Q: My backflow preventer is leaking out of the side bolts. Do I need to replace it? A: We will need to send an irrigation tech to assess the leak to be sure. There is a chance the gaskets could be worn out. If this is the case, then swapping out the gaskets should fix the problem. If it is not the gaskets, there is a chance the whole unit will need to be replaced.

Viking Black Chokeberry Aronia melanocarpa 'Viking' Zone 3-9 This shrub shines with tons of white flowers in the spring. Glossy, green foliage provides a beautiful backdrop for both the flowers and the berries. Dark, black berries form in large clusters, which appear after the showy white flowers are spent. This shrub really stand out in the fall with beautiful fall foliage contrasted with the black berries. A fast grower that can quickly reach 5' tall and 6' wide. This shrub

Q: I need to run an irrigation line underneath a sidewalk. How do I do this? A: This is never fun or easy to do. There is proper equipment to do this and you may be able to rent if from your local rental company. If you want to do this yourself, the best way is to dig a whole about 2 feet wide and about a foot deep, tapering it away from the sidewalk on both sides. Next, use the shovel to dig as far under the sidewalk as you can. Once the shovel can no longer make the angle,

Regal Mist ® Pink Muhly Grass Muhlenbergia capillaris 'Lenca' Zone 6-9 Wispy, pink tops gently blow in the late summer breeze and create a picture perfect scene. Looks best as a mass planting or single specimen. Blooms from late summer to fall. Thin, green foliage can be expected from spring until bloom. Plant in part to full sun. Does best when watered regularly, but can handle short periods of drought. A fast grower that can quickly reach 4' tall and 3' wide. Blooms late su

Q: My pineleaf penstemon is brown in the middle. The only green on it is on the outer edges. It looks terrible - is there anything I can do to fix this? A: Plants get old just like we do. Sometimes plants can lose their vigor as they age and eventually need to be replaced. With a pineleaf penstemon, we suggest hard pruning it before you buy another. Cut at least 2/3 of the plant off until it is 3-4 inches above the ground. The plant will be small but it should start to reg

Yellow Twig Dogwood Cornus sericea 'Flaviramea' Zone 2-8 Beautiful, bright yellow stems help to brighten up your yard during the winter months. In spring, white clusters of flowers appear that are followed by white berries. The dark green foliage lightens to a vibrant yellow in the autumn. A moderate grower that can reach 8' tall and 9' wide if not pruned in the winter. It is recommended to prune 1/3 of the older stems annually to keep this shrub looking its best. Plant in p

Q: How can I make my rose grow in a trellis? A: In order for a rose to grow properly on a trellis, you want to make sure you have the right variety. Climbing roses have a tendency to grow extremely long canes that can easily be worked into a trellis. As the rose grows, carefully wrap the long canes through and around the trellis holes in order to fill it out. You can also use garden ties to secure the rose canes to the trellis - just make sure the ties are not too tight.

Chocolate Chip Carpet Bugle Ajuga reptans 'Chocolate Chip' Zone 4-9 Low growing groundcover that when planted with proper spacing will create a carpet of deep green with hints of burgundy. Flowers resemble salvia blooms but have a light blue-white blend of colors. Blooms appear spring to early summer, and can occasionally bloom once more in late summer-early fall depending on the weather. A moderate grower that can grow a few inches tall and spread 3' wide. Prefers well drai

Cooler temperatures out there. Stay warm everyone! Q: Can I damage my plants that are close to the sidewalk by using ice melt? A: Depending on the type of ice melt you plan on using, it is possible that the runoff from the melted ice can damage your plants. We recommend either Melt-Off Ice Melt® or something similar that contains both vegetation protectors and enhancers.

Royal Candles Speedwell Veronica spicata 'Glory' Zone 4-9 Long, blue 'candlestick' shaped flowers top bright green vegetation. With an abundance of flowers through its very long bloom cycle, this compact perennial add beautiful color especially near pathways. Plant in full sun and water regularly. A moderate grower that can reach a little over 1 foot tall and wide. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Blooms from late spring into fall. Dead head to promote blooms. Thrives