With the “unofficial” start of summer on Memorial Day, we are now in the last weeks of the spring season. Once called Decoration Day following the Civil War, Memorial Day honors all of those who died while actively serving in the US military.Please take a moment this weekend while you’re enjoying the parades, picnics, and other celebrations to remember and reflect upon those who gave their lives to preserve the freedoms Americans are fortunate to have. ~Shayne
GO WITH THE FLOW
We have written before about how studies show that the sights and sounds of nature are beneficial to our overall well-being. Last issue we spoke specifically about bird song, and in this issue we’ll talk about water!
There is no doubt that most of us find water in motion both relaxing to look at and listen to. Think of the sounds of the ocean waves lapping at the shoreline, a pretty fountain spraying water upward only for it to shower back down or sitting on the edge of a pool or dock with your feet splashing at the surface.
The sounds of moving water have been proven to have a calming effect on our minds and some experts believe these sounds guide the neuronal waves in our brains to allow for this. We know that many people use recordings of babbling brooks or light rainfall as “white noise” to help them concentrate during the day or drift off to sleep at night resulting in stress relief and better quality-sleep.
On your property, the natural sounds of water can help suppress man-made noises like traffic or noisy neighbors while also providing you with an excellent spot to relax and recharge. Water features also give beneficial insects like bees and butterflies, or small animals like birds and frogs a clean water source.
The gentle sounds made by water help with anxiety and stress relief, promote increased concentration, assist in better sleep, and give us the general feelings of relaxation for you and all who visit your personal and unique oasis.
Please let your landscape consultant know if you would like additional information or have any questions. Below: A Fireboulder® can combine both fire and water for double impact!
UGH, APHIDS
The bane of gardeners everywhere are aphids, tiny little insect pests that feed on leaves, stems, buds and even roots literally sucking the life out of your precious plants. Symptoms of an aphid infestation in your garden include wilting, yellowing and curling leaves.
Thankfully, there are a few easy ways to keep them in check around your garden
- Introduce natural predators like ladybeetles and lacewings that devour aphids
- Grow plants that attract aphid enemies such as marigold
- Plant trees, shrubs or flowers with natural aphid resistance
- Pick them off from the underside of leaves by hand and drop in soapy water
- Spray them off your plants with a garden hose
- Make a spray of natural castile soap and water and spray directly on the bugs
LANDSCAPE LIGHTING
The right outdoor lighting installed in the right place can perfectly transform the nighttime look of your property. Not only are you adding another design element, you are also adding curb appeal, additional safety, and increased home value.
Strategically placed landscape lighting can beautifully highlight focal points on your property such as trees, gardens, walkways, or a pool by adding an appealing aesthetic. You can choose soft and calming light, colorful, bright and cheerful, or almost anything in between depending on your individual needs and preferences.
Varying levels of light and stunning effects can be achieved with the numerous lighting hardware options and illumination techniques to mix or match. Different types of lights include post caps, well-lights, spotlights, floodlights, railing lights, deck lights, step lights, and even outdoor pendant lights. Combine the light with different effects such as highlighting, accenting, silhouetting, shadowing, uplighting, downlighting, moonlighting, washing, and grazing and you’ve created something special and unique. Add in electric, solar, motion sensor, light sensor, remote controls and ‘smart homes’ options, and the combinations are seemingly endless!
Landscape lighting can also assist in extending your living space by providing you with a well-lit outdoor “room” to spend time in after the sun goes down. Plus, if your home is the place where your family and friends gather, landscape lighting is invaluable.
Step and path lighting provide safety when navigating the property, porch lighting allows you to see who’s at the door and can make your front entrance inviting. Outdoor seating areas can be illuminated to make the most of your time spent outside, while garden lights add beautiful ambiance and curb appeal.
A well-lit landscape can also help in deterring thieves or other unwanted visitors. Let your landscape consultant know if you’re interested in discussing how landscape lighting can benefit your home.
WE WANT YOUR PHOTOS!
We are always on the lookout for great photos of your properties and we encourage our field staff to take pictures of their work when possible.We have a monthly in-house ‘Scape of the Month contest for team members to submit the best photo of their work or a scene on a property that looks particularly amazing. These photos are also considered for the annual YardScapes calendar each year.
We’d like to welcome you to submit your photos as well! You can email them to dawn@yardscapeslandscape.com.
