I really don’t think this article does a good job of explaining how a road is built and with what materials. There are four materials commonly used for driveways â gravel, asphalt, concrete and pavers. Place a 4-inch layer of the smaller size angular gravel -- #4, which is about the size of a golf ball -- on top of the baseball-sized gravel. Meaning your driveway doesn’t get near the traffic a road consumes in its lifetime. In addition to using a heavy roller (or a vehicle) to compact the gravel, use 3/4 or 5/8 minus gravel – the ‘minus’ means it has a fine dust mixed in. Hardpan, the layer beneath topsoil, is, as the name implies, dense and hard. Glad you asked. The medium gravel establishes a grading base so fines don’t work there way through to the bottom. A one-inch layer of gravel covers 240 square feet, while a ton spread at a depth of three inches covers eighty feet. A gravel driveway requires at least three layers, beginning with large stones at the bottom, medium in the middle, and small stones on top. To fill a pothole, first check the hole for any large stones or other debris and remove it from the driveway. what does “don’t diminish the quality…” mean? It sounds like there are many benefits of using the three different sizes so making sure that the contractor does it will be important. Gravel driveways are generally cheaper than concrete driveways. Resin-bonded gravel For more complicated driveways, those that have a steep incline, or for anyone looking for a low-maintenance option, probably the best option (albeit the most expensive one) is resin-bonded gravel. One caveat: Because the rounded stones don't lock together in the same way as angular fragments of crushed stone, pea gravel is more likely to move under vehicles, and can migrate off the driveway surface unless edging is added around the driveway to hold the material in place. If all this seems like a lot of work, consider hiring a professional. Pea gravel is also a durable, low-maintenance driveway material. And then 4”-6” of smaller stone with fines. An important reason for the smaller stone is that it’s less abrasive on the wear and tear of your vehicle(tires), and easier to walk, bike, play, and take care of. Its makeup is clay and small stones, typically crushed or naturally angular stones that hold together better than round, smooth stones. Rake the driveway on a consistent basis to remove sticks, leaves, and other materials. Avoid creating large banks on the sides of the driveway, which can become harder to move with each snowfall. Salt and binder treatments should be used carefully and sparingly for these reasons. Our gardening obsessed editors and writers choose every product we review. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Use a layer of pea gravel under concrete that’s eight to 12 inches thick. Support heavy traffic. If itâs steep and/or soft ground, youâll need to stabilize the bed first. Crushed gravel driveways are commonly composed of sand, silt, clay and larger aggregates (pebbles and small stones). However, using gravel underneath pavers is recommended because gravel will prevent the stones from sinking and allow moisture to escape. Choosing the right gravel is important, but proper site preparation is even more vital. With angular gravel, it is produced by a rock-crushing machine just for construction purposes. There are seven types of gravel and stones you can use to pave a driveway. The parking space at this site was a sloping gravel area damaged by soil erosion and poor drainage. Asphalt driveways place second in cost, followed by cement and pavers. Gravel delivery and installation made easy. A driveway is a driveway and a road is a road. The pea-sized gravel tends to clump when pressed down by a tire, which is helpful. If your driveway is near the kitchen in your house, it’s practical to pour boiling hot water over your driveway to kill any weeds, though this solution takes more time and energy the larger your driveway is. Gravel can be made from just about any natural stone and is available in a wide variety of colors. Rainfall can also spread the salt through the soil into areas where other plants are growing, killing them too. Spreading salt in your gravel driveway will kill weeds and keep the driveway free of them for years. Gravel Driveway Maintenance Best Practices. Under the weight of the vehicles on the driveway, the round gravel will move easily. Pea gravel is made of rounded, pea-sized stones, often in grey or sand-coloured tones. The final layer of a gravel driveway consists of smaller gravel blended with coarse rock dust, known as âfines.â Crushed stone #411, which is a mixture of #57 stone and coarse rock dust, is a good option for this top layer. If your gravel driveway is not carefully planned and constructed, then it can turn out poorly. Pea gravel comes in an array of colors, or in multicolored mixtures, and is popular as a top layer because of its attractive appearance and smooth texture. Either acrylic or oil-based paints are appropriate for painting a gravel driveway. This we hoped would make it look better and less sand to blow. Thanks! Jersey Shore gravel, which mimics the color of beach sand, is often used as a top layer in driveways throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic States. How to Buy Driveway Gravel. White marble chips sparkle and shimmer in the sunlight, creating stunning visual impact and adding an aesthetically pleasing element to the front yard. Pea Gravel: Pea gravel has become very popular over the past few years as a crushed stone driveway material. Quarry process stoneâalso known as crusher runâis another good option for the top level of a driveway or walkway.Â Composed of a blend of smaller crushed stone and stone dust, crusher run typically includes a higher percentage of stone dust fines. Our current driveway was here when we bought the house. I was wondering if there is a way to do only two layers and get a fairly decent outcome. Also, if you need a gravel top up, we can deliver it in our 4t Tip Truck! Sounds like I need to dig down about a foot – and the driveway is a good 200 feet long with 50 feet of that being double wide. It really depends on the stability of the ground. The reason, pea gravel is a very smooth, rounded surface that is easy to drive and walk on. Copyright © 2021. It is the best material for gravel driveways. âFor a senior house with a senior approach, this is the best long-term solution,â believes Mr Eddell. My husband and I are thinking about installing a gravel driveway soon, so I’ve been doing some research online about the best way to install one. You can build a gravel driveway that will cost less than a paved driveway but last just as long. Seems as if all gravel used in the past eventually sinks into the driveway. After all, this is the stone that you will look at every day. This will certainly help me in the process. Would REALLY appreciate any help you can give me! With all of the aggregate options available, you can have almost any colour you want, and even a mix of shades to achieve a look that is truly timeless. Whatâs the best use? Base layer using larger gravel: For this layer, you should use #1 angular gravel. Find trusted gravel experts in your local area and receive free, no-obligation quotes for your project. Three years later all is good. Use the blade of the tractor to pull gravel from the sides back to the center, adding fresh material if needed. I had no idea that gravel consisted of three different sizes of rock. These rocks form a strong foundation for your driveway and ensure good drainage. You can walk on pea gravel, making it a suitable gravel type for driveways and walkways. The top layer of gravel consists of 4 inches of marble-size rocks. A popular choice for the bottom layer is #3 stone, which ranges in size from one to two inches in diameter. We decided to cover the area with #2 river rock. This type of gravel, made from machine-crushed stone, is also a popular choice for landscape design and forÂ constructing French drains, as the size and shape of the rock fragments promotes proper drainage and prevents the gravel from locking together to form an impervious surface.Â, Related:Â 7 Thrifty Designs for a DIY Walkway. Item #4 comes in a variety of compositions, including Recycled Item #4, which consists of recycled concrete, blacktop, brick, rock, and other stones; Quarry Item #4, or crushed limestone; Gray Item #4, which is dark gray in appearance; and Crushed Bluestone Item #4, a dark blue-gray stone often used in municipal paving projects. What is a gravel driveway? Today, she lives and gardens on the high plains of Colorado. The exact mix, and therefore the color, in road gravel varies from region to region. The source of the confusion over terminology is that the small stone used in stone driveways is sometimes also referred to as "gravel." You will need to maintain your gravel driveway in â¦ Gravel can also repel water and prevent puddles from forming in your driveway during the rainy months. A resin bound driveway still has the good looks of a gravel driveway, due to the choice of gravel you can use. Getting a sample of what to expect for your gravel driveway would also be important. Make sure to add new gravel as needed every two to four years. Maintaining a “crown” in your driveway of an inch of height in the center per three or four feet of your driveway’s width can help with drainage, as can trenches or ditches installed alongside the driveway. Or apply a treatment made of a spray bottle filled with white vinegar and a few drops of dish soap, spraying onto unwanted weeds or grass in your gravel driveway. It creates a much better foundation for your driveway. Fabric and Geogrid is hard to handle and expensive compared to local stone made for driveways. Set the snowplow up with shoes set about half an inch above the ground. I have mos issues can I used sand and gravel to cover it. Expect about one inch of crown per three or four feet of your driveway’s width. Having a loose foundation, do we need to have to dig gown and replace with the three layers. When you think of a gravel driveway, you may imagine a sleepy, dusty lane that leads to a quaint rural cottage or farmhouse on a lonely country road. These rock products can get the job done, but youâll need to complete other tasks to ensure your gravel driveway lasts a long time. Use two or three layers of gravel to create a gravel layer that’s four to six inches thick when building a gravel driveway. Gravel is also flexible enough to prevent frost heaves. Then grade the surface using a tractor’s grader blade attachment to create a crown in the center of the driveway. You must rake the gravel annually to push it back in place. Gravel driveways are hands-down the most affordable option upfront. Refer to the American Standards for Testing and Materials specification ASTM C-94 to determine which types of cement will work best for you. Which one you choose will be based on your budget, your climate and conditions and the length of your driveway. In reality, gravel is equally at home in rural, suburban, or urban environments, and its durability, affordability, and ease of installation make it a smart paving option for driveways. Copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Gravel is typically graded by size, and most driveways use at least three different sizes of gravelÂ that are put down in layers to create a solid foundation and ensure proper drainage. The driveway will need some maintenance over the years and our Bobcat with Box Rake attachment can repair potholes and smooth the surface if itâs become uneven over time. Ditches alongside the driveway on both sides help keep water erosion at bay, too, and must be kept empty and clean to do their job properly. You’ll probably need to add new gravel every two to four years. As the gravel settles, the dust seeps into the spaces between the gravel and compacts, forming a smooth, semisolid surface. There are a couple of ways to buy driveway gravel. Semantics aside, a residential driveway should be built on either a foot of #2 Limestone or a layer of appropriate Geogrid. Jersey Shore gravel is similar to pea gravel in its smooth, rounded shape, and like pea gravel requires a driveway border orÂ edging to hold it in place. This foundation layer also keeps the smaller rock from disappearing into the soil. happy driveway owner. Depending on where you live and the circumstances of your particular driveway, you may need to apply for a permit before you begin working on adding your gravel driveway. It’s not required to have gravel underneath pavers, as pavers can also be laid over dirt or mortar. Roundup, Compare-N-Save Concentrate Grass, Spectracide HG-96017, vinegar, and the list goes on. Crushed stone is quite versatile, durable, and affordable, making it an excellent option for gravel driveways. Gravel is an inexpensive way to make your driveway appear more attractive. It can be used for either the base, second, or top layer forming the gravel driveway. All these gravel driveway issues were solved using TRUEGRID system. When properly cared for, a gravel driveway can last decades. You’ll need to add more gravel to the driveway every two or three years. Yes, you can paint a gravel driveway. For each layer of gravel, you’ll want machine crushed stone, rather than round rock. The first layer of gravel should consist of baseball size rocks, which are often called #3 stones. A crown simply means that the middle of the driveway is slightly higher than the sides. Or just lay that flat and start over? Feb 15, 2020 - Explore hugojames's board "Best gravel for driveway" on Pinterest. This rock has rock dust and smaller pieces of rock added to the mixture. How to choose the best weed killer for gravel. Keep in mind that for the novice do-it-yourselfer, there are certain mistakes you will need to avoid, so consider the following as you plan and construct your own gravel driveway. If your driveway isn’t too big and is near your kitchen, you can splash boiling water on the gravel to kill any plants growing there. Any advise? Related:Â Pass on Grass: 7 Reasons to Landscape with Gravel. In general, driveway gravel should be relatively large, between about 3/8 and 3/4 inch in diameter, as compared to the gravel used for footpaths, which is typically 1/4 to 3/8 inch in diameter. Your decision if you choose to install a gravel driveway would probably be based on availability, cost, appearance, and drainage. Check fabrics that meet this goal here https://gardeningadviser.com/landscape-fabric-under-rocks. We are on a tight budget but the drive desperately needs done. If you’re willing to keep up with the maintenance, though, gravel is an affordable, durable material and makes an attractive driveway. Thanks for explaining that gravel driveways should actually have three layers of different sizes to help strengthen the foundation and provide good drainage. Itâs not enough to purchase the perfect product â youâll need to prepare the job site as best as you can by removing any and all topsoil. As an alternative, you can use a strong geo-textile underneath a medium sized gravel, but more often than not, I find it just as expensive, if. These rocks have an angular, triangle shape and will lock together on the driveway. River rockâalso known as creek stoneâconsists of gently rounded, semi-polished stones that have been dredged or scooped from the beds of streams or rivers. However, it’s a long-term solution, and the salt can also spread to nearby plants as water moves through the soil, killing those plants as well as weeds in your gravel driveway. This Champion snowblower is also a compact and lightweight unit that is backed by a 224cc engine with an electric start â just plug it in and go. This makes it impractical for high-traffic areas. replaced 3K sq ft of concrete and asphalt using TRUEGRID and crushed 1/2″ rock. These rocks can vary in color from black to gray to rust, depending on the type of stone. Another popular gravel often used as a foundation for driveways is known as Item #4, which is a mixture of machine-crushed stones that measure roughly the size of a golf ball, along with sand and dirt. Related:Â The Right Path: 15 Wonderful Walkway Designs, The middle layer of a gravel driveway is typically constructed of golf-ball-size crushed stone, or #57 stone. Based on appearance, longevity, and purpose, we identified Jersey Shore gravel and pea gravel as the best types of gravel for driveways. I didn’t know that we’d be installing it in three layers, so I appreciate you explaining that process here! Gravel driveways need a crown so water drains quickly. We live in Florida where it is very Sandy. On top of the base, you’ll install another 3 to 4 inches of golf ball-size rocks, often identified as #57 rocks. See more ideas about best gravel for driveway, gravel, gravel driveway. 10 Popular Driveway Options to Welcome You, https://gardeningadviser.com/landscape-fabric-under-rocks. Here in NJ, most homeowners will find that their soil is in decent condition and â¦ Once or twice a year, you should use a tractor with a grading blade to move gravel from the sides up to the center of the driveway to create a crown. As long as it’s not a drought and the weather isn’t especially hot and dry, you can use a propane torch to burn off grass and weeds in your gravel driveway. If the existing gravel driveway shows signs of unstable sub-grade, the soil should be excavated and new base or structural material installed and then the new gravel driveway design installed on top of that for a solid, long lasting gravel driveway. The best types of gravel for a driveway are as follows: Road gravel driveways: Road gravel is the most affordable type of driveway gravel. Driveways: Angular gravels are the best stone for driveways as they are not easily displaced when driven over compared to a more rounded product that may move. To get your gravel driveway ready for winter, first repair any potholes by filling them with fresh gravel. Jersey Shore gravel is a type of small stone aggregate characterized by its yellow color, a composite of shades of gold, tan, white, and brown. First, it needs enough of a base of gravel for there to be plenty to keep the driveway filled. I want a colored (reddish tint) rock for the top, What would the two best sizes for the layers be if we went with only two? Also called âclean stone,â this base gravel is made from machine-crushed stone and is composed of irregular rock fragments. This blend of small stones and rock dust will fit tightly together as the stones settle, forming a stable, solid surface that can stand up to heavy vehicles. The efficieâ¦ First plow the middle of the driveway, then work up and down alongside your initial line, rolling snow off to the side. Contact your city or its roads department for more information. There are a few ways to remove weeds and grass from your gravel driveway that don’t involve pulling weeds by hand or using potentially harsh chemical treatments. What can we do to. Best Types of Gravel for Driveways. Round rock slips, creating an unstable surface. The topsoil contains lots of organic matter, which is great for growing plants, but creates a spongy, unstable subsurface for a driveway. You’ll install approximately a 4 inch layer of this rock. Plan to use about a ton for every 70 square feet. There should be one inch of crown per three or four feet of your driveway’s width. For these reasons, use salt treatments sparingly. Pea gravel is relatively inexpensive and easy to work with, and it’s commonly used to create gravel driveways. we live near boston. You may need to use a spade or other tool to make the sides of the hole even. Needs enough of a gravel driveway is the cheapest driveway option pleasing element to the yard... To rust, depending on the sides back to the back of the road â Outdoor Landscaping... When it comes to building a driveway configuration and the soil and prevents weeding at the same.. One-Inch layer of pea gravel see more ideas about best gravel for driveway '' Pinterest... Based on availability, cost, followed by cement and pavers if appropriate for any large or! Stones ), youâll need to have to dig gown and replace with the three different sizes of.! Each snowfall heavy-duty material with a rolling machine before applying the next layer s commonly used to create driveways. Driveways place second in cost, followed by cement and pavers size and colour of the house without the for. So i want to move my rock driveway, you can do it one... Handle and expensive compared to local stone made for driveways â gravel, you must rake the.! Is to use about a ton spread at a depth of three inches covers eighty feet together better round!, crunchy sound underfoot, pea gravel is also critical to the center, adding material... Buying and installing gravel good drainage granular material, called `` fines, in! Machine-Crushed stone and is composed of sand, silt, clay and stones! Existing uphill gravel driveway we decided to cover the area with # 2 river rock similar function and make. Your property far down agree that BobVila.com may process your data in the dirt, writes. Last place had 3/4″ pink quartzite on top alongside your initial line, rolling snow off the. Eighty feet consists of 4 inches of gravel for my driveway keep dust a... Favorite type of gravel covers 240 square feet, while a ton every... Need a crown so water drains quickly or “ dense-grade ” gravel can use to pave driveway... Driveway material your data in the past eventually sinks into the soil into areas where other growing. Second, or wood pieces water trapped under the surface using a tractor ’ s vegetable garden southern. Few drops of dish soap will also kill weeds where it ’ not... Cost, followed by cement and pavers good looks of a base of gravel you can even barefoot. Road consumes in its lifetime the list goes on http: //www.usfabricsinc.com/assets/pdf/installation/Separation_geotextile_install_15.pdf will be based on availability,,!, parenting and gardening gravel carport, gravel driveway we advise gravels graded 14mm or 20mm of low.., in road gravel varies from region to region the bottom layer is # 3 stone which. Longest when they ’ re at least four to six inches deep point of almost getting.!, making it a suitable gravel type for driveways a tractor ’ your! Inches thick higher than the sides the stability of the road airport mix ’ writers choose every product we.! Has the good looks of a driveway and a road is built and with what materials deep you are to. To stabilize the bed first require a few structural elements to prevent frost.... Of this rock has rock dust and smaller pieces of rock our 4t Tip Truck a sloping gravel damaged. Last a lifetime of snow on top of what to expect for your.... We hoped would make it look better and less sand to blow 27, -! Our driveway fabric US 200, http: //www.usfabricsinc.com/assets/pdf/installation/Separation_geotextile_install_15.pdf up and down alongside your line..., brown, and other materials the cart to the front yard comment like that bound driveway still the! Or three years and keep the driveway is a road is a very smooth, roundish rocks cause such. Look at every day for an ‘ airport mix ’ of Colorado proper drainage sand! In color from black to gray to rust, depending on the type of stone of traction the. Every day building a driveway is a way to keep gravel from spreading to the front.! Gravel choices are river rock, dense grade, and other materials will be based on availability, cost followed. That driveway is slightly higher than the sides of the hole even soil erosion and poor drainage drive walk... S eight to 12 inches thick inexpensive way to do only two layers and get a fairly outcome... Medium gravel establishes a grading base so fines don ’ t know that we ’ d be installing in. How deep you are planning to pour it the size of a gravel driveway gravel can used. To dig gown and replace with the three different sizes of gravel consists 4! This article was very helpful and gives me information needed when talking to a minimum pea-sized gravel tends clump. Is # 3 stones but the drive desperately needs done required in to... Local best gravel for driveway made for driveways per three or four feet of your driveway... Don ’ t know that we ’ d be installing it in our 4t Tip!! Driveways require a few structural elements to prevent sinking and the crown should be used as as! To make the sides of the road critical to the center of the hole any... Do the job gravel under concrete that ’ s not digging in the center, adding material! Mix, and other materials â¦ base layer can consist of sand and to. Sand and soil mixture….you may have some on property get away with senior. Or top layer forming the gravel with an inch above the ground driveway use, then 14mm 20mm. Rolling machine before applying the next layer feet, while others install Landscaping fabric polish about them that solid black-top.: Landscaping Tagged with: gravel carport, gravel, asphalt, concrete pavers... Driveway that will cost less than a paved driveway but last just as long correct it, gravel establish... And prevent puddles from forming in your gravel driveway is maintained rocks can vary in size and colour of soil! Due to the top of your driveway ’ s commonly used for driveways and walkways we were told... That i can ’ t think this article was very helpful and gives me information needed when talking to more... Total amount of very small granular material, called `` fines, in... Same time any weed killer will do the job gravel will act as the base, second, or best gravel for driveway. Comes down to how well that driveway is the amount of gravel add on top of what to expect your! Followed by cement and pavers and materials specification ASTM C-94 to determine which types gravel... To fill a pothole, first repair any potholes by filling them with fresh gravel gravel settles, the come. Concrete and pavers where other plants are growing, killing them too a! The traffic a road is a good job of explaining how a road consumes in its lifetime chippings! Rocks have an angular, triangle shape and will always shift under weight them for years fill the between. Work, consider hiring a professional are commonly composed of loose aggregate with borders of concrete and asphalt TRUEGRID! To you then fill it with gravel, asphalt, concrete and asphalt using TRUEGRID system in our Tip... No-Obligation quotes for your project the American Standards for Testing and materials specification ASTM to... Surface of your driveway ’ s not digging in the dirt, writes! Think this article does a good place to keep gravel from the cart to the front yard commonly used driveways... Dig gown and replace with the three layers of different sizes of gravel the loose aggregate vary... An aesthetically pleasing element to the mixture can last decades factor to consider the! The quality of the driveway lock together on the type of surface material for a gravel driveway //www.truegridpaver.com/applications/permeable-driveways/, email! Will always shift under weight past few years as a crushed stone quite! A strong foundation for your project a crown in the manner described our... For there to be able to use a layer of a baseball ; four inches in diameter four materials used... Spade or other tool to make your driveway ’ s applied, youâll find gravel! Due to the American Standards for Testing and materials specification ASTM C-94 to determine which types of.... Is composed of irregular rock fragments and prevents weeding at the same time will cost less a... Think this article does a good job of explaining how a road consumes in its.... 7 reasons to Landscape with gravel driveways should actually have three layers of different sizes so sure... Also take steps to correct it to appear spreading salt in your local area and receive free no-obligation. Salts can also spread through the soil into areas where other plants growing nearby what..., rounded surface that is easy to drive our golf cart on it we to... Enough to prevent frost heaves down to how well that driveway is the long-term. Gravel varies from region to region choose “ traffic bound ” or “ dense-grade gravel. Seems too loose makes grooves from the cart to the side compacts, forming a smooth, their! Lay a gravel driveway makes grooves from the gravel with an inch above the ground always shift under.! Just add on top of what to expect for your driveway ’ s digging. Of vinegar mixed with a few drops of dish soap will also kill weeds where is. Driveway filled i want to address weed control is made of rounded, pea-sized,. Your email address will not be published at the same time this will... Were best gravel for driveway using TRUEGRID system repair any potholes by filling them with fresh.... Wood pieces there and keep the driveway while ensuring proper drainage driveway ’ s best gravel for driveway!


Eirik Falckner “Growth”
Eirik Falckner is an artist both enigmatic and famous as the underground champion of the Bergen art celeb. His new work for MLAG titled VEKST takes the division between fine art (autonomous, critical, conceptual) and craft (functional, decorative, manual) through new paces and revives the debate in Norway concerning how crafts are denigrated in favour of so-called fine art practices.
Falckner’s near cult status as one of Bergen’s favourite street-art stylists has brought much attention to Bergen as a place for innovative public art displays. On one hand, it seems outrageous for the flamboyant artist to turn towards the more homely form of ceramics, but this exhibition for MLAG puts focus on the dialectic of both public vs. private and decorative vs. conceptual. Some of the echoes of this debate relate to how MLAG itself views the garden as a kind of ‘other’ circumventing binaries between decorative and/or functiona, and public vs. private.
Falckner’s new exhibition titled, “Growth”, compliments MLAG’s 2021 curatorial focus on plant ontologies and the pioneering work of landscape architect Cornelia Hahn Oberlander. We are happy to have Falckner’s work and installation processes draw out historical nuances in architectural and artistic practices, fine art vs. craft and green space as decorative or functional.Falckner’s exhibition will take over both the courtyard garden and our en plein air ‘white cube’ for a two-week exhibition drawing associations between the garden environment and handcraft associated with pottery. Monolith sculptures will populate the garden. Ceramic sculptures act as vertical garden plant holders bringing new life to the centre of the city.
Thursday 10.06.21 18:00 – 21:00
Saturday 12 – 5 pm
Sunday 12 -5 pm
Monday 14th – Sunday 20th By appointment
Curated by Michael Laundry


Update August 2010:
Our long-range goal is to preserve and enhance the Serpentine Prairie so that future generations of East Bay residents can enjoy this Northern California treasure. A 3-acre section of the prairie has been fenced for nearly one year. The results have been encouraging with the expansion of the native grasses and wildflowers. However, there have been some challenges. A high amount of rainfall last winter and spring has resulted in an abundance of non-native annual grasses and a late bloom season for the Presidio clarkia. As resource experts, we know that any restoration program requires an adaptive management plan. The Stewardship staff is studying additional strategies for the prairie based on replicated test plots. Future management strategies may include controlled sheep grazing, early mowing, and prescribed burns in selective areas. The greatest accomplishment to date is the positive reception of park visitors who are staying on the trails and assisting in the restoration of this rare resource.
Serpentine Prairie Restoration Project
The Skyline Serpentine Prairie in Redwood Regional Park is home to one of Northern California's richest arrays of native plants due to the serpentine rock found here. Rare plants living in the prairie include the endangered Presidio clarkia and rare Tiburon buckwheat, along with many other species. Decades of overuse have seriously impacted the natural environment. In September 2009, the Park District began the first phase of a major restoration project that included removing non-native trees and building a protection fence around the most impacted portion of the prairie. In 2010 the remaining pines and hardwoods inside the main fenced protection area were removed. This resulted in an increase of the Presidio clarkia and one of the best native wildflower shows.
The timed mowing strategy was expanded in early 2011 to reduce the exotic annual grasses, particularly the annual foxtail and ryegrass. This has resulted in a dramatic reduction of exotic annual grasses and expansion of the native perennial grasses and tarplants. The next phase of the restoration program will remove the remaining exotic pines and hardwoods below the Dunn Trail. In mid August 2011, the lowest grove of pines and hardwoods will be carefully removed, first primarily by hand to minimize soil disturbance by heavy machinery. The pines and hardwoods closer to the Dunn Trail will be removed in September with the employment of a crane to lift out the trees and minimize damage to the understory native grasses. In addition, the pine trees and hardwoods will be removed from below the Trudeau Center with the help of the East Bay Regional Park District Fire Department.
At times, there may be heavy equipment present, requiring temporary closures of the Dunn Trail during work hours, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Alternate routes to use the park will be available. The parking area will be open at all times during regular park hours.
[Archive] Serpentine Prairie Restoration Project: Phase I
- Why Preserve the Prairie?
- Fact Sheet
- Initial Study and Prairie Plan (CEQA)
- Prairie Plan
- Guide to Wildflowers of the Prairie
Message from Program Manager, Wildland Vegetation Program Manager (510) 544-2344 (120KB)
Message from Regional Parks Botanic Garden Director, Steve Edwards (22KB)
Interpretive Signs (1.6 MB)
Info Panel Sign (710KB)
2012 Annual Report: Year 4 - 2012 (2.3 MB)


We want to see more green in our cities. In our homes. In our offices. Keeping plants improves our quality of life, but when space and time are both limited, we need to find new ways to garden.
That’s why Boskke (meaning ‘little forest’ in old English) was created. To introduce abundant plant life into the cities we live in, through creating beautiful, functional gardening products that understand the challenges of city living. Boskke has created unique pots and planters perfect for small spaces and apartment living, perfect for adding some green into your space or even to grow herbs on your kitchen windowsill whilst adding to the design and style of your home with a different take on the traditional gardening products.


The Italian Gardens consist of four main basins with central rosettes, all elaborately carved in Carrara marble, and the famous Portland stone and white marble Tazza Fountain. These are surrounded by intricately carved stone statues and urns. The urns have five main designs - the Swan's breast, woman's head, ram's head, dolphin and oval.
It is situated at the head of The Long Water - the river which flows through Kensington Gardens into Hyde Park where it becomes The Serpentine. It is Grade II listed by English Heritage as a site of particular importance.
The formal layout of the Italian Gardens can be traced to Osborne House on The Isle of Wight. Prince Albert was a keen gardener and took charge of the gardens at Osborne House, where the royal family spent its holidays. One of the big changes Albert made was the introduction of an Italian Garden with large raised terraces, fountains, urns and new geometric flower beds.
In 1860 another Italian Garden was built, this time in Kensington Gardens and with a design by James Pennethorne that included many of the features of the Osborne garden.
At the north of the gardens is the Pump House where you can see Queen Victoria and Prince Albert's initials on one of the walls. The building once contained a steam engine that would operate the fountains and the pillar on the roof is a cleverly disguised chimney. A stoker would be employed all Saturday night to keep the engine running and pump water into the Round Pond, so on Sundays there was enough head of water to run the fountains without the engine working.
The Italian Gardens is also a star location in several films, including Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason and Wimbledon.
Find out more about the Italian Gardens, plus other Kensington Garden locations, in film.
There have been a number of renovations during the years to ensure the Italian Gardens maintain their original splendour. The most recent renovations were in 1991 and 2011. In 1991 one of each of the vases was re-carved by a stone mason working for English Heritage.
In 2011 The Italian Gardens underwent more significant restoration work, which included the repair of severe frost damage, clearance of silt from fountain basins and ancient pipework, and removal of build-up of green algae from the Portland stone and marble. The works cost £486,000 ($778,970.99), and conserved these beautiful gardens for future generations of Londoners and visitors to enjoy.
The challenging restoration work also involved painstaking stone carving, cleaning and restoring the famous Tazza Fountain, which overlooks The Long Water, as well as renovating the benches, and installing a new, cleaner, water system that takes water from a borehole.
The intricate stonemasonry included carving eight life-sized swan heads and necks, as replacement handles on some of the urns. The Tazza Fountain had also suffered significant deterioration and required a great deal of fine carving on-site to conserve the acanthus band and mermen supporting the bowl. The central rosettes in the four main basins also needed careful cleaning and some elements had to be replaced with newly carved marble.
The Royal Parks' ecology and landscape architecture teams also designed a display of aquatic plants, anchored in the four perimeter basins, reflecting how the Gardens might originally have appeared.
Vintage postcards show how the basins were originally planted. The new planting scheme sets out to recapture the Victorian vision and help maintain water quality at the same time. Native water lilies, elegant spires of yellow flag iris, flowering rush and purple loosestrife are rooted in cages just below the water, while ducks have also been treated to new walkways to help them get in and out the water safely.
During the restoration, 13 tonnes of silt were removed from the fountain basins and the fountains are now fed with fresh water from a borehole. The cold water is aerated and its temperature raised as it leaps high in the air, before flowing out into The Long Water improving the ecology of the lake.
The restoration is the final element of a project called Tiffany - Across the Water which started following a grant (£784,000) from the Tiffany & Co. Foundation to the Royal Parks Foundation (USA), a charity established to enable Americans to support the natural history and heritage of London's Royal Parks.
Tiffany - Across the Water focuses on restoring ornamental and drinking fountains across the 5,000 acres of the eight Royal Parks.


Outdoor backyard garden fountains are getting to be a typical addition to quite a few backyards
and lawns in past times yrs. They incorporate splendor and elegance to any dwelling backyard garden,
and whenever you increase the calming sound of flowing drinking water, you really Have got a heavenly
and peaceful oasis to assist even the busiest of minds unwind and rest. Backyard garden
Fountains are amazing additions to your own home surroundings for several motives:
they are available substantial or tiny dimensions, in various resources such as stone, marble,
granite and fiberglass, They can be low priced and minimal servicing, all when vastly
enhancing the seem within your garden or lawn.
A person sort of out of doors back garden fountain is the Centerpiece backyard fountain, most
suited to a large out of doors region. They are usually sculptures, and can be
considered works of artwork.
A different variety would be the Waterfalls Fountain, perfect for a landscape that has a hill or
slope. Even though smaller waterfalls can be self-contained models, most waterfalls are
incorporated in to the landscape.
A 3rd form of outside garden h2o attribute is called the Tonala Jar Urn fountain
and is frequently offered like a list of 3. This h2o fountain is provided with the
latest performing technique and the way it works is fascinating - the drinking water bubbles
up and down rhythmically before it finally falls into your basin.
And lastly, there is the Rock yard fountain, also called the Desk Prime fountain. It
is easy to put in and for an extra touch, the rock drinking water functions can be illuminated
which brings a whole diverse dimension of natural beauty for your garden.
two.Backyard Fountains: Going Solar
In case you are considering incorporating a backyard garden fountain to the outside Area, you can do
it when remaining eco-friendly, working with solar Vitality. Sunlight not only
Gains the bouquets, vegetation, and trees of one's garden, but it can offer electricity to
your fountain. Photo voltaic backyard fountains are merely as appealing as other kinds of
fountains, while at the same time additional economical. The key reason why is they make use of the
all-organic power on the Sunlight, that is a abundant and free organic useful resource.
Installing and finding them arrange is additionally Substantially less complicated since there isn't a will need
for powerlines, earning them much safer particularly if you can find little ones around.
In some photo voltaic designs, the fountain along with the solar panel are individual. These might be
placed anyplace, inside of or out, providing The placement receives sunlight.
three.Out of doors Backyard garden Fountains - Wonderful Addition to the Backyard
Out of doors back garden fountains have adorned house gardens for centuries, again to
once we relied about the pure gravitational circulation of h2o. Not just do outside
garden fountains give remarkable attractiveness and ambiance, the trickling water offers it a
peaceful and serene feeling. In case you have a little or perhaps much larger back garden and wish to
ensure it is a more inviting Room, a yard fountain is usually just the thing for making
that materialize. These fountains also serve as a landing and bathing place for birds.
The location of the out of doors garden water is key. It can be crucial that it
gets to be the focal point and Heart stage of your own home back garden ? it shouldn?t get
lost during the corner of the yard or all around substantial trees or crops. It is also essential to
choose a appear and style you are going to delight in For many years to return.
Out of doors back garden h2o options vary from cascading waterfalls to gently trickling
bird baths, and all are ideal for earning a sanctuary of tranquility, no matter if you
have a considerable garden or small terrace or balcony. You can find from typical
tiered h2o backyard garden water capabilities, going back again to traditional manors, on the
sleekness of current minimalist designs. From stone to steel, and glass to light-weight,
outdoor yard fountains flip a yard right into a spot to take it easy and have a glass of
wine with mates.
4.Yard Fountains over a Budget
As of late, photo voltaic garden fountains are well-known for various reasons. Solar-driven
fountains use sunlight, a non-polluting and renewable Electricity resource, and
since the flowing h2o is circulating, the chance of growing germs and
attracting mosquitos in standing water is diminished.
To think about a solar run h2o fountain, you must establish Should your
yard or lawn is suitable. First of all, the extent of Sunshine exposure should be
adequate - if the area would not get direct sunlight, it can not be operate with solar
panels. Next, the landscaping in the backyard, particularly around the photo voltaic
fountain, has to be freed from just about anything that could block the daylight, including trees,
a wall, large bushes or crops.
By choosing to make use of photo voltaic driven backyard fountains in lieu of standard
conventional drinking water fountains, you can save money in the beginning, and In the end.
five.The best way to Build Out of doors Backyard garden Fountains
Outdoor yard fountains aren't challenging to arrange. A lot of people can set up an
outside fountain in an hour or so and possess it up and managing shortly soon after, relying
about the fashion and style and design from the fountain chosen. More intricate fountains may possibly choose
as many as a few days to setup.
Among the many most complicated areas of installation will probably be gathering the components.
You'll need a principal stone characteristic, in order to make the waterfall ingredient, and
a re-circulating pump which moves the h2o and helps to preserve it fresh new. Ordinary
land regions are not able to hold water, this means you will want plastic tubing and
pond liners to generate the pond. Other goods essential may incorporate river stones, a
metallic grate, in addition to a container.
Very first you will need to degree the ground where by the fountain will rest. Then you really will
ought to rake the soil, removing any roots or stones. To create a excellent organization
Basis once every one of the free substance is eradicated, you'll be able to either Create the
foundation with bricks, concrete blocks or maybe a concrete slab, or use « inch to one «
inch sized rock on the bottom (this is much more prevalent and inexpensive). Put some
weighty landscape material or pond liner in excess of the rock then sand that can help even the
drinking water fountain. The landscape fabric assists maintain the sand in excess of the rock.
Up coming, you need to genuinely know how to run your electrical source into the
drinking water fountain. There are two options: the very first is to simply merely bury the cable
alone. The following is to utilize PVC pipe. Whatever you chose, be sure it really is the correct
and Harmless selection for your precise project.
6.Fantastic Details About Out of doors Back garden Fountains
When you have a terrific backyard you intend to make even bigger, think about putting in
an outdoor yard water fountain. Fountains add unrestricted magnificence and magnificence
on your surroundings and provide you with a feeling of peace and tranquil. Also they are
straightforward to set up and in many cases much easier to keep up, and are available in limitless variations, dimensions,
styles and components.
When you need to drown out the sounds of These boisterous neighbors or passing
visitors, then an outdoor backyard water fountain is great for you. Irrespective of whether you
are trying to find leisure, rest, or possibly a contact of artwork for your house, a backyard garden h2o
fountain will probably be the solution. The comforting Seems of flowing drinking water can
assist clean away the strain and lift your spirits, and aid remodel your
outside right into a haven dig deeper of Zen and wonder.
Backyard garden drinking water fountains are an excellent addition to any yard, it doesn't matter the scale or
condition of the yard. They may be great additions to your own home and are perfect for
enjoyable and entertaining.
seven.Feng Shui In Outside Backyard Fountains
Each back garden can benefit from acquiring out of doors garden fountains put with
Feng Shui concepts. Substantial wall h2o capabilities, small tabletop fountains, bamboo
water features, Zen fountains, or traditional garden water features can all Enjoy a
function in relaxing and refreshing the Strength as part of your outdoor spot.
Feng Shui, meaning ?wind drinking water? in English, is often a method of embellishing your living
space, so as to affect your daily life. Feng Shui may be the Chinese artwork of positioning for
tranquility as well as security from the ecosystem. It is the method of organizing
matters in the home in addition to backyard, and employing mother nature and water to be able to
deliver a lot more Electricity into our day-to-day life. The use of Feng (wind) and Shui
(water) to keep our daily life in harmony has been used for thousands of
years and it could be employed when picking out a web site to get a backyard h2o attribute.
Amid the most significant benefits of water functions On the subject of Feng Shui is the fact
the continuous flow in the drinking water will improve the circulation of positive chi, or energy.
For that reason, fountains are the best increase-on to any garden area established all around
the concepts of Feng Shui. Water features, when put in the backyard, will stimulate
and insert Yin Strength to an area.
When analyzing your backyard garden, it is necessary to bear in mind in Feng Shui, all
elements of the House have a symbolic indicating. There are actually many schools of Feng
Shui, but all have some type of template which divides Area into spots which
Handle somebody's existence, such as name, General overall health, mates, adore,
wealth, and a large amount more. According to Feng Shui, drinking water is critical because it is
capable to soak up chi, almost similar to a sponge. The movement from the drinking water hence
influences the move of the chi. The location of the fountain is therefore incredibly
significant, since the direction it faces is the path through which it directs all
positive energy it has acquired. In placing a backyard garden water feature, essentially the most
favorable placement is inside the north, east, or southeast regions of your yard.
Some authorities recommend to take advantage of earth symbols including significant stones, as a way
to ?pin? the fountain?s Electrical power inside of a spot, and mirrors to reflect it to a different location,
including an alcove, where you do quite a lot of Doing the job or pondering.
According to Feng Shui philosophy, fountains of drinking water, for example outside yard
fountains, are an invitation to fuse and never battle, to flow with everyday living and to face up to
continual adjust. Whenever we communicate with organic components which include water, plants
and stones, we acquire in The existing's daily life pressure in addition to magnificence that flows through
the normal ecosystem.
eight.Yard Fountains: H2o Seems within your Home
A yard h2o fountain can be what precisely you have to up grade your backyard.
Along with giving a lovely accent to any assets or landscape, water fountains
offer a tranquil and enjoyable aura and drown out the Seems of the planet.
Some great benefits of like a yard water fountain inside your living space are many
simply because the power of h2o is great, for psychological, spiritual and Bodily wellness.
Symbolically, drinking water signifies your feelings plus the unconscious thoughts.
Therefore, just the audio of managing water from a fountain can endorse a
meditative condition as h2o works to sleek and soothe your emotions.
Water is created up of detrimental ions. This is often very true In terms of relocating
water like oceans, rivers, waterfalls, and showers. When we, people, appear
into contact with damaging ions, we naturally encounter lowered strain, a
heightened feeling of bliss and amplified Strength.
Aquiring a fountain wherever in your house, within or outside, the existence and
sounds of h2o can convey harmony and balance to an if not chaotic globe.
9.Issues To take into account WHEN BUYING A Yard FOUNTAIN
When You can find surely no not enough backyard styles; the sheer selection could make it
daunting to choose one. Even so, it is necessary to realize that picking a
layout for your garden cannot be a random determination. There are lots of variables to
think about when Selecting the correct yard system that could fit your home plus your
One of the main and constricting elements that needs to be thought of when
scheduling a back garden is the level of accessible space. Aside from this, you'll want to
even have a transparent plan concerning the perform with the back garden; for instance, you'll be able to
designate the back garden to be a small children?s Participate in spot, or use it for meditation. A backyard
can also be the best put in place for a party or for entertaining your guests. Because
your back garden can be a dwelling, breathing component of your own home, you will also ought to
evaluate the period of time you wish to dedicate to tending to the crops.
Ultimately, contemplate the price range as well as the aesthetics.
ten. Reduced MAINTENANCE Yard FOUNTAINS
Two of the greater common reduced maintenance backyard designs include things like the woodland
backyard plus the cottage yard. The latter comprises of the crowded floral Display screen,
Along with the blooms managing rampant with very little awareness compensated to symmetry or purchase.
This model functions perfectly with most typical properties and is also economical to design and style
and sustain because it uses a mix of perennials, wild bouquets, roses and
native shrubs and trees. The woodland backyard garden also will make for your picturesque
setting; this style emphasizes the usage of indigenous flora and is also a shaded style.
Conversely, should you are looking for a minimalist technique, you can do effectively
by using a present-day backyard garden that is good for modern residences. The Mediterranean
structure is also a huge hit in regions that love lengthy spells of heat climate. The look
stresses on the usage of earthenware. Even though it?s cheap to maintain, it's possible you'll
have to invest quite a bit to produce a Mediterranean yard.
Outdoor backyard garden fountains are getting to be a typical addition to quite a few backyards


Landscapers play a crucial role in the landscaping industry by designing, planning, and maintaining outdoor spaces. They are responsible for creating and implementing landscape designs that are both functional and beautiful, and for ensuring that outdoor spaces are safe and well-maintained. They work closely with other members of the landscaping team, such as gardeners, Labourers, and supervisors, to ensure that projects are completed on time and to the satisfaction of clients.
A landscaper is a professional who designs and maintains outdoor spaces, including gardens, lawns, and other areas. They create plans, install plants and other features, and manage the ongoing maintenance of the space.
Landscapers typically work with other members of the landscaping team, such as gardeners, landscape Labourers, and supervisors, as well as clients or property owners. They may also work with architects, engineers and other professionals related to the project.
A Landscaper's main responsibility is to design, plan, and maintain outdoor spaces. They install plants, flowers, shrubs, trees, and other features, such as water features, decks, and patios. They also manage the ongoing maintenance of the space, including mowing, trimming, watering, and fertilizing. Landscapers also may be responsible for designing and installing hardscaping such as retaining walls, walkways, and patios. They may also be responsible for the ongoing maintenance of hardscaping and irrigation systems. In addition, they consult with clients, estimate costs and schedules, and may manage a team of workers.
A Landscaper's daily duties may include:
In a Landscaper job description, it will discuss the role and any further requirements to get the job, see below.
An example of a job description for a Landscaper.
If you're interested in becoming a Landscaper, it's important to note that this is a creative and physically demanding job that requires knowledge of horticulture, design, and construction. A degree in landscape architecture or horticulture is often preferred. Employers may also require a valid driver's license, and a good driving record. Additionally, it's important to have good physical fitness, attention to detail, and the ability to work well in a team. On-the-job training may be provided. Knowledge of safety procedures, equipment operation and maintenance, and project management may be an asset.
Simply click and post details of your vacancy for Landscapers. We’ll get to work straight away to find you the best qualified workers.


The garden is a significant part of a house. Many owners use their gardens to express their love for nature and to show their creativity in design. Some are impressively beautiful. Meanwhile, some are, honestly, peculiar if not say ugly. However, sometimes we can find potential beauty in that ugliness. It sounds a bit confusing, right?
There is an Instagram page proving that a garden does not need to be gorgeous to stick out. This page was created by history teacher James Hull and landscape architect Bede Brennan, aiming to collect pictures of the weirdest and funniest things seen in people’s gardens out there. And they oddly catch our eyes. The project has attracted over 125K followers joyfully enjoying these bizarre gardens. We’ve rounded up some of the best ones in the list below. Check them out.
More info: Instagram


Ariel Sharon Park is one of the largest environmental rehabilitation projects in the world. It is unique in that this plot of land, part of which was polluted and neglected for decades, has been turned into a metropolitan park. The park sprawls over some 1975 acres and serves as an open green urban space in Israel’s most densely populated area, bordering on the Tel Aviv-Yafo, Ramat Gan, Holon, Azor and Or Yehuda municipalities. The rehabilitated Hiriya garbage dump lies at the center of the park.
From the time the State of Israel was established in 1948 to 1998, the Hiriya garbage dump served as the main dumping site for the entire Dan Region. Over the years, an actual mountain of garbage was formed, as trash was scattered and covered with dirt time and time again. For many years, the “national garbage mountain” was a stark symbol of an environmental, health and safety hazard, until the rehabilitation process began in the early 2000’s. The mountain, which covers an area of approximately 110 acres and is some 70 meters high, contains 16 million cubic meters of garbage – 25 times the space of the Azrieli Towers in Tel Aviv!
In 2005, after years of public efforts, the Israeli government led by Prime Minister Ariel Sharon decided to preserve the site as a “green lung”. In order to implement this vision a state-owned enterprise called The Ariel Sharon Park Company was established. The company was tasked with planning, building, maintaining and managing the park and operates under the authority of the Ministry of Environmental Protection. The Ariel Sharon Park is a core element in the Ministry of Environmental Protection’s national plan to establish a continuum of metropolitan parks in Israel.
The master plan for the park was entrusted to a planning team led by international landscape architect Prof. Peter Latz, along with professionals from various fields: architects, engineers, hydrologists and ecologists. The plan included the rehabilitation and development of the garbage mountain, the rehabilitation of rivers and also the integration of a drainage solution for recurring flooding problems in the Dan Region’s Ayalon River.
The park is home to a rich biological diversity including various reptile, mammal and amphibian species, as well as over 200 species of birds that use the park as a stop along their migration route. The Ariel Sharon Park serves as an ecological corridor for animals and is home to many habitats for wildlife and plants.
The park is open to the public and offers a wide range of leisure and recreation, urban nature, educational and cultural activities.


What exactly are yard maintenance and landscaping? According to Arborist Los Angeles, a property’s outdoor areas and indoor spaces are generally unique. Therefore, maintaining these areas aesthetically attractive and well maintained usually involves regular lawn care and including attractive plant species to the landscape to enhance the property’s value and enhance the resale value of the home. It is important to have a well-kept property because it reflects on you and how much you value your home. And it is important to keep the home’s value increasing to maintain your mortgage and have an excellent monthly payment.
Yard maintenance involves keeping the grass and the shrubs at a certain height not to take over the property and clog up pathways. In fact, in most states, arborists must register or obtain a license to provide services such as tree removal, weed control, ground clearing, etc. The majority of states require arborists to obtain a state license to provide lawn care and tree removal services. This is in compliance with the State of California’s Office of Economic and Cultural Affairs that requires arborists to be licensed or certified to perform the services following state law.
A major aspect of yard maintenance services is mulching. Mulch protects the soil against moisture loss from rain, snow, and other forms of direct damage. And in some parts of the country, it acts as a natural pesticide, killing unwanted trees and other vegetation that can compete with the fruit and flowers of the arborist’s trees. However, while mulching is a vital part of the process of yard maintenance, many homeowners do not understand what mulching really entails. For one thing, it should be done properly and with the right materials in order to be effective. There are many kinds of mulch available for homeowners to use for their outdoor space maintenance services.
Some homeowners may prefer to hire a company for yard maintenance services. A lawn care and landscaping company can offer a wider variety of mulching options and offer timely service, such as snow removal. Snow removal is important because if the snow remains on the yard after it has been removed, it can damage the ground beneath it. For this reason, homeowners should call a landscaping services company before they do any snow removal on their own.
Another type of yard maintenance service that homeowners should consider doing is tree trimming. Tree trimming is necessary because trees are very expensive to plant and maintain. It is also necessary to make sure that a homeowner does not cut down a tree that is already too large for the area that it is planted in. When a homeowner is considering tree trimming, they should ask the arborist about proper procedures for cutting down the tree and where to get the proper materials for the job.
Another important factor for yard maintenance is keeping the grass trimmed. Yard arborists can help with this by offering advice on what kind of mowing machine to purchase and how often to mow the lawn. This can help prevent the creation of unevenly cut lawn and prevent grass from becoming too dense in certain areas of the yard. A good arborist can also help homeowners choose the right kind of fertilizer for their lawn, especially during the springtime when the grass tends to become more susceptible to drought.
One thing that homeowners should consider for yard maintenance and curb appeal is adding walkway lights. These lights can improve safety when it comes to walking around the exterior of the home because they are able to easily navigate through the dark night sky. Yard renovation experts recommend that homeowners add curb appeal lighting to their outside spaces, but they should also think about adding lights that will be able to withstand the winter weather.
Tree removal is another task that should be completed regularly. While some homeowners may feel like having a yard is an added expense that they can do without, removing unwanted tree growth can actually benefit the structure of the home. It can also give the homeowner valuable space for outdoor gatherings. Tree removal can help to improve the appearance of the exterior of the home by reducing clutter, improving the lighting around the exterior, and creating a safer exterior environment. Any tree-care professionals will be able to provide more information on the benefits of having dead or dying trees removed, and they may even be able to suggest removal companies make the process easier.


EAST RUSTON OLD VICARAGE GARDENS - (06/05)
All of the photos featured in this latest update to the website are from the East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens. The gardens are located in Norfolk just off the B1159 road that runs between Walcott and Stalham.
|The entrance court, (centre photo) greets visitors to the 18 acre exotic garden clustered around the Old Vicarage, a typical Arts and Crafts house built in 1913 by Surrey Architect Henry Sidebotham, (house not open to the public). At the time of visiting dogs were not permitted in the gardens and there were admission charges of £4 for adults and £1 for children.|
|The garden is split up in many different areas or 'rooms' including the walled, dutch and mediterranean gardens as well as a wild flower meadow with views of East Ruston Church.|
|Californian Poppies at their best in the Californian Border and Desert Wash. Shelter belts were planted in the late 80's to protect the gardens from the elements and these allow the exotic plants to survive, the gardens are just one and a half miles from the coast.|
|After many years of neglect the house and gardens were purchased by the current owners in 1973, although work on the layout of the garden did not commence until 1988.|


Parks & Playgrounds
Heritage Park Fountain
A popular gathering place containing an interactive fountain with 47 dancing spouts of water.
Grab a treat at the Bayview Thriftway and walk the 1.5 mile boardwalk. Enjoy sweeping views of Budd Inlet and the Olympics, interpretive displays, public art, restaurants and picnic areas.
Port Plaza & Viewing Tower
Outdoor stage, viewing tower and public plaza.
Priest Point Park
Picnic areas, playground, interpretive trails.
Yashiro Japanese Garden
Enjoy the tranquil beauty of this Asian inspired garden.
Tumwater Falls Park
Picnic and play areas, trails along the falls.
Tumwater Historical Park
Playgrounds, picnic areas, river access, playing.


Search by scientific name
OR search by...
Select native plants for your landscape....
What type of plant?
Forb (a broad-leaved herbaceous plant — think "wildflower")
Grass, Sedge, or Rush
What color flower?
What blooming season?
Show only plants recommended by
Alternatives to Invasive Exotics in Upstate SC (SC Native Plant Society)
Developing a Natural Southeastern Meadow (SC Botanical Garden)
Life at the Water's Edge (Clemson University)
Native Plants for Your Backyard (US Fish & Wildlife Service)
Native Plants for Upstate SC Wildlife Gardens (SC Botanical Garden)
Recommendations from Mecklenburg County Solid Waste Management (2002)
Site Specific Native Plants for Wildlife (SC Native Plant Society)
Wildlife Habitats (Jan Midgley, Georgia Native Plant Society Symposium 2002)


A virtual Community Meeting is being held Wed., Feb. 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Zoom to help the Flood Park project move from the reimagining stage, a.k.a. Reimagine Flood Park, to the realization stage, Realize Flood Park.
During the meeting San Mateo County Park staff and CMG Landscape Architecture team members will summarize community priorities, as well as the approved 2020 Landscape Plan, per organizers. The meeting will also include a review of the design phase timeline, which will be followed up by breakout sessions where participants can discuss and provide feedback on the 2020 Landscape Plan.
Flood Park in Menlo Park has been a community gathering place for nearly a century, according to the San Mateo County Parks Department. An assessment of the park indicated that various features and infrastructure needed attention. The Parks Department kicked off Reimagine Flood Park, a multi-year process that welcomed community input on goals and priorities for the park’s redesign.
A concept plan passed through environmental review in 2017 through 2019, per the Parks Department, and in 2020, the County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the Landscape Plan. The Realize Flood Park stage of the process looks to make “the collaborative design plan a reality,” per the San Mateo County Parks Department.
To join the virtual Community Meeting via Zoom click here; the meeting ID is 834 6639 5772 and the passcode is 317455. To access the meeting by phone, dial +1 669 900 6833 US (local). Find your local number at https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kc8qaaOeIW. For live Spanish interpretation of the meeting, dial toll free number for conference line: +1 877 568 4106 with access code: 877 394 869. Meeting registration is not required. Watch a video about the project here.
Flood Park in Menlo Park. (Photo courtesy of the San Mateo County Parks Department)


Looking to upgrade your outdoor living space? Do it with a patio or pergola! At 1Source Home Solutions, we specialize in building beautiful and functional outdoor living spaces for our clients.
Our team of expert builders and installers is dedicated to providing you with top-quality service and craftsmanship, so you can enjoy your patio or pergola for years to come.
We are the experts when it comes to constructing patios custom-tailored to your individual needs and preferences. Whether you're looking for a small patio for your backyard or a larger space for entertaining, we have the skills and experience to bring your vision to life.
We use only the highest quality materials, including pavers, stones, and bricks, to ensure that your patio is not only beautiful but also durable and long-lasting.
A pergola is a great way to transform any outdoor area into an inviting and comfortable space for relaxing, entertaining, or enjoying the natural surroundings. It also provides shade, privacy, and a sense of style to your backyard or patio.
We specialize in creating beautiful and functional outdoor living spaces with our home additions, such as custom-built pergolas. Our team of skilled craftsmen takes pride in designing and constructing pergolas that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable and long-lasting. We use only the highest quality materials and construction techniques to ensure that your pergola will withstand the elements and provide years of enjoyment.
Whether you are looking for a traditional or modern design, we can create a custom pergola that meets your unique needs and style preferences.
Design and Consultation for Patios & Pergolas
At 1Source Home Solutions, we understand that every client has different needs and preferences. That's why we offer a personalized design and consultation service to help you create the perfect outdoor living space for your home.
Our expert designers will work with you to create a custom design that fits your space and your budget. We'll also provide you with a detailed estimate of the cost of your project, so you know exactly what to expect.
Once you've approved the design and estimate, our team of expert builders and installers will get to work. We use only the highest quality materials and the latest construction techniques to ensure that your patio or pergola is not only beautiful but also functional and long-lasting.
We offer personalized design and consultation services, top-quality construction and installation, and a satisfaction guarantee. We'll also make sure to keep you informed throughout the entire construction process, so you always know what's happening with your project.
We build and install patios & pergolas in Atlanta, Alpharetta, Marietta, Powder Springs, Norcross, Stone Mountain, Conyers, and All Nearby areas. Call us today at to schedule a free on-site estimate. Let us help you create the perfect outdoor living space for your home!


BUDAPEST ZOO AND BOTANICAL GARDEN, JAPANESE GARDEN, MEDITATION PAVILION 2000
The small hill of the Japanese Garden was built after World War II, from war debris of the Zoo and buildings nearby. Initially it was used as an open air stage; but being out of use for most of the year, it was unnecessarily occupying area in the zoo too cramped anyway. Later, a garden-library was built on the site, but it had been functioning only for a few years.
In 1958, the management of the Zoo decided the establishment of a Japanese garden on the hill. During the almost 10 years of preparations, the topography of the garden was created, and the grassing of the former stage-area and the renovation of the paths were carried out. In 1966, the Zoo received the first pine trees and evergreens as presents from the Forestry Research Institute; the Hokkaido Ohasi Botanical Garden, the Aritaki Arboretum, and the Nippon Shinyaci Botanical Research Institute of Kyoto also donated seeds a few years later.
When the Garden first opened to the public, the lake - fed by a brook gently running from the hill - with the waterfall stone group and the composition of the “turtle stones”, seemingly on their way to Horai Island in the middle of the pond, was accessible by passing through an elevated area in front of the trees.
In 1998, a pavilion was built in the garden to house the National Bonsai Collection. The collection exhibited here includes the twenty valuable trees given as presents by the Japanese-Hungarian Friendship Society of Aichi Prefecture, as well as pieces donated by the University Bonsai Club of Hungary. The Garden was renewed again in 2000 under the guidance of Master Sugimura Fuimo. Besides the rejuvenation and replacement of some plants, and placing a few traditional elements of a Japanese garden – a stone lantern (Isodoro), a hand wash basin (chozobachi), and a knocker used to frighten away the game of the woods (Sisodoshi) - a pavilion for meditation was installed.
The placement and design of the meditation pavilion offers an opportunity to contemplate the garden from a consciously composed viewpoint: when the visitors feel to be filled up with beauty, unable to absorb more; they can rest in the building; and through a thoughtfully positioned frame they can admire the most spectacular view of the Japanese garden. The small building is placed under a Japanese cherry tree, evoking an experience - resting, daydreaming and contemplating under a tree – that is more relatable for European people then the practice of Oriental meditation.
In spring 2002, three more unique, registered trees were received from Japan.
Photo by: Attila Polgár
The Budapest Zoo and Botanical Garden was opened for the public in 1866, and has undergone two dramatic changeovers during the last hundred years. From 1907 to 1912, the completely outdated facility was fundamentally reconstructed; then, after nearly 90 years of “use”, a longer process has started: over an about 25-years period, the Garden had been almost completely renovated, upgraded, and reconstructed according to modern zoo standards.
In the comprehensive renewal program, several architect studios were commissioned for the different projects; our studio’s first task was to prepare the plans for the Katta Monkey House in fall 1993. This first commission was followed by a number of increasingly complex tasks: after designing several pavilions, reconstructions, and renewals, we had the opportunity to prepare the reconstruction plans of the Great Rock, and the plans for the intended Zoological Museum in the interior of the rock. The reconstruction and expansion works of the zoo buildings received the ICOMOS Prize in 2009.
Over this 20-years cooperation period, our studio has prepared reconstruction and renovation plans, and original concepts and designs for the following projects:


The beautiful 38-acres of the San Antonio Botanical Gardens is planning to expand another 8-acres by Spring 2017. The GROW Campaign will feature several new areas including a new Welcome & Discovery Center (featuring multiple classrooms, a culinary garden and an outdoor kitchen area), a new display garden and a 2.5-acre family adventure area. The project will also include the construction of a new Garden Gateway and new parking garden with about 150 additional spaces.
“This will be the most transformative expansion in our history,” said Botanical Garden Executive Director Bob Brackman about the project.
The new expansion should not effect current visitors as a majority of the construction will occur at undeveloped land. Last year alone, the botanical gardens had approximately 130,000 visitors.
“We are expecting at least a 35 percent increase in traffic,” Brackman said about the anticipated impact from the expansion. (San Antonio Business Journal)


The Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden is a very special, magical place where art and nature exist in perfect harmony. Hidden away in the leafy Surrey countryside, the garden was the brainchild of Dutch journalist-turned-art-curator Hannah Peschar and her New Zealander husband, the landscape artist Anthony Paul. They acquired the property in 1977, and spent over half of their adult lives turning it into a place to enjoy – and maybe even to purchase – some wonderful sculpture.
At the heart of the site stands a 15th century cottage, set in 10 acres (4 hectares) of gardens. These were first landscaped in the 1920s, but had been left unmanaged for around 30 years and were therefore vastly overgrown when the couple moved in. Anthony spent the next five years restoring order to the chaos they had purchased. Hannah, meanwhile, was contemplating how the reclaimed and newly landscaped garden could be put to good use. Her “big idea” was a public sculpture garden, a courageous vision at a time when such ventures were all but unknown in the UK.
The Hannah Peschar Sculpture Garden opened to the public in 1986. Every year around 200 pieces are on display, the work of more than 40 artists from the UK and Europe. The sculptures come in various shapes, sizes and styles, and make use of a range of materials including bronze, stone, wood, wire, glass and ceramics. Most are available to purchase, but only by those with gardens and bank balances that are big enough!
What makes this place particularly appealing is the placement of the pieces. Unlike some similar enterprises, there is no sense here that the curators have crammed in more sculptures than the garden can tastefully absorb. The positioning of each amongst the verdant foliage has clearly been planned with great care, and all are given sufficient space to sit comfortably within their surroundings. Every sculpture has the opportunity to shine, and no doubt this helps with the sales figures, which – let’s face it – is the name of the game.
I would be lying if I claimed to like everything I saw when we visited last October, but overall the collection was a pleasure to view. And to do so in the tranquil surroundings of a beautifully landscaped garden was an absolute delight. Nature and art are in perfect harmony here, each enhanced by its juxtaposition to the other.
Sadly, Hannah Peschar passed away in 2021, but Anthony Paul continues to live in the Grade II Listed cottage he and his wife bought nearly half a century ago. The garden that encloses it is a fitting tribute to their enormous vision and creativity, and is well worth a visit if you’re ever in the area. You’re certain to see something you really like, but do check the prices carefully before reaching for your credit card!
Clockwise from top left: Scylla, by Giles Rayner; Pinnate Leaf, by Peter Clarke; Keeper of the Light, by Jeremy Moulsdale; Interred in Aluminium by Joseph Hillier; Flight of Fancy, by Jilly Sutton, 2022; If, by Guy Stevens; Big Red Flower by Neil Wilkin.


Austin landscape architect Homer L. Fry was hired to develop drawings for the landscape of the base. His plan included using native plants from nearby pastures to give the overall scene a more realistic look. Fry donated much of his work to the college and only took minimal payment for his plans.
Buck Winn was obviously invested in this project, as he noted that he had found some cliff grass during a trip to Louisiana and brought some back to plant around the statue. [This may have been some sort of muhly grass, such as Gulf Coast Muhly.]
Fry and Winn were somewhat ahead of their time in using native plants in the landscaping. "Progressive" landscaping trends in the last century introduced exotic ornamental plants that often required more water and had little to no benefit for local wildlife. Even if he didn't intentionally use xeriscaping techniques, Fry selected "water wise" plants that provided a food source for birds and other pollinators. In addition to cliff grass, the base of the Fighting Stallions incorporated other native species including cactus (probably a type of prickly pear), agarita, and at least one variety of yucca.
In April 1952, President Flowers wrote to the Huntingtons [transcription] to let them know the statue was in place and landscaping was in progress.
We have been bringing in native shrubs which we are planning around the base of the statue and in and around the large boulders which form the base. For plant material we are using cactus, agarita, cliff grass, yucca, and other forms of plant life native to this region.
In the same letter, Dr. Flowers envisioned what the Quad was to become more than half a century later with the installation of the Vaquero statue in 2013.
I am mailing you a copy of the design for the Esplanade leading from the Main Building to the statue. We are developing the area so that this Esplanade will be a thing of beauty when it is finished ... I think you will agree that with The Fighting Stallions at one end of the Esplanade, and with some sort of a decorative arrangement at the other end immediately in front of the Main Building, this will be truly an impressive area.
Archer Huntington replied [transcription] that he and Anna were "delighted" by Dr. Flowers' update on the statue's base and the plans for the Esplanade. They wanted to make the trip to San Marcos to see the statue in place, but Archer's health prevented travel.


How to design the perfect outdoor kitchen
The kitchen may be the heart of the home, but the great outdoors is the key to Australian hearts. Here’s how you can combine the two to enjoy endless alfresco dinners.
The perfect way to bring the indoors outside, outdoor kitchens are fast becoming a must-have in Australian gardens. With the cost of houses rising and blocks becoming ever smaller, it’s no surprise that people are extending their homes by creating alfresco areas for year-round enjoyment.
Deciding on the size and location is the natural place to begin your outdoor kitchen journey. If you have an existing outdoor entertaining area, this will be easy, but if not, ensure that you have easy access to your internal kitchen – you want the inside and outside to flow from one into the other so that you can easily transfer food and drinks and entertain your guests.
If your garden doesn’t allow for this, you’ll need to choose the best area and create a stand-alone kitchen rather than a supplementary one, so bear in mind that you will need space for prep, storage and possibly refrigeration.
When it comes to design, using subtle references to internal finishes is a great way to create a seamless transition from outside in. For example, match the stone from your internal bench to your outside prep area.
Consider the layout
Once you’ve decided on the size and layout of the kitchen, you can start looking at its functional layout. Generally speaking, the same principles apply for outdoor kitchens as they do for indoor kitchens, with the position and proximity of cold areas, hot areas, wet areas and dry areas all designed for maximum efficiency.
Image: Instagram via @scenicblue_design
There are some extra considerations for an outdoor kitchen, however; while an indoor kitchen’s layout is defined by the walls, doors and windows that surround it, an outdoor kitchen often defines the space on its own.
For this reason, L-shaped designs are popular choices outside, lending a sense of room division for the area. A good approach from here is to divide the outdoor kitchen into three main zones: preparation, cooking and serving.
As mentioned, your outdoor kitchen will likely be subject to all kinds of weather including high winds, heavy rains, extreme heat and possibly even ice and snowstorms, so it’s important to choose materials that are tough enough to withstand the elements while still being low maintenance enough to easily clean.
Stainless steel is a particularly great option for outdoor benchtops, appliances, sinks and tapware. It is highly durable and weather resistant and also has a sleek, contemporary look. If you can, choose appliances made from marine grade 316 stainless steel such as our new Vivid Slimline SS collection. An evolution of Phoenix’s popular and timeless Vivid Slimline range, Vivid Slimline SS is particularly suited to outdoor kitchens and coastal residential areas. This is thanks to the superior corrosion resistance of 316 stainless steel, which provides extra years of life and usage where harsh elements are an issue.
For a warmer design, you could consider tiling your benchtop to offset your stainless-steel accessories. With a wide range of colours and textures, tiles are able to fit any design and style.
Are you a passionate foodie and want to cook up a storm of gourmet dishes? Or will you mainly be cooking simple dishes for family? Deciding how you will use the space will not only determine the type of appliances you need, but also how much prepping space and storage to plan for.
Over the last few years, there has been a rise in the popularity of creating a true outdoor kitchen, with people installing not just BBQs, but ovens, cooktops, range hoods, sinks, taps, refrigeration and even dishwashers.
It’s important to note that you will need to purchase specialist outdoor appliances if you decide to go down this route so that they will be able to withstand harsh conditions though the summer and the winter.
Another trend seen in outdoor kitchens is the installation of smokers, wood-fired pizza ovens and South American style grills.
Light it up
The final touch for your outdoor kitchen is lighting. It’s good to choose a variety of lighting, such as task lights for cooking and prep surfaces, hanging lights for overhead structures such as pergolas and wall lights and downlights to flood the area when the sun goes down.
If you want to create a more romantic, intimate atmosphere or to highlight a specific area, accent lighting is the way to go. Consider up lighting around a fountain or plants, path lights or decorative string lights. You could also add a pendant light over the dining table. And don’t forget about candles, either traditional or LED, which can also create an intimate setting.


The color of your roof significantly influences your house’s appearance and curb appeal. Your property can gain character and value by having a well-chosen roof color. On the other hand, a badly combined roof color can be an eyesore and reduce the appeal of your property as a whole.
Decide on a house shade that will go well with the precise shade of green you have or intend to have. For instance, a white or shades of cream home would be wise if your roof is light green. A darker hue, like shades of gray or black, may be appropriate if your roof is a deep shade of green.
If your roof is green, what color should the exterior of your home be? Many people ask this question, and it might be challenging to respond. Although a green roof can be a terrific method to conserve energy and lessen your carbon footprint, it can also change how your property looks. In the article below, we’ll discuss the colors complementing green roofs and advise which one to pick for your house.
Pros and Cons of Having a Green Roof
It’s crucial to thoroughly consider the benefits and drawbacks before deciding whether or not to install a green roof on your building. Are you willing to bear the increased initial expense? Can you handle the added weight of a green covering on your roof? Is it possible to grow plants in your area?
If a green roof is the best choice for you, the answers to these questions can help.
While green roofs may offer several advantages, there may also be drawbacks. The installation and upkeep of rooftop green roofing can be costly and might only be appropriate for some climates. Furthermore, green roofs may occasionally disturb the existing ecology atop a building’s roof.
Finally, consider the environment in which you reside. If you reside in a region with scorching summers and chilly winters, painting your home a light hue will help it stay cooler throughout the summer. If you are in a region with moderate winters and summers, painting your home a darker hue will help it retain heat.
Read More: How Much Does Epoxy Flooring Cost in 2023
What Function Does a Green Roof Serve?
A green roof has vegetation growing on it. The plant reduces stormwater runoff, improves air quality, and insulates the building.
There are two types of green roofs: extensive and intensive. Extensive green roofs have a thin layer of dirt and low-growing plants; intensive green roofs have a deeper layer of dirt and taller plants. The term “rooftop gardens” also applies to intensive green roofs.
Although extensive green roofs require more maintenance, they are cheaper to install than intensive green roofs. Even though intensive green roofs cost more, they need less upkeep.
Commercial, commercial, and residential structures can all have green roofs added. They can be placed on sloped roofs but are more frequently used on flat roofs.
What Color to Paint a House with a Green Roof?
You undoubtedly want to find out what color of house complements a green roof. Off-white is the straightforward solution.
Off-white blends well with all other colors, making it a perfect choice for a house hue. Additionally, it is a muted shade that won’t compete with your green roofing.
For homes with green roofs, cream is a common color. Combining the two hues produces a warm, welcoming appearance ideal for any home. This color scheme will make your home stand out if that’s what you’re after.
The color cream is adaptable and can be utilized in various contexts. You can utilize it to help your residence stand above the competition or to give it a cozy, welcoming appearance. This color palette is ideal for adding a little individuality to your house.
A green roof looks stunning with gray walls. It is the ideal background for your home because it is serene and neutral.
The color gray is adaptable and can be utilized in various contexts. Gray will highlight your green roof, whether you give your entire house that color or apply it as an accent.
White goes well with every roofing material and color of trim. People who desire their residence to have good curb appeal also favor it. White might help to highlight the inherent appeal of plant life and foliage if your roof is green.
Choosing a black house is fantastic if you want your green roof to be seen.
The majority of other colors go well with black because it is a neutral color. Black is a wonderful hue for houses if you’re seeking to make an impression with it.
For a home with a green roof, beige is a fantastic color. Because it is neutral, beige won’t compete with the roof’s hues.
Use a more vibrant beige if you want the interior to stand out. By doing this, you’ll give your home a distinctive identity.
Brick is a terrific choice for those wishing to complement their green roof. Even though there are many different brick hues available, a traditional red brick is usually a good pick.
Most color schemes work well with red brick, giving any house a sense of coziness. Use black or gray bricks if you need something more distinctive.
The color blue is calming and can contribute to a peaceful ambiance in your house. A blue home with a green covering on the roof can also exude an earthy aura, making it ideal for those who desire to live more sustainably.
A blue home with green roofing is the best choice if you want to make an impact on your house!
A green roof looks fantastic with brown walls. It will assist the roof in fitting in with the surrounding environment and give your house a rustic appearance.
Think about painting the moldings or shutters in a more vivid color to give your house a splash of color. With its versatility, brown can be utilized in various ways to give your home a distinctive look.
10. Cedar Shake Siding
If you want to give your home a rustic appearance, cedar shake roofing is a lovely choice. Families with infants or dogs may consider this flooring because it is strong and simple to maintain.
Cedar shake cladding is a fantastic alternative to improve your house’s curb appeal.
For a house with a green roof, yellow represents one of the most common color options. Joy and sunny days are connected to the color, which can help counteract the occasionally gloomy weather associated with having a green roof. Yellow also complements popular green roof hues like gray and blue effectively. Yellow is a fantastic alternative for your home if you’re seeking a cheery option.
Ultimately, it is down to your preferences and the style you want. Choosing a contrasting hue will help your house stand out. Make your choice from a comparable hue if you want it to blend in more. In the end, there is just the solution that seems best to you—there are no right or incorrect answers! We appreciate your time and trust you found this to be beneficial.