Monthly Archives: November 2010

Happy Thanksgiving From Phase One Landscapes!

Posted on by
Reply

At Phase One Landscapes our vision statement is to continue to be a leader in Design/Build Landscape Architecture and Construction, dedicated to traditional values, loyalty to our customers, and respect for our employees and coworkers. We are dedicated to establishing standards to which the industry can aspire and our clients will value, while realizing a fair profit from our talents and success. So to all these wonderful folks who help to make this vision a reality, we’d like to take a moment to wish you all a happy thanksgiving and say thank you for for continuing to be a part of our extended family!

Photo Credit: Habitually Bliss

3 Low-Maintenance Plants for the Holidays

Posted on by
Reply

If you’re planning on being away on vacation this holiday season for any extended period of time, then you may want to consider a few different low-maintenance indoor plants to keep in the home instead of the ones that need regular watering and upkeep. Remember, it’s important to seek out plants that can survive for up to two weeks at a time since that’s the average maximum of time that someone is away from the home. Phase One Landscapes suggests you take a look below at some of the more common fool-proof house plants to choose from. Many of these plants can go up to three weeks without water.

Look familiar? The spider plant does indeed resemble a spider but don’t be alarmed, it’s an extremely easy-to-grow plant that also handily produces small “pups.” Each of these plantlets can be rooted in potting soil.

A color-changing plant? Who would want one of those little guys? The rubber plant is not only resilient and low-maintenance but it features leaves that darken to deep burgundy with more light exposure and revert to green in low-light conditions.

Cactuses are great because they can be placed almost invariably in direct sunlight and need only occasional watering. They do very well perched atop a south-facing window (east- and west-facing are next best).

Photo Credit: HGTV

Landscape Ads Making Waves in the Design Community

Posted on by
1

One of the latest trends in landscape design isn’t as much “landscaping” as it is “design.” Phase One Landscapes recently came across a new wave of innovative and eco-friendly advertising from a UK startup known as Curb Media. According to Inhabitat, Curb Media is not a design agency — instead the group specializes in the production of eco-friendly advertising mediums. Using completely natural materials, they have developed communication methods that will turn heads with an ultra-low carbon footprint. Most of their designs are imprinted in things like sand, snow and grass. Take a look below at some of their latest installations!

What do you think about these types of ads? Would they catch your attention more than, say, a billboard or sky banner? Leave a comment below and tell us your thoughts!

Photo Credit: Inhabitat

3 Tips for Protecting Your Container Plants This Winter

Posted on by
Reply

If you’re like many people, you probably have at least a few potted plants dotting the exterior of your home for decorative purposes. After all, they add plenty of life and color and depending on the specimen you’re using to decorate, they can be a deliciously fragrant. A common misconception, though, is that these plants can be protected from harsh winter elements by simply being wrapped with blankets. The truth is that there is nowhere better for potted plants during the cold months than in the ground. That’s right. Whether you plant them in their containers or remove them, their roots are better protected this way. If relocating them for this time of year is not an option, and you do decide to leave them outdoors this winter, here are some tips to give them a bit of an advantage in making it through:

1. If possible, pack extra soil or mulch into containers so as to keep their roots well-insulated.

2. Cluster containers together and place them in a sunny area or in a sheltered spot that’s shielded from strong winds.

3. Wrap the containers with chicken wire and then fill the enclosure with leaves or mulch. Once the ground freezes, add mulch to the tops of the plants.

To receive regular news and tips from Phase One Landscapes, be sure to subscribe to our blog by submitting your e-mail address in the top right-hand corner of the homepage. Don’t forget to confirm your subscription!

Scientists Transform Trees into Streetlights?

Posted on by
Reply

As if trees weren’t already wonderful enough, a group of scientists in Taiwan have recently discovered that they may soon be able to use these beautiful structures to replace street lights. That’s right, instead of only providing us with shade, they may be able to provide up with light at night! A recent article from Inhabitat about the discovery explains that placing gold nanoparticles within the leaves of trees causes them to give off a luminous reddish glow, thus mimicking street lights. “The idea of using trees to replace street lights is an ingenious one – not only would it save on electricity costs and cut CO2 emissions, but it could also greatly reduce light pollution in major cities,” notes the article. Imagine that!

Visit Inhabit to read the entire article.

Photo Credit: Paul Dex via Inhabitat

We’ve Changed a Few Things Around!

Posted on by
Reply

You’ve probably noticed some changes to the Phase One Landscapes blog this week. But fear not, all the same information that you’ve come to expect from us is still right here! We’ve simply changed the design to be more efficient and accessible to our readers. Some of the new features include:

  • Facebook “like” and “tweet” buttons at the top of each post so that you can easily share with friends on your social networks
  • More posts on the homepage arranged as smaller excerpts
  • A cleaner featured-post gallery window at the top of the blog that previews recent posts
  • Boxes at the bottom of each post that suggest similar content for posts that “you might also like” (see below)

Leave us a comment today and tell us what you think about our sparkly new look!

Innovative Japanese-style Garden Design Transforms Backyard

Posted on by
1

Now talk about a super landscape! Phase One Landscapes was perusing the web recently and came across a clip from the popular HGTV show, “Superscapes” that illustrates the step-by-step creation of a serene Japanese-style garden. With its intricate details and creative use of materials, this is one of the most innovative and inspiring jobs we’ve seen from the show. Take a look at the clip below.

Contact Phase One Landscapes today to learn more about how we can help with your next landscape project!

Amazing “Green Wall” Home to 10,000 Plants!

Posted on by
Reply

Talk about a site to be seen! Vancouver-based design company Green Over Grey has the townspeople in awe with their latest vertical garden. Located on the side of the Semiahmoo Public Library and Royal Canadian Mounted Police Facility in Surrey, Canada, the 3,000 sq foot masterpiece contains 10,000 individual plants representing more than 120 unique species and is one of the largest living walls in North America. Green Over Grey says the living wall’s design was inspired by the artwork of the Coast Salish (including Semiahmoo) First Nations People.

The Green wall consists of a frame, waterproof panels, an automatic irrigation system, and the plants, according to Inhabitat. The frame is built in front of the pre-existing concrete wall with a space behind that allows for air circulation and attachment points to prevent damage to the building.

“The large diversity of plant species chosen creates a balanced ecosystem that is an urban oasis for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds,” says Patrick Poiraud, Principal at Green Over Grey. “The living wall helps to insulate the building, purify the air and transform the grey concrete into hundreds of shades of green.”

Would you like to have a living green wall in your backyard? Leave Phase One Landscapes a comment below and tell us why!

Photo Credit: Inhabitat