Washington Home & Garden Blogs

The hot humid weather of August is not ideal planting weather as most of you know. This time of year many people are on vacation or in the air conditioned house to escape the MD/DC/VA humidity. Point being, that not a lot of you are thinking about your yards. Well start thinking about that hardscape project. This is ideal weather for us to construct that stone, brick or paver patio, steps, retaining wall, or outdoor fireplace.

During the dog days of summer most landscape firms are winding down current work and preparing for the fall planting season. Not here at EE, Inc as we continue to showcase our masonry work in the Virginia, Maryland and DC area. The interest in hardscaping has really taken off in the last few years as people realize the satisfaction they receive in having tasteful outdoor living and entertaining areas. More and more we find people investing in their homes and acknowledging the desire for a relaxing ‘staycation’ without the hassles of traveling.

Our team enjoys working with natural materials such as stone, flagstone, and boulders. Our in-house masons are superior craftsmen. They maintain current certification, yet they have an intuitive sense of design, form, and proportion. Whether you prefer rustic or elegant settings, we can help you get away from the world without ever leaving home. This is a perfect time to have those projects constructed and be ready for outdoor entertaining in the upcoming cooler weather.

By Environmental Enhancements, Inc., Pat Falvey

Alexandria, VA (August 25, 2009) –Fifteen area artists will be displaying their work at the American Horticultural Society’s River Farm beginning August 31, 2009. The show, titled “Eyes on Nature: Botanical Artists Bring their Views to River Farm,” features artwork gleaned from the natural world. Orchids, peonies, arrays of spring bulbs, and other exquisitely rendered flowers will be on display, along with trees, herbs, fruits, vegetables and the occasional butterfly or moth. These will be portrayed in watercolor, graphite, colored pencil, or gouache (an opaque watercolor medium).

All of the artists in this juried show are members of the Botanical Art Society of the National Capital Region. BASNCR is an incorporated nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting public interest in botanical art and serves over 70 members, the majority of whom live in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Many of its members also belong to the American Society of Botanical Artists (ASBA), the premier botanical art association in the United States. Thirteen of the 15 artists exhibiting in the “Eyes on Nature” show are also members of the ASBA.

“Eyes on Nature” will be on display at River Farm’s main house from August 31, 2009 through January 4, 2010. The house is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Until September 25, the house will be open on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The press and public are invited to attend the Opening Reception with the artists on Thursday, September 10, from 6 - 8 p.m. For more information, please contact Dan Scott at (703) 768-5700 ext. 114 or dscott@ahs.org.

The American Horticultural Society (AHS), founded in 1922, is an educational, non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization that recognizes and promotes excellence in American horticulture. One of the oldest and most prestigious gardening organizations, AHS is dedicated to making America a nation of gardeners, a land of gardens. Its mission is to open the eyes of all Americans to the vital connection between people and plants, to inspire all Americans to become responsible caretakers of the Earth, to celebrate America’s diversity through the art and science of horticulture; and to lead this effort by sharing the Society’s unique national resources with all Americans.

I made a fatal mistake last week when I told my wife that I had been researching dining sets for my BBQ website. First of all she wanted to know exactly what I meant my a dining set and once I’d explained that I was referring to tables and chairs it was at that point that the tirade of questions such as “why don’t we get some new furniture” started.

For those of you men that have read “When Mars And Venus Collide” by Dr John Gray you will know how to interpret this inquisition in a manner that does not describe it as nagging, but at the end of the day we all know that it’s going to end in a new set of dining furniture and a dent in the credit card!



So if you end up in the position that I find myself in then you are going to have to start the research to ensure that you buy the right set for you and to that end I thought that I would share some of my findings and save you some bother.



What Do I Need To Think About When Buying New Furniture?



If you are anything like me then the last thing you want to be doing is spending time looking after the furniture once it is outside or bringing it inside every time it rains. To be honest I could not do the latter anyway because I would not have the space so when it comes down to it, the single most important factor to consider is the construction material and relate that to the climate in which you live.



1. Construction Materials

: This area can be broken down into three main materials, metal, wood and wicker. In the metal category there is Aluminum - Lightweight, doesn’t rust and is pretty much indestructible, an all year round choice provided you don’t live in an area susceptible to wind! Aluminum can also be cleaned by most household cleaning materials.

The other metal option is Wrought Iron – Again an all year round choice. It’s heavier in weight and also rust proof provided that the powder coating isn’t chipped. Very robust and easily cleaned with soapy water, but do not use abrasives as this will scratch the powder coating.

When it comes to wood then it’s really a choice of the type of wood. The best regarded are Pine, Cedar or Teak with teak coming out tops. This is the wood used for decks on yachts so you know it’s going to be pretty hard wearing.

The reason that you are looking at these particular woods is to ensure that your furniture does not warp as a result of being exposed to the sun and the rain. Wood is weather proof if treated properly so it does need regular treatment but maybe only once a year.

Wicker is the final option and this is supremely comfy but it’s not as weather resistant as metal and todays wicker is really a plastic coated onto an aluminum frame. If it is comfort that you are after then go this route but you may have to accept renewing your patio dining set a little more often.



2. Size: 

You want the size to be in keeping with the amount of space you have available. If you’re blessed with lots of space then maybe this is not such a big deal but if you are space constricted then you might want to consider a bistro style patio set.

Consider how you are going to use your furniture. Do you entertain regularly or is this patio dining set just for the family barbecue?

Most sets come as five pieces (table plus four chairs) which is OK for the family but if you want the option to spread out then consider conversion sets because these will give you greater flexibility.

3. Mosaic

Mosaic table tops really do look great but these surfaces do need special care and attention. The grout around the tiles can crack in extremes of temperature so this type of furniture really does need to be housed indoors if you are expecting freezing temperatures.



Anyway, I have now take everything into consideration and if you’ll excuse me I will now get on line and keep my wife happy with a new set of patio furniture and then I will light the BBQ!

In the summer, you'll be more likely to be in your water garden in the evenings, enjoying your pond, watching the fish swimming lazily through the water. The heat of summer, however provides some challenges in maintaining your pond, and keeping the fish healthy.

These tips will help you to keep the fish and the pond healthy.

Oxygen

Oxygen levels in your pond are essential if you have gold fish. When the water temperatures reach 90 degrees F., level of oxygen should be at least 7.0 ppm. You will start noticing signs of stress in the fish when the oxygen level drops to 4.0 ppm, and they will start dying at 3.0 ppm. The oxygen levels in the water will drop as the temperatures rise, so during the hottest part of the day, you should provide shade for the pond and the fish to keep the water temperatures down.

Fountains, air stones, or other aerators will help to add oxygen to the water to keep the fish healthy.

Parasites

Parasites such as anchor worms, fish lice, flukes, and other parasites will increase in warm weather. Some of the symptoms will include thick mucous on the fish, rubbing against objects in the pond, jumping, and flashing. Visible parasites, like anchor worms, fish lice, and others can be treated with Dylox, Dipterex, and Masoten. For other parasite infections, you should consult a pond specialist for treatment. Be sure to tell them how the fish are behaving, and what the symptoms are. Follow the instructions on the label carefully to avoid killing off the fish as well as the parasites.



Feeding

 as the weather, and the water temperature warms up, so will the metabolism of your fish, so you will need to feed them at different intervals than in cooler weather. Estimate the total body weight of the fish in the pond, then feed them 1%-1.5% of the total body weight in food, 5-8 times a day. Koi will digest their food faster in warmer weather than in cooler weather. When the weather gets warm, you should feed them about 5-8 times a day as opposed to 1-3 times a day in cooler weather.



Shade i
If your pond gets direct sunlight during the day, especially during the hottest part of the day, you should provide shady areas for the fish to keep out of the sunlight, especially in shallow ponds. Water lilies, rocks, and other plants will provide shade for the fish. If you have to, you can also shade the pond with a beach umbrella. Just make sure that the fish have shelter from the direct sunlight to prevent them from getting sunburn. Shade will also help to prevent algae.

Evaporation

In warm weather, more water evaporates from the pond, especially with a large surface area.

Monitor the level of the water daily, and add water to your pond as needed. Remember not to use water with chlorine if you have fish. You can buy water treatments that will remove chlorine from the water, or fill a few buckets, and let them sit overnight before adding it to your pond.

A pond does require quite a bit of attention in the summer. But by following these simple tips, you can keep the pond and its inhabitants healthy. And you'll get more enjoyment out of a healthy pond.

One of the most rewarding parts of gardening is the frequent visitors combined with compliments. Visitors can be people like ourselves. The most appreciative visitors, however, are the "winged" kind.....Birds.

These feathered creatures add dimension to every part of your garden.

There songs create a lovely atmosphere, and showy colors rival even your most elaborate blooms in beauty. Birds do not flock to just any garden, however, so you'll need to know what kinds of factors birds look for in a habitat.

The relationship between the birds and your garden is a a symbiotic one.The birds give your garden a beautiful atmosphere, while the garden provides food, water, and shelter for the birds.

Your garden may very well become a regular resting spot for many different species of birds if you take their needs into consideration in the creation of your garden.

There are 3 major elements which need to be achieved in order to draw in different species of birds. Food, shelter, and water are the three life giving elements which your garden needs to provide. The first of these necessities is food.

Food is one of the most obvious factors to include in your garden, and is the most important attraction for birds.

First determine what food sources your garden does have, and what kinds you are lacking. Sources of food such as fruits, berries, shrubs, and vines are good basics to include. Plants within these categories include Dogwoods, Virginia creeper, Crabapples, Viburnums or any other fruit and berry bearing plants.

Even the flower heads of perennial and annual flowers will attract numerous bird species to your garden. Don't forget seeds from purple coneflowers and sunflowers.

Now that you have an attractive food source, you can begin to determine what you'll do for a suitable shelter for your birds.

Trees and shrubs with dense green foliage or thickets of shrubs will provide excellent sheltering and a protective place for the birds to avoid extreme weather conditions. These areas also give birds a hiding place from predators and a safe nesting space. Be creative and use your imagination to design a beautiful safe haven for your bird friends.

Even the most secluded and remote places of your garden can be used for growing tress, shrubs, and vines to create an excellent living environment for the birds. Fences are a great structure on which to grow vines for your birds. Keep moderation in your ideas, as well, however.

Overgrowing your garden's greenery can lead to an unattractive forest that birds might love, but you won't enjoy it.

Water is a crucial element in any bird garden, and is easy to provide. A small fountain, waterfall, or simple birdbath can give an attractive answer for your birds' hydration requirements. Birds will use this water supply to drink from and bathe in, so make sure to keep the supply fresh and clean.



A bird friendly garden is easy to achieve if you use these steps and keep in mind what a bird would enjoy in your garden. You can attract many species of birds, and eventually gather an entire community around your popular garden.

Want to have a great looking, low maintenance yard, while simultaneously supporting the Chesapeake Bay watershed?

Bayscaping is a method to landscape a commercial or residential property that provides habitat for local and migratory animals, improves water quality, and reduces the need for chemical herbicides and pesticides.

Bayscaping is valuable to the homeowner because it offers greater visual interest than lawn, reduces time and expense of maintaining a lawn, and addresses problem areas.

The principles of bayscaping includes the reduction of watering, chemical use, water runoff, and maintenance. It emphasizes the use of plants that are native to the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Native plants are adapted to our soil, temperature, and rainfall conditions.

After initial installation, native plants are virtually maintenance free. When a bayscape is designed properly, it can be aesthetically pleasing, drought resistant, and low maintenance.

If you are interested in a drought resistant and low maintenance landscape, please contact one of Johnson's Landscaping Service, Inc.'s professionally trained landscape designers to guide you through the design process.

A plant that causes many problems in our landscapes and with our neighbors is bamboo. This grass grows in two forms clump and spreading.

The spreading bamboo is the most troublesome because of its new shoots that pop up in our lawn or planting beds. It is a common misconception that these new shoots come from seeds. The new shoots that you see are actually sprouting from the rhizome roots.

If you are interested in installing bamboo, there is a way to contain it. The ideal way to install bamboo is to install a 60 mil thick, 24" deep plastic bamboo barrier with 2" exposed above the soil that completely surrounds your intended planting area. This will ensure that the roots do not spread beyond the desired area. This barrier must be maintained be cutting roots that try to jump over the exposed barrier.

If you already have out of control bamboo you can use several methods to keep the bamboo in check. One possible control is to cut the exposed roots that are moving away from the existing bamboo. Once a root is cut it will not grow beyond that point but will branch out behind the cut, so you must be diligent in cutting the roots. You can also control new shoots that are just sprouting by stepping on or kicking over the shoot while it is still tender. If the new shoots are over 3 feet tall, you can treat with Round up to burn the stalk back.

If you can no longer stand the bamboo, you can eradicate it. This is very difficult because of its aggressive nature. Cutting all of the bamboo down will only provide temporary relief. The stalks and roots must be completely removed manually or with machinery. It is impossible to remove every root initially; you must continue over several months to watch for and remove roots and new shoots. Additionally, you cannot kill the bamboo by only treating it with herbicides, as they are not yet a proven method of treating bamboo.

Johnson's Landscaping is ready and able to install, control, or remove any bamboo for you. Please contact us if we can assist you with your bamboo needs.

Cherry Dazzle, a dwarf, is the last of seven crape myrtles to bloom, and will continue into late September. The first, the large growing white, Natchez, began a month earlier, followed by Sioux, Burgundy Cotton, Pink Velour, Centennial Spirit, and Arapaho. All remain in bloom today with little sign of fading.

Nearby, the Franklin tree (Franklinia alatamaha) and Seven Son tree (Heptacodium miconioides) are flowering, the start of many weeks of color for both. The blooms of Franklinia will persist until cool weather turns the leaves a rich scarlet, a superb background for the three inch white blossoms.

The remontant hydrangeas (that bloom on new growth) Endless Summer, Penny Mac, and Mini Penny have bloomed consistently through this cooler than average Summer, but will really put on a show in September. Today they join the white pannicled hydrangeas, Tardiva and Limelight, that are in full bloom.

Caryopteris, buddleias, coneflowers, salvias, coreopsis, catmint, Russian Sage, and many more assure that the garden is as colorful in mid-August as it was in May. For more Summer bloomers visit Davermfarm.wordpress.com.

If you like the look of bamboo, you might like to try planting some in your garden. Bamboo can make a great privacy screen or “fence,” or to simply add a new look and some extra greenery to your garden. Unfortunately, bamboo has a bad reputation as an invasive plant that is difficult to control.

While this is true for many species of bamboo, there are some species that are not nearly as invasive as others. The difference is in the way the roots of the plant grow. The “clumping” bamboos usually increase their width each year by a small amount, rather than sending large amounts of new shoots up wherever the roots can reach, like the “runner” bamboo is wont to do.

If you think you would like to grow bamboo in your garden, you can read about some different bamboo varieties and how they grow here. If your heart is set on one of the runner varieties, you may want to take a look at this article, which describes some methods by which you can crop runner roots, and thereby stop your bamboo from spreading too far.

-Fiona McNabb