ScapeMail
Volume 9, Issue 10 May 20, 2025
IN THIS ISSUE:
- Ornamental Grasses
- Landscape Lighting
- World Bee Day
May may soon be coming to an end with the “unofficial” beginning of the summer season on Monday, but spring is still in full bloom!
May is one of the most vibrant months for any landscape, with flowers blossoming, lawns growing quickly, and gardens springing back to life. It’s the perfect time to refresh mulch, trim shrubs, and prepare your outdoor spaces for upcoming summer enjoyment.
At this time, we are focusing on mowing & lawn treatments that encourage healthy turf growth, installing annuals to add instant color, activating and testing irrigation systems, and monitoring properties for early signs of plant diseases or pest infestations.
As always, we appreciate your trust in us to keep your property looking its absolute best. If you have any special requests or ideas for your yard, we’d love to hear them! –Shayne
Ornamental Grasses
Grasses, both native and ornamental, offer rich palettes that are both beautiful and ecologically valuable. Grasses add texture, movement, and year-round interest to any landscape while also being beneficial to wildlife.
Native grasses are ideal for sustainable landscaping for a few very important reasons. Native grasses provide food and habitat for birds, butterflies, and beneficial insects. Once they are established, native grasses are extremely low maintenance – needing minimal watering and no fertilizers. Native plants also grow much deeper root systems that help stabilize soil, improve drainage, and prevent erosion.
A few native grasses to Connecticut that do well for homeowners are:
- Purple Love Grass (above) is a low-growing grass that has tufts of purple seed heads in the late summer.
- Indian Grass is known for its golden-bronze plumes, also in late summer. This grass is wonderful for meadows and naturalization.
- Switchgrass – a tall grass with airy seed heads. It is deer-resistant, drought resistant, and provides birds with excellent resting spots.
- Little Bluestem has blue-green blades that turn brownish-copper in the fall and prefers dry and well-drained soil.
Ornamental grasses have been cultivated to be a little showier than their native cousins. While they are not native, these are also non-invasive and can do well in home gardens.
- Feather Reed Grass has tall, feathery plumes, is low-maintenance and a good choice for formal landscapes.
- Tufted Hair Grass has delicate and airy seed heads and loves the shade of a woodland garden.
- Blue Fescue (below) has compact, blue-grey foliage and looks great in containers, borders, and rock gardens.
“May, more than any other month of the year, wants us to feel most alive.” –Fennel Hudson
Light Up the Night
As summer approaches and the days grow longer, our outdoor spaces become the heart of our homes. Whether it’s hosting backyard barbecues, enjoying quiet evenings on the patio, or simply soaking in the warm twilight, there’s no better time to enhance your landscape with thoughtfully designed lighting.
Landscape lighting not only adds beauty and ambiance to your yard but also extends the usability of your outdoor areas well into the night. From subtle path lights that guide your steps to dramatic uplighting that highlights trees and architectural features, the right lighting can transform your garden into a magical nighttime retreat.
Beyond aesthetics, lighting also plays a crucial role in safety and security. Illuminated walkways, driveways, and entry points help prevent accidents and deter unwanted visitors, giving you peace of mind while you enjoy your summer nights.
Now is the perfect time to plan and install your lighting upgrades so you can make the most of every warm evening ahead. Let your landscape shine this summer!
World Bee Day
World Bee Day is celebrated on May 20. It was proclaimed by the United Nations in 2018 to acknowledge the role of bees and other pollinators for the ecosystem. The day is co-organized by the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, the Republic of Slovenia, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Understanding and supporting this day can have profound benefits, both environmentally and economically.
- 1. Ecological Balance and Biodiversity: Pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and birds, are essential for the reproduction of many plants. They facilitate the growth of trees, flowers, and other plants, which serve as food and shelter for various wildlife. By supporting pollinators, you can contribute to maintaining ecological balance and promoting biodiversity. This, in turn, creates healthier and more resilient landscapes that can better withstand environmental stresses.
- 2. Agricultural Productivity: Bees and other pollinators are vital for the production of many crops. They enhance the yield and quality of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. For those who maintain edible gardens, supporting pollinators can lead to more bountiful and nutritious harvests.
- 3. Aesthetic and Recreational Value: Pollinators contribute to the beauty and diversity of landscapes. Gardens and green spaces that attract and support pollinators are often more vibrant and visually appealing. This can enhance the aesthetic value of properties, making them more enjoyable for clients and their visitors. Additionally, such landscapes can provide educational and recreational opportunities, fostering a deeper connection with nature.
- 4. Environmental Stewardship: Promoting World Bee Day and supporting pollinators aligns with our environmental stewardship goals. It demonstrates a commitment to sustainable practices and the protection of natural resources. It also provides an opportunity to educate clients about the importance of pollinators and how they can contribute to their conservation.
Practical Steps for Supporting Pollinators:
- Plant a variety of native flowering plants that bloom throughout the year,
- Reduce or eliminating pesticide use,
- Providing water sources,
- Create habitats such as insect hotels or leave plants for overwintering.
By championing the cause of pollinators, we can all play a pivotal role in fostering a healthier and more sustainable environment.
