Monthly Archives: July 2012

Late Summer Irrigation Tips

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As August approaches and summer begins to make way for fall, you want to get the most out of watering your garden and landscape. To do so keep these tips in mind that we found on BHG.

  • Avoid watering between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. During these peak heating hours, more water evaporates than soaks into soil.
  • Check sprinkler systems. As plants grow wider and taller, foliage can block spray heads or limit water dispersion. Trim offending plants or add a temporary extension to the sprinkler system.
  • Refresh mulch. Some mulch materials, like straw or grass clippings, break down quickly. Continue to replenish mulch through summer to cool soil and slow water evaporation.
  • Use a moisture monitor to check soil weekly during prolonged dry periods. If soil is dry several inches deep, it’s time to irrigate. Check soil moisture in lawn and planting beds. You can get a monitor at garden centers or home improvement stores.
  • Feed as you irrigate. Frequent watering washes fertilizer from containers. Consider mixing liquid fertilizer to half strength and applying at each watering to keep plants in top form.
  • Check hanging baskets twice daily for dry soil. Because baskets are suspended in midair, their soil temperature is typically warmer than that of pots sitting on the ground. Warmer soil loses water more quickly.

For help maintaining your landscape throughout the end of summer call Phase One Landscapes at 303-750-6060.

5 Tips on Choosing a Garden Structure

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If you’ve been looking to do a little more with your landscape design we suggest you enhance it by adding a garden structure. Garden structures have the ability to add visual interest to your landscape, so when choosing a garden structure to enhance your landscape design with consider these tips.

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  1. Make sure your structure is equally functional and beautiful. Aside from its architecture you can enhance it with climbing vines or flowers.
  2. Allow your structure to complement and visually connect with your home by repeating some of the same style elements in its design.
  3. Choose substantial structures that reflect permanence and sustainability.
  4. When selecting a location for your garden structure take note of its purpose, size and scale in relation to the other features of your landscape.
  5. Add personality to your structure by embellishing it.

If you are ready to discuss how you can enhance your landscape design with a garden structure contact Phase One Landscapes at 303-750-6060.

Before Your Hire a Landscape Architect…

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After reading our post, Is it Time for You to Hire a Landscape Professional, did you decide that in fact it is time for you to hire a landscaper? If so then this post is also for you! Now that you realize you need a help from a professional there are a few things you need to do before you allow someone to start digging, planting and building things in your yard.  Before you hire a landscape architect…Phase One Landscapers working

  • Gather ideas and images on what you’d like your landscape to look like.
  • Consider how much time you want to devote to maintenance once the landscaper leaves, or if you want them to service your yard regularly.
  • Create a realistic budget. Well designed landscapes can add as much as 15 percent to the value of your home, so start your budget with 5 to 10 percent of your home’s worth.
  • Search for a landscape architect. Check to see if they have a degree in landscape architecture, are licensed and have a list of references you can speak to. Also inquire about their fees and services.

If you reside in the Denver area and would like to discuss ideas for your landscape call Phase One Landscapes at 303-750-6060.

Conserve Water with a Smart Water Sprinkler System

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sprinkler with a timerFor those of you that are unaware, Governor Hickenlooper declared July as Smart Irrigation Month in Colorado and because July is the hottest month it’s extremely important to be smart when it comes to using water in your landscape so that you are able to conserve  as much as possible. One of the many ways to do so is by investing in a smart sprinkler system that features a timer. In order to make your sprinkler system smart, you should know that..

  1. “Smart” timers or controllers are the brains behind water conservation that use data and technology to apply water in landscapes only when it’s needed.
  2. The devices will pay for themselves over time and faster it will happen faster if there’s a rebate program in your municipality to reward you for your effort.
  3. If you are techno-savvy enough to use a smart phone or an iPad you can manage the devices, and if you aren’t you can have an expert monitor it for you via the Internet.
  4. The evapotranspiration (ET) variety of timers uses real weather data to manage water in your yard in deciding how much water your system puts out.
  5. Check out all the moving parts of your sprinkler system and replace them if they’re wasting water.  (ALCC)
If you are interested in learning more about smart sprinkler systems and ways to conserve water in your landscape call Phase One Landscapes at 303-750-6060 if you reside in the Denver area.
Image: Business Wire

Design Inspiration for the Side of Your Yard

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Did you only have your front and back yard designed by a landscape professional? If so then chances are the side is pale in comparison, but it doesn’t have to be. There is a way for you to enjoy your trek from the front to the back and vice versa and that is by having it landscaped.

Think of it like a hallway inside your home; you didn’t skimp on its decor simply because it’s long and narrow, right? The key to making the side of your yard enjoyable to walk through is by incorporating some of the same elements you did in your larger outdoor spaces, but scaled down. Take a look at these side yard designs for inspiration on how yours can look with a little help…side yard landscape designside yard landscape designside yard landscape designside yard landscape design

 

To go over ideas on how to landscape along the side of your home contact Phase One Landscapes at 303-750-6060 and let us kelp you create another place for every moment!

Create a Salsa Garden in Your Landscape

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salsaCreating your own salsa garden in your back yard can be a fun and rewarding way to discover your green thumb. Can’t you already imagine serving your family and friends as you dine alfresco with fresh salsa straight from your very own garden?There are a few basic ingredients that comprise all good salsa that you need to grow, and there are a few extras that you can throw in to suit your tastes; such as:

  1. Tomato or Tomatillo – the absolute basic ingredient; Tomatoes or Tomatillos will create the base of your basic salsa.  Depending on your flavor preference, you’ll generally want a medium to small type for your salsa.
  2. Onions – If you have enough room in your back yard a nice red onion is a great choice, but if you’re growing in containers, green onions are a better way to save space.
  3. Peppers – the standard is of course, jalapenos, but do your research and choose a chili-style pepper that suits your heat tolerance.  They almost all grow well whether in the ground or in a container.
  4. Cilantro, Parsley, and Garlic – these also make great additions to your spice garden and only improve salsa; they can also be grown very easily.
For help incorporating an area to grow salsa ingredients into your current landscape design call Phase One Landscapes at 303-750-6060.

What Patio Style is Right for Your Home?

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Are you looking for ways to improve your Denver-area home? If so then you should think about adding a patio to your backyard landscape design. There are several different outdoor patios that you can choose from, such as:

Flagstone patio by Phase One Landscapes

Living Room Patio 
A living room patio is perfect for family, friends or guests to simply relax outside. It should be large enough to include comfortable furniture and maybe a small fire-pit as well.

Outdoor Dining Patio
An outdoor dining patio is ideal if you want to enjoy meals alfresco. It should have enough space for a large table and more than a few chairs. Place it near your indoor or outdoor kitchen for easy access to the food.

Sundeck Patio 
A sundeck patio is great for spending afternoons in the sun. Place it near a pool or in the open, and include enough space for some comfortable furniture.

Bistro Patio 
If you’re interested in a small patio that you can have an intimate breakfast on in the mornings near your garden consider a bistro patio.

Once you decide which type of patio is right for your home call Phase One Landscapes at 303-750-6060 and let us help you create it!