Changing clay soil is not as easy as some would have you believe, especially if you don't plan on actually tilling the soil. The good news is that there are a number of ways to transform no-till clay soil. Some of these methods have been used for centuries, while others are relatively modern and mostly chemical based. Before you begin, be sure to test your soil to see what percentage of the soil is actually clay, and this will determine which clay soil improvement method is right for your specific soil.
You can amend no-till clay soil by growing plants in the soil, aerating it, and using a mulch treatment. As plants grow in clay soil, they slowly break down clumps of clay. In that case, it's also a good idea to cover the top layer of soil, as this protects the beneficial bacteria and microorganisms that actually turn the soil into clay. If your soil is not compacted clay, you can use earthworms to improve clay soil, but don't forget to feed them.
One of the easiest ways to improve clay soil is to use a soil aerator. My personal recommendation is to use a push tine aerator with 16" tips.Click here to checkwhat is amazon.com
Before changing clay soil, make sure that this is your main concern and not soil erosion. In many areas, the topsoil can be eroded by rain or simply destroyed by chemicals. Often homeowners see the cracked clay floor underneath and think that this is the main problem. If nothing grows in a soil patch, and the soil is also compacted, you need to not only amend the clayey soil, but also build up the topsoil.
On the other hand, if some grass or even weeds are growing in your clay soil, that's good news, as amending no-till clay soil is much easier. One of the main benefits of mulching clay soil is that it helps to improve the soil. See my last article for more information.Padding Benefits (Top 13 Padding Benefits).
Changing clay soil by cultivating on it
Often people tend to overcomplicate things when the solution for clay soil can be extremely simple. By far the easiest way to improve no-till clay soil is to grow plants in it. As long as there is some living soil, you can grow a variety of plants. Even if the clay soil is cracked andpillSome weeds will still appear after a while. Sow some wildflower seeds in the spring as they grow and establish a healthy root system, slowly improving clay soil. If you want to know more about wild flowers, read my latest articleWildflower Garden (in 10 easy steps).
Replace clay soil with a topcoat dressing
Lining or covering the topsoil has many benefits, one of which is that a good thick layer of mulch can improve clay soil. Covering the topsoil with some type of mulch protects the topsoil from drying out and eroding by rain. Other than that,beneficial bacteria, insects and earthworms are used as mulch for shelter and as a food source. These insects, worms, and microorganisms dig holes in the clay soil, slowly aerating it and improving it.
There are many mulches you can use to improve clay soil, although my personal recommendation is to use mulches that break down quickly, such as hay, grass, or straw. The main reason you want a mulch that breaks down quickly is so that its nutrients are available to insects and creatures that live in the mulch much faster than a mulch that breaks down slowly like wood chips. If you want to know how to break clay soil quickly, read my last articleHow to extract clay soil quickly (in 8 easy steps).
Modification of clayey soils by aeration
Clay soils tend to retain a lot of water, which means that most soil-dwelling bacteria are anaerobic.anaerobic bacteriaThey don't need oxygen to thrive, although most of them are useful, but if you want to grow some plants in soil, you'll need bacteria that need oxygen to survive, as they are extremely beneficial for healthy root systems. You can aerate clay soil with a soil aerator or a liquid aerator.
If this is your first time improving a clay soil my personal recommendation is to use a manual soil aerator, liquid soil aerators can really damage your soil if not used correctly.
Clay soil improvement through deep core aeration (drill and fill)
Deep core aeration simply means digging a few holes in the soil and filling them with a little organic matter, commercial soil conditioners, or sand for drainage. Of these 3 main options, the best commercial soil conditioners such as perlite, sulfur,And soand vermiculture. These commercial soil conditioners will slowly break down clay soil so that it can drain, and sooner or later beneficial bacteria will get into the clay soil.
You can also fill these deep central holes with organic matter, although in most cases this will not work as creatures that live in the organic matter become trapped in the actual hole and find it extremely difficult to dig and live in the surrounding clay soil. . A better approach would be to simply cover the entire topsoil with organic matter and let insects and insects slowly creep down and improve the clay soil.
Change hue ground to shading
By shading I don't mean put garden cloth over it, as that's not good, but put up an umbrella and keep the area shaded. Clay soil often cracks and compacts due to erosion and the sun burning the top layer of soil. By shading the area, you protect the topsoil from the sun, and sooner or later, insects and critters hiding from the afternoon heat move into the soil, beginning the process of improving clay soil.
Modification of clayey soil by filling.
Accumulating clay soil with organic matter has two main benefits, it improves clay soil and you can start sowing or planting flowers on the hill itself. You can fill clay soil with potting soil, compost, mulch, or common soil. Ideally, put some cardboard on the ground if there are weeds or grass growing on it, and only then pile it up with organic matter, the cardboard will prevent weeds from growing in the pile.
Replace clay soil with earthworms
Worms are excellent at breaking up clay soil and their droppings make a very good fertilizer. The problem with this approach is that you need to aerate the clay soil first, especially if the soil is soggy. Make some holes in the earth and add the worms, they will slowly bury themselves in the clayey earth, continuing to aerate and improve with itWurmkot. If the topsoil has eroded and nothing is growing there, be sure to cover it with grass clippings as well.
Modification of clayey soils with cover crops
Cover crops can be an excellent choice for improving clay soils, especially if you use nitrogen-fixing cover crops. Thatnitrogen fixing plantsit can absorb nitrogen from the air with the help of bacteria, and if you prune these plants, the nitrogen becomes available for the new seedlings or plants. Ideally, you should choose deep-rooted nitrogen-fixing cover crops, as they loosen clay soil by aerating and breaking it up.
As you can see, there are several ways to change no-till clay soil. Which of these methods you should use depends on how quickly you want to change your floor. The greenest way to improve a clay soil is to grow plants in it, although the main disadvantage is that this can take years.
Bark, manure, leaf mold and compost are among the organic amendments commonly used to improve clay soil, Brewer noted. Applied to the soil surface, these materials form a protective blanket that slows evaporation and reduces soil hardening.What kind of fertilizer do you use on clay soil? ›
Adding compost can also help, somewhat, with drainage, decrease soil compaction, which allows water flow – resulting in soil that is less water logged. Compost will also act as a slow release fertilizer. Compost contains nitrogen and other nutrients and is another way to hold water for your plants!How do you transform hard clay soil? ›
Adding materials such as organic compost, pine bark, composted leaves and gypsum to heavy clay can improve its structure and help eliminate drainage and compaction problems. Avoid adding sand or peat moss to clay; they can make those problems worse.How do you improve heavy clay soil for planting? ›
Dig in plenty of bulky organic matter such as manure or, ideally, composted bark, as this can make a noticeable improvement to the working properties of clay. Apply organic mulches around trees, shrubs and other permanent plants as these will reduce summer cracking and help conserve moisture.Can you improve clay soil without digging? ›
If the soil is too difficult to dig, layer compost and manures over the area and cover with an organic mulch like sugar cane or pea straw. Wet the mulch and allow it to break down over the next few weeks.What will soften clay soil? ›
The best way to loosen and improve clay soil is by adding lots of organic matter. Organic matter consists of the decaying remains of plants and animals. It does a good job of binding clay particles together (better than gypsum). This results in improved drainage and aeration as well as sofer and lighter soil.What treatment for clay soils? ›
Gypsum (calcium sulfate) is known as the 'clay breaker' because of its ability to replace sodium with calcium. Adding a handful of gypsum per square metre of clay soil helps to improve the structure of the top layer of the soil. Add organic matter.How do you turn bad soil into good soil? ›
- Stop using NPK fertilizers. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium (NPK) fertilizers are commonly used for trees, shrubs, and grass. ...
- Stop using herbicides. ...
- Leave the leaves. ...
- Be mindful of disturbing the soil. ...
- Use wood chips. ...
- Use compost. ...
- Stop spraying for mosquitos.
There is just one practical way to improve clay soil: working in plenty of organic matter. Common sources of organic matter include peat moss, decomposed animal manures and compost made from leaves, plant refuse or grass clippings, Schutter said. Another good source of organic matter is green manure.How often do you water clay soil? ›
Irrigation Frequency “Rules of Thumb”
Third, landscapes with loam, clay, or clay loam soils should be irrigated once per week with approximately 1.0 inch of water. There is a popular misconception that landscapes should be watered daily – after all, plants use water every day.
Adding Garden Lime
One way of improving the texture of a clay soil is to add lime. This raises the pH of acid clay soils, making them more alkaline and in doing so it encourages clay particles to stick together in small clumps. This results in larger particles and makes the soil more friable and easier to work.
Quick take: Clay soils drain slowly, and sandy soils drain quickly. For this reason, the thinking often goes that adding or tilling sand into a clay soil will improve the drainage characteristics. Unfortunately, this generally won't work and there are better ways to improve the drainage and quality of the soil.How do you fluff up clay soil? ›
Add Organic Matter. Organic matter is the single most important ingredient to improving any soil. It can make heavy clay soil drain better, easier to dig and not so hard or sticky. It can also help sandy soil hold together better and retain more moisture and nutrients.How do you fix waterlogged clay soil? ›
To improve clay soil, wait until the surface has started to dry out and then dig deep. Break up the clumps with the back of the fork and apply a dressing of lime. Then dig again.Can I put topsoil over clay? ›
An easier method, if possible for you, is to simply apply 6 inches of quality topsoil over your existing clay soil and plant your lawn in that. Be sure you prepare and level the site before planting.How do you break up compacted clay soil? ›
Certain plants – even commonly cultivated crops, are excellent for breaking up clay soil – potatoes, turnips, beetroot, and brassicas are all good options. Plant these in organic matter on top of the compacted soil and their roots can find their way down through into the compacted soil below.What grows in poor clay soil? ›
Flowering shrubs like Weigela, Buddleja, Forsythia, Hydrangea, Chaenomeles (flowering quince) will grow well in clay. Roses are also good shrubs for clay especially if it has been improved with organic matter. Some are even tolerant of wet soils, including the rugosa group.Does anything grow well in clay soil? ›
Lettuce, chard, snap beans and other crops with shallow roots benefit from clay soil's ability to retain moisture, and broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage often grow better in clay soil than looser loams because their roots enjoy firm anchorage.How can I improve my soil without digging? ›
Mulches Not Spades
As they rot down they add fertility to the soil while at the same time improving its structure, without the need to dig. In no-dig gardening, mulching replaces digging.
The acidity of the vinegar breaks down the clay a bit, and makes it sticky. Some artists use vinegar straight from the bottle, or add vinegar to clay instead of water to make a joining slip. All these methods work to create a join that is stronger than water or slip alone.
- Put bag of clay in bucket.
- Open bag of clay and add water to surround clay and just cover top surface.
- Seal bag of clay with twist tie or rubber band.
- Add water into bucket around sealed clay bag; no need to submerge top of bag.
- Leave alone approx 12 hrs.
Adding organic material to your clay soil will go a long way towards improving it. While there are a great many organic soil amendments, for improving clay soil, you will want to use compost or materials that compost quickly. Materials that compost quickly include well-rotted manure, leaf mold, and green plants.Can roots penetrate clay soil? ›
Clay soils can be difficult for roots to penetrate, and can be very hard for gardeners to cultivate. Gardeners with clay soils may choose to bring in an alternative soil and garden in raised bed boxes, or amend existing clay soil with loamy topsoil or well-composted organic matter.What is the best mulch for clay soil? ›
The granules are more suited for working into the soil, especially clay, while the chunks work best for spreading across the surface. Bark mulches can come in a variety of colors and will hold its color better than wood chips. It is also denser, making it more resistant to wind dispersion.
Adding compost or another organic material is often the easiest way to amend soil. In some cases, a yearly application of compost might eliminate the need for all other forms of amendments. Plant-based composts are lower in salts than those containing decomposed animal manure.What can I add to my soil to make it better? ›
- Plant material: Leaves, straw, and grass clippings. ...
- Compost: Decayed plant materials such as vegetable scraps. ...
- Leaf mold: Decomposed leaves that add nutrients and structure to soil.
- Aged manure: A good soil conditioner. ...
- Coconut coir: A soil conditioner that helps soil retain water.
However, the simplest and most effective way to loosen compacted soil is to use Ground Breaker. Ground Breaker from Green As It Gets is a heavy duty soil penetrant that works by opening up the pores of the soil. It treats both types of compaction — physical and chemical — and contains no alcohol.What is the best tool to break up hard soil? ›
Like a gardening trowel, a hand cultivator is a handheld tool ideal for smaller gardening needs. This multi-pronged tool will easily break up tough soil and loosen compacted dirt and gravel. Hand cultivators are often available as a combination tool with a hoe (also called an adze) on the opposite side.Will worms improve clay soil? ›
The burrowing action of the worms will aerate your clay soil. As the worms burrow through the soil, they will also leave behind their castings too, which will help add nutrients to the soil. As you can see, you can easily improve your clay soil with just a few steps.Should I water clay soil? ›
In summer, clay soils can become very dry. Although some water is needed to keep plants alive during certain years, try to keep watering to a minimum. The drying out and cracking of clay soils is very important to maintain good drainage, and extensive watering can prevent this from happening.
For example, if five minutes of irrigation moistens your clay soil to a depth of two inches, you would need to water for fifteen minutes to moisten the soil to a depth of six inches. Note that this test will only work during the dry season.How do you deep water in clay soil? ›
Soils high in clay accept water slowly, often as little as 1/4 inch per hour. Water infiltration is especially slow in compacted soils. If water starts to pool or run off, stop irrigating, let the water soak in, and start watering again. Repeat on/off cycles until you apply enough water to wet the soil to 18-24 inches.What does adding water to clay do? ›
The increasing volume of water continues to push clay molecules further apart.As more and more water is added, the water layers become thick enough to act as a lubricant between adjacent clay particles, and a mass of clay becomes soft and malleable.How much lime do I add to clay soil? ›
We recommend using no more than 8 pounds of Dolomite lime for acidic clay soils and 5 pounds of lime in acidic sandy soils per 100 square foot based on soil pH of 5.0 to 6.0. In general, sandy soils will need less limestone to change pH and clay soils will need more.Is Epsom salt good for clay soil? ›
Sandy, acidic, and clay soils are often deficient in magnesium. For regular use, add 1 tablespoon of Epsom salts to 1 gallon of water and use this solution to irrigate garden beds twice per month.How do you add nitrogen to clay soil? ›
Cover crops add nutrients and organic matter to the soil. Great choices for improving clay soils include buckwheat, clover, and wheat. Clover has the benefit of being a nitrogen-fixing legume, meaning that through a symbiotic relationship with bacteria, it captures nitrogen from the air and adds it to the soil.Will grass clippings help clay soil? ›
Benefits of recycling clippings to the lawn
Adding organic matter from clippings may help improve your soil if it is sandy, heavy clay or low in organic matter. Regular mowing will greatly reduce the need to collect clippings.
- Scarifying or partially pulverizing soil.
- Spreading the chemical agent.
- Adding water and mixing.
- Compacting to maximum practical density.
- Curing prior to placing the next layer or wearing course.
Gravel helps break up clay soil and creates air pockets for oxygen in your soil. Compost adds an organic amendment to soil, as it is decomposed plant material. The nutrients and micronutrients in compost release slowly into the soil to feed your garden over a long period of time.How do you thicken grass in clay soil? ›
Top Dressing With Compost
Core aeration combined with top dressing with compost is by far the best two things you can do to improve clay soil problems in an existing lawn. If you are only going to take two steps to fix your clay problems, then choose core aeration and top dressing.
Clay soil is prevalent in many parts of the United States, and it can be very problematic if you are trying to grow a flower or vegetable garden. While some trees and shrubs grow well in clay, most annuals, perennials, and vegetables don't have roots strong enough to force their way through dense clay.How do you break up clay soil without tilling it? ›
Mix In Organic Compost
Adding organic compost on top of your clay soil helps the soil's aggregate structure. This process allows the compost to break down and release nutrients to improve the clay soil quality without digging anything up.
The best way to amend clay soil is to add organic matter, such as plants with good root systems or compost. Organic matter helps aerate the soil, which will make it more suitable for growing.How much gypsum do I add to clay soil? ›
Use 1/2 lb. of gypsum per square foot to restore soil that has absorbed salt. For all uses, when possible mix gypsum into the soil and water until gypsum dissolves.Should clay soil be tilled? ›
Although most cultivators can dig deep enough, you might find a garden tiller more efficient if your clay soil is especially dense. Tilling to a depth of six to eight inches will encourage healthy growth in your plants' roots. The best time to till is the beginning of the growing season before you've sown your seeds.How can clay soil be amended around existing plants? ›
The best way to amend soil in an existing garden is by top-dressing the bed with an inch or two of compost each season. The compost will break down, improving the soil structure and fertility. Plus, you'll perk up your perennials.What can I use instead of tilling soil? ›
You can either bury your cover crop with a heavy sheet of mulch, or you can cut them immediately above the crowns (this works well with plants that are tough to kill without tillage, like vetch or rye). You can even use chickens to naturally till in your cover crops!Can you put top soil over clay soil? ›
An easier method, if possible for you, is to simply apply 6 inches of quality topsoil over your existing clay soil and plant your lawn in that. Be sure you prepare and level the site before planting.Can I plant straight into clay soil? ›
While some trees and shrubs grow well in clay, most annuals, perennials, and vegetables don't have roots strong enough to force their way through dense clay. If spring flower bulbs are your dream, forget it—most bulbs tend to rot over the winter in clay soils. Clay soils can be improved, however.How do you improve waterlogged clay soil? ›
- Cultivate the soil. ...
- Add sand and gravel. ...
- Add calcium. ...
- Add organic matter. ...
- Grow green manures.
Loosen clay with a fork to the depth of the tines. Add on top two inches of sharp clean gravel. On top of gravel, add two inches of compost, or other organic amendment. Dig in to approximately eight inches with a spade.What are 4 ways that non tilling helps the soil? ›
This is particularly valuable in drought-prone areas, where lack of water is a major concern tied to crop loss. No-till adoption also reduces soil erosion, increases soil biological activity and increases soil organic matter. These benefits can lead to additional economic gains for farmers over time.Should you wet soil before tilling? ›
If the garden soil that you are planning on tilling is too dry, you should consider adding water to it before you till. Less is usually more, but water to a depth of about 4 inches. Let the water penetrate the soil before you begin the tilling process. This will usually take a day or two.What is the best way to till soil? ›
The most effective way to till a large patch of garden or entire bed is with a rototiller. It's powerful enough to break up large soil clumps, mix compost deep into the soil or cover last year's dead plants with soil. Garden tiller rental is an option for those who don't want to purchase one.Can roots grow through clay soil? ›
Clay soils can be difficult for roots to penetrate, and can be very hard for gardeners to cultivate. Gardeners with clay soils may choose to bring in an alternative soil and garden in raised bed boxes, or amend existing clay soil with loamy topsoil or well-composted organic matter.Can roots grow in clay soil? ›
The majority of the roots will develop in the top 12 to 18 inches of soil, though this will vary depending on the type of tree and garden soil. The tree's root system will develop at a more shallow depth in heavy clay soils versus better drained loamy or sandy soils.


Do you have a kitchen garden? Have you thought about creating one?
About 8 years ago, I decided I needed one. I had a front yard that was on a highway which was unused mainly because of noise and ratty grass with a view of a fence. I hadn't done any serious gardening before, just a few herbs or tomato pots and the odd flower garden but always on a smaller scale. As a former professional cook and avid home cook, I started seeing the potential of walking outside to gather fresh herbs and produce and having this fenced chunk of yard being unused and needing to be mowed was really beginning to bug me.
Kitchen gardens are an old idea, called a potager in France and a kailyaird in Scotland they can be ornamental and very structured or a simple and humble vegetable plot. My vision was based loosely on a French potager - purposeful and structured edible plantings that would keep some structure year round. So without my husband's blessing, I just started tearing up the lawn. It was quite time-consuming but I was on a mission and because he wasn't in agreement with this plan, I had to prove it was a good one!
I didn't get the whole yard dug up that year, I achieved about ⅓ but that was a pretty substantial amount. I tried to plant a combination of woody herbs and a fruit tree that I hoped would keep some shape to the garden in the winter as well as the usual suspects of peas, beans, carrots, lettuces, herbs and tomatoes. I had varied success but I learned a lot. My yard was sunny and hot so tomatoes loved it, the ground was rocky and hard under just a bit of topsoil so carrots did not do well. Purple pole beans thrived and added beautiful color and height to the garden and zucchini were prolific and made me feel like a garden rock star lol.
It turned out well enough that I was hooked and my husband was on board and the following year, he and my stepson helped me rip out the rest of the grass. We brought in a load of soil to add which helped me be able to grow beets and carrots, created 2 pathways to separate the gardens to help with crop rotation and planted a fig tree, a stone fruit salad tree and bay tree. Slowly my kitchen garden took shape although it has been messier and less organized looking than I had envisioned.
I have learned almost entirely by trial and error and the good people at our local nurseries. Successes have been my fig and apple tree, fails the fruit salad tree (Still standing to give privacy but not really producing fruit) and a few plantings that were rated for zone 8 (I'm in a zone 7 but I'm a risk taker).
I originally set out to plant strictly edibles and did that for the first few years but now I sprinkle in more flowers so that I can pick them for bouquets and help my little pollinators as well. I now love to spend evenings in the garden which has a view of my fruits, veggies and flowers and as I look at them, I inevitably start weeding with complete disregard of time.
My kitchen garden is beautiful and productive in the summer but in the winter it is very brown with a fair amount of bare dirt where veggies had been. I have tried to plant more evergreen plants to camouflage it a bit but really, it's just not the nicest entry view when people come to our house in the winter and I've just become OK with that. I have tried doing some winter vegetable growing with mixed results, broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale etc. but I find that while I love gardening and weeding from spring through fall, I don't really love it in the cold and wet of winter.
My garden is definitely still a work in progress and I would love to hear back with your thoughts. What zone are you growing in? Successes? Frustrations? Tips for me?


A little more info....
'Crawley Community Garden' and 'Crawley Bee Wild' have been working in collaboration on this project for the last 2 years (since 2020). This site started as an old disused pig pen on the site for Maidenbower Junior School. Our volunteers have transformed this space into a beautiful sensory garden. We also have access to raised beds and a polytunnel.
Volunteers on this project are from both outside and within the school community, including the current head teacher along with other teachers on our team within the school.
Crawley Bee Wild (also known as Maidenbower Bee Wild) 3 Ethos and 3 Schemes.
1. To create a nature friendly habitat.
2. Allow people to connect with each other.
3. Allow people to connect with nature.
1.Maidenbower Junior school Community Sensory Garden Project (in collaboration Crawley Community Garden).
2. A dedicated team of volunteers for wildflower verges.
3. Mini meadow challenges


Fall is truly a time of magic in nature: the air crisps up, the days seem brighter, and the trees produce the most amazing colors! In the northern part of the state and in the mountains, the change begins in mid September, culminating in late September. In the southern part of the state, colors keep changing into October. Now is the perfect time to plan your Colorado fall getaway, and see for yourself how gorgeous our state can be!
In the plains, farm crops and grasses keep the landscape in browns and golds. Occasional hits of color will come from cottonwood and oaks, especially along lakes and waterways, where colors ranging from yellow to red may occur. Landscaped areas can be fun to watch as well, as the variety of plants chosen may bring a wide range of colors.
In the mountains, much is still green thanks to our abundance of evergreens. But watch closely as you travel because they will become suffused with spots of the amazing colors of our deciduous varieties! Colorado Aspens and Birch trees bring brilliant yellows among the evergreens. Poplars, Boxelders, and Cottonwoods bring more yellows and a good dose of orange. High in the mountains and on the western side, oaks turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and yellow. Occasional Ash trees can add their own kaleidoscope from yellow, to orange, red, and even purple! And plants along the waterways can create ribbons of fiery color through the undergrowth.
Here in the plains, you have all the crops, plants, and landscaping turning to vibrant golds. Along the rivers and lakes, riparian vegetation can turn a rainbow of colors.
Our wide open spaces also feature the vibrant golds of our low-lying vegetation and grasslands. As the landscape transitions into hill and canyon country, you’ll find more trees offering their fall colors.
From plains farmland into the foothills and canyons, the front range has color potential ranging from browns through the full fall color gamut.
Trees planted within the city, as well as those in the urban parks, offer bursts of color amidst the concrete. Outside the city is landscape ranging from plains on the east to foothills on the west, offering additional fall foliage varieties.
South Central Region
Gold and orange are the primary fall colors here, as foothills and mountains are the geographic features of this area. Aspens abound with their golden hues, and cottonwoods jump into the mix with their yellow-to-orange tones.
Evergreens, aspen, and birch trees are in abundance in this area, providing a good dose of green/yellow. Additional color comes into play on the western side of this region, where a wider variety of trees and plant life thrive near waterways and in lower altitudes.
Mountains and canyons abound in this area, meaning another chance for some great golden color among the evergreens. As you head south, the harsh landscape is more accommodating to the oaks and ash trees, providing a wider range of fall colors.


Green's Irrigation and Landscape provides
landscape design, installation and maintenance
for the greater Mason/Kitsap Counties.
Our goal is to bring yourOur services include landscape design and installation, lawn and landscape renovation, yard maintenance, and installation of custom fencing, arbors, water features, irrigation systems, drainage solutions, patios, retaining walls and other hardscapes.
landscape dreams to life!
HardscapingAt Green's Irrigation and Landscape, we provide the very highest standard of quality for our retaining wall and paver installations.
We're so proud of our work that all of our block work comes with an industry leading 5 year warranty!
We're certified and educated through the ICPI (Interlocking concrete paving institute), PICP advanced course (permeable interlocking concrete pavement) and NCMA (National Concrete Masonry Association) programs to provide the highest quality to our clients.
LandscapingWe at Green's Irrigation and Landscape consider all aspects of your yard's needs. We take into account: desired colors, scents, sizes, foliage, textures, and drainage.
We can spruce up a yard with rock accents and fresh bark mulch, or even a new synthetic lawn! We can install stunning water features and ponds or install your dream putting green!
IrrigationWe design custom irrigation plans that will reflect your needs along with providing the most efficient irrigation of your lawn and landscape.
Whether new or existing, we can trouble-shoot, repair, and install all sprinkler systems. We only use the premium products and craftsmanship.
Whether you are interested in a new sprinkler system or service for your existing system, we analyze your short and long term needs of the landscape safe-guarding your investment and protecting it's design integrity.
MaintenanceWe offer weekly, or as needed, services such as:
- Driveway/deck blowing
- Snow removal
- Debris clean-up
- Pressure washing
- and much more!


Lawn care tips for when you’re on a tight budget
Whether you’re a new homeowner or you’ve owned your house for years, you know lawn care requires a lot of time, money and effort. The maintenance is full of ups and downs, more so if you live in an area where there are distinct seasonal changes. Maintaining your lawn to keep its vibrant green color can become stressful. It involves not only watering, but the cost of equipment, pesticides and fertilizer, which add up quickly. Caring for your lawn on a budget may seem overwhelming. But we have some smart lawn care tips to help you out.
Water your lawn only when necessary
The easiest way to cut back is to control how often you water your lawn. Most people find themselves panicking once their grass starts turning brown. When your grass turns brown, it doesn’t always mean that it’s dead. The winter and summer seasons are times where grass will become dormant due to extreme weather conditions. With the heat and drought experienced during the summer season, grass can stay dormant for three to four weeks . If you are concerned about the state of your lawn, feel free to water it.
Keeping your grass tall
Everyone loves the look of a well-kept lawn, but you may find that you are mowing your lawn too much. The optimal height of lawn grass depends on the season. During the cooler seasons, the recommendation is to keep grass height around 2-and-a-half inches. However, you should keep you grass at around 3 inches during the warmer seasons. Essentially, when mowing your lawn, you should be removing only the top one-third of the grass blade. By keeping the grass taller, it creates deeper roots and more shade to the soil. Both result in less watering needed for your lawn. The biggest perk of mowing tall grass is that it prevents weeds from growing. Since the grass will be taller than the weeds, it will block their ability to receive sunlight, causing them to die off without the use of any toxic chemicals.
Aerating your lawn
It’s often overlooked, but one of the most critical of lawn care tips is to aerate your lawn properly. The process of aerating your lawn involves mixing the soil to release stored water, nutrients and air. Aerating is an option if you notice a lot of foot traffic, if the soil is heavy in clay content, or is suffering from water pooling or running off. You will want to aerate your soil only once a year around the fall when weeds are less of a problem . There are tools you can buy for around $100 to aerate your lawn. If you want more physical exercise, you can purchase aerator shoes like the Ohuhu Lawn Aerator Shoes. Aerator shoes typically cost $20-$40 and attach to your regular shoes with straps. By wearing them, you can walk around and aerate your lawn.
Fertilizing your lawn
For proper growth, your grass needs nitrogen. You want to fertilize your lawn as this process adds nitrogen and other nutrients to the soil that may be lacking. The type of fertilizer you use is up to your personal preferences and what your lawn needs. Ensure that the fertilizer is distributed by using either a spreader or sprinkling it by hand. You can easily make fertilizer by combining one bag of compost with manure . The best time to fertilize your lawn depends on your climate and the type of grass, though typically late spring and early summer are best, as there tends to be more rain during those seasons, making it easier for the lawn to absorb the added nutrients.
Maintain your lawn care equipment
If you already own lawn care equipment such as a lawnmower or sprinkler system, it’s imperative to maintain the items if you want them to last without needing expensive replacement. You don’t want to have to shell out more money to replace those items every year. So if it’s not in use, store it away. Don’t leave anything lying around the lawn that end up underneath the lawnmower. Remember to clean your lawn care gear regularly, and check the functioning of any electrical equipment.
Use pesticides (at your own discretion)
Using pesticides for controlling problems that your lawn may face can be effective, but they can also be harmful to the health of your lawn, the environment and yourself. Not to mention that these chemicals are often expensive. Some people suggest making a homemade version using water and dish soap to create a less toxic pesticide. “Do it yourself” is always one of the best lawn care tips, especially when it’s both safer and easier on your wallet. So if you want a natural way to fight off pests, try mixing an essential oil spray using any combination of lavender, peppermint, rosemary, basil, spearmint, thyme and tea tree oil.


Gary Stevens Landscape: Tree Removal & Trimming Service
Properly taking care of the shrubs and trees on your property can add substantial value to your yard and home. Well-cared-for trees not only offer shade and privacy but can also pay dividends in the long run by adding the much-sought-after curb appeal to your beloved property.
We at Gary Stevens Landscape work only with certified and highly trained tree experts as we know that neglected trees are not only unattractive but can also become a huge liability. However, trimming and removing trees should be done only by specialists or people that know in-depth a tree’s needs.
Our Tree Trimming & Removal Services
Since we know that pruning, trimming, and removing some trees can be risky work for a homeowner, we now provide a variety of services to help you safely keep your greenery in top shape. These services include:
- We identify and remove diseased, dead, or infested limbs that pose a risk to the tree’s overall health;
- We prune, elevate, and train young trees to allow enough air movement to keep both shade seekers and the shrubs around them content;
- We clip away branches that might touch roofs, wires, windows, or obstruct the street or your view;
- We reshape existing trees to boost their wind resistance and resilience during heavy winds and storms;
- We reshape existing trees to make them more aesthetically pleasing;
- We cut away and thin any unnecessary limbs.
Tree Removal should be done only as a last resort and under strict professional supervision. Our technicians can assess if the circumstances make the tree removal necessary and have the skills and tools to safely get the job done. We recommend removing a tree only if:
- The tree is irremediably hazardous to human life or property;
- The tree is irreparably insect-infested, diseased, dead, or dying;
- Pruning alone cannot prevent the tree from causing major obstruction;
- The tree might hamper the growth of or cause harm to nearby trees and plants;
- The tree must be taken down for the site to be cleared for construction;
- The tree has been turned into a liability by a windstorm, so removal is necessary to prevent it from landing on people, cars, homes, or nearby trees.
Even if you have a green thumb and know more about trees than the average homeowner, we highly recommend leaving the trimming and removal work in the hands of professionals. Severely damaged trees might pose a serious threat to your life when done improperly. Plus, only an expert can accurately assess when and how to trim a tree and whether removal is advisable.
Our Shrub Trimming & Hedging Services
Giving your trees an annual haircut is critical for their health and growth but while you’re at it, don’t forget about your shrubs, hedges and other plants in need of some pruning and trimming every now and then. Our landscaping experts can help you keep your green infrastructure in top shape without forgetting about the little guys. With us, your flowers, shrubs, and hedges will get all the pampering they need.
Don’t Hesitate to Contact Us!
So, are you looking for a professional tree removal & trimming service company in your area that truly loves trees and won’t make you break the bank if you ask them to care for them? We’re here to help! Get a no-obligation Free Estimate of our tree removal and trimming services, Contact Us or simply give us a call right now. We’re looking forward to working with you!
Find the information you need? Then fill out our Free Estimate form and one of our team members will contact you to discuss your lawn care needs. Still have questions? Feel free to Contact Us. We are always happy to answer any concerns you may have. For Fastest Service, give Gary Stevens Landscape a call at 424-329-3595.


Some people suggest that it is more important to plant more trees in open area than housing. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
It is considered that more trees should be planted in open area rather than building more houses. However, In my opinion, planting trees and housing are both important, and sometimes provide people shelters are more important than trees.
I believe that most poeple agree that trees are important for our environment. For example, trees can offer places for animals to live. if more trees are planted, the diversity of local environment will increase, and more bird and insects will come, the sightseeing will be more beautiful then before. At the same time, the air around the trees will be cleaner, it is proved that tree can filter out pollutant in the air, this can help local community to be cleaner and more comfortable for people to live.
However, for a modern society, especially for a fast growing city, people’s housing problem becomes more and more serious. If more houses are constructed, more people can get a self private place to live. Besides, if there are more houses coming to the market, it means house price will decrease, lower price makes houses more affordable for people. It is obvious that this can help to increase the stability of the society and happiness of people.
Yet at the same time, I think it really depends on the location and the development of the area. In fact, trees needs a lot of water to grow well, if a place is lack of water, planting trees cannot be an optional at all. Besides, if a city is growing very fast and more and more people are attracted to come to settle down, housing on this open area is necessary for the city. It is because you can plant trees in the countryside but you cannot force people to move to countryside.
In sum, I think both are important, and which option is better, I think it really depends on the location and development of the area.


Singapore's Kallang River-Bishan Ang Mo Kio Park Earns Excellence On Waterfront Honor Award
The CH2M HILL-designed project recognized for world-class waterfront design and development
CH2M HILL a global full-service consulting, design, construction, and operations firm, is pleased to announce that Singapore’s Active Beautiful Clean (ABC) Waters Programme at Kallang River-Bishan Ang Mo Kio Park has received the Excellence on the Waterfront Honor Award, which is given to top-quality waterfront work around the world. The Excellence on the Waterfront Awards Program, initiated in 1987 by The Waterfront Center, is a distinguished international awards program supported with grants from the National Endowment for the Arts Design Arts Program and the National Marine Manufacturers Association. The awards were presented on September 28, 2012 in Washington, D.C., during the Waterfront Center’s 30th Annual International Conference, which was attended by award winners from around the world.
Kallang River at Bishan Ang Mo Kio Park has been transformed from a linear utilitarian concrete drainage channel into a meandering, natural river landscape. CH2M HILL partnered with Atelier Dreiseitl to create an integrated approach to waterway management for PUB’s ABC Waters Programme that incorporates engineering, science, landscape design, the behavioral framework of urban design, and a commitment to community involvement.
The Kallang River-Bishan Ang Mo Kio Park project transformed 3 kilometers of Singapore’s longest river from a concrete canal into a natural river with bioengineered slopes and landscaped banks. The new river teems with life, and has shown a 30% increase in biodiversity even before construction was completed. A first in the tropics, soil bioengineering techniques have been used to stabilize the river banks so that they can withstand strong flood flows and also provide habitats for flora and fauna. The flood plains provide generous open space for recreational activities, and in the case of a heavy down pour, the park functions like a real river plain, allowing the river water to spread and slowing the waters down through friction thus reducing the hydraulic overload of the river in more dense urban areas downstream.
The Excellence on the Waterfront Honor Award recognizes the innovation and industry leadership of this project, judging it on its sensitivity of the design to the water, quality and harmony of design, civic contribution, environmental values, cultural enrichment, and degree of difficulty in engineering, public participation, and permitting.
“CH2M HILL is honoured to receive this prestigious award. The ABC Waters Programme is a model for communities around the world looking at enhancing the environment and protecting water resources in a holistic, sustainable manner,” says Tan Ngo Chiaw, Director of CH2M HILL’s Water Business Group in Asia. “CH2M HILL has been helping Singaporeans improve their quality of living over the past fifteen years through its engagement with PUB’s ground-breaking infrastructure projects. Through these landmark projects in combination with the ABC Waters Programme, CH2M HILL and partners are proud to have been able to help Singapore meet its goals of cleaner waters around the island, a healthier environment for its citizens, and has enhanced the country’s reputation as a global water high-tech centre.”
The ABC Waters Programme is designed to ensure a sustainable future for Singapore by increasing the public’s understanding of the vital role waterways play in daily life, increasing native vegetation and fauna, improving the stormwater system, and greening the city to improve the environment. The ABC Waters Programme formally launched this approach in 2006 with 20 projects being initiated over the first five years from 2007-2012 and 100 targeted for by 2025. A number of the ABC Waters Programme projects have been recognized by the industry, including the Alexandra Canal project that earned an Asia Pacific Regional International Water Association Project Innovation Award earlier this year.
Singapore has become a world leader in integrated urban water management, diversifying its water sources and using large scale urban rainwater harvesting for its drinking water supply. Singapore has also seen the integrated management of its water resources as an opportunity to upgrade the city civic space, creating new space for recreation, nature and community. Bishan Park is an inspiring example of how a city park can function as ecological infrastructure, a smart combination of water source, flood management, biodiversity and recreation.
About CH2M HILL
Headquartered near Denver, Colorado, USA, employee-owned CH2M HILL is a global leader in consulting, design, design-build, operations, and program management for government, civil, industrial and energy clients. The firm’s work is concentrated in the areas of water, transportation, environmental, energy, facilities and resources. With US$6.4B in revenue and 30,000 employees, CH2M HILL is an industry-leading program management, construction management and design firm, as ranked by Engineering News-Record and named a leader in sustainable engineering by Verdantix. The firm has been named a FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For five times and was named Water Company of the Year at the 2012 Global Water Awards. For more information, visit www.ch2mhill.com and www.ch2mhillblogs.com/water.
SOURCE: The CH2M HILL


In honor of Saint Patrick’s Day I’m going to post about one of the greenest plants in the landscape: moss. On both radio shows I get frequent calls from people who say that their lawn and gardens are being taken over by these plants. “What can I do to get rid of all this moss?” they ask.
Here is what I always answer: Moss grows on compact soil, in shade, and where it’s moist. Any of those conditions will promote the growth of moss. Don’t believe that moss means you have to lime the lawn…this is one of the myths addressed in my book, Coffee for Roses, and it’s completely false. Moss is happy to grow on alkaline and acidic soils.
My callers want me to give them an easy solution, and they don’t realize that they have actually invited moss into their garden party. They way lawns and gardens are treated will either discourage moss growth or welcome it in.
The growth of these Bryophytes (the traditional term for this division of plants) often shows that a garden and lawn have been neglected. A lawn that’s been regularly attended to with aeration, top-dressing with compost, mowing high and a sensible fertilization program won’t support moss unless it’s too damp and shady for the grass to grow.
And speaking of damp lawns, most automatic sprinkler systems are set up in ways that encourage moss growth. If you are watering more frequently than once a week, and not allowing the soil surface to dry, you’re sending moss an engraved invitation to move in.
Similarly, many people haven’t noticed that over time their yard has gotten shadier as surrounding shrubs and trees have continued to grow. This creates conditions where grass struggles while the moss thrives…so guess which plant leaves the party early? Yup, your turf.
You can buy moss killer at your garden center, or if you want an organic solution rake the moss off the soil surfaces or mix up one of the baking soda recipes you will find online. But if you don’t change the conditions that promote its growth (shade, moisture, compact soil) it will quickly return.
My question to you is this: do you really want to fight this lovely plant? If your yard is shady, maybe moss is the best plant for that area and you should forget about trying to grow grass. Moss is green 12 months a year and you don’t have to mow or fertilize it. In fact, I suspect that the lawn care industry has convinced people that moss is undesirable because there are more products to be sold for keeping lawns healthy and weed free, but no profit in letting moss grow naturally.
Moss is a fascinating plant. There are around 12,000 species in the division Bryophyta, and they thrive in a wide variety of conditions and habitats. Although mosses photosynthesize like other plants, they lack roots, stems and flowers. And you have to admire a plant that obtains nutrients solely from sunlight and rainwater.
I think moss is a stylishly dressed guest who converses beautifully with the other invitees in Nature’s celebration. Instead of viewing moss as a party crasher, I think of it as an A-list guest at all outdoor gatherings. You want to get rid of moss? WHY???
Thanks for that, CL. If more garden and landscape communicators keep bringing up these points, a new “moss consciousness” will develop–the same as acceptance for milkweed, native plants, low-mow lawns, pollinator plants, chemical-free yards, and more. I try to give moss the positive place it deserves in every explanation of landscape solutions.
I love your idea of “a new moss consciousness,” Kathleen! Well put.
And as for “socks and shoes” on the blueberry, may I quote you on that? Very clever way of describing this natural association.
I think I’ve heard other people use this term for plants that grow at another plant’s base, so you don’t have to attribute it to me. It’s one of those terms that many gardeners use, I believe…kind of like calling some plants “thugs.” So use away!
But, I would rather have a nice rich grass all summer instead. so????
So then you’ll need to get rid of the conditions that favor moss: shade, moisture, compact soil. Limb up trees, use a shade grass mix, aerate your soil annually, (and perhaps top-dress with compost at least every other year), and water deeply once a week, not more often. Mow grass high (3″) and let the clippings fall on the lawn to amend soil from the top down, which also helps prevent compact surfaces.
Hear, hear! I love moss and am intending to replace some lawn with it. Can you tell me where I can obtain moss plants on the Cape or can I just relocate existing clumps? Thank you.
I don’t know of a source for moss plants on the Cape. You can relocate if you’re moving moss from your own property, but people should never take moss from the wild or conservation lands. Frankly, if you provide those conditions mentioned in this article that favor moss, you’ll get moss appearing! Note: don’t fall for the beer or buttermilk slurry recipes you see online. They are garden myths!
The back portion of our property is bounded by a lovely brook, No surprise then that moss has found a perfectly delightful space to build its ‘home’ and settle in for the duration. Quite content am I to have it as my guest for as long as it chooses to remain. It harkens me back to simpler times, lazy days and a true focus on Mother Nature’s intent. So, in response to your question ~ “WHY get rid of moss?” My thought is to welcome it if you can. Perhaps just sit back in the shade with your favorite drink and enjoy your surroundings. Moss is simply and serenely beautiful in my garden !
I am in total agreement, Raye. A stunning plant!
What about when moss takes over around existing shrubs – will they be killed I love the moss, but have some plants (I paid good money for) nearby that concern me.
I don’t see a duplicate – please respond
Moss won’t kill shrubs. It might out-compete smaller plants or weeds, but not shrubs. However, moss indicates compact soil and often lower fertility soil since the moss prevents things like leaves or much from decomposing into the ground and feeding the soil and therefore the plants. So if you have moss around your shrubs you might want to, at the very least, apply a liquid organic fertilizer such as fish and seaweed or compost tea around the shrubs once a year to add nutrients.


18-11-2014 Design Competition deadline Dec. 20
Designing for Green, Healthy Cities
Deadline: December 20, 2014.
The 2015 IMCL Design Competition jury will consider all submissions that speak to creating a more livable city, but projects related to the topic Designing for Green, Healthy Cities are actively sought, and will be given particular consideration.
ELIGIBILITY: Urban design, planning, architecture, and landscape architecture projects are eligible. Projects may be already in use, or proposed. There are no geographic limitations.


Great news for dogs living in Carmel—the city plans to build its first dog park!
Carmel Clay Parks announced plans Monday night to move forward on constructing the fenced in dog park on the northern edge of Carmel’s Central Park, located near 116th Street and Rangeline Road.
The north side of Central Park consists of approximately 35 acres. Early construction plans reserve about seven acres for the dog park, but it can expand with future improvements.
Members of the parks board are expected to approve a plan to move forward with the designing and planning of the park. Construction could begin in the fall.
According to parks director Mark Westermeier, the initial cost for the preliminary phase of the dog park could cost a few hundred thousand dollars. Future improvements, including parking spaces, retention ponds and a shelter, could cost $1 million or more.


A walk in the park lately has been, well—no walk in the park. Finding ways to keep a six-foot distance from others out in public has been quite a challenge, as many outdoor spaces aren’t configured with physical distancing in mind.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we interact, landscape architects have been rethinking design for both physical distancing and public engagement.
“I think the importance of public spaces that allow for social distancing will be more popular than ever, once things settle down,” said California landscape architect Keith Wilson.
Attending virtual meetings has been the protocol for Wilson when it comes to public projects that require community input. Working remotely has been challenging for Wilson and his staff while they tackle a new platform for creative design.
“The pandemic has heightened the need for well-designed outdoor spaces, and I expect we will actually see more work because of it,” he said.
Here are some ideas landscape architects have come up with that address changes needed to promote physical distancing:
- Parc de la Distance—Landscape architects in Austria have created an outdoor park plan that incorporates a maze-like pattern lined with shrubs that wrap around in a circle. The hedges along the path have different heights. “Sometimes, visitors are fully immersed by nature, [and] other times they emerge over the hedge and can see across the garden. But at all times, they keep a safe physical distance to each other,” designer Chris Precht told Travel and Leisure.
- The Farmer’s Market—For many years, farmer’s markets have been a big hit, drawing big crowds that create a bit of some elbow-to-elbow confusion. With some organization, including designated order and pick-up areas using a specified traffic pattern, people can still enjoy produce from their local growers. Check out an example of a farmer’s market design posted in Dezeen.
- The City Vibe—Many California city streets were already going through a makeover to deal with conflict points between cars, pedestrians, bikes, and scooters. With overcrowded streets, meeting the physical-distancing challenge could have an impact on cities. Calling it a “road diet,” many local governments have already removed parking and driving lanes to expand sidewalks. Wi-Fi hubs and charging stations are being proposed in public parks so people can use the outdoors as an office space or study area. Many California cities are also closing streets and sidewalks to allow for outdoor restaurant seating.
With more people spending time outdoors, our community infrastructure and private properties could soon go through some significant changes to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic. If you are looking for a professional to handle a project, check out the Department of Consumer Affairs’ Landscape Architects Technical Committee’s “Consumer’s Guide to Hiring a Landscape Architect.” You can verify a professional’s license by visiting search.dca.ca.gov.


When I purchased a home a few years ago, I had no idea what kind of workload I would be faced with. In addition to trying to figure out how to keep the place clean, I was also left with the challenge of tidying up the yard and keeping things trimmed. It was a little overwhelming, but I knew that I could do it with a little hard work and dedication. I started reading a lot of books and blogs about creating gorgeous things for your home and yard, and it was a great creative outlet. This blog is all about exciting, fun ways to make your home and yard even more beautiful.
There are many different stone products that can be used in your landscaping. However, individuals that are looking to undertake a major landscaping project may not understand all of the options that are available to them when choosing stone products.
Gravel is one of the more common types of stone products that you can use in your landscaping. The gravel can be suitable for paving walkways and driveways and to protect the soil against erosion. When choosing gravel, you will have some options in terms of the size of the gravel pieces and the colors of these stones. For those that are wanting to use the gravel for paths, it may be better to use smaller gravel. However, a person that is needing to limit erosion may find that larger stones are a better solution.
Edging can be important for limiting the ability of soil from flower beds and pathways to wash away. These are stones that are placed along the perimeter of the soil so that it will be less likely to wash away during heavy rain. In addition to being useful for keeping soil in place, this can also assist with keeping your mulch from washing away. For the best results, the edging should be slightly inserted into the ground. This will help to keep the edging stable so that it will not shift positions as this could create gaps that allow soil or mulch to pass through.
Rocks and stones can also be used for decorative purposes. For example, individuals may find that placing larger stones in strategic areas of their property can help to complement the appearance of the property by breaking up areas of the landscape. Individuals that live in arid areas may find that the use of these rocks can help to reduce the amount of grass that is needing to be watered. As a result, this is a popular option for reducing the overall amount of water that a property's landscaping will require without severely compromising the overall appearance of the yard.
Effectively using stone products in your landscaping design can help to improve the appearance of your property while giving a number of other advantages as well. Understanding the benefits and uses for some of the more commonly used stone products can help with creating a plan for incorporating these stones into your landscaping's design, whether you are looking to improve the paths on your property, reduce erosion or place them around the yard for decorative purposes.Share


The Summer Palace or Yihe Yuan (pinyin: Yíhé Yuán; literally "Gardens of Nurtured Harmony") is a palace in Beijing, China. The Summer Palace is mainly dominated by Longevity Hill (60 meters high) and the Kunming Lake. It covers an expanse of 2.9 square kilometers, three quarters of which is water. The central Kunming Lake covering 2.2 square kilometers was entirely man made and the excavated soil was used to build Longevity Hill. In the Summer Palace, one finds a variety of palaces, gardens, and other classical-style architectural structures.


Tree Maintenance Service, Tweed Heads
Tree maintenance will transform the trees in your yard from drab, damaged, or diseased into beautiful, thriving centerpieces of your landscaping. If you need additional services or emergency tree services, we also offer tree removal, dead tree removal, and specialty arborist services.
Do You Need Tree Maintenance?
Many homeowners don’t realize the importance of tree maintenance until they have a problem tree on their hands. Whether you tried to tackle the task on your own or you’ve let your trees grow out of hand, here are some of the most common signs of an improperly maintained tree:
Why Does Tree Maintenance Make a Difference?
Tree maintenance has a direct effect upon the health of the trees in your yard, the safety of your family, and the value of your property. Trees that are diseased or damaged will have shorter life-spans and are more likely to fall on your home or yard.
What Does Tree Maintenance Include?
Tweed Tree Specialist always customizes our tree maintenance program to meet the needs of the trees in your yard. The most common tree maintenance services include:
- Tree trimming and pruning to ensure optimal tree health and beauty
- Effective mulching to protect your young trees from environmental stress
- Fertilization at the proper time of year (and soil testing to see whether or not fertilization is actually necessary)
- Assisting with new tree planting and location
Tweed Tree Service is proud to offer our customers comprehensive tree services including tree trimming, tree removal, tree maintenance, tree pruning, and stump grinding. Our experienced workers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, rain or shine.
Trees are the most substantial investment in your landscape and require a regular maintenance program to keep them healthy.
To get a quick response and top-notch tree work, give Tweed Tree Specialist a call today at 07-5591-4220 or use our contact form.


Few seeds collected. These have a wonderful smell that will enhance your garden and add a splash of color to your outdoor décor. Bloom Time: Late spring to mid-summer. Dianthus deltoides Confetti Cherry Red. Dianthus deltoides are Maiden Pinks. Inside are numerous tiny, blackish-brown seeds. Maiden Pinks are easy-care perennials, ideal for the beginning gardener. 7. They will do well with full sun and well-drained soil. Stems are green or tinged red, slender and stiff, unbranched or branched in the upper stem, hairless or minutely hairy. Zones: 3-9. A superb ground cover plant that reaches a height of just 10cm, they are perfect for creating lasting colour throughout the summer months from June to September. Fruit: Fruit is an oval to cylindric capsule about as long as the calyx, open at the top with 4 teeth around the mouth. D. deltoides is one of the most aggressive Dianthus species, and if allowed to form seed, it will self-sow freely. A much-desired addition to any garden for use as groundcover, borders and in rock gardens. Dianthus deltoides 'Red Maiden' is hot pink and forms a mat of deep green foliage on which 12-inch-tall flowers appear in late spring. Dianthus deltoides Confetti Cherry Red. Color: White flowers with a pink eye rimmed with crimson, dark green foliage. In late spring and summer, the foliage mound is covered by a profusion of heavily fringed, small, single flowers in shades of red, pink or white. Maiden Pinks: USDA Zone: 2-9: Plant number: 1.180.260. Exposure: Full sun. The red flowers cover the plant from spring until the first frost. Dianthus deltoides, commonly called maiden pink, is an evergreen perennial that typically forms loose spreading mats of foliage to 4-6” tall and to 24” wide.Narrow, linear to lance-shaped leaves. The blooms are often pink to red-pink but can also be white or spotted with white. Botanical name: Dianthus deltoides Best For: Cut flower, ground cover, Home garden, Edges/borders Light Requirement & care: Full Sun, open, good, free draining, alkaline soils Dianthus deltoides, or Maiden Pinks, have a dark ring near the bloom center. This is a variation that has blooms that are either red or pink in color. Notes: Frilly white petals surround the fiery center for an eye-catching effect. Vigorous and free-flowering, Dianthus deltoides (Maiden Pink) is an evergreen perennial forming a spreading mat of narrow, green leaves. Dianthus deltoides. DIANTHUS DELTOIDES (Maiden Pink Red Spreading Dianthus) $ 12.98 – $ 48.50 . In the cooler seasons, the leaves of this cultivar tend to take on purplish-red tones, and then revert back to green in spring. Outstanding low growing hardy perennial grows only 4” tall and spreads into a mat of dark green leaves. Height/Spread: Compact stature with mat-forming habit, 6-8 inches tall, 12-14 inches wide. Dianthus Deltoides Maiden Pink. Noteworthy Characteristics. 8. Dianthus monspessulanus are Fringed Pinks. They are short-term perennials that are often used as a ground cover. This new, rare and most-gorgeous, bone hardy, soundly perennial dark red Dianthus was used by Cleve West, to make a sensation when the Daily Telegraph garden won best in show at Chelsea 2011. Shearing back spent blooms will encourage reblooming and minimize self seeding. Confetti Red is an eye-catching variety of Dianthus deltoides that produces vibrant deep red flowers. And it is yet another great plant for attracting bees and butterflies into the garden, and if content will naturalise moderately.


Listen, I wouldn’t call myself an “outdoorsy” person per say, but I LOVE a well-manicured lawn and garden and I LOVE getting my hands dirty gardening. Has anyone been to the garden at Giverny, because that is the dream! Being surrounded by flowers is my ultimate happy place. I jumped for joy when Troy-Bilt asked us to be a part of their Flip the Yard Campaign! I know that landscaping can be a bit intimidating, so I wanted to show a simple way to add some whimsy and curb-appeal to your yard without enlisting a whole crew. This yard was certainly not terrible, but there were a few parts that were not as well-kept and lackluster. We tidied up our edges, banished the weeds, and planted loads of peonies for a fresh, clean slate. Then for the grand finale, we used mowing patterns to create a giant rainbow across the lawn! We like to call it Lawn Art, our newest obsession.
Check out the whole transformation and see what tools we used to create this Lawn Rainbow Makeover!


Hotel Indigo, San Diego, United States
Roofs planted with low-maintenance plants such as sedums improve the thermal performance of buildings, helping to keep them cool in warm weather and insulating them in winter. The plants and the thin layer of soil also work like a sound barrier, particularly when they're wet, helping to reduce noise pollution. External solar shading systems prevent the sun’s rays entering the building and causing heat gain.
Case study: Hotel Indigo, San Diego
Hotel Indigo San Diego is topped with green roofs on the ninth and 12th floors, which will reduce energy consumption by cutting the need for heating/air conditioning and lowering the urban heat island effect. The hotel’s Phi Terrace Bar and meditation deck is also the world’s first installation of MoistureShield composite decking, made from recycled polyethylene plastic and recycled wood fibres.
The hotel's green features don't stop there and also include, terrace herb garden for use at Phi Bar and Bistro, operable floor-to-ceiling windows for natural lighting and ventilation, on-site recycling program, composting of organic matter, and reserved parking spaces/parking discounts for guests with low-emitting/fuel-efficient vehicles.


Brick Street Restoration Project
Fourteen blocks of brick streets have been designated for the first phase of a restoration project in Baldwin City.
At the May 5th, 2022, Council Meeting, City Council unanimously approved Phase I of a brick street restoration plan presented by Public Works Director Rob Culley. The plan designates fourteen blocks of brick streets that are most important to preserve the character of the downtown area and Baker campus.
Culley notes that it might be possible to fund up to 70% of the construction cost through grants, from discussions he's had with Jason Hoskins of BG Consultants. Cost calculations for various methods of brick street replacement or rehab are available here.
City Council voted unanimously at the June 21st, 2022, Council Meeting to send a sales tax initiative to public vote, designating a .5% sales tax raise within city limits as funding to work on brick street restoration. Citizens will see the sales tax question on the General Election ballots November 8th, 2022. You may read the full resolution and public notice here.
In council discussions over prior months, a consensus was reached regarding which blocks to focus on first. Other matters discussed include how to handle any brick streets that are not included in the initial restoration phase. Council and staff agreed that any full-scale restoration of residential streets will require community engagement and dialogue with residents.
None of the existing brick streets that are not in Phase I are scheduled for replacement or demolition. Temporary asphalt “patches” may be applied to make the streets smoother until a long term plan and funding is identified and implemented for the streets not in Phase I.
The fourteen blocks designated for the initial focus include High Street from 5th to 9th, 8th Street from Indiana to Dearborn, Dearborn from 6th to 8th, Grove from 6th to 8th, and 7th Street from High to Grove.
Brick Street Rehab: Construction cost = $350,000 per block.
Project cost = $440,000 per block
- Removal of existing street and curbs. Salvage existing brick pavers (palletize for re-use).
- 6” concrete pavement base for pavers on a 6” gravel street base (AB-3).
- Reinstall brick pavers with paver sand.
- New concrete curb and gutters.
- Storm Sewer (varies, estimate includes $125 per ft. for inlets and smaller diameter pipes).
- Minimal ancillary impacts (minor driveway aprons just where impacted by curb replacement, no sidewalks, etc.).
- Mobilization, bonds, staking, seeding/restoration, erosion control and other misc. incidentals estimated at $35,000 per block.


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The common name bamboo is applied to more than a thousand plant species. In the wild, some of these species can grow to heights of 50 feet or more. However, certain types of bamboo can be planted in pots, even indoors. Come on, learn the characteristics of bamboo that you must know!
Plants grow quickly and can easily spread throughout the garden if you let them. So growing it in a pot is ideal to keep it under control. It won’t grow that big, but it will mean that it will be a lot easier to manage.
Bamboo is best planted in spring or early fall, although you can usually plant it indoors any time of the year. Come on, read about the characteristics of bamboo for more!
Bamboo is usually a long-lasting plant and rarely has problems with pests. Then, usually no pruning is required. You can remove the old cane at the base if it starts to look unsightly. And you can also remove new shoots emerging from the ground if you want to limit the growth of your bamboo.
Regular watering and feeding will be the most important part of maintaining your plants. To keep soil moist like bamboo, you may need to water the plant more than once a week. But especially for indoor plants where the climate doesn’t change drastically, you should be able to create predictable grooming routines fairly easily.
Bamboo prefers a place that gets full sun to partial shade. Too much shade can result in weak plants that don’t grow to their full potential or develop brilliant colors. Indoors, keep the bamboo near the brightest window, and rotate the pot every week or so to make sure all sides of the plant get light.
This plant can tolerate a wide variety of soil types, but prefers rich, organic soil with good drainage.
Bamboo has drought tolerance once planted, and can handle soggy soil for a short time. However, sitting in stagnant water can eventually rot the roots and kill the plant.
The plant should ideally have evenly moist soil. Test the soil by sticking your finger an inch or two in it and watering it whenever it feels dry. Don’t let the soil dry out completely. But during the winter months, reduce watering a little.
Temperature and Humidity
This type of bamboo is known for its cold tolerance. It can withstand temperatures even around -15 degrees Celsius for a short time. However, cold weather can cause the plant to shed its foliage and can eventually kill it.
Plants will thrive in room temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius. Keep away from cold drafts, such as those from air conditioners, as well as from dry hot vents. This plant prefers moderately humid air but can tolerate indoor dryness as long as you keep it watered well.
To maintain optimal nutrient amounts for your plant soil, feed your bamboo with a liquid fertilizer once a month, following label directions. It can also help to mix some organic compost into the soil, especially in spring, to promote healthy plant growth.
Bamboo Pot and Repotting
When starting with a small nursery of bamboo plants, choose a container that is at least 12 inches wide and deep. Choose a pot made of heavy material to support the weight of a bamboo stick. You can even add a few rocks or pebbles to the base if you feel the container is not sturdy enough to withstand the weight of the plant. Also, make sure the container has sufficient drainage holes.
Place the root ball in the pot, and fill around it with nutrient-rich potting mix. If you want, mix in some compost to encourage growth. Then, water the bamboo well.
You may have to transplant the bamboo to a larger pot every one or two years after the roots have spread all over the pot and you see it popping out of a hole in the bottom or sticking out of the soil above it. Don’t leave your plant in a pot that is too small for a long time.
Because, plants will not get enough nutrients to stay healthy. Indoor plants will usually do fine if moved at any time of the year, but early in the growing season in the spring when the plants are growing is generally the best time to transplant.
So, now you know what are the characteristics of bamboo that you should know before buying and planting it. Are you interested in growing bamboo? If interested, here are recommended pots for your bamboo plants:
You can find recommended products easily on Ruparupa.com which always has various attractive offers. Come on, shop now don’t run out!


"Socio-cultural characterization of historic urban landscapes: an integrated approach based on the use of social media"
Cultural heritage, in its manifold expressions, is as a key urban component that (i) adapts and evolves through time with the changes occurring in the city, and at the same time maintains its identity, integrity, and continuity, and (ii) enables and drives the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of sustainable development.
The recent 2011 UNESCO Recommendation on the Historic Urban Landscape (HUL) called for the application of a value-based landscape approach to urban management to ensure the integration of cultural heritage conservation concerns within the wider framework of sustainable urban development. The Recommendation declared cultural heritage to be a social construct, subject to diverse associations of meanings related to personal experience, knowledge, practices, and change over time, and challenged existing methods for the characterization and mapping of the urban landscape. This thesis follows this conceptualization and develops a novel method that integrates traditional and innovative tools to grasp the range of cultural values attributed by the different stakeholders to the urban landscape, and to provide insights into all facets of the perceived landscape character. In this regard, Tripoli, Lebanon is taken as a case study to apply the proposed method. This thesis draws attention to the social co-construction of meanings of everyday landscape. It goes beyond historic centers and designated heritage to address the city as a whole and recognize in-between liminal spaces, where heritage boundaries are challenged, alternatives to dominant narratives of identity are articulated, and diverse cultural values are claimed through community interests and social activism.
First, this thesis identifies the prospects and challenges for the application of a value-based landscape approach to urban management. Second, it applies the proposed method to the characterization of the HUL. Third, it recalls the dissonant, conflictual, and process-based character of heritage values, and investigates the role of "non-expert" actors in shaping the dynamics of heritage production. In doing so it addresses both collective and connective action. The latter is built upon online communities and digital activism. The results show that value judgments are very complex in nature and are bound by the local sociopolitical structure and economic conditions. Another important finding of this thesis is that the analysis of social media metadata provides additional knowledge about everyday encounters with the HUL and that digital platforms play a role in building online communities that contribute to the co-production of local knowledge and that challenge authorized understandings of heritage.


In the heart of bustling city life, where concrete jungles dominate the landscape, a vibrant and refreshing trend is taking root—urban gardening. Imagine stepping out onto your balcony, rooftop, or even a small corner of your living room, and being greeted by a lush and flourishing oasis of greenery. Urban gardening is not just a hobby; it’s a transformative experience that brings nature back into our lives while creating stunning aesthetic and environmental benefits.
Embrace the Green Revolution: Why Urban Gardening?
The urban gardening movement is a powerful response to the fast-paced, technology-driven world we live in. It’s a chance to reconnect with nature and cultivate a sense of tranquility amidst the chaos. But the benefits don’t stop there—urban gardening offers an array of advantages for both individuals and the environment.
1. Beautify Your Space: No matter how compact your living quarters are, there’s always room for a touch of nature. Urban gardening enables you to transform any space into a visual masterpiece, using plants to infuse color, texture, and life into your surroundings.
2. Improve Air Quality: With pollution levels on the rise, clean air is a precious commodity. Urban gardening plays a vital role in filtering pollutants and releasing oxygen, contributing to healthier and fresher air for you and your neighbors.
3. Sustainable Living: Growing your own herbs, vegetables, and fruits reduces your carbon footprint by decreasing the need for transportation and excessive packaging. Embrace sustainability by nurturing your own mini ecosystem.
4. Stress Relief: The act of tending to plants has been scientifically proven to lower stress levels and boost mood. Imagine unwinding after a long day amid the soothing presence of your urban garden.
5. Connection and Community: Urban gardening isn’t just an individual endeavor—it’s a movement that fosters connections. Join local gardening groups, attend workshops, and swap gardening tips with fellow enthusiasts to build a sense of community and camaraderie.
Getting Started: Your Urban Garden Journey
Embarking on your urban gardening journey is easier than you might think. No matter your level of expertise, there’s a perfect starting point for everyone:
1. Choose Your Space: Assess your available space—whether it’s a windowsill, a balcony, or even a vertical garden setup. Your garden’s size will determine the types of plants you can grow.
2. Select Your Plants: Opt for plants that suit your space and skill level. Hardy succulents, aromatic herbs, and vibrant flowers are excellent choices for beginners.
3. Gather Supplies: Basic gardening tools, pots or containers, potting soil, and the right type of fertilizer are essential for nurturing your plants effectively.
4. Plan and Plant: Research each plant’s specific needs—light, water, and temperature requirements—before planting. Create a planting plan that optimizes space and ensures harmonious growth.
5. Nurturing and Enjoying: Regular watering, pruning, and monitoring will be necessary. Watch your urban garden flourish and take pride in your green achievements.
Join the Urban Gardening Movement Today!
Discover the enchanting world of urban gardening and embark on a journey that promises to rejuvenate your space and soul. Whether you’re a seasoned horticulturist or a complete novice, the world of plants welcomes all with open arms. Embrace the beauty, the benefits, and the sense of accomplishment that comes with watching life thrive in the heart of your urban habitat. Begin your green adventure today and witness the magic of urban gardening unfold before your eyes!
Source: Brands To Shop


Oakmont Environmental “We bring the Bloom”
Perennials and Annuals sometimes known as Ornamentals should be a part of any investment landscape with their stimulating colors and vivacious blooms. With any blooming plant you want the most pop and life in a much shorter time span. This is one reason why Perennials and Annuals, just like a lawn, thrive on a probiotic approach to improve overall plant physiology, giving you colorful, full and vivacious flowers.
At Oakmont, we use bio-nutritional products for Perennials and Annuals, both foliar as well as deep root feeding. Bio-nutritional products prefer soil drenching around the base of the plant out to about halfway to the drip line as opposed to a deep root feeding. Soil drenching is an extremely effective method and, more importantly, greatly reduces the possibility of spreading any root borne diseases.
Oakmont Environmental is using a Holganix recipe that includes Endo and Ectomychorrhizae Fungi to assist roots with water and nutrient uptake. Our recipe also includes good bacteria that help break down soils into better organic materials for the rooting process. Lastly, Lignin Polymers to assist in breaking up soil compaction to allow roots to funnel deeper and together they speed up and improve the healing process.
Vigor & Color
The biological properties of our recipe allow for a reduction in fertilizers to promote vigor, life and color. The soil bacteria we use convert both fixed nitrogen from the atmosphere and change bound nitrogen and phosphorous to a free form that can be absorbed directly by the roots– the more nutrients in the soil the less fertilizer is required. We use the analogy that “Tablespoons are Replaced by Teaspoons”.
This may sound small but it is not, it’s 66% less fertilizer that can go into in our North American waters like the Manasquan River Watershed, Barnegat Bay, the Gulf of Mexico and the Everglades.
At Oakmont Environmental we took the BLUE Pledge to Stop the Spread of Dead Zones in our waterways.
Through a mycorrhizal association the fungi are working cooperatively with vascular plant roots which release complex sugars into the soil that the mycorrhizae use as food.
The mycorrhizae then transport water and nutrients from the soil to the roots. Included in our recipe are additional sugars and yucca extracts to further aid in water retention that enable the plants to develop thicker and deeper root systems which result in healthier plants needing less irrigation.
For plant health and vigor there needs to be a robust soil eco-system. Plants growing in a Holganix amended soil are better able to resist infection and attack by pathogens and insects.
Even if attacked by pathogens or insects these now robust and vigorous plants are better able to recover from disease and insect pestilence because of a strong ecologically balanced soil environment.
Oakmont’s Bloom Program like every other program we have uses an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) process that treats plants at the proper time of the year to ensure year-round protection while minimizing the use of pesticides.
Our trained horticultural specialists will identify active pests during each round and apply products to only those plants that have damaging thresholds present or are susceptible to pest issues at that time of year.


As more people learn about the benefits of artificial turf, they realize how much better it is than real grass. And yet, what exactly is synthetic grass? Artificial grass is a synthetic material designed to mimic the look of real grass. Variations in the height of the pile on green fake grass blades are on the market.
The majority of recently manufactured artificial grass has a brown thatch, similar to the appearance of dead grass in a natural grass lawn. Thanks to recent advancements in technology, artificial grass now looks remarkably like the genuine thing. For more information about the advantages of installing artificial grass, please visit https://medium.com/@artificalturfinstallers/benefits-of-artifical-turf-installation-33e83e88a75a.
You have most likely spotted this item in a variety of settings, including your neighbor’s backyard, a stadium, the plaza in front of a business, and so on. It might not be immediately obvious that this is artificial grass. Although the more attention you pay to it, the more obvious it will be. Not that it necessarily has a horrible aesthetic because of this. Some benefits of using this product are as follows:
Extremely low upkeep
It’s possible you already know that natural grass requires some upkeep on your part. To achieve a picture-perfect lawn, you need to invest in some pricey tools and have at least a passing familiarity with gardening. Using natural grass for sports requires more time and work to be effective. In that case, success is highly unlikely.
Its supposed low maintenance requirements are sometimes exaggerated. Little matter how often it is stated, the fact that artificial turf requires almost no upkeep remains one of its primary benefits. Now that the grass doesn’t need as much attention, more time can be devoted to social activities and leisure pursuits.
If it gets ripped or punctured, you’ll need to patch it or fix it. On the other hand, artificial grass lawns don’t require nearly as much upkeep as natural ones. There’s no need to ever weed, mow, or trim the edges. For more information, go here.
Very artistically pleasing
This new synthetic grass actually looks pretty good. The artificial appearance has been remedied, and it now rivals the allure of the genuine article in terms of visual appeal. As time goes on, it gets harder to tell an artificial grass from a real one. And they have a major benefit over natural grass in one important respect. You won’t have to see your grass die off in the fall and winter.
As was previously said, unlike the early prototypes, modern artificial grass can fool the eye and appear very realistic up close.
So, homeowners who opt for artificial grass will have a beautiful green lawn without the hassle of worrying about fading or brown patches. When it comes to curb appeal, which is especially important in business parks and commercial establishments, this is a great option.
Ruts, sidewalks, or bare patches in lawns and gardens may be caused by too much foot traffic on natural grass. However, artificial turf is long-lasting and can hold up to heavy foot traffic.
Fast and simple set-up
Artificial grass can be laid down on a wide variety of surfaces, including cement, tile, and concrete. The device can be used in a variety of settings, including by swimming pools, at cafes and bars with outside seating, and on playgrounds. It’s ready to get to work the moment it’s installed.
The installation process can be handled by the homeowner, but many opt to employ a professional. Your ability to do so is dependent on your knowledge, expertise, and availability. Several helpful lessons are available for you to use as references on the web. You might also hire artificial grass in Murrieta, CA services if you’re concerned about your ability to complete the task on your own.
No need for fertilizers
Because it doesn’t spread or grow, artificial turf doesn’t require regular fertilization, but it still looks lovely and vibrant. The grass will continue to be healthy, lush, and green. Algae blooms in waterways including rivers, lakes, and wetlands are another detrimental effect of using chemical fertilizers that can have on the surrounding ecosystem.
You also won’t have to shell out any cash to acquire them. Maintaining natural grass requires more effort than just watering a lawn or garden. Fertilizers are essential for the health and vitality of all plant life and organic surfaces. This is not the case with synthetic grass. If you’re not a green-thumb but yet want a beautiful lawn, then this product is for you.
Popular benefits of artificial turf are its long-term worth and low cost. At first glance, it may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it’s actually a wise financial move that will boost the value of your home. The expense of the turf and its installation can easily be amortized over just a few years of use.
The money you save on gardening essentials like fertilizer, tools, and water is already noted above. It doesn’t require any kind of moisture to grow because it’s constructed of synthetic fibers. Exactly as it is now, the product will be available for a very long period.


Villa Borghese located in the heart of Rome, was the suburban residence of the Borghese family. Built in 1616 by the nephew of Paul V, the Cardinal Scipio Borghese, it was surrounded by large and varied gardens, which are still populated by eagles and dragons, the heraldic symbols of the family. The architect of the Casino was Jan Van Santen, a Dutchman known also as Giovanni Vasanzio. He completed a design by Flaminio Ponzio.
Until a few years ago cars were allowed to enter the villa and the square in front of the casino was a parking lot. A recent restoration together with the white color of the building eventually brought some peace and silence.
The building now hosts the gallery of statues and paintings which was hosted in the Palazzo Borghese in town. However the statues by Gian Lorenzo Bernini inside the gallery were sculpted for the Casino. Between the busts the reliefs of the eagle and the dragon.
The gardens to the north of the Casino are a fine example of a XVIIth century Italian garden, with statues and fountains. The gardens to the south of the Casino were redesigned in the XIXth century when the Borghese acquired other adjoining land and built a new entrance opposite Porta del Popolo.
In addition to their heraldic symbols the Borghese, who owned the Villa until the end of the XIXth century, decorated the gardens with little buildings in neoclassical style.
The gardens were opened to the public and on special occasions the Romans were entertained in Piazza di Siena a sort of open air theatre.


The ratio between the length and the breadth of a rectangular park is 3:2. If a man cycling along the boundary of the park at the speed of 12 km/hr completes one round in 8 minutes, then the area of the park (in sq. m) is (a) 15360sq. m (b) 153600sq. m (c) 30720sq. m (d) 307200sq. m
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A rectangular park is to be designed whose breadth is 3 m less than its length. Its area is to be 4 square metres more than the area of a park that has already been made in the shape of an isosceles triangle with its base as the breadth of the rectangular park and of altitude 12 m (see Figure). Find its length and breadth.
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xeriscaping landscaping fire pits water features outdoor fireplaces patios decks fences retaining walls
It's still winter...3 things you can do right now to get a head start on your spring landscaping:
- Winter Watering: There are plenty of warmer days in the Colorado Winter, and plants would appreciate a drink! Any day over 40 degrees with no snow pack, give your plants, trees, and even grass a good watering. Just remember to get the water out of your hose before putting it away!
- Spring cleaning:Even
the outdoors need a little freshen up now and then! Rock beds collect
dust and seeds over the fall and winter, which can lead to a hotbed of
weeds once the weather starts to warm up! On those
nice days in March and April when it is too early to put any plants in
the ground, but you feel like you just need to do something outside,
take a hose and power wash your rock and cobble beds to rinse all that
winter dirt and grime out of there! For your mulch
beds, take a small rake or garden hoe and "turn" or "fluff" your
existing mulch. Can you see bare soil or landscape fabric? If yes, it's
time to add some.
- Spring fertilizing:
an early spring application of organic fertilizers and preemergents like
corn gluten are a great way to get a head start on a beautifully green
lawn. Your spring fertilizer and preemergent
weed control should be applied prior to April 1, so watch the weather
and don't be afraid to take advantage of those heavy wet snows to help
"water" it in!
Looking for a low cost, big impact for your landscaping this year?
Lighting is the way to go!


Heuchera 'Midnight Rose'
Most members of this genus are grown for their foliage, and there is a huge range of varieties with exotic coloured leaves. They make great ground cover, or can be used to soften the edges of paths. See also the closely related Tiarella, and x Heucherella, which are hybrids of Heuchera and Tiarella.
Heuchera 'Midnight Rose' is a spectacular variety with black background foliage spotted with rich pink marks in spring, turning to a lighter shade of black with cream and pink dots in summer. Quite unlike anything we have seen before.
||1 litre pot|
||sun or partial shade|
||fertile, moist, well drained soil|
||20 - 60 cm|


Aldi Ireland has recently planted 15,000 trees on a site in Muingaphuca, County Kerry.
This is in addition to the 16,000 trees that were planted on a site in Rockfield, Limerick in December 2019.
The new plantation of native Irish woodland will help to encourage local flora and fauna, while aligning with the Government’s aim to plant 22 million trees a year until 2040, the retailer said.
The initial plantation of 16,000 trees will remove as much as 3,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, it added.
Working in conjunction with Green Belt, the site underwent a Forest Carbon Woodlands Benefit Assessment, the discounter explained.
As part of this assessment, it was established that the site was planned sensitively to enhance the neighbouring aquatic feature close to the project boundary, to enhance the local landscape and to create a new and diverse habitat along the ‘Kerry Way’.
Green Belt, who coordinated the project, said that it is 'delighted to work with Aldi to initiate and deliver step 1 of real action by helping them establishing 10.22 hectares of new native woodland, by planting 31,000 native trees which will over time lead to the capture of 5,785 tonnes of carbon.'
Additionally, the site has been planned with significant setbacks throughout, enabling grassland to revert to more natural vegetation, further enhancing biodiversity in the area.
The plantation will ultimately create a habitat for foxes, deer, badgers, squirrels, pine martens and many more.
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