Restraint. A seemingly simple word. A word that implies self-control, self-discipline, and moderation. It is a word that, when used in landscape design, will produce simpler designs that create a powerful impact. It makes every plant earn its keep instead of just showing up. Here are 6 simple steps to create your very own striking landscape design. Step 1: Figure out your site conditions. Do you have sun, shade, or something in between the two? Do you have dry areas or areas that hold water? What about your animal tolerance – are hungry deer a continuing problem? Do you need screening, or are ..read more

Though you may be dubious of the benefits of planting in the fall, professionals recommend it for a reason. Fall planting has many advantages that make it worth your while. What is fall, and why should I plant? Fall occurs when the temperatures begin to drop and the length of the day shortens. In the St. Louis region, September is usually considered early fall, while October through November is considered mid to late fall. In the early fall, we often see regular rainfalls returning. With the daytime temperatures beginning to cool, less water is often needed compared to summer plantings. This m ..read more

Nature provides us with an abundance of beautiful materials to work with, and stone is one of the most versatile and stunning. When natural stone boulders are used to create retaining walls, they can add functionality and beauty to your landscape. When we think of retaining walls, we often think of rectangular blocks that don’t blend in with the surrounding nature. A stiff and formidable structure with little to no personality. But they don’t have to be this way. Boulder retaining walls are more than capable of improving the stability of a slope while blending seamlessly with nature, your home ..read more

With grass seed prices skyrocketing, you need to maximize your fall grass seed germination. Choosing the right seed and installing it at the perfect time are just two tips for grass seeding success. Find out everything you need to know to create a healthy and lush lawn. When should I install grass seed in St. Louis? Early September is recommended for grass seed installation in St. Louis. The warm soil, mild daytime temperatures, and cooler nights create favorable growing conditions. Warm soil helps with faster seed germination, while the cooler temperatures favor the cool-season grasses.  ..read more

There is no denying the charm of lavender. The fragrance alone brings to mind idyllic images of meandering walkways bordered by the aromatic, silvery foliage. The musky scent of purple flowers on long, slender stems drying in a forgotten kitchen window. Very few plants can evoke such emotion and take you to places you’ve longed to visit. That is the beauty of lavender.  A plant that alludes to simplicity but is decidedly problematic to grow in a large portion of the country.  But, given the right conditions, it is simple to grow in our St. Louis gardens.  Here’s what you need t ..read more

Finding time in our busy schedules for anything above and beyond the absolute necessary can be difficult. Finding time for a hobby that offers us peace and helps with our well-being can seem downright daunting and often unnecessary. But gardening doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Choosing the appropriate, low-maintenance perennials will allow you to experience the joy that is gardening while still giving you time to spare. Here are 6 low-maintenance perennials that will fit into your busy lifestyle. Yarrow Yarrow is one of the toughest perennials in existence. While that seems like a bold s ..read more

Turning on your sprinkler system should be a simple task. But, starting up your irrigation system after a winter of freezing and thawing can reveal a whole host of problems.   Irrigation Startup Blistering winter temperatures added in with mild days can cause significant damage to your irrigation system. Turning on the water without a thorough inspection may mean that cracked backflows and broken pipes go unnoticed.   When our service technicians turn on your sprinkler system, they will check and fix any leaks to your backflow and underground pipes. Broken or misaligned ir ..read more

Designing a landscape can be overwhelming.  With so many options available, knowing what to plant can be a challenge.  But planning a new landscape bed or improving your landscape doesn’t have to be difficult when you follow these garden design tips. Consider the Views Whether it is a sweeping vista you wish to highlight or a neighbor you want to block out. When designing a landscape, you will want to factor in all the different views from your home and patio.  If you work from home and look out of one window most of the day, you may want to treat that area as a focal point. W ..read more

Outdoor lighting should reach far beyond your front door and back porch.  It can be both striking and beneficial, all the while extending your living area to make your outdoor living area useful at all hours of the day.  Here are four reasons why every landscape should include outdoor lighting. Security Brightening more than your front porch can offer you peace of mind.  It gives light to parts of your yard that would typically be dark, eliminating areas that intruders could potentially hide.  Safety Creating a safe space for your family is vital in landscape design.&nb ..read more

We plant flowers to welcome the spring and brighten our receding winter landscapes.  We add color to the summer garden and often admire them from the comfort of our air-conditioned home.  But the time of year when we step back outside to enjoy the cooler autumn temperatures, our gardens are often left barren.  Leaving fall color to only the trees and the mums planted at your front door.  Take advantage of the pleasant temperatures and extend your garden palette with these 5 must-have perennials for fall color. Goldenrod Goldenrod.  The name evokes fear in many who s ..read more