Thursday, December 27, 2012

Winter Lawn Care Tips


Winter draws in and the days of relaxing in the sunshine on your beautifully manicured lawn are a distant memory, replaced by the sight of wet, cold and soggy grass and leaves and the nagging thought that you should be doing some work - maybe our winter lawn care tips will help. It is not too late to spend a few hours ensuring your turf survives in the best way and comes out fighting when spring finally arrives, heralding a new year of fresh growth.
We will cover what you should be doing in the five main areas of lawn care as well as a final top tip for anyone considering laying a new lawn in the spring.
Tip #1: Mowing
As autumn turns to winter and before the first snowfall hits, it is time to start dropping the height of your mower blade to take off any of the final young growth of the year. This young grass is less robust than the crown at the base of the plant and is easily affected by snow and frost which can lead to winter diseases finding an accommodating home.
Mowing back this young growth can be done gradually over a number of weeks to minimize the shock to the turf.
Throughout the rest of winter, the grass becomes mostly dormant and only in extended periods of milder weather will the grass start to grow and may need a very slight trim to keep it in check. If so, raise the blade height up to just cut the tips.
Tip #2: Feeding
Generally, the advice here is to not feed your lawn over winter. The turf is in a state of almost hibernation over the cold period and isn't putting any new growth out as it is too vulnerable to the weather and winter diseases that can attack damaged and broken blades. Spring and summer nitrogen based feeds will cause the grass to sprout. If you are preparing for the spring and must feed, there are some potash and phosphorus based fertilizers specifically designed for autumn and winter can encourage healthy growth. These specialist winter lawn fertilizers are available from normal outlets.
Tip #3: Aeration
After a summer and autumn of hard use, some parts of your lawn may have become compacted. As discussed in the lawn aeration section, a healthy lawn needs to get air, moisture and nutrients down to the roots so a light session of aeration before the first snows and frosts come can help prepare the turf for winter and the coming spring. Simply walk it with some lawn aeration shoes or use a hollow tine or drum aerator for larger lawns to break up the soil.
You will notice that worms are relatively inactive in the winter as they head deeper away from the cold. When you start to see the worm casts appear in spring you know it is time to get ready to spruce the lawn up again as winter is ending.
Tip #4: Scarifying
The continuous damp weather of winter is the ideal breeding ground for many diseases that can effect your turf. Clearing moss, leaves and other debris before the first snows and frosts and then keeping the turf as clear as possible can minimize these issues and leave the grass ready to spring back in the new year.
Tip #5: Watering
As with feeding your lawn over winter, you shouldn't need to water it either saving another chore. The grass will slow down its requirements for water and food and as it effectively hibernates through the cold patch, storing its energy in the base of the blade and the roots. If it has been a very dry autumn before, water well when the snows and frost clear in early spring to maximize the turfs ability to bounce back.
Tip #6: Preparation for a new lawn
If you are preparing to lay a new lawn in the spring, breaking the ground up in the winter is a great way to get the earth loosened up and full of air pockets. As moisture seeps in between the grains of soil and then freezes, the water expands as it becomes ice and forces the grains apart splitting any stubborn, hard clumps of soil. Prepared this way, you start the new year with a well aerated, loose soil perfect for early seeding and saving you a lot of backbreaking work.
Summary
Winter is a great time to sit back and leave the lawn be as the natural processes slow to a minimum and the inclement weather keeps you indoors. After you have prepared the turf for the new year with our winter lawn care tips, it is the perfect time to contemplate next years tasks and sit back and learn with a lawn care book!


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6776243

Friday, December 21, 2012

Black Mulch Is Great For Winter Plantings.



At Dixon Landscape Materials we have always sold a lot of Black Mulch and had trouble keeping enough of it in stock, so now we stock 100 yards of it at a time!

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Mulching New Plantings for the Winter



Dave explains why it's so important to protect new plantings with mulch when winter is approaching.

Saturday, December 15, 2012

What type of grass is best for your lawn? Unlimited Landscaping Video Blog



So you need to put new grass in your lawn but you're not sure which type to plant. Lawn Care expert Scott Whitehead gives you some options in his video blog from Unlimited Landscaping.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Hillside Gardening - Tips for Slopes



http://www.landscapingnetwork.com Hillside gardening and landscaping can present many challenges. See how the steep slope can be terraced into a functional garden with concrete steps, walls, concrete pavers, decomposed granite and great plants.

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Modern Patio Design



http://www.landscapingnetwork.com Get ideas for modern patio design. See how concrete, pea gravel, and decomposed granite are used on this modern patio design to create a look that ties into the rest of the yard.

Thursday, December 6, 2012

The Always Popular Salt & Pepper Decorative Rock At Dixon Landscape Mate...



Raj Hansra of Dixon Landscape Materials shows off the always popular Salt & Pepper decorative rock. This rock has rounded edges generally and has a great mix of whites, grays, blues, and tinges of gold. It looks good wet or dry and Dixon Landscape Materials keeps it in stock in 3/4" as shown, 3/8" pea gravel size, 1-1/2" size.

Call Dixon Landscape Materials at 707-678-8200, and visit the website at www.dixonlandscape.com.

Monday, December 3, 2012

The Importance of Effective Landscape Drainage


Each time your lawn is subjected to heavy rainfall, where does all that water end up? Poor drainage can result in a myriad of problems, including damage to your home's foundation, damage to plants and generally turning your yard into a swampy, muddy mess that's as unsightly as it is unhealthy for the lawn you try so hard to keep well-maintained.
Similar to how a house requires a solid, firm foundation, at the core of any properly executed landscaping endeavor should be a good drainage system. After a spell of heavy rainfall, evaluate your yard to see just how well it is currently draining. If you have lots of pooling areas and puddles forming, some drainage lines might be in order.
Fortunately, there are many different drainage options available, depending on your needs and the layout of your home and yard. The simplest of these is simple underground pipes which carry excess water to the street and release it.
Channel drains are another option, perfect for preventing roof runoff from flooding the landscape below. These drains are installed into the concrete, channeling water away from the home into a pipe below the level of the concrete. Normally the top portion of the channel drain has a protective grate which keeps out debris and prevents clogging. The channel connects to another pipe, which leads water away from the house (preferably out to the street).
If specific areas of your lawn or garden are giving you trouble, an isolated area drain may be a good answer. When water collects into puddles, not only does it look bad but it also produces a literal breeding ground for mosquitoes. A simple area drain connected to a drainage pipe will work wonders by carrying the excess water to the street in a series of underground pipes. From time to time you may have to clean off the cover of the drain receptacle to ensure the drainage channel remains unobstructed.
In areas with sensitive plants such as raised planters, making use of a French drain can result in excellent excess water management with very little hit to appearance. Basically, a French drain is nothing more than a perforated drainage pipe wrapped in landscape fabric. The fabric will allow water to pass through into the pipe to be diverted away, but soil, roots and other debris will not be able to pass through into the pipe.
Another prime suspect for drainage issues is the downspouts on your home. Downspouts are commonly installed on homes these days, however they are rarely setup properly to ensure excess water is moved far enough from the foundation and/or garden. If the downspout is draining water directly at the base of the house, this can lead to your garden or lawn literally being eroded away. If the water draining from the roof isn't directed away from the house, it will quickly find its way down into the foundation and flood the surrounding area in your yard. An adapter should be attached to the end of the downspout, connected to a drain pipe which leads the water out away from the home.
In order to guarantee proper drainage throughout your entire yard, a complete underground drain system is highly recommended. This system will normally consist of a series of lateral trenched pipes that are interconnected throughout the yard. These pipes would ideally also be connected to the channel and area drains and downspouts around your home. Collectively, this system would divert all excess water downhill where it can be released without causing damage to either your home or landscape.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5277759

Friday, November 30, 2012

Evaluating Your Landscaping Drainage Problems


Just as the artist needs the right kind of paper to create his masterpiece on, the landscaper needs the right groundwork for building a successful landscape. Unlike the artist, however, the landscaper doesn't have the luxury of trotting down to the local arts and crafts supply store to buy the perfectly graded plot for building his landscape on. We have to work with what we have. That does not mean, though, that we have to settle for what we have.
Improper drainage can doom a landscaping project before it ever begins. Fortunately, drainage issues can be corrected in most cases. Evaluating the lay of the land so that you can identify and correct drainage problems before undertaking further landscaping projects can save you a lot of time, money and heartbreak later. Remember, it's always easier to address these issues before you get started with your landscaping than to try to go back after the fact and correct something that you missed.
Flood Plains
There are several glaring red flags with indicate drainage issues on a property, if you know what to look for. Before you get started, if you don't already know, take a look at your plat or survey and determine if there are nearby flood plains. If part of your property lies in a flood plain, then you are going to have some drainage problems due to the hydric soil (soil that easily holds high volumes of water). If your actual home lies within the flood plain, on the other hand, you might be better served abandoning your landscaping plans and turning your attention to selling the home and relocating.
Drainage Easements
Next, find the drainage easements that are marked on your map (usually labeled with a DE). These most often lie along the property lines. Drainage easements mark the areas that are subject to heavy water flow during rainstorms. These easements generally experience a high degree of erosion, due to water flow. It is important to not construct any fences or structures, such as shed and other outbuildings, along drainage easements.
Creeks, Rivers and Other Bodies of Water
Thirdly, determine the location of any nearby bodies of water such as creeks, rivers, ponds and lakes. When you are first checking out a property, you may view a creek running through it as an attractive selling point. However, when the rains come that creek becomes more of a landscape liability than a boon. Creeks create higher risk of flooding, contribute to unstable soils and are subject to bank erosion. Also, any development upstream will serve to increase the water flow of the creek.
If the creek has vegetation along its banks, leave it, as this provides a crucial buffer between the delicate creek bank and the rest of the landscape. If there is not plentiful vegetation along the creek, consider installing some your first order of business. Vegetation along creek banks limit bank erosion and helps maintain water quality.
Slope
Also take a look at the elevation and slope of your property. You want to be able to get a clear idea of not only where water will be coming from, but where it will go. If you have any doubts, wait for the next rain and step outside. Take note of the path of water through the property so that you can address the notable drainage issues later.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3721063

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Landscaping Maintenance Advice for Winter


Different seasons require different maintenance tasks for your landscaping. The Northwest almost never sees extremely cold, harsh winters. This allows residents to avoid many of the winter preparation tasks that gardeners in the Midwest, for instance, must carry out. Still, there are a few preparatory projects that landscaping maintenance experts recommend for this time of year.
Caring for Evergreen Plants
Some Northwest specimens, such as hollies and azaleas, photosynthesize sunlight into energy all year long. For this type of evergreen plant, keep up basic landscaping maintenance during the fall. Remove crossed branches through pruning. Avoid spraying toxic pesticides; instead, spray bug infestations with horticultural oil, which is available from landscaping maintenance retailers.
Getting your Lawn Ready for Winter
Landscaping maintenance gurus do not recommend applying fertilizer in the fall, since most turf species are dormant during the winter months. However, you should continue to cut your lawn to 1.5 inches throughout the winter. (Wintertime landscaping maintenance involves waiting for a dry spell so you can actually cut the lawn.) You should also remove the flowers of weeds now, so as to prevent weed seeds from being dispersed throughout your lawn. Finally, keep your lawn raked of leaves and debris to avoid mold issues later on.
Deadheading Spent Blossoms
Hydrangeas and other flowering plants should be deadheaded once they're done blooming. This landscaping maintenance task can even cause a second round of blossoms in the fall. Just remove flower remnants to send the plant the message that it can bloom again.
Soil Amendment
If soil doesn't have the right nutrients, it won't produce strong, healthy plants. Autumn is a good season for soil amendment. For testing, bring a soil sample to a local nursery or university nursery to have it tested. Those who are familiar with landscaping yards know that local soils are often heavy in clay, which prevents drainage and can even drown certain species. With test results in hand, you'll have a better understanding of which compounds should be added to improve soil quality.
Laying Down Mulch
Mulch is soil insulation - it balances soil temperatures during the winter. Mulch also reduces the growth of weeds and makes it much easier to pull any weeds that do grow. Lastly, mulch provides a layer of nutrient-rich humus, creating a light, airy layer of topsoil. When landscaping properties, it's wise to save grass clippings, dry leaves and other organic detritus to act as mulch later on. You can also buy mulch from a landscaping maintenance retailer.
Tender Pruning
Landscaping maintenance experts cringe when they over-pruning. Too often, pruning involves simply "shaving" plants with electrical tools. This approach is quick, but it harms the plant over the long term. Instead, wait until herbaceous perennials turn brown. Then, gently prune the plant by removing crossed branches. Basically, you want to create some space around the heart of the bush or shrub. Certain species require special pruning techniques, so ask a landscaping maintenance expert if you're not sure how to cut back a certain species.
These landscape winterization methods will set up your yard for an eruption of new growth and beautiful blossoms when spring returns.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6679382

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Black Mulch Is So Popular, We Had Trouble Keeping It In Stock



At Dixon Landscape Materials we have always sold a lot of Black Mulch and had trouble keeping enough of it in stock, so now we stock 100 yards of it at a time!

Black Mulch is very popular for home landscaping around plants and bushes and is just as popular in commercial landscaping. The color gives excellent contrast with the plants, trees and bushes.

Dixon Landscape Materials is located at 150 East H Street in Dixon, CA. Call us at 707-678-8200 and visit our website at www.DixonLandscape.com

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

How to prepare flower beds for winter, keep moisture in and weeds out us...



In this episode of Growing Wisdom Dave uses mulch to prepare his soil for the long winter. Using mulch is a great way to keep plants healthy through the colder winter months. Mulch keeps moisture in, helps prevent frost heaves and keeps weeds out. Mulch can be placed around plants any time of the year but early spring or late fall are the easiest times to do this chore. I make my own mulch by grinding up leaves and twigs from around the yard.

Sunday, November 18, 2012

Backyard Landscaping Ideas



Professional backyard landscape design plan for a large Mediterranean garden. Go through details and principles used to create this Mediterranean backyard landscaping idea.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Principles of Garden Design



Learn about the "Principles of Garden Design" with Dr. Ann Marie VanDerZanden of Iowa State University. More landscape design information can be found in eXtension.org's Gardens, Lawns, and Landscapes: http://www.extension.org/pages/Landscaping

Monday, November 12, 2012

How to Make a Gas Fire Pit From Scratch



How to Make a Gas Fire Pit From Scratch: Building the gas-fired fire pit in my small back garden.

NOTE:
In the end I found the flame too "sooty" to use for cooking food - I subsequently learned that you need to introduce a venturi-action in order to introduce enough oxygen to the flame to get a clean burn, so I would recommend buying a proper kit rather than doing it this way.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

New Product: Permeable Aggregate Binder!




EkoFlo®

Permeable Aggregate Binder
Water Permeable TechnologyEkoFlo® is an easy to install, pour-in-place, permeable pavement system for patios, walkways, and other solid surface applications. EkoFlo® utilizes native aggregates, creating a durable, long lasting, and aesthetic surface.

Installing EkoFlo® provides an advanced, efficient, and economical filtration system that is ideal for pathways, banding, borders and tree wells. Pavements may require as little as 10% of EkoFlo® to be classified as permeable.

Monday, November 5, 2012

New Product To Help Keep Bark In Place!


Bark Binder™
Landscape Mulch Stabilizer


Bark Binder™ is:
  • An easy-t-apply and long-lasting liquid which is applied with standard spraying equipment.
  • EPA-compliant and works naturally to bind with mulch and chipped wood fibers.
  • Creates a durable, yet pliable structure for your landscape and is highly resistant to wind, washouts and erosion.

Saturday, November 3, 2012

How to Design a Rock Garden



A lot of considerations need to be made when designing a rock garden. Because of that, this landscaping video from About.com explains some of the key points to keep in mind in order to design a rock garden.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Landscaping Ideas- For a Small Space



A Dramatic makeover for a small Seattle backyard. The garden includes a courtyard patio, raised planters, new fencing and a carport.

Friday, October 19, 2012

Crushed Stone Pathway featuring TechniSoil & EdgePro



This is a short demonstration video on how to build a natural-looking, crushed stone pathway, featuring TechniSoil Pathway Stabilizer and EdgePro Paver Restraint.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Trees & Landscaping : How to Remove Grass & Replace It With Rocks



Removing grass to create rock beds involves digging up the grass in strips, which can be reused in other areas of the yard if planted soon after. Create eco-friendly rock beds in your yard with tips from a professional groundskeeper in this free video on landscaping.

Saturday, October 13, 2012

The Always Popular Salt & Pepper Decorative Rock At Dixon Landscape Mate...



Raj Hansra of Dixon Landscape Materials shows off the always popular Salt & Pepper decorative rock. This rock has rounded edges generally and has a great mix of whites, grays, blues, and tinges of gold. It looks good wet or dry and Dixon Landscape Materials keeps it in stock in 3/4" as shown, 3/8" pea gravel size, 1-1/2" size.

Call Dixon Landscape Materials at 707-678-8200, and visit the website at www.dixonlandscape.com.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Large Yard Landscaping Ideas



http://www.landscapingnetwork.com/problems/large-yard/ See how large yard landscaping is done. This large expanse of lawn and a wood deck is transformed with the addition of an swimming pool and decorative concrete patio. Before and after scenes show how the pool was integrated into the existing property to maintain continuity.

Sunday, October 7, 2012

How to Install Alliance Gator Dust with John-Briggs



This is a explanation on how to Alliance Gator Dust.
For more information please visit www.alliancegator.com
This polymeric stone dust is a unique mixture of polymer binders and calibrated crushed stone available in two colors : Sahara Beige and Stone Grey. Once Gator Dust sets, it becomes very firm and locks between the stone joints. This firm bond maintains the stones securely in place, being equally effective on both horizontal and sloped surfaces.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Installing Pavestone Bagged Landscape Rock



Beautify your trees, gardens, bushes and other outdoor areas with Pavestone's landscape rock. Sold in easy to use bags.

Monday, October 1, 2012

How to Install a TechniSoil Pathway



Instructional Guide: Installing a pathway from start to finish using TechniSoil Pathway Stabilizer G2

Friday, September 28, 2012

TechniSoil Aggregate Education Video



An explanation of what the best aggregates to use with TechniSoil products. An general guide of proper vs. improper aggregates.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Mulching Tips & Techniques : Using Mulch in Landscaping



Spread piles of mulch with a hard rake to cover areas at the desire depth. Learn to use mulch for landscaping from a horticulturist in this free gardening video.

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Black Mulch Gives Excellent Contrast!



At Dixon Landscape Materials we have always sold a lot of Black Mulch and had trouble keeping enough of it in stock, so now we stock 100 yards of it at a time!

Black Mulch is very popular for home landscaping around plants and bushes and is just as popular in commercial landscaping. The color gives excellent contrast with the plants, trees and bushes.

Dixon Landscape Materials is located at 150 East H Street in Dixon, CA. Call us at 707-678-8200 and visit our website at www.DixonLandscape.com

Thursday, September 13, 2012

We Have Fir Bark!



Raj Hansra with Dixon Landscape Materials shows us the Walk-On Fir Bark which is very popular in landscaping and is much easier to work with than Gorilla Bark.

Dixon Landscape Materials, 150 East H St, Dixon CA. 707-678-8200. www.dixonlandscape.com

Monday, September 10, 2012

Friday, September 7, 2012

Sand Products



Concrete Sand
Concrete Sand. A mix of coarse sand and small pebbles for use in making concrete.
 
Screened Sand
Screened Sand
Screened Sand is a fine sand that meets specific PG & E requirements and can be used under cement slabs or stepping stones.
 
Mason White Sand
Mason White Sand
Mason White Sand. Fine grain, clean sand which is excellent for masons and a number of other uses.
 
Playground Sand
Playground Sand
Playground sand.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Rubber Bark Used In Landscaping


Rubber Bark Used In Landscaping
Rubber Bark Used In Landscaping
Rubber Bark
in Granite Grey color.
Rubber Bark
in Cypress Gold color.
Rubber Bark
in Grass Green color.
Rubber Bark
in Ocean Blue.

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Beautiful Oak Tree Stepping Stones



Here's a new shipment of concrete steps that are made to look like Oak tree slices, yet will last for many years to come. These are so useful for stepping stones and add interest and natural colors to your garden area.

We carry a great selection of garden supplies in addition to our gravel and dirt! Come check it out.

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Need Bricks?



At Dixon Landscape Materials there is one thing for sure: We are constantly adding things to help you get the job done. Come see our selection of different kinds of bricks to suit your needs.

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Look! Save 5% Now Through September 30th!



At Dixon Landscaping, we have a huge selection of flagstone from all over the world in stock ready to begin your project today. And, now through September 30th, just mention that you saw this and get 5% off your purchase. See more on our website flagstone page:





Thursday, August 23, 2012

Monday, August 20, 2012

Heirloom Summer Rose Care



We cover some of the tips for keeping your roses healthy and happy during the heat of summer.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Flagstone Special - Save 5% By Mentioning Ad


At Dixon Landscaping, we have a huge selection of flagstone from all over the world in stock ready to begin your project today. And, now through September 30th, just mention that you saw this and get 5% off your purchase. See more on our website flagstone page:





Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Tomato Tips



The tomatoes are on the vine. We look at ways to help them ripen and how to increase your harvest.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Flavor Plants


We found so many plants and herbs that you can use for flavoring. Here are a few of our favorites.

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Edging Gardens with River Stones


Edging your gardens with river stones is a great way to give them a fabulous makeover. And the edging lasts longer than a conventional edge, too!

Monday, July 30, 2012

Friday, July 27, 2012

Waterwise Small Garden


Having a small garden creates its own challenges. We visit a small garden that is carefully planned, packed with plants and tight with water!

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Dry Stream Bank


The Living the Country Life brand includes our Living the Country Life magazine, Web site, and broadcast programs on RFD-TV and on our extensive radio network.

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Ginger Rock or Sonoma Gold At Dixon Landscape Materials


Raj Hansra shows us their very popular Ginger Rock decorative crushed rock, aka Sonoma Gold. Because it is popular, Dixon Landscaping keeps a large amount in stock at all times in various sizes.

Dixon Landscape Materials is located at 150 East H Street in Dixon CA. 707-678-8200. Website: www.dixonlandscape.com

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Deer Resistant Plants


We would like to keep the deer out of our garden. Here are some plants and products to help keep them from turning our garden into a buffet.

Monday, July 9, 2012

Bird Deterrents


our fruit plants are starting to produce fruit. We want to scare away the birds so we can have a few pieces for ourselves. here are some products to help scare them. if you love birds, just plant more fruit and share.

Friday, July 6, 2012

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Early Summer Hydrangeas


Here are some of the favorite early summer blooming hydrangeas from Kristin VanHoose at Hydrangeas Plus.

Saturday, June 30, 2012

Welcoming Front Yard


A new walkway, healthy plantings and an arbor create a yard that beckons.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Sunday, June 24, 2012

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Monday, June 18, 2012

Friday, June 15, 2012

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Lawn Alternatives


You can save a lot of time, water and money in your garden if you consider alternatives to the traditional turf lawn.

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Pear in a Bottle


We check out an orchard that grows pears in bottles for apple brandy made by Clear Creek Distillery.

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Jan's May Tips


Jan's tips for this month are about plants telling you where they grow well, and how raised beds and compost bins can be one and the same!

Monday, May 28, 2012

Smashing Stems


Our tip of the week is about smashing stems to your woody plants. actually you can also cut them too. this allows water into the stem and lets your cut flowers last longer.

Friday, May 25, 2012

Veggie Pots


You can grow a veggie garden is an space. We have some plant selections that will let you grow one even in a container.

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Planter Wand


Nothing could be much greener than this tool to help you plant flowers.

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Plant Pick Dianthus Shining Star


Our plant pick is perfect for the smaller garden or container. The Dianthus is also great for the front of a border.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Hummingbird Care


We learn about hummingbirds and how to attract them to your garden. We also dispel some of the myths surrounding the feeding of hummingbirds.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Monday, May 7, 2012

Friday, May 4, 2012

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Planting Fuchsias


Now is the time to replant those old fuchsias and to plant those new ones. We have some tips

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Tropical Outdoor Kitchen


Kitchen Crashers transforms a barren outdoor kitchen into a tropical dream.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

GardenPalooza 2012


We show you a preview of the 2012 10th anniversary of GardenPalooza. This one day garden event is the kick off to the spring and a great way to get your garden stocked with new plants.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Monday, April 16, 2012

3 cut Pruning


Storm damage to your trees? Here is a method called the 3 cut prune. This will help you get rid of the broken branch and help your tree heal. Remember to call a certified arborist if the limb is too big or too high in the tree.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Dividing Hostas


It is easy to divide hostas from your garden and now is the perfect time to do that! You can share your plant with other people

Saturday, April 7, 2012

Decomposed Granite (DG) At Dixon Landscape Materials


Raj Hansra shows us a very popular product called DG or Decomposed Granite. It is also sometimes called pathway fines since it is often used in pathways because it packs down so nicely.

Dixon Landscape Materials is located at 150 East H Street in Dixon CA and the phone number is 707-678-8200. Check out the website at www.DixonLandscape.com.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Black Mulch Is So Popular, We Had Trouble Keeping It In Stock


At Dixon Landscape Materials we have always sold a lot of Black Mulch and had trouble keeping enough of it in stock, so now we stock 100 yards of it at a time!

Black Mulch is very popular for home landscaping around plants and bushes and is just as popular in commercial landscaping. The color gives excellent contrast with the plants, trees and bushes.

Dixon Landscape Materials is located at 150 East H Street in Dixon, CA. Call us at 707-678-8200 and visit our website at www.DixonLandscape.com

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Playground Wood Chips At Dixon Landscape Materials


Raj with Dixon Landscape Materials shows us their very popular playground wood chips, which is made from Cedar and certified for playgrounds. It is also used all around the garden, parks and so on.

Call Dixon Landscape at 707-678-8200 and visit their website at www.dixonlandscape.com

How to Build a Garden Pond



http://go.askthebuilder.com/NewsletterSignup founder, Tim Carter shows a partially filled clean garden pond. He explains how the pond holds water, where the pump is for the waterfall and what the shelfs in the pond do.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Step 4 - A little bit about sod prep


Instructional Video from Park Avenue Turf on lawn sod preparation for installation.

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Step 3 - Grading and Sprinklers


Instructional Video from Park Avenue Turf on sprinkler installation to make your new lawn sod installation a success.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Step 2 - Soil Preparation


Instructional video from Park Avenue Turf on best techniques for preparing your soil for lawn sod installation.

Sunday, March 11, 2012

Step 1 - Measuring your lawn and putting a plan together


Instructional video from Park Avenue Turf on putting together a game plan for best installation of your new lawn sod.

Thursday, March 8, 2012

How To Improve Your Home's Curb Appeal

curb appeal Pictures, Images and Photos

When it comes to our homes, we tend to focus the majority of our time, money and effort on maintaining and improving the inside--after all, that's where we spend the most time, isn't? This is all well and good, but the fact remains that 'curb appeal'-- the way your home looks from the street--is still an important factor in impressing buyers and achieving a sophisticated aesthetic for your house. Here we've put together a list of some improvements you can make to the outside of your house, from some simple landscaping work with some quality outdoor tiles to maintaining the windows, garden and paint job.
Gardens
Not having a green thumb is no excuse not to have a neat garden. You may not want to spend every weekend pruning, weeding and planting, but there are varying degrees of maintenance required by different types of garden and it is perfectly possible to create a low-maintenance front yard that still looks elegant. Choose shrubs that require minimum watering and weeding, and install a weed-cover to stop them from getting through in the first place. If you don;t want to hassle about with mowing the lawn frequently, design a layout (or have one designed for you) that involves tanbark, wood chips and rocks. A garden that looks structure and looked-after suggests a house that's the same, which is a great first-impression to make on anyone--especially potential buyers!
Windows and Paint
Window frames are one area that always seem to be overlooked when it comes to home maintenance, but it is startling how much of a difference they make! It's just like when someone gets a new pair of glasses to replace their old, out of date ones. You know that there's something different about them but you can;t figure out what! Updating or re-painting old window frames will add a neatness and freshness to your home that is sure to impress. Similarly, keeping the paint job fresh is an important element in improving the overall curb appeal of your home. A paint-job (much like a good hair-dye!) can reduce the age of your house (or at least how old it looks) and if you choose a different, more modern colour, it can completely revamp your home's image.
Paths, Walkways and Driveways
Another element that will add structure and elegance to your home is the addition of a paved path or walkway to your door. You can also improve the entrance to your property with a new driveway using sandstone pavers or concrete. Defined walkways can create an illusion of more space and grandeur in a front yard, and make a lasting impression on passer's by and neighbours alike!


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5981351

Monday, March 5, 2012

Mosaic Fountain-DIY


A pebble mosaic created by the homeowners is the focal point of a fountain. This video is part of Yard Crashers Top 10 show hosted by Ahmed Hassan . SHOW DESCRIPTION :With Yard Crashers, you never know what you're gonna get. Licensed landscape contractor Ahmed Hassan ambushes unsuspecting homeowners at the home improvement store, follows them home, and creates eye-popping backyard transformations. This informational show counts down the top 10 ways he transforms a yard, from water features to super-size decks to amazing outdoor spaces for entertaining.

Friday, March 2, 2012

Stone Walkway-DIY


Here are the DIY Basics on updating a stone walkway. This video is part of DIY Basics show . SHOW DESCRIPTION :DIY Kits and Basics are short video tips with simple, printable instructions and specific product lists of everything you'll need to get the job done right.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Ideas For Using Stone Veneer In And Around Your Home





If you thought stone veneer was just for front facing a home to add curb appeal then you only know half the story. Real thin stone veneer is a beautiful product that is excellent for retaining walls, fireplaces, interior wall coverings, as well as for facades and exterior wall coverings.
But why limit yourself there? This stone is so easy to install and maintain that you could probably find many other uses for it. How about adding stone veneer at the end of a counter top or around a kitchen island? What about installing stone veneer in the bathroom on the walls? Not only can natural stone enhance the feel of any décor, but it adds value to your home as well.
Four Applications, Many Styles to Choose From
Use Stone Veneer for the interior panels in your home: Either one wall or throughout a whole room. Stone veneer can be an elegant and regal alternative to wallpaper or paint. You won't have to redo it in a few years either because it is outdated or out of style. Stone veneer adds a timeless beauty to your home that is always updated.
In addition, stone veneer is durable and easy to clean. It adds a sense of old world with a modern touch to nearly any room. Kitchens, bathrooms, living rooms, studies, libraries, and family rooms are just a few ideas which stone veneer could be used for.
You could use Stone Veneer to build a retaining wall in your backyard!
Liven up the garden, add some charm to an existing retaining wall, or elevate a garden or flower bed. Thin stone veneer can be applied to any existing or new retaining wall to make it look like a gorgeous rock wall instead of a plain old flower bed. With the proper applications and installation, your stone veneer wall will last many years and prove to endure even the most severe weather conditions - yet still manage to look beautiful for years to come.
Stone veneer can be used for fireplaces. A stone veneer façade on an indoor or outdoor fireplace can make it look like you've spent a fortune! Outdoor patios in need of a touch of class can be transformed simply with the addition of a stone fireplace.
Re-facing or building new indoor fireplaces can be a simple and easy project with the addition of stone veneer. Unlike fake manufactured stone, real stone veneer stands up to the intense heat of the fireplace.
Consider using stone veneer for siding on the exterior of your home. Add a level of sophistication and charm to the exterior of your home. Stone veneer can be applied either on the lower half of a wall or as the whole front or exterior of a home. This will add that touch of elegance, class and distinction that is emulated from the upscale homes of the rich and famous. Give your home the same elegant curb appeal with durable, fade resistant, chip resistant, weather resistant, and warm looking stone veneer.
What To Expect
You can expect to find hundreds of styles, patterns, and colors of stone veneer. You can choose from existing colors and patterns that are available or custom order your veneer to suit your unique taste. Stone veneer installs much more quickly than the fabricated stone since it is lighter in weight. It is also more durable since it is resistant to weather, sun damage, and even chipping.
Upgrade your curb appeal, backyard elegance, or old world style interior with modern and fabulous thin stone veneer. You will save money and have a long lasting product that will be sure to add a touch of class to any home indoors or out. In summary, you can apply stone veneer to indoor or outdoor fireplaces, walls, and facades. You can expect the beauty of natural thin stone veneer to ad charm and class to your home, no matter where you decide to put it within your home.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1404243