Spring Prep for Flower Beds

July 17th, 2018 Posted in Spring Gardening Tips
Comments Off on Spring Prep for Flower Beds

Are you excited to see the beautiful blooms in your flowers beds this spring and summer? Get your flower beds ready now with some preparation. Using the right prep can ensure you get long-lasting, colorful flowers with more blooms. Here are some prep tips to get the best flower bed results.

Preparing the Soil

You want to add new soil every year to give your flowers improved nutrients. You want a soil mix that is made for flowers. This is usually labeled as a flower soil mix at your local landscape supply store. A good flower mix has organic materials like compost, mulch and other nutrients. If you have an existing flower bed, you can till in a few inches of new flower mix to enhance your soil. For new flower beds, you can use straight flower mix to fill raised beds.

After you get your flower mix, you may want to add fertilizer. Flowers love phosphorous fertilizer, which is the second number listed on most fertilizer bags. You can add fertilizer to your soil before you plant and every six weeks after you plant your flower bed (this can differ with certain types of flowers).

Before it is time to plant is also a good time to update the edge or walls of your flower beds. Adding new landscape timbers or updating to stone walls can improve the appearance of your beds.

A trip to your landscape supply store can help you get everything you need to prepare your flower beds. Make sure to also get some extra mulch to cleanup your landscaped areas once everything is planted. With a little prep, you can have gorgeous flower beds that you can enjoy all spring and summer.

Posted on behalf of:
Green Brothers Earth Works
680 Franklin Rd, SE
Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 590-8220

, ,
Read More

When to Use Landscape Stones and Rocks

July 17th, 2018 Posted in Natural Stone
Comments Off on When to Use Landscape Stones and Rocks

You have many choices when you are building hardscapes to add to your landscape design. Cement, brick and pavers can be used to create many hard surfaces and structures. However, using natural stone and rock has its advantages over man-made materials when it comes to durability and beauty. When creating your outdoor space, here are some good areas to use landscape stones and rocks.

Retaining Walls

Modular blocks may look uniform for retaining walls, but if you prefer a natural appearance, stone is the best option. Fieldstone, flagstone and ashlar can be cut to create stunning retailing walls. The natural uniqueness of stone can build a wall that looks like no other, giving a beauty that cannot be duplicated.

Paving

If you are building a patio or pool deck, flat natural stones like flagstones or cut fieldstones are excellent for paving. They offer a solid, durable surface for your outdoor living spaces. Natural stone is a wonderful choice for paving garden paths or edging ponds.

Edging

Rocks and stones make a great edging material for your landscaping. Lines and linear direction are important elements in landscape design; small landscape stones can edge your gardens or paths to create the lines you need for a well-blended design in your landscaping.

Fire Pits, Fireplaces and Outdoor Kitchens

Focal and functional features like fire pit and fireplaces are perfect for natural stone. They withstand heat and blend your fire features into a natural setting. Outdoor kitchens are another area where a natural stone floor or stone veneer for cabinetry can be used to enhance the beauty of your outdoor living area.

Natural stone can be more expensive than man-made pavers, but the benefits can be worth the extra investment. Check out the natural stone options for your landscaping project at your local quarry.

Posted on behalf of:
Culbreth Stone
1968 US-41
Pelham, TN 37366
(423) 930-8249

, ,
Read More

The Top 3 Stones to Use for Landscaping

July 17th, 2018 Posted in Natural Stone
Comments Off on The Top 3 Stones to Use for Landscaping

Stone is the perfect material to build your hardscapes in your landscaping. Stone blends naturally into your setting while providing a durable surface. The type of stone you use depends on the project you are doing and your desired result. Here are three of the stones popular for using in landscaping projects and their best attributes.

  1. Fieldstone. Fieldstones were created by glaciers and are irregular in shape. Many have been above ground, giving them round, smooth edges from exposure. Fieldstones can be used “as-is” to build retaining walls, seating walls, fences and other structures. They can also be cut to make a flat surface. Their irregular shape offers a natural outline for pavers around ponds or to create a garden path.
  2. Flagstone. Flagstone are quarried sedimentary rocks that are cut into slabs. The flat surface of flagstone and semi-uniform shapes makes them a natural choice for patios and pool decks. While they can also be used to build retaining walls and other structures, you will often see them uses as natural flooring.
  3. River rock. Another popular option for landscaping is river rocks and boulders. These are natural rocks, usually round in shape from exposure to water. These are beautiful options for edging or focal points. Boulders can make a natural divider or fence for lawn edges or even used as furniture.

Using stone in your landscaping adds texture and dimension. While there are many man-made pavers that are functional for building hardscapes, nothing man-made has the same durability and beauty of natural stone. Visit your local quarry or stone supplier to learn more about the options available to enhance your landscaping with natural stone.

Posted on behalf of:
Alliance Stone
5420 Campground Rd
Cumming, GA 30040
(404) 759-0617

, , ,
Read More

Find Local Company | Landscape Supply Directory | Find Local Landscape Supply Companies