Landscape Challenges Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Country Springs Wholesale Nursery

October 15, 2016July 14, 2020

Xeriscape Plants – The Sustainable Landscape of the Future is Here

Xeriscaping may be a new word for you unless you’re a landscaper, contractor or an outdoor property management company. Typically, xeriscaping is used as another word for dry landscaping, or desert landscaping.

Xeriscape is there to fill the void in the areas of the world that are too dry to have a lush, colorful garden.

However, within the context of landscaping, xeric doesn’t necessarily equal “dry”. The true definition of xeriscaping is: water efficient usage of resources.

Xeriscaping is at the very heart of sustainability. Xeriscapes consume less water and are often more attractive than other common types of landscapes. Interested? Then read on as we discuss xeriscape landscaping, xeriscape plants and xeriscape planting.

Getting Started With Xeriscape Landscaping

Xeriscaping can be applied to almost any local environment. The proper materials for xeriscaping can replace the existing materials in the environment to simulate the desert environment.

Xeriscape gardening and landscaping is ideal for gardeners living in dry conditions. A couple examples of xeriscape type gardening includes rock gardens and cacti gardens.

With a rock garden it is important to choose mostly native plants that are accustomed to living among rocks.

You aren’t limited to just those choices for your garden however. You can opt for traditional types of flowers and grass, you just have to better plan your irrigation methods.

As for your lawn, a xeriscape will typically either eliminate the lawn entirely or it will keep it as a side piece only.

Xeriscape Planting

There are many different methods for xeriscaping. One method is to group plants that require the same amount of watering together in order to conserve water. This is good for plants that do better in dry conditions because this will ensure none of them get too much water. Likewise, it will be good for plants that need more water because it will ensure that all the thirstiest plants get enough water.

Xeriscape Plants

A good choice for xeriscape plants are cacti. They don’t need much watering. There are also many different types of cacti, so you can give your desert garden a very unique look.

Another good choice for xeriscape plants are seedums. Seedums are perennials that can grow in almost any climate in the Continental US. Usually they bloom in the fall season. Other options include: vines, shrubs, ornamental grasses, and ground cover.

As the world moves towards greener living, xeriscaping will probably become the future of landscaping, so everyone should research it. Help your friends make the world more sustainable by sharing this article with them and point out the diagram below.

September 9, 2016July 14, 2020

Getting Started with Big Tree Landscaping – A Short Guide

Actual trees at our farm

The Iconic Big Trees

Big trees in the U.S. are most notably from California, where the redwood and sequoia trees are found. Since their discovery during the Gold Rush in the middle of the 19th century, big tree finds have spread throughout the world, particularly in the US and Europe, but also in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Africa and South America.

Interestingly enough, sequoias will reach a height of 30ft (10m) after one decade, and after 5 decades will usually reach a height of 130 ft (40m). Some of them can grow over 300 feet tall, as tall as a city skyscraper.

What Are The Requirements For Big Tree Landscaping?

The biggest trees are strong and hardy; they aren’t easily affected by insects or diseases. Because of this, they can live for many years.

However, big trees take many years to mature & the success of big tree landscaping depends a lot on the matching of the region’s climate to that of the tree family’s location. Oaks, maples, cypress, & cherry trees are examples of trees that fall into the category for our region.

So, you won’t grow the large tree you want within your lifetime if you are just now considering planting a seed.

Unless you use an already existing large tree…

How You Can Get Started With Big Tree Landscaping Now

Big tree sales create a feel of maturity when transplanting existing big trees into your landscape. This is the fastest method for big tree landscaping. A big tree nursery raises strong and healthy large trees for transplanting.

So, what are some of the benefits of big tree landscaping?

Privacy
Blocking noise
Blocking wind and shading the house can reduce heating and cooling utility bills
A fully matured large tree can be worth anywhere between $1,000 and $10,000 (small trees were found to have no effect on sales prices)
A big tree will give a newly built house the illusion of maturity and steadfastness with a large tree or two planted around it.
Underneath certain types of big trees is a good place to grow certain types of plants. The types of trees that don’t cut off all light to anything growing underneath are good candidates for this. Many plants that do well with partial sunlight or shade will grow very well under big trees. Ask your local nursery for advice about these “base” plantings.

Our farm has an excellent selection of mature trees which include Autum Blaze Maples, Pin Oaks, & Yoshino Cherry trees. You can view examples of these and others on our BIG TREES page.

There are many different factors to take into consideration with big tree landscaping. For more information on these other factors, check out this thorough article on the subject.

July 15, 2016July 14, 2020

Summer Plant Relocation: Essential Guidelines for Success

Summer isn’t the best time to undertake plant relocation. The heat and sun angle are not plant friendly. However, there are times when the only option is to perform plant relocation during the summer. You can have success with plant relocation during any season by following these easy guidelines.

Plant Relocation Guidelines

Water the plants to be dug and relocated at least a day before you plan to move them. This will make certain that hydration will reach all areas of the plant prior to the start of relocation.
Dig and relocate only during cloudy days or in the evening when it is cooler.
Prior to digging or removing the plant from its current location, be sure to water the base liberally. This will ensure that the soil will stay with the roots when it is removed from its current location.
Do not expose the roots during plant relocation to wind, heat or sun. If relocating multiple plants, only work with one plant at a time. Do not remove multiple plants from their current location at the same time.
Water the intended plant relocation hole before moving.
Put the relocated plant into the hole and pour water in until reaching half way point of the hole. The water will merge the root soil and the hole soil. After soak, finish filling hole with soil.
Once the plant relocation is complete, you can tamp the soil but do so lightly.
After the plant relocation is in place, water the entire plant again including the leaves.
Keep the plant shielded from direct sunlight. A floating row cover or leaning a board between the plant and the direction of sun will work nicely. Do this step for 3-6 days.

Be sure to check on the plant relocation site every day for 2 weeks. Relocated plants will need watering at least once every day. If the plant is wilting give it water. Keep water the plant once or twice each day until it becomes established. If the plant has less roots than top growth or is very large, it will need more water.

This may seem to be an inordinate amount of attention, but the disturbance of being relocated is stressful to plants at any season. During the summer, taking extra caution is important to allow for the transition of your relocated plants.

May 6, 2016July 14, 2020

How Brilliant Landscaping will Increase Your Property Value Right Away

Increase Your Landscape Property Value Without Breaking a Sweat

Does landscaping increase property value? If horticultural studies are anything to go by, there can be as much as a 12% increase in property value from landscaping alone.

The value in a pleasing landscape is obvious. People want a weed-free lawn and attractive flower beds. When they host a family barbecue, they want to be proud and not embarrassed.

How to use Landscaping to Attract Buyers

The first thing that buyers will see is the outside of your house, so it must look as good as possible. Remember, a home that has a well maintained yard signals to buyers that the inside of the home is well maintained too.

To increase landscape property value and attract buyers, it is crucial to have a good landscaping plan in place before you do any actual landscaping. If you make landscaping decisions without looking at and knowing the big picture, the landscape will likely appear disorganized in the end, which will turn off prospective buyers.

A professional landscaper can provide you with clever designs that are suitable for your yard and climate.

If you don’t want to hire a professional, at least start by drawing up a master plan for the landscaping project and commit to small chunks each season. Even if you are an amateur, you can create a professional landscape for around $500 – $3000. Price factors include which landscaping company you choose as well as the plants and materials for the project.

Benefits of Landscape Property Value

Speaking of plants, natural plants are worth the effort of planting. Native plants usually grow better than foreign, exotic plants. Healthy plants don’t need replacing as much, so you can save a lot of money as plants can be expensive.

The higher price you pay for plants is reasonable because landscaping will increase property value right away, and it is truly one of the few improvements that can do this. And the value will also increase over time; interior design and decor can go out of style, mechanical systems can wear out, but plants will grow and improve each year.

Finally, in case you aren’t experienced with gardening, gardening is fun and relaxing. It has been shown in studies to be a stress reliever. Therefore you will gain in health as well as increase your landscape property value.

Tips for Maintaining Plants

Do not let nature take its course. Do proper maintenance on the plants – they will be healthier and prettier.
The longevity of plants is a result of their health. Their roots must be healthy and unconfined. If there is a problem with the roots the plants will eventually show it.
When a shrub gets too big and bushy on the outside, the inside of the plant suffers, so make sure to keep them pruned.

March 31, 2016July 14, 2020

3 Benefits of Native Plants That Landscapers will Love

Top 3 Secret Benefits of Native Plants That will Save You Time and Money

The benefits of native plants for landscapers are many. The benefits of using native plants for the environment are also great.
Native plants are plants that have lived in an environment for more than hundreds of years, without much human influence.
If you want your garden or backyard to look good all year round, you should consider the benefits of planting native plants.

Why not Foreign Plants?

Unfortunately, many people don’t know the benefits of planting native plants and instead plant invasive foreign plants.
Too many foreign, exotic plants contribute to less wildlife. This is because many species of wildlife are being threatened by habitat loss, which is being caused partly by the growing amount of foreign plants.

Native Plants Benefits

Planting native plants is the best thing for the environment and for landscapers as well.
Since domestic plants are so hardy, they tend to be slow growing at first, but after they have been established you can reap all of the benefits of having native plants in your yard.
Native plants will give your backyard or garden a more natural look without the maintenance and the costs. Learn why this is as we uncover 3 little known benefits of planting native plants.

1. Save Money, Time and Effort

Purchasing imported plants is more expensive (factor in the transportation costs). Imported plants also need more maintenance and more water.

You can conserve water by planting native plants. You only need to water them while they are getting established. They have existed for hundreds if not thousands of years in your environment, so they can survive on their own. Another benefit of native plants is that they are very drought resistant (due to their very deep roots).

With native plants there is less need for fertilizer and insecticides, they are easy to overwinter, and they are generally disease free.

With imported plants, if you miss one maintenance routine, the quality and look of the plant may wither.

2. Hidden Value

Many native plants are just as uniquely beautiful as foreign plants. They just aren’t as popular because they aren’t sold in nurseries as much as exotic foreign plants are.

Sadly, many Americans don’t get a chance to see the beautiful native plants because they aren’t as popular.

In fact, American tourists have visited other countries and been amazed at the beauty of their plants, only to realize later that they were plants native to America.

Here are a few more hidden benefits of native plants:

-cleaner air

-cleans the rainwater and runoff that goes into our aquifers

-stronger fragrance and aroma

3. Save the Wildlife

Native plants and trees have coevolved with native species for millions of years. Native species are fonder of plants and trees that are familiar to them. This is because the native species’ depend on the native plants for their survival.

By planting native plants, you can provide your local wildlife with their natural habitat.

Planting native plants in your yard will bring you many types of birds, butterflies, and bees (processes such as pollination are easier done with native plants).

In the end, you will enjoy reaping the benefits of native plants while ensuring the survival of many species, which is a win-win for you and the animals.