Does Your Yard Need A Facelift?

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Send us a picture of your “Ugly Yard” on
Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #TheUYC
to be entered to win.

Our Landscaping Specialist will give you specific advice to help improve it.
Advice will be published over on our blog.

One lucky winner will be chosen the first week of September to get their very own free box of landscape edging.

MAKE THIS THE YEAR YOUR YARD GETS A MAKEOVER!

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

To celebrate the holiday, we want to share with you some of our favourite outdoor decorations!

f8f227bae5f4beef80163971138a37c1Sometimes less is more. Add a little green to your entry way!

GnomeWhy don’t you dress up your statue friends?

938072741667295057ac03f87d0682ecForget the traditional planters…. How about some old shoes full of green?

bb909fd84fe3c483ea4bf978ba1dbb86Or make your own festive signage.

See more of our favourites here.

ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY!!!!

Seven Ways To Wake Up Your Garden In Spring

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March weather is unpredictable at times but it’s not too early to get back into the garden! Early spring is the perfect time to lay the groundwork for the warm months. Here’s seven things you can do to wake up your garden in spring!

 

Clean Up Nonwoody Perennials

Some of your cold-hardy perennials (such as heurcheras and irises) may not go completely dormant during the winter and grip onto their leaves even during the winter storms. Changes are that they’re looking pretty disheveled at this point. Use your pruners to remove your brown or tattered leaves.

 

Prune Woody Perennials and Roses

Next up is the roses and shrubs. They’re probably just beginning to leaf or bloom (whichever comes first, depending on the plant), it’s easy to spot dead branches or rose canes. Be sure to prune by cutting on an angle just above the base of the branch or cane.

 

Get a Jump Start on Weeding

Most annual weeds won’t germinate until late spring. Many perennials such as dandelion, start leafing out very early! Dig deep and remove the entire root of any wild perennials that you don’t want in your garden.

 

Prepare Soil

Add generous amounts of compost to garden beds and borders, working it into the top few inches of the spoil. Spread an inch or two of compost around perennials making sure not to let the compost actually touch the plant. If your soils is acidic, add garden line to neutralize the pH. If you have heavy clay soil with poor drainage, try adding sand, pumice and/or compost!

 

Plant Cold-Hardy Blooming Annuals

The temperatures in spring can be very unpredictable, but annuals like pansies and primroses can handle the chilly weather. These will give your garden an instant color boost!

 

Get Containers Ready

Did you clean your empty plant containers at the end of the season last year? If not, do that now. It’s important to clean them fully to prevent plant disease and infestation problems later on. Scrub non-clay pots with soapy water. If you had pests last year, soak the containers with a mixture of one part bleach to nine parts water for ten minutes. Scrub clay pots with steel wool to remove mineral deposits.

 

Plan Ahead

We’ve said it before, but we’ll say it again. Spend time mapping out where you want to place your plants and any other new additions later on!

Top Seven Things To Add To Your Landscaping

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Do you have the trees, the shrubs and the gardens, but your landscaping still seems to be lacking something?

Here’s seven things that will add some character and flare!

1. Stepping Stones: Purchase from your local home and garden store or make your own!

85b4185b1114670a0c2838e1ce37aff3See some of our favorites here.

2. Fences: They’re not just for privacy!

a446e10116336579a6cf8f5aa5945d6cSee some of our favorites here.

3. Bird Baths: You provide it and the birds will come!

bbfb2bbd58058c2a11451dc0483aa7e0See some of our favorites here.

4. Vertical Gardens: Gardens don’t have to be horizontal. Not only are these trending, but they’re pretty awesome too!

8c13160a6287ca3e426211ce18ca00b2See our favorites here.

5. Water Fountains: There’s nothing like the sound of trickling water to create a relaxing landscape.

435a0072fa80b1289fa9e3fde61ec160See some of our favorites here.

6. Steps: Do you have a hill or a higher porch? Change up your steps to spice up your landscape!

634255125f8a0256426070797772edebSee some of our favorites here.

7. Rain Gardens: Don’t want to add a pond or pool? This is a great alternative!

8ae94886a19bd1229226a2120f560df3Here’s some of our favorite designs.

11 Landscape Tips for Small Space Landscaping

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Go Vertical

Make gardens look larger than they actually are by adding trellis or arbor. These structures help draw the eye upward, creating the illusion of more space.

 

Grow Some Privacy

Keep privacy in mind as you design your small landscape. No one wants the neighbors looking over their shoulder as they relax outdoors. A fence or a screen to shield the view is essential; but don’t leave it at that! Grow something over the structure to add color and dimension.

 

Start from the Ground Up

Add some style to the small spaces by mixing complementary paving materials together. Besides adding color and style, the stones also create a sense of space that wouldn’t be possible if it was just a solid stone patio.

 

Divide and Conquer

The trick to gardening in a small yard is breaking up the available space into a series of mini beds rather than trying to squeeze in one large border. Brick pathways can be used to create a series of litter perennial borders around each of the brick pillars. Smaller beds allow easier access for weeding and planting.

 

Make It Cozy

Creating escape nooks for reading and resting are a good small backyard idea for dividing up the space and creating specific zones.

 

Add Color

The bolder the better when it comes to landscapes. A once-drab wall can be made much more impressive simply by being painted an eye-popping colour.

 

Keep Plants Vertical, Not Horizontal

Horizontal space is valuable in many small backyards. This is why it’s good to look for greenery that max out interest as they grow up, not out.

 

Conquer Dead Landscape Nooks

It’s easy to ignore the areas that don’t get a lot of immediate or street side view. Turn these spots into unexpected focal points. Try using a centerpiece tree, an oversize container, and flowers and foliage plants for interest.

 

Use the Power of Perspective

Long, straight lines trick you into thinking that your small yard or garden landscape is bigger than it is. Take full advantage of this illusion by adding a subtle slant the far ends of the lines toward one another and create another focal point.

 

Just Add Water

The smallest landscape can be improved by the mellow sound of trickling water. If you don’t have enough space for a water garden, try adding a fountain (or two) in the key locations of the yard.

 

Select Seating

Keep comfort in mind when choosing seating for your backyard. No one likes sitting on a teetering metal chair… no matter how pretty your landscaping is. Look for furniture with deep seating and wide arms that invite guests to sit and chat a while.

6 Walkways for your yard (and how to use landscape edging to make it last!)

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Looking to add a walkway through your beautiful gardens or your backyard?

Here’s six of our favourite designs and how you can use landscape edging to make it last!

(Click the photo to pin to Pinterest.)

2Check out this unique garden mosaic pathway made from river rocks!

Circular edging can be used to create awesome designs inside your pathways.

GARDEN - Mill Close, Buckland, Worcestershire (June 2008 & 2009)This beautiful walkway is called the Garden Path from Provence, France!

Landscape Edging can keep this design clean and separated from the grass and weeds surrounding the path.

a5d0fcf88bafd6b87ce4cbb3b9de9aaeSame idea… Different design!

3Add some character to your railroad tie and gravel garden/side yard walkway!

Finish the design by using landscape edging along the edges to keep the rocks out of your lawn.

4This Black and White Mosaic Path is mesmerizing with the distinct contrasts!

Complete the look using landscape edging to hold the dirt off the edges of your walkway!

5

Want a simplistic look to avoid taking the attention away from your beautiful plants?

This is it!

Use the landscape edging to separate the wood chips from the dirt and mulch.

For more walkway designs, check out our Pinterest Board here.

Be ready for Spring…. Order your landscape edging today!

10 Winter Plants To Brighten Up Your Balcony

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Isn’t it nice to look out your window and see your colorful plants blooming? Just because it’s winter does not mean you have to stop gardening! Here’s a list of plants that will survive the chilly months to give your balcony (or patio) a makeover!

Winter Heathers

Winter Heather

Winter-flowering heathers love wind and rain! Plant them in a pot or container on your balcony

 and you will have beautiful blooming plants during the coldest months!

Dwarf and Slow-Growing Conifers

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Conifers give structure and color to gardens or patios even in wintertime when other plants die down.

They are also good companions for heathers providing bright green foliage.

Climbing Plants

Climbing Plants

There are only a few climbing plants that bloom in the bleak months of winter. One of them is the Clematis cirrhosa var. balearica.

There are other climbers such as the Lonicera fragrantissima or the Clematis cirrhosa that will survive winter.

Ornamental Kale and Cabbage

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Create some unique textures on your balcony by adding some cool looking ornamental kale and cabbage varieties!

They are some of the most popular winter plants! The inner leaves develop pink shades as soon as the

temperature gets below 10 degrees celsius.

Holly and False Holly

False HollyFalse Holly is a small evergreen shrub with holly-like leaves that are irregularly spined and green edged

in creamy-white. These shrubs are great for winter plants and will attract birds to your container garden.

Not to mention, they will provide a bit of privacy as a hedge, border or foundation plants.

Swiss Chard and Kale

Kale

Swiss Chard and Kale are a popular vegetable grown for fall and winter.

There are varieties that won’t perform well in the cold season as well as some

that are remarkably cold-tolerant. Be sure to make sure you pick the correct variety.

Christmas Box

Christmas Box

Christmas Box or Sarcococca confusa is an evergreen shrub with dark glossy green foliage and

tiny creamy white sweetly scented flowers. The flowers are followed with black glossy berries that

will attract birds on your patio or balcony.

Coral Bells, Heuchera

HeucheraHeuchera is a perfect perennial to brighten up your balcony throughout the winter season.

Also known as Coral Bells, they come in various different colors and the leaves can be heart-shaped, rounded or triangular.

Hellebores

HelleboresThere are not many plants that actually bloom in January’s snow, but Hellebores is one of those limited plants!

This beautiful flower can withstand cold, wind and rain, thriving in the coldest time of the year!

Creeping Thyme

Creeping Thyme

This evergreen subshrub with a typically aromatic foliage that can be used for cooking is typically an aromatic foliage.

This mat-forming plant keeps low to the ground and spreads steadily so it can fill the areas as a ground cover.

Need some planter ideas? Check out our Pinterest board of some of our favourites!!

Save Water, Time and Money by Switching to Artificial Turf

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Lawn care and maintenance has turned into a major issue in communities that are facing water shortages. Today, droughts, increased populations and water waste have led to a serious need for increased efforts toward conservation. Unfortunately, water restrictions and increased utility rates have led to brown, unsightly lawns that ruin the beautiful aesthetics of neighborhoods and businesses. While it may be tempting to keep watering surreptitiously even with restrictions in place, there are far more effective ways to enjoy a green lawn while protecting the environment. Artificial grass makes it possible to save water, and enjoy these benefits for transforming your landscaping plan into one that saves time, money and natural resources.

Ditch the Sprinklers
Most people use sprinklers and other types of irrigation systems in their landscaping routines. While these are effective for hydrating the soil and plants, they also pose major headaches for conserving water. Sprinkler systems are notorious for leaks that waste water and your money. They also tend to be ineffective when sprinkler heads become clogged or require repair. With artificial grass, watering is no longer a worry. This allows you to get rid of your ineffective watering system and save water and money in the process.

Eliminate Toxins in the Land and Air
Water conservation is only one aspect of caring for the environment. While your natural lawn does provide some benefits for the air quality such as promoting more oxygen, the processes involved in its maintenance tend to cancel that out. Your lawn equipment wastes fuel and spews toxic exhaust into the air. Natural grass also contains pollen and other allergens that contribute to respiratory illnesses in those who are sensitive. Fertilizers, weed killers and pesticides also contain toxic chemicals that ruin other plant life while contributing to run off that goes into the community’s water supply.

Revitalize Your Budget
When you make the decision to focus on saving water, you also gain the opportunity to capitalize on your efforts by saving money. It does not matter whether you mow your yard yourself or contract with a lawn service because both of these methods cost major money over the long run just to keep your landscape green. Lawn care chemicals and equipment are expensive, and you waste valuable dollars every year trying to keep your lawn seeded and trimmed. While artificial turf will require a slightly larger initial investment, it lasts over ten years. This allows you to save more money over time on your utility bills as well as your lawn care.

Redirect Your Time to What Matters
In a world where productivity is everything, it is important to assess how you spend your time. You could spend hours every weekend making sure your lawn is maintained, or you could dedicate that time to other efforts such as volunteering in your community to preserve the environment. Artificial grass can be installed in as little as one day. After that, your time is yours again to spend doing things that truly matter to you.

According to eNature, just a 1,000 square foot lawn will require more than 10,000 gallons of water for just one summer to keep that perfectly green appearance. This adds up to a huge burden on the environment as well as your pocketbook. Make the switch to artificial turf today, and reduce your watering needs to almost nothing since the synthetic blades will stay green year round without excessive watering.

What’s Trending in Gardening for 2017?

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Wondering what the new trends are for 2017?

Check out some of our favourites!

(HINT: Click on the photos for more info!)

aMagical Fairy Gardens

“It can be really fun to create a fairy garden and you can include the kids in the project too. They’ll enjoy coming up with ideas and creating this little universe.”

c57a1312602efd6c8f5e13fb32d6ae9eLiterally anything green!

Green is Pantone’s color of the year for 2017!

cd666b25b7d848411ecbec506feae2c1Butterflies are a must!

“Want more butterflies in your flower garden? Here are twelve easy-to-grow perennials that butterflies can’t resist.”

eafbd2f447afcad139cde71ee8838bff Creating Livable and Modern Outdoor Spaces

8550e24be8335c33a5613222c8e830f5Like This…

5b7bb86f470eeb5e4f82347da54f2426Try an ipe swing bench!

91ca035a1acd37aa41ea9b9525aa825aOr try your hand at a vertical garden!

Want to read about more 2017 trends?

Check them out here.

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New Years Resolutions – – 10 Landscaping Goals for 2017

Landscaping Goals for  2017

Happy New Year!

I’m sure your social media and emails have been blowing up with posts on New Years Resolutions.

Don’t mind us as we jump on the bandwagon and add another one to your list!

Here’s 10 New Years Resolutions for your landscaping!

1. Try something new.

Tired of the same old things? Here’s five ways to update your space.

2. Think about Curb Appeal.

Who knew a little paint could make such a difference?

3. Be on top of your maintenance.

Mowing grass, cleaning gutters, and raking leaves… Each month comes with its own list of To-Dos.

4. Think out of the box.

Your backyard could be so much more than just a bit of grass. What about a butterfly sanctuary??

5. Focus on making experiences.

2016 focused on making your landscaping a destination rather than just something pretty to look at. Let’s keep that trend going!

6. Keep up with the trends.

Speaking of trends… Here’s what you have to look forward to for 2017!

7. Think Colors!

Your Fall and Winter don’t have to be bleak and colorless!

8. Think about the environment.

Why should we only focus on this during earth day? Let’s make everyday earth day!

9. Light it up!

Your landscaping should be able to be enjoyed no matter what time of day!

10. Consider Landscape Edging.

There’s so many benefits to using landscape edging… And we’re not just saying that!