We often work on sites where an older or historic home landscape has been uncared for over many years. We are brought in to renovate the landscape and fix the lawn. These are some tips and ideas that may help if you are debating between seed and sod. Choosing between seed and sod isn't as simple as it might first appear and once you've made the decision, there are other questions to ask.
Read moreHiring a Landscape Designer in Madison, WI - Ten Tips
Landscape design is a process. Like many things in life, the more effort you put into it, the more you will get out. Based on years of experience in the industry, these are our top tips for hiring and working with a landscape designer or architect.
Read moreA Note on Pruning
Many folks like to shear their plants into balls and cubes. I really don't. I like my plants to have a nice appearance, but with a bit more loose, natural look.
Beyond appearances, the main problem with shearing is that it ignores the underlying structural issues within a plant.... and, it's whats on the inside that really matters. Below we've highlighted some common structural problems with trees.
Read moreLandscape Tips for Your New Home (Part One) - Madison, WI
Landscape tips for people purchasing a home in Madison, WI. Part One focuses on understanding existing landscape conditions and elements. Important considerations regarding appropriate grading, existing soils, and existing vegetation are all discussed.
Read moreA Different Kind of Bee
I'm always amazed at the life that is attracted to a small city garden. Most days there are hundreds of damselflies and many evenings I watch the dozens of fireflies and I'm always seeing different types of spiders and insects. This week an all black bee caught my eye on the purple prairie clover. After a bit of searching online I believe it's a 'longhorn bee'.
Read moreWild Parsnip - A dangerous weed in Madison, WI
Wild Parsnip is becoming a common weed around Madison. If exposed to this weed, chemicals in the sap react with sunlight (even on a cloudy day) cause severe burns and rashes.
Read moreLess is More - Gardening in Madison, WI
Because simplicity is such an important consideration these days I thought I'd highlight a few situations where "less is more."
Read moreCommon Landscape Mistakes - Madison, WI
Common Landscape Mistakes and Problems in Madison, WI Include: improper grading, poor plant selection, improperly built retaining walls, not considering the environment, and several others. This post helps identify and resolve many common landscape issues.
Read moreDormant Seeding of Lawns
If your lawn grass is in fairly good shape but is thinning you should consider dormant seeding. Dormant seeding is simply adding grass seed to lawn areas either late in the fall or early in the spring - while the lawn is not actively growing. The idea is that the freeze and thaw of the winter (and/or) late spring will work the seed into the soil surface and the grass will be ready to sprout when appropriate conditions for germination come in spring.
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