Weeds are a problem that plague every garden, and while weed killer will help once the weeds are above the surface we wanted to find a product that can help control and prevent. We came across a product that is created by DuPont called the General Purpose Landscape Fabric and quickly fell in love with it.
The easy to install fabric is a great way to block weeds from growing, but still allows for moisture and nutrients to get to your plants unlike plastic sheeting. Also the General Purpose Landscape Fabric comes backed up by a 5 year warranty, which is great news to hear for any product.
Installation is very easy and can be done in a matter of minutes. Roll out the fabric across your garden, and cut to fit your space. Use landscape anchor pins every 3-5 feet to fasten down the edges of the fabric, and then cut X's where you plan on putting you plants. Cover the fabric with 2-3 inches of mulch and you're done!
Ask any real golf enthusiast if they would like their own putting green in the backyard, and get ready to see their eyes light up. Putting greens have been a growing trend amongst homeowners in the recent years. It brings the great game of golf home, and it can make a dead space into a useful one.
We spoke to someone over at Jacks Turfto find out more about this trend, and they confirmed that it is one of their most sought after products to be installed. There is something about having your very own putting green to practice on, especially when heading out to the golf course isn't always possible.
Since the turf used for these putting greens is artificial, you also have next to no maintenance to worry about once it's installed. The turf will give the golf ball a true roll, so that way the stroke that you practice with on your putting green will be the same stroke you use on the course. If this is something that sounds interesting to you, we invite you to take a look around Jacks Turf website and get an estimate for your home.
This is a common problem amongst most people when they mow their lawns, cutting it too short. This can cause a lot of problems for your grass and might even lead into replacing the lawn. First watch the video and learn exactly when the lawn should be cut shorter and when it should be allowed to grow a little more.
Most people have the idea that by cutting the lawn very short, they will not have to do it as often. The problem with that theory is when the sun beats down on the grass it will easily burn and kill the grass. The easiest way to put it is like this, Through May to September keep the lawn at about 3 inches, once fall rolls in drop it down to about 2 inches and you will be able to enjoy a lush green lawn all year long.
How would you like to received free trees to add to your landscape? The real question is, who wouldn't? Before I jump into the details on how you can get your free trees lets first tough on the reasons why you should do it and how it should be done.
Keep in mind that these trees that are being given away at zero cost to you, need to serve a certain purpose and are not simply for their beauty. These shade trees need to be used in order for you to be able to reduce your electric bill. How can that be done? By placing them in spots where the sun tends to beat down on your home, or where your air conditioning unit is. With less heat entering your home there will be less need for the air conditioning, and by giving the air condition unit more shade you will pull in more cool air and that leads to less usage.
So how do you get your free shade trees? I went through the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, and they supplied me with 3 trees of my choice from an extensive list. They also included everything you need to get that tree to establish itself including steaks, food, and the proper soil. I had to take a quick online class and draw out the plan of where I intended to plant the trees. I received my trees within a month and that was it! The link below will help you get started on the process to receive your free shade trees through the LADWP, but if your not a part of that water district, we suggest that you call your utility provider and see what programs they are offering locally to you.
Water conservation is a big deal right now, and because there is a need to save water many people want to know, are drip irrigation systems a good way to go? With the laws being enforced on water consumption, you are going to make the most of what you use. With drip irrigation, you will be able to zero in on the areas you need watered and not waste it by spraying everywhere. The video below will get into some more details.
Drip irrigation systems focus the water used to go straight to the roots which causes less waste, this is best for potted plants and raised planters. Also when watering trees this is the best way to go, by adding a couple drip emitters around the tree you can do what is called "deep watering". This will help the roots to grow downward rather than coming up through the surface, and by having more control on the root growth you can save your hardscape from being cracked by large roots.
Rain Bird is a company we trust and have a wide variety of irrigation products including all the parts you need to make your own drip irrigation system. Head over to Rain Bird's website to get started on yours today.
One of my favorite nurseries has to be Armstrong Garden Center. With their wide selection of everything from plants to fountains, you will be able to find anything you need for your landscape. I went to my local store yesterday to see whats growing and whats popular with the do it yourself gardeners out there.
Instantly I noticed that the annuals were in full bloom, which is an inexpensive way to quickly beautify your yard and add tons of color at the same time. Also if your just looking to fill in some spots in your garden, these plants would be a good way to do it.
After talking to the staff at Armstrong they let me know that now is the time to plant your vegetable garden, and that it is one of their most popular items right now. Here you can find everything from Tomatoes to herbs such as cilantro and basil.
If your looking to go green and save water in your yard, the Armstrong Garden Center has you covered. They have a large selection of drought tolerant plants like the succulents shown here, and the staff will let you know what you should when planting and caring for these types of plants.
A couple outdoor living displays were also set up by Pacific Outdoor Living and Monrovia which gave me a couple good ideas on what can be done in the backyard. Both displays showed a good examples on how fountains and ponds can really change your yard.
In all, the Armstrong Garden Center really is a one stop shop for your landscaping needs. The knowledgeable staff are always willing to help you, and will go as far as being your personal shopper and where you can use their expertise to help you choose plants. Or if you would rather learn how to care for your yard, they also offer classes to teach you what to do. For info on classes, events, or the address to any of the 33 locations in California head to ArmstrongGarden.com.
Water gardening is a great way to bring tranquility into your backyard getaway. Any homeowner that has built a pond or waterfall in their yard will tell you how much it has changed a dead space into a private oasis. This video we found online from California Waterscapes will give you a better idea of what its like to own a pond.
If the video sparked an interest to get your own private oasis, then we suggest that you take a look at Angies List. There you can find a local qualified installer, and also read reviews from past customers they have serviced. Now if your in the Southern California area, we recommend that you call California Waterscapes, they have an amazing satisfaction rate and are completely qualified to do this type of work.
The 2010 Pasadena Showcase House For The Arts is right around the corner again this year, and this years home will be nothing less than breathtaking. This year the Cravens Estate was chosen to be renovated and returned to its original beautiful state.
Designed by renowned San Francisco architect, Lewis P. Hobart the Craven Estate was inspired by the baroque Chateau Vaux-le-Vicomte and completed in 1930. The Estate is a refined three story, fifty-room residence with a wealth of architectural features.It originally encompassed 16 acres beginning at Orange Grove Blvd and extending to South Grand Ave. The estimated square footage of the home was 19,970 square feet. The total building cost of over $310,000 made this home one of the most expensive built in Pasadena at that time. The first floor had seven living rooms, a dining room, a kitchen and two pantries.The second floor included eleven bedrooms and six bathrooms.There were two bedrooms on the third floor.There was also a 1,082 square foot completed basement. Heat was provided by a gas furnace and five fireplaces.
Installation is very easy and can be done in a matter of minutes. Roll out the fabric across your garden, and cut to fit your space. Use landscape anchor pins every 3-5 feet to fasten down the edges of the fabric, and then cut X's where you plan on putting you plants. Cover the fabric with 2-3 inches of mulch and you're done! 
Rain Bird is a company we trust and have a wide variety of irrigation products including all the parts you need to make your own drip irrigation system. Head over to Rain Bird's website to get started on yours today.
