VOLUME 8 ⚪ ISSUE NO. 16 ⚪ AUGUST 20, 2024
IN THIS ISSUE
◻️ Overseeding
◻️ Fireboulder®
◻️ Fall Planting
◻️Sustainability
As the vibrant colors of summer begin to fade and the nights get much cooler, it’s time to start preparing your landscape for the upcoming fall season. Proper maintenance performed at the right time will help ensure your garden and lawn remain healthy throughout the colder months.
From aerating your lawn to winterizing irrigations systems, we will briefly go over some simple yet effective tips to help you maintain a lush and resilient landscape. Let’s jump into some key steps to prepare your property for the fall season. ~Shayne
OVERSEEDING
Overseeding is a service we perform in late-summer and early-fall. By introducing new grass seed into the existing turf, bare spots can be filled in while the density of your grass increases, making the turf less susceptible to pests and disease. Last issue we spoke about aeration, which should be performed before overseeding for the best results.
Aeration and thatch removal create the best environment to ensure the new seeds come in contact with the soil for germination. A seed spreader is used to make sure the seeds are spread evenly, and light watering is continued to keep the soil moist for germination and to allow the new grass to become established. The warm daytime temperatures and cooler nights help the new grass put down strong and healthy roots. Weeds are also less aggressive in the fall allowing the new grass to thrive with less competition.
Sure, your lawn looks great, but it’s also providing benefits to the environment as well!
- Thick grass roots help hold soil in place reducing erosion by both wind and water,
- Grass absorbs carbon dioxide and produces oxygen, making the air cleaner!
- Well-maintained lawns absorb more rainwater thereby reducing runoff,
- A healthy lawn creates a habitat and supports biodiversity!
By following simple steps such as mowing, aerating, choosing the right seed, and consistent watering, you can achieve a lush, healthy lawn that supports a balanced ecosystem, is ready for the upcoming fall and winter, and will thrive come next spring.
FIREBOULDER®
A Fireboulder® is a one-of-a-kind outdoor fire feature. The natural stone boulder is hand-carved, chiseled, and core drilled. A Fireboulder® can be wood burning, or equipped with a burner and electric ignition system, fueled by natural gas or propane. Lava rock (above), ceramic “logs” or colored fire glass can be used to customize the boulder to your design taste. They can also incorporate a water feature to double your outdoor enjoyment!
Fireboulders® are carefully selected natural stones and come in sizes from small (350 – 600 lbs) to jumbo (2,000+ lbs) depending on your needs, space, and budget. They are beautiful in their simplicity and can easily be integrated into existing landscapes. Not only do they look terrific, but they are also super easy to maintain.
We love the wood-burning Fireboulder® in our tipi at HQ!
FALL BULB PLANTING
Planting bulbs in the fall is the easiest way to have a colorful and vibrant landscape in the spring. In our area, soil temperatures fall to below 60°F around late September / October and that is the best time to plant your bulbs. This is usually also weeks before the first hard frost.
Select a location with good sunlight and soil that drains well (no standing water). Loosen the dirt and drop the bulb in to a depth 2 or 3 times more than the bulb’s height. If a bulb is 2″ tall, it will be planted 4 to 6 inches deep. Bulb planters are tools that can be used to assist in making the job quicker and easier and can be found at any garden center.
Make sure you plant larger bulbs like daffodils and tulips farther apart, while smaller bulbs like snowdrops or crocuses can be grouped closer together. Water the bulbs thoroughly after planting to help them settle and start rooting.
A layer of mulch can be added to help retain moisture and protect them from extreme cold. Mark the spots or record in your garden journal where the new bulbs were planted to eliminate the chance of disturbing them in the spring when other garden chores begin again.
Please note that all bulbs are not perennial! Some, like tulips, need to be planted each year while others, like hyacinth or daffodils will return year after year.
“A late summer garden has a tranquility found no other time of the year.”
William F. Longgood
SUSTAINABILITY
Creating a sustainable home landscape is an excellent way to contribute to environmental conservation while also enhancing the beauty and functionality of your outdoor space.
- Native plants are adapted to our local climate and soil conditions and require less water and maintenance. They also support local wildlife, including bees and other pollinators
- Using permeable material (gravel, pavers) for walkways and driveways allows rainwater to seep into the ground, reduces runoff, and replenishes groundwater.
- Use a rain barrel to capture rain for watering of your gardens.
- Install an irrigation system to conserve water by sending it straight to the roots.
- Consider a wildflower meadow in a small section of your property.
- Groundcovers can fill in problematic areas where grass struggles.
- Use only organic and chemical-free products whenever possible.
- Groundcovers can fill in problematic areas where grass struggles.
- Plant a living wall or line of hedges instead of installing fencing.
- Consider a beautifully edged ribbon driveway (below)! They were extremely popular in the 20s and are now back in fashion!