for participating. As always, the opinions expressed are mine and I am not obligated to write a positive review.
Before I get to my lawn care tips, I want to tell you about TruGreen Backyard Makeover Sweepstakes. From now through April 18th of this year, TruGreen is giving away some awesome prizes to get America’s backyards ready for spring. The grand prize is a $10,000 backyard makeover by TV host Jason Cameron. In addition, you can also win one of 30 daily prizes — including outdoor grills, fire pits and lawn furniture. If I win, I would want a bigger lawn, a paver patio, a deck cover and lots of beautiful flowers.
10 Lawn Care Tips
- Water your lawn regularly
When it doesn’t rain, I water my lawn about three days a week in the spring and fall. In the summer, I water the lawn daily when the temperature reaches 90° or higher.
- Fertilize your lawn
Most of my neighbors water their lawn, but don’t fertilize their lawn. As a result, their lawn doesn’t look as good as mine. Remember, grass needs water AND nutrients. You should consult the directions for your fertilizer, but I fertilize every other month from April through September.
- Remove weed often
It’s important to remove weed growing in your lawn. They compete for nutrients and if left uncheck, they can quickly overrun your lawn.
- Mow your lawn regularly
In the spring and fall, I mow my lawn every four days. During the hot summer season, my lawn grows slower so I only mow it once a week.
- Use the 1/3 rule
Never cut more a third of the grass blade length at any one time. Cutting more than a third at a time can damage your lawn over time.
- Keep your mower blades sharp
You want to cut your grass, not rip it off, which is what happens if you mow with dull blades.
- Change the mowing pattern
Grass tends to lean towards the direction you mow. For a better lawn, you want the blades upright when you mow. To decrease grass leaning in one direction, alternate your mowing pattern each time you mow the lawn.
- Mow when the grass is dry
For the same reason as above, you should not mow the lawn when it’s not dry. Wet grass tends to bend over.
- Don’t mow during the heat of the day
Mowing the lawn when it’s hot can be stressful for the grass. Take it easy on the grass and yourself by mowing the lawn when it’s not so hot.
- Leave clippings on the lawn
I use a reel mower and leave small clippings on my lawn. The cutted grass returns nutrients back to the lawn. Note: you don’t want to leave clumps of grass (or leaves) on your lawn.
For more information about TruGreen, check out this press release about TruGreen, their Backyard Makeover Sweepstakes, and tips for maintaining your lawn during spring. It’s a good read and you’ll learn a thing or two. For instance:
- 61% of homeowners surveyed think that springtime makes them excited to work in their yard
- 63% of homeowners say that in springtime their neighborhood’s curb appeal improves and with it the neighborhood’s value
- 78% homeowners believe that healthy, green lawns specifically add value to their neighborhood


We sent native trees and plants are being sent to Milingimbi, Ramingining and Galiwin’ku to replace trees and plants lost due to Cyclone Lam two years ago. A great majority of these community’s vegetation and trees were knocked down and flattened in the early hours of the morning in the wake of Lam’s fury.
A state of emergency was declared, and within the first few weeks after the cyclone community residents and regional council requested KABC(NT) Tidy Towns assistance and support planning revegetation and native tree planting in these Territory communities, to make them shady, beautiful and green again.
Native grasses and runners were despatched and replanted for immediate preservation of sand dunes and beaches.
Other native plants and trees were propagated to provide the communities shade, entice wildlife and birds back into community, beautiful flowers and aroma emitting fragrant plants, all to improve quality of life and wellbeing.
We are now at the end of our second year of delivering well over 6,000 native plants and trees to the region and we’d like to take the opportunity to thank everyone involved for making it all possible, including those that carefully propagated the seedlings into larger saplings, re-potted plants as they grew, watered and fertilised plants over many months, the transportation assistance obtained by supportive NT Transport businesses and the community staff and residents themselves for the replanting of all these trees.
It’s been a long journey but we’ve all worked together to create some great outcomes – so “Thank You” to all.


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Captiva Landscaping, LLC
41700 Heydenreich Rd
Clinton Township, MI 48038
Steve Paul: 586-405-7896
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These three classic garden metal obelisks were made as a wedding gift for friends. As they had renovated their new house, the garden was last on the agenda so to help start on this area, these were designed and made. They were made to fit in a pot or directly into the garden bed.
These garden obelisks are made from solid round metal with a tree bark texture and sphere finial.
Height : 1100 mm
Width : 400 mm
Metal solid round 8mm tree bark texture with 20mm flat metal bands
Hollow round ball
Blacksmith Vinyl Matt black


As most of you know, we're into gardening. At the beginning of fall I found myself with some time on my hands and decided to experiment with bulds. I ended up planting about 300 of them.
These daffodils were here when we bought the house. They're beginning to bloom now. I planted some paper white bulbs, which are very similar. They bloomed over Christmas.
Here's a patch of hyacinth. This is coming up in 2 spots.
Our neighbor planted these lenten roses a few years ago, along with some ferns.
The trees are starting to bud.
This year the plan is to experiment with moss. It's all over our property, but we want to add some types with interesting textures.


By Taylor Piper
Posted: Monday, May 12, 2014
In 2014, Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced a plan to build and refurbish 103 parks across the city. The Chicago Park District is responsible for more than 580 parks that cover over 8,100 acres of land throughout Chicago.
In an April 17 press release, Emanuel said the plan is to provide a safe space for children to play. Chicago is already halfway through the planned renovations that when completed will have refurbished 103 parks.
This interactive map displays the locations of all Chicago Park District parks over Chicago’s neighborhoods. The parks are color coded according to the acres: green is under 15 acres, blue parks have 15-100 acres, and red are over 100 acres. You can select your ZIP code and locate a park near you. Clicking the point will provide information about amenities and facilities the park offers currently.
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Feedback: Contact the reporter via Twitter or leave a comment below.


Decorative Feng Shui Indoor Water FountainRegular price $36.95
This unique and versatile decor piece will provide a tranquil and soothing addition to your home’s backyard or indoor decor. The sound of a water fountain can be calming and soothing. The Decorative Feng Shui Indoor Water Fountain creates a relaxing ambiance, that will sit perfectly on any tabletop. Simply turn it on and you will feel like you are in a nice spa in no time.
- Size: About 5.12 x 5.12 x 6.89 Inches / 13 x 13 x 17.5 cm
- VERSATILE GARDEN DECOR: Contemporary cascading tabletop water fountain with natural aged stone look will provide a tranquil and soothing addition to your indoor or outdoor living space.
- RELAXING SOUNDS: Relax to the sounds of the calming natural water flow as it trickles down from bowl to bowl of the fountain. Not only will the fountain provide you with serenity, it will also attract birds to your outdoor area, which in turn promotes healthy gardens.
- DURABLE FOUNTAIN DECOR: Constructed from durable material and stone powder, the fountain is weatherproof, rust-resistant, and resilient and can be used in your home's interior decor or outside.
- NATURAL TRANQUILITY: Relax to the sounds of the calming natural water flow as it trickles down from the top tier of the fountain, while adding visual interest to your outdoor conversation set or table.


Culture: Site plants in a location that receives at least six full hours of sun and is protected from the wind. White Flower Farm is a family-owned mail-order nursery located in northwestern Connecticut. Blue Butterfly Delphinium Plant (Larkspur) Unavailable for 2021 . Plant in well-drained soil amended with organic matter. Connecticut Yankee Delphinium Plant … Space plants … The plants form mounds of dark green, glossy foliage topped in early summer by the dramatic, spurred flowers … More Details. Magic Fountains Lilac Pink with White Bees Delphinium Plant (Larkspur) Price: 15.95 Starts Shipping April 5, 2021. Perennial Larkspur plants make exceptional cut flowers … The genus delphinium includes several species that also go by the common name larkspur, so the names are often used interchangeably. Since 1950 we have been providing a wide range of perennials, annuals, bulbs, shrubs, vines, amaryllis, gardening … Delphinium Taller varieties such as Giant Pacific Hybrid Delphiniums will require staking, while shorter types will be fine without any additional help. A cottage garden favorite, Delphiniums boast spikes of brightly colored flowers in cool colors. Facts: Delphinium. Larkspur is also a common name used for flowers in the genus Consolida, including Consolida ajacis, a relative of plants in the genus delphinium. Family: Ranunculaceae Genus: Delphinium Common Name: Larkspur Origin: Northern Hemisphere, with many species native to the western United States.


At Benchmark Landscape, we are recognized as an industry brand for quality work at a competitive price. We take pride in our capability to service both residential and commercial lawn service, turf care, landscape design, landscape construction, install and grounds maintenance needs in the Millstone Twp., Perrineville, Manalapan, Freehold, Colts Neck, Cranbury, West Windsor, Princeton, Cream Ridge, Allentown and Upper Freehold. Central NJ, Monmouth county.
Benchmark places priority on the relationship between our client and team. We understand that proper planning and execution of a landscape renovation, new landscape design and install or regular weekly lawn care can and will most likely increase the value of your property as well as keeping a consistent well manicured curb appeal. We work to satisfy all our customers’ landscaping needs to maintain the most important investment: your property.
Benchmark provides reliable, expert services that saves money and ensures the viability of our work. It is everything that you'd expect from a First Class Landscape Company and more. With over 20 years of experience we here at Benchmark Landscape, guarantee that you will be satisfied every step of the way, especially with the outcome of your project. We specialize in making your landscaping experience seamless, cost-effective and stress-free.
If you're looking for someone who has the experience, integrity and capability to enhance your property like it's their own, you should contact us for an initial consultation today. We take pride in the landscapes we design, install, properties we manage and the trees we plant.
Benchmark Landscape Contractors LLC. Millstone Twp. Monmouth County NJ is fully insured and licensed by the "New Jersey Contractors License" License #13VH06827800
THANK YOU FOR CONSIDERING BENCHMARK LANDSCAPE. CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION ON A LANDSCAPE RENOVATION OR A TOTALLY NEW LANDSCAPE DESIGN. AT BENCHMARK LANDSCAPE WE HAVE THE EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE TO MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE A FUNCTIONAL DREAM COME TRUE! 732.792.6734


We decided to go with a fairly large patio, built with pavers. It is over 400 square feet. It sits at the base of the deck we built last year, so it makes for a very complete backyard setup.
Once the sod was removed, we dug it out a little bit more and framed it up using pressure treated lumber. The frame is about level with the surrounding grass, so the patio will sit almost flush with the yard.
Once we had the frame up, we laid down several yards of gravel for a base. We rented a compactor in order to make it level, and well, compacted.
Once the sand was down, we screeded it a long 2X4 to get it as level as possible.
Once everything was in place, laying them down was relatively easy work. The difficult part was making sure that it was as level as possible and that the lines stayed straight. This is probably impossible to do perfectly, but we certainly made a DIY effort.
So far, the new patio has been incredible. It has given us a great place to hang out in the yard while Sammy plays. It has held up very well for the few weeks that we've been using it and we plan on being able to enjoy it for years to come.


By Tom O’Sullivan, gardener and horticulturist, VSB
Working as a horticulturist for several decades has allowed me to experience nature more than most. Small details will always amaze, such as the little white flowers from snowdrops appearing above the cold ground as early as January, or huge clusters of little red berries hanging from a mountain ash in the fall.
Nature is full of little secrets, and I enjoy sharing these experiences with others.
In my role as a gardener with the Vancouver School Board (VSB), I have many pleasant exchanges with community members. It’s common for a student, parent, teacher, or passerby to stop and remark on some aspect of the garden as I work. The most common reaction from elementary students when I’m pruning a tree is, “Stop, stop, you’re killing the tree,” to which I assure them, “No, no, I’m just giving it a haircut.” But this shows that they care.
Their curiosity is amazing, and there’s so much for them to discover. Quite often, while working on a school garden, an audience of young faces will appear to watch me turn the soil, clean up shrub borders, and tend to the plants.
They see a chaotic bed cluttered with dead leaves, broken branches, weeds, or gangly off-shoots look refreshed and beautiful. For them, seeing is believing.
Now that it’s late fall, and while bracing for the onslaught of winter, it’s tempting to believe there’s not much of interest in the garden. But when that perfect fall day bursting with sunshine and freshness appears from nowhere, opportunities for outdoor activities for students should not be missed.
These types of fall days are perfect for getting out of the classroom and exploring the anatomy of trees, and there’s no place better than your own school grounds to explore. The trees you walk past every day are fascinating to study.
In the simplest terms, trees consist of leaves, branches, trunks, and roots. The leaves conduct the magic of photosynthesis, sequestrating carbon from the atmosphere to form wood in the body of the tree. But wood is extremely heavy, just try standing a small log upright. Easy? No!
Here is some information about trees that teachers can use to help their students learn about and connect with the trees and nature that exists around their school:
Shape and form
Stand well back and see, from a distance, the size, shape, and form of a tree of interest. Look at its height, the network of branches, and where it’s positioned in the school garden
As you walk closer to the tree, make a note of where the outer edges of the canopy end; this is called the drip line. When deciduous trees are in leaf it’s very defined, but evergreen trees can demonstrate this characteristic anytime.
As it is fall season, most deciduous trees will have shed or are in the process of shedding their leaves. But different species of trees shed their leaves at different times. Usually ash is the first to drop its leaves, sometimes starting as early as the end of September. However, the leaves of beech or oak (now dry and brown) can remain attached to the tree well into the winter months. This ensures that leaves cascade onto the ground over a long period of time
Looking up at the branches, note the various sizes and shapes of branches from large boughs down to very small twigs. Note the differences between branch networks from deciduous and coniferous trees.
Trees generally have one central trunk or may have multiple stems. Tree trunks grow bigger and stronger every year. In their natural woodland settings, trees compete for light and, as they grow taller to catch the sunlight, the lower branches become less efficient, so they transfer their nutrients to the rest of the tree, die off, and eventually drop from the tree. In urban areas and parks, skilled horticulturists and arborists remove these branches in order to give the tree a more pleasant appearance. Look for calluses on the trunk where branch wounds have healed over.
This is the point where the main trunk meets the ground. In mature trees, huge anchor roots can be seen partially exposed above the ground at the very base of the tree.
This is the tricky part as, of course, we can’t see the roots below the ground. However, without knowledge of the root system how can we know about the life of a tree? It’s the root network that can be the most fascinating part of a tree’s structure. As a general rule, a tree’s root network can extend up to 50% farther than its height. That means a 20-foot tree will have roots that spread 30 feet under the ground in all directions. For scale, just ask a student to lie down on the ground and mark out their height while adding 50%. The roots at the very base of the tree are responsible for anchoring the tree to the ground, while farther away, beyond the drip line, the smaller roots, which are called feeder roots, send back water and nutrients.
In the fall/winter months, deciduous trees stand tall and proud like sculptures. Their magnificent form can be admired from the very top right down to the base of their trunks. While they might be sleeping for the winter, they carry vast stores of food that will see them burst into leaf in the spring and start their new season of making our schools and neighbourhoods full of vitality.
The next time you walk by that tree on your school ground, take a moment to appreciate its beauty and purpose. Trees may be quiet, but each one has a wonderful story to tell.


Royal Oak SoMa Development
After preparing many site plans that never got developed for the odd-shaped lot at 10 Mile Road between Main Street and Woodward Avenue in Royal Oak, Michigan, NFE has created site and landscape plans for a new apartment complex on the property called SoMa. SoMa has recently been approved by Royal Oak’s Planning Commission and appears to be well on its way to becoming a reality.
The $40 million apartment complex is being developed by Singh Development, LLC. When built, SoMa will be a five-story, mix-use development with 240 apartments, over 10,000 feet of commercial space, a five-story parking deck contained within the interior of the building and a pedestrian urban park.
NFE provided land surveying, civil engineering and landscape architect services for the development, and is currently working on construction plans for the City of Royal Oak to approve. We also created landscape design plans for the pedestrian urban park at the east side of the SoMa development along Main Street, as well as streetscape elements along the roads of 10 Mile, Woodward Avenue, Washington Avenue and Tiffany Lane. The urban park will include trees, sidewalks, benches and artwork.
For the last 15 years, NFE has been a consulting engineer to the City of Royal working on municipal projects with the City Engineers and preparing site plans for many of the private developments within the city. We are proud of our long-term relationship with the city and for our part in creating a gateway for Royal Oak.
Click here to see an article from The Daily Tribune regarding this project.
NFE’s Landscape Plan for the SoMa Development in Royal Oak, MI


Let’s make it happen!
Since 2012, Hoffmann Hayes has been working with Developers to bring community gardens to condo dwellers. We offer input on the garden design (during design and build stage) and then coach the communities to grow food and run a community garden program.
What residents say:
“I wasn’t sure about moving to a condo, but when I heard I could have a vegetable garden, I was sold.”
“The garden was the main feature for me in getting this condo. In my view, all these big buildings need as many gardens / green plants as possible around, inside, on top of them…everywhere.”
“I love living here because I can grow a garden. I really enjoy my fellow gardeners too. We trade seeds, share vegetables, and even have potlucks with food we grew! Daniel and Jane are helping us learn how to grow and get organized so we can run the garden ourselves.”
“I don’t even have a garden here, but I love watching it grow from my balcony. I’m thinking of getting more involved.”
“We’ll be at the garden launch! We want to start a fun organic vegetable garden and also learn from you!”
What developers say:
“We didn’t quite know that we were going to be growing a community before we built the buildings, but we see now that we are. It is really quite amazing.”
“We weren’t investing in this program for a quick return on investment, but we’re delighted that the garden program is an important amenity for people. People who are downsizing have told us they were reluctant because they would miss their gardens, and also because they weren’t sure about not being in a neighbourhood. The garden program helps them feel comfortable and even inspired to make the change.”
Condo Community Gardens
- are an engaging amenity – with recreational and learning opportunities for all ages
- build healthy communities – they help people connect to nature, and to access healthy local food
- are growing the urban agricultural infrastructure of our cities