This project came from the same house as last week. The area was overgrown with weeds and native grasses. The client wanted the area to be usable as a patio and wanted a small flowerbed to brighten the area up. The first step in this transformation was to remove the weeds, native grass, and old moss rock border. The new mossrock was cut to fit to provide a tight, clean, and uniform look. Once the mossrock was embedded in the ground, it was time to level out the area and prep

Q: What is the best way to get rid of weeds and prevent them from coming back? A: There are numerous products out there that are effective, but may be hazardous to your health, especially if proper protective equipment is not used. Sprayable and granular weed killers can be very effective but should be used cautiously and according to their labels. You can also use vinegar, salt, and water mixture to sterilize your soil. However, use this only if you are 100% positive you don

Tiger Tongue Prickly Pear Opuntia ellisiana Zone 6-9 This prickly pear is everything but prickly. This variety has no spines, so you don’t have to worry about getting poked. Large grayish-green pads become tinged purple in the colder months. Blooms yellow flowers in the spring. Can reach 5' tall and 6' wide. Edible. Plant in full sun for best growth. Looks great in a cactus garden to gain height for the area. Drought tolerant.

The client contacted us about doing landscaping in several areas of their yard. The yard had minor landscaping (a few trees and shrubs), but the client wanted an upgrade. The first step in this transformation was to prep the area but we had to keep the three Russian sages and the flowering plum. We left those plants alone and carefully removed the wild grasses. Once all the vegetation was cleared, it was time to start trenching for the block flowerbed. The flowerbed was goin

Q: Why do my rose leaves look dry and faded all of a sudden? I also notice spider webs on them. What is it? A: If your leaves went from bright green to dry and faded rapidly, with webbing on the under or over the side of the leaf, there is a good chance you have a spider mite infestation. Spider mites can be very tricky to get rid of and can quickly damage your plants. You are going to want to get on a regular schedule of treating your plants with an insecticide that will ki

Royal Gold Woadwaxen Genista tinctoria 'Royal Gold' Zone 4-9 If you want to add some green to your yard, but don’t have a green thumb, this is the plant for you! Small, dark green, spear-shaped foliage covers this compact growing shrub. Bright yellow, pea-like flowers appear in late spring and begin to fade in mid-summer months. Plant in full sun for best growth. Can reach 2' tall and wide. Compact. Drought tolerant deer resistant.

Q: Are there any options for flowering plants during the fall or winter? A: There are not many plants that bloom during the winter. The coolest one is Witch hazel, which will bloom in the middle of winter. There is also Winter Jasmine which will bloom toward the end of winter.

Red Rocket Crape myrtle Lagerstroemia indica 'Red Rocket' Zone 6-9 If you want a truly stunning tree, look no further than this. Clusters of bright, fiery red "crepe paper" flowers cover the top of the stems during summer months. In fall the green foliage turns a beautiful red-bronze that keeps this specimen looking great throughout the growing months. Plant in full sun for best growth. Water regularly, and once established drought resistant. A moderate grower that can reach

Q: I have brown patches on my lawn. What do you recommend to fix this issue? A: We can't give a one size fits all solution for this one - brown spots on your lawn can come from a variety of issues. Whether something as simple as lack of water due to a busted sprinkler head, or a sun reflection from an open window that is causing the grass to burn, or even your dog urinating in the grass (trust us, Fido loves to do it even if you trained him not too). A more complex issue can

Silverberry Elaeagnus pungens Zone 6-9 This dense evergreen works as a great privacy or wind screen, and can even be shaped to create a thick hedge. Silvery green foliage creates an interesting look that makes this shrub very different from the typical bright green hedges. Plant in full sun for best growth. Water regularly until established. Very tough and drought-resistant. A fast grower that can quickly reach 10' tall and wide. Produces fragrant, white flowers in the fall.