tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46158021525953720852024-03-13T13:28:14.398-07:00Home Gardening & Landscaping GuideBrett Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986120071123035724noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615802152595372085.post-43389968059517469842015-04-29T22:40:00.000-07:002015-04-29T22:40:32.136-07:00 The Benefits Of Adding Landscaping Stones To Your Garden<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Landscaping stones do not decay like its organic counterparts. It is a beautiful and cost effective option for your garden.<br /><br />If you are looking for a new ground cover in your yard, you have a few options. You can choose a synthetic material like landscape fabrics or recycled rubber strips. There are also more organic options like mulch or even inorganic mulch. Rocks are perhaps one of the best and most common ground covers for home or industrial landscaping. Generally, it draws consumers because it is cost effective and aesthetically appealing. The sheer variety of landscaping stones means almost any garden or outdoor set-up can easily incorporate them into the design for a little pop or something extra.<br /><br />One of the most important benefits of landscaping stones is their relatively low maintenance. Ground cover such as plants, vines and shrubs require constant tending. They must be pruned and trimmed regularly. Additionally, sometimes ground workers will have to replace the plants after harsh weather conditions. However, rocks are not living and as a result, do not need to be monitored as closely. While wood chips and bark must be refreshed as the color fades, rocks usually just need to be washed or combed for debris.<br /><br />Other ground covers will eventually decompose as they continue in their life cycle. In this case, rocks escape the passage of time. As the stones encounter weather elements, they may becomes more smooth or a bit smaller over time, but this will be undetectable to the human eye for years before it becomes an issue. Mulches and plants on the other hand will create layer after layer of debris as leaves fall off and regrow. While this is ideal for farming land, it may detract from an otherwise beautiful garden.<br /><br />Durability is an important factor when choosing what materials to work with in your garden. If you have a high traffic area, you probably do not want any living or organic matter in the area. Anything living will be trampled and will not get a chance to grow where people frequently walk or sit. Instead, a gravel or stone walkway will last the years with relatively easy maintenance and only one major purchase of materials.<br /><br />Bugs can kill a garden as fast as drought. Wood chips and mulch are beautiful, but their natural decomposition will attract all types of insects to your yard. Termite especially love decomposing wood and can travel into other areas of the home. Using gravel or another landscaping stone can minimize the risk of bug issues because it will not decompose.<br /><br />To learn more about landscaping stones in Morgan Hill, please <a href="http://www.usaverockerymorganhill.com/stepping-stones" target="_blank">visit this website</a>. </div>
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Brett Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986120071123035724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615802152595372085.post-5296049068178213502015-04-29T22:35:00.001-07:002015-04-29T22:35:31.003-07:00AT THE WALKER, OSLUND + BLAISSE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The Minneapolis Sculpture Garden is getting an overhaul to improve its environmental performance and create new areas for commissioned works of art, thanks to the Walker Art Center and the city’s Park...<a href="http://landscapearchitecturemagazine.org/2015/04/17/at-the-walker-oslund-blaisse/" target="_blank">read more</a></div>
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Brett Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986120071123035724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615802152595372085.post-92037473519968232432015-04-13T00:31:00.002-07:002015-04-13T00:31:47.179-07:00Understanding Different Types Of Gravel<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Various types of gravel can be used for different purposes, from functional to decorative purposes. Consider the pros and cons of each type of gravel to select the material best suited for your project.<br /><br />Gravel is simply an assortment of loose rocks that have either been worn down by water, or have been pounded until they became their current shape. This aggregate of stones can serve a number of different purposes. Gravel is extremely useful when it comes to paving a driveway, or a small road through a forest or a country side. Gravel can provide an attractive contrast to dirt, grass, or trees when a person is landscaping their home. Because its usages are so diverse, and it is made up of many different types of rocks, there are many different types of gravel. Choosing the best type of gravel for a specific project requires the person completing the project to be knowledgeable about differences in gravel.<br /><br />Crushed asphalt is used to make one type of gravel. This gravel is ideal for paving a driveway for a number of reasons. First of all, it has an attractive dark look to it. Since it is made from the material that is used to make asphalt roads, the finished product often looks like a professionally paved road. When this type of gravel has been rolled over with a heavy roller that vibrates, it helps the rocks bind together. When this happens the surface looks and feels like it has been paved. The sun can also heat up the surfaces, and bind the rocks together which prevents dust from kicking up when a person drives over the top of this gravel.<br /><br />One type of gravel is made up of concrete that has been crushed. This type of gravel may not be as attractive as other types of gravel, but it has a couple of qualities that make it ideal to use as a base. Because of the different types of material that can be found in this gravel, it will pack together hard. Gravel that will do this can provide excellent stability. Some people use crushed concrete as the base of a road or a driveway, and then they put more attractive gravel on top to make it look nicer.<br /><br />Some of the more attractive types of gravel are made from natural rocks such as limestone or dolomite. Gravels that are made up of these types of materials have a beautifully clean look about them. Their appearance is almost white, which can provide a nice rustic beauty to the drive way or road they are paving. This type of gravel will pack together nicely, but it can also be a little dusty.<br /><br />To learn more about different types of gravel in Gilroy and the ways that it can be used, <a href="http://www.usaverockerymorganhill.com/" target="_blank">visit this website</a></div>
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Brett Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986120071123035724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615802152595372085.post-79248303619253622652015-04-13T00:29:00.001-07:002015-04-13T00:29:14.028-07:00Strategies to Protect Vernal Pools in the Built Environment: Raising Awareness<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
There are many types of wetlands in our environment, but all of them are declining. Learn more about the special nature of vernal pools, our smallest wetlands...<a href="http://www.ecolandscaping.org/03/conservation/landscaping-strategies-to-protect-vernal-pools-in-the-built-environment-raising-awareness/" target="_blank">read more</a></div>
Brett Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986120071123035724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615802152595372085.post-85857292425247705122015-02-17T21:10:00.002-08:002015-02-24T02:16:56.501-08:00Choose the Ideal Stepping Stone for Your Pond<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A pond adds tranquility and grace to any
landscape. Whether you are in the process of constructing your own pond
on your property or are thinking of enhancing a pre-existing water
feature, adding stepping stones creates both a visual and practical
guide to enjoying aquatic attractions. Enjoyed by adults and children
alike, a path of stepping stones allows you and your guests to walk
across water and pause to enjoy and reflect. </div>
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Choosing
which stones to install in your water feature can be more involved than
it may seem. Some of the things to consider when making this decision
are dimensions of your stones, the color and texture you desire, whether
you’d prefer your stones in a more natural or manufactured state, and
the ease of their installation. </div>
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The
dimensions depend on the purpose of the stepping stones in your pond.
Will your stones serve a practical purpose of getting from one place to
another? Or will they be more decorative, serving primarily to highlight
a specific feature or to enhance the visual aesthetics? A practical,
usable path will require sturdy, well-supported stones with enough
surface area to comfortably stand upon. More decorative stones can be
tinier and don’t require as much underwater support. </div>
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Stepping
stones come in a wide variety of colors and textures from flecked white
to jet black, from polished to rough-hewn. Even if you know with
certainty which type of stone you want, most popular stones such as
granite and sandstone come in a wide variety of hues and surfaces. This
choice, combined with the state of the stone, should reflect the taste
and vision of the designer and ultimately blend in or improve the
overall aesthetics of the pond. More naturally cut stones in your pond
will create a harmonious and organic feel to the path you lay out. If
you prefer your stones to have a more manufactured look, these create a
better sense of direction, order, and design. </div>
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Finally,
it’s important to understand how to properly and securely install
stepping stones in your pond. If you are constructing an artificial
pond, determine first where you want your path to go, and then make sure
that you construct secure footings before you put the pond liner down.
Once the liner is down, brick or concrete supports your stone just above
the water level. Installing stepping stones in a natural pond also
requires the installation of secure footings, frequently of concrete,
but can be more involved depending on the depth of the water. Consult a
professional when in doubt. </div>
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To learn more about choosing and installing your ideal stepping stones in San Jose, please <a href="http://www.usaverockerymorganhill.com/stepping-stones" target="_blank">visit this site</a>.</div>
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Brett Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986120071123035724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615802152595372085.post-91593761289176627932015-02-13T01:23:00.001-08:002015-02-13T01:23:31.966-08:00Professional Practice<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The idea that spending time in nature can make you feel better is intuitive. We all feel this to be true, and many of us have anecdotes of our own or from friends or family that support that idea. People...<a href="http://www.asla.org/healthbenefitsofnature.aspx" target="_blank">read more</a></div>
Brett Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986120071123035724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615802152595372085.post-57992955331187695762015-02-12T01:41:00.002-08:002015-02-13T01:29:28.113-08:00Designing Your Dream Backyard<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Eventually, pondering the perfect
backyard could move from splendid reverie to reality. What had once been
idle musings now require some careful consideration. One way to frame
the planning phase for your dream backyard is to organize your thinking
from general to specific issues. A methodical approach to choices
regarding greenery and hardscape materials can help reduce mistakes and
stress. </div>
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Determining your budget makes a smart
first step. This home improvement wakeup call may put a damper on even
the most passionate dreamer, but the right attitude could lead you in an
entirely new creative direction. A dollar limit could force you to
research available materials more deeply,and the end result could exceed
your dreams by an order of magnitude. </div>
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Learn about your local climate and
microclimate. This knowledge will help you select plants, trees, and
flowers most likely to thrive in your yard and prevent losses due to
incompatibility. It can also dictate your choice of hardscape. You may
love the idea of a meandering pathway of single stones, but if your area
experiences a heavy rainy season, gravel may be a wiser choice to
mitigate puddles and mud. Along those same lines, the modern elegance of
smooth tile might be trumped by the risk of slipping on a wet surface
in damp climes. However, certain kinds of porcelain tile are
manufactured to endure freeze thaw and may make the most cost-effective
choice in colder northern regions. </div>
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How much room do you have to work with?
If your backyard is small and intimate, you might think twice about
planting an oak tree or shoehorning in a gigantic granite boulder.
Having a good grasp of the scale of your space can really help you
refine your layout. For example, a fountain can be a centerpiece in your
yard, but if the wrong size is chosen, it could be lost among its
surroundings or resemble some kind of hulking monolith that overpowers
any other feature. </div>
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Although people’s sense of interior
style likely will carry over to the outdoor setting, you still may want
to step back and confirm that your preferences for the yard are in
keeping with the style of the house. This can avoid jarring contrasts.
The backyard design might complement Mediterranean architecture better
if the patio is done with natural stone pavers in various colors than
with polished marble tiles. </div>
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Patience in planning and tenacity in
research can ensure that your dream backyard is not a regretful
nightmare. Done right, you may find yourself relaxing in a space beyond
even your wildest fantasy. For more information on designing the ideal
backyard and <a data-mce-href="http://www.usaverockerymorganhill.com" href="http://www.usaverockerymorganhill.com/">hardscape materials in San Jose</a>, visit this website.</div>
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Brett Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986120071123035724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615802152595372085.post-84058353314903215652015-02-12T01:16:00.001-08:002015-02-12T01:16:45.057-08:00February’s issue of Landscape Architecture Magazine (LAM)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
February’s issue of LAM minces no words, starting with Fred A. Bernstein, who talks with female landscape architects whose firms listed as women business enterprises, or WBE’s, can sometimes attract jobs...<a href="http://landscapearchitecturemagazine.org/2015/02/03/welcome-to-february/" target="_blank">read more</a></div>
Brett Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986120071123035724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615802152595372085.post-36560411142000246832015-02-11T02:01:00.005-08:002015-02-11T02:01:59.421-08:00Extend Your Good Taste To The Driveway <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Pavers are a versatile hardscape material that can be used to create a unique driveway and add curb appeal to your home.</div>
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When it comes to designing your dream
home,the details begin before you reach the front door. The driveway is
not only the lead up to the house, but to your vision as well. Creating
this picture can start with a Calstone paved entrance.</div>
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Pavers, in general, are quite versatile
and durable, making them ideal for a driveway. They are available in
different lengths, so they can be placed in unique patterns.To get some
idea of what designs you might like, get out some graphing paper and
start sketching.</div>
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A professional paving company may have
some ready-made plans for standard drives, and they can help you draw up
a master plan. They can also suggest the type of base layer you will
need so the finished project will be striking for years to come.</div>
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Calstone pavers come in several
varieties. For a rustic, yet elegant look, there are quarry stones. The
rough-edges make them look like they were chiseled out of larger rocks.
They come in natural colors to complement landscapes. They can also make
an attractive patio, so you can coordinate all of your exterior,
non-grassy areas.</div>
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Classic and antiqued cobblestone can
create a clean, yet colorful, entry to your home. The paving units have
smooth, rounded edges. The classic version comes in natural oranges and
grays to create a multi-hued path. The antiqued version, also called
river rock, has the color variations you would find in a stream. The
pieces have random scratches, broken edges and chips to give them a
natural feel.</div>
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Another option is the Calstone mission
series. These flat, square pavers come in a wide variety of colors.
These would work well if you want a modern and orderly scheme. You can
organize them using the different hues to create eye-catching designs,
be it a crosshatch pattern, a series of variegated squares, or your own
custom design.</div>
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Like the cobblestone, the mission series
comes in both classic and antiqued styles. The latter can bring
old-world charm to the project, with natural-looking chips and cracks
manufactured into the pieces.</div>
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For the environmentally conscious, there
are permeable ones. Theylook just as smart as the other options, but
they are placed farther apart. As a result, water can naturally drain
through the in-between spaces. They can also help with flooding and
erosion issues.</div>
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Creating a one-of-a-kind driveway can
bring a distinctive air to your abode. With paving stones, you can
devise an entryway that looks both sophisticated and inviting. They are
available in many styles to best fit the tone you seek.</div>
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<a class="checked-link" data-mce-href="http://www.usaverockerymorganhill.com/retaining-walls" href="http://www.usaverockerymorganhill.com/retaining-walls">Learn more</a> about paver options in Morgan Hill here.</div>
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Brett Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986120071123035724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615802152595372085.post-60375293124438246932015-02-10T03:51:00.000-08:002015-02-10T03:51:03.926-08:00PLANET's Great Escape: An Executive Conference and Retreat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The Great Escape is an exceptional gathering of high-ranking industry professionals and their families for the right balance of relaxation and inspiration. Intimate group discussions on common issues...<a href="https://www.landcarenetwork.org/greatescape/Default.aspx" target="_blank">read more</a></div>
Brett Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986120071123035724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615802152595372085.post-70997360078331922932015-02-09T03:41:00.001-08:002015-02-09T03:41:04.871-08:00The Benefits Of Mulching For Growing Vibrant Roses<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Producing
healthy and vibrant roses requires continuous maintenance, such as
watering, pruning and fertilizing. A lot of gardeners, however, assume
that the flowers do just fine in their native soil and therefore neglect
to provide mulch for the soil. Mulching holds numerous benefits and is
an essential element for ensuring that your roses receive the optimum
environment for a healthy growth.</div>
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Mulching
is essential for soil amendment because the soil that you planted your
roses in may not be as rich in nutrients as you might think. Soil can
become depleted in vital nutrients over time. It can also become too
sandy and have difficulty retaining water. Mulch can assist the soil in
retaining its rich nutrients and organic matter as well as help it
conserve water. Likewise, the mulch can also assist with water drainage
if the soil contains too much clay deposits, which can cause it to hold
onto too much water.</div>
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Mulching
is also beneficial as a form of weed control. Unwanted plants or
flowers that grow in your rose bed can really hamper the appearance and
also absorb vital nutrients that would have otherwise gone to the roses.
Also, mulched soil never becomes too firm and compacted, which means
that the few weeds that do sprout can easily be plucked by hand.</div>
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Seasoned
gardeners also use mulch as a natural form of disease and insect
control. Mulch can actually offset several fungal diseases by forming a
barrier and preventing fungal spores from spreading and making their way
onto flower surfaces. In addition, mulching has also been shown to
prevent the growth and spreading of harmful nematodes. These are
worm-like pests that grow underneath the soil and feed off the roots of
plants and flowers.</div>
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So
what types of mulch is best for roses? Various types of mulch will
suffice. Most lawn and garden supply shops sell mulch fortified with
nitrogen and other nutrients that are beneficial for the soil. You can
also make your own using items you likely already have in your home or
yard, such as shredded newspaper, sawdust, grass clippings, chopped
leaves, and flattened cardboard. While the recommendations differ, a
good general rule to follow is to replace the mulch twice a year,
preferably in the spring and summer. Also be sure that every new layer
of mulch is at least two inches thick.</div>
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Applying
mulch entails extra maintenance, though it is well worth the effort if
you want to give your roses the best chance for a healthy growth. Please
visit this website for additional tips on <a data-mce-href="http://www.usaverockerymorganhill.com" href="http://www.usaverockerymorganhill.com/">mulching in San Jose</a>.</div>
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Brett Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986120071123035724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615802152595372085.post-65129576188341870562015-01-20T23:32:00.001-08:002015-01-20T23:32:50.920-08:00Landscape Water Saving Tips<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The state of California has mandated that landscape water usage be cut
by 20 percent by the year 2020. Due to a limited supply of water and the
state’s aging water infrastructure and growing population, the price of
water…<a href="http://www.clca.us/water/ReduceYourUse/index.html">read more</a></div>
Brett Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986120071123035724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615802152595372085.post-47926762266376006212015-01-19T01:09:00.003-08:002015-01-19T01:09:51.594-08:00Landscaping Gravel: Pretty And Purposeful<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Gravel is a classic mainstay of
landscape design. It is durable but more forgiving than materials such
as pavers or bricks, and it is more pleasing to the eye than barren
soil. A relatively affordable hardscape, landscaping gravel performs a
variety of functions. </div>
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<strong>Versatility :</strong> </div>
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Gravel
is at home with many styles, from rustic to contemporary, and provides
great ground cover in various climates. In dry regions, gravel provides
attractive xeriscape coverage.In wetter climes, gravel’s permeability
allows for proper drainage, preventing puddles or muddy messes. </div>
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<strong>Functional Form:</strong> </div>
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Although
hard, gravel has a soft quality that makes it an ideal medium for
creating flowing, organic transitions from house to garden.Further,
gravel is reasonably simple to install in a multitude of shapes and
easily changed later if necessary. It comes in assorted colors and can
be fun to walk on with its coarse but yielding texture and satisfying
crunch. </div>
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<strong>Uses and Types:</strong> </div>
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Gravel is used for different jobs in the yard: </div>
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<li>Walkways and trails</li>
<li>Edging</li>
<li>Primary surfaces and rock gardens</li>
<li>New lawn base </li>
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The
intended application often dictates gravel size, which runs from a
quarter- to three-quarters of an inch or even larger, and there is a
variety to choose from: </div>
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<li>Pea gravel is small and can be made of granite, limestone, and dolomite, among other rocks.</li>
<li>River rock has been smoothed and rounded by the rush of water and is prized for its natural beauty.</li>
<li>Crushed granite is a more textured form of decomposed granite and makes for hardy paths.</li>
<li>Mexican beach pebbles are like river rock but with a more uniform gray-black color.</li>
<li>Less decorative and geared toward heavy traffic are such materials as crushed concrete and crushed asphalt. </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For more information on landscaping gravel in San Jose, <a data-mce-href="http://www.usaverockerymorganhill.com" href="http://www.usaverockerymorganhill.com/">check out this website</a>.</div>
</div>
Brett Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986120071123035724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615802152595372085.post-4221976180875858022015-01-17T03:22:00.000-08:002015-01-17T03:22:07.082-08:00Creating a Brick or Paver Patio<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Let your artistic side loose by designing your next patio. Bricks and
pavers are available in a variety of colors, sizes, and styles. From
herring bones to mosaics, you can create a pattern to give your patio a
little personality…<a href="http://www.pacificbrickpaving.com.au/paving-with-pavers-information/warranty-and-paver-colour-matching-disclaimer" target="_blank">read more</a></div>
Brett Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986120071123035724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615802152595372085.post-46173599030255318282015-01-17T02:27:00.001-08:002015-01-17T02:42:44.860-08:00Which Mulch is Best Suited for your Landscaping?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<span style="color: windowtext;">Mulch can beautify your landscape and protect your
precious plants. However, selecting the right mulch can seem daunting. By
keeping in mind both your purpose and your aesthetic, you can easily find the perfect
mulch for your needs.</span></div>
<a name='more'></a><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Purpose:</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: windowtext;">First, determine what job you want the mulch to
perform. If you want to insulate your newly planted bushes from a harsh winter,
straw, pine needles, or even common shredded leaves will do the job. If, on the
other hand, you want to add mulch to reduce weeds and retain moisture during
the hot, dry summer, you'll want a mulch that provides good ground cover like a
typical wood mulch. For minimizing the work in a strawberry patch, try packing
straw loosely around the plants.Here are some good mulches to consider:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext;">In vegetable gardens</span></b><span style="color: windowtext;"> – straw or dark plastic</span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Around trees and bushes</span></b><span style="color: windowtext;"> – wood mulch or bark</span></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext;">In flower beds</span></b><span style="color: windowtext;">
– wood shavings or cocoa shells</span></div>
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</span></span></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext;">For rock gardens</span></b><span style="color: windowtext;">
–gravel or river stone</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext;">Aesthetics:</span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="color: windowtext;">How you want your landscape to look is just as
important. Consider the location and the look that you are aiming for as you
select your mulch. Luckily, there are a wide variety of mulches available.
Cocoa shells can provide an earthy backdrop for brilliant blooms. Colored gravel
and white stone can line a walkway or fill in a rock garden. Even the common
wood mulch comes in a range of colors from light brown to the deep color of
dark soil.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: windowtext;">With a multitude of options available, there is a
mulch well suited for every landscape need. Experiment with different mulches
to get the perfect combination of functional and attractive. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="color: windowtext;">To learn more about the types of mulch available in
Morgan Hill<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>, visit this website</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-left: 0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.usaverockerymorganhill.com/"><span style="color: windowtext;">http://www.usaverockerymorganhill.com</span></a> .</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</div>
Brett Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986120071123035724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615802152595372085.post-32067992462068240292015-01-15T03:08:00.000-08:002015-01-15T03:08:17.617-08:00ASLA 2015 Professional & Student Awards<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Each year, the ASLA Professional Awards honor the best in landscape
architecture from around the globe, while the ASLA Student Awards give
us a glimpse into the future…<a href="http://www.asla.org/2015cfe/index.html" target="_blank">read more</a></div>
Brett Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986120071123035724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615802152595372085.post-67208260461230649192015-01-12T23:44:00.003-08:002015-01-12T23:44:43.291-08:00Choosing the Right Boulders for Your Outdoor Fountain<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Water features are lovely additions
to almost any backyard landscape. Boulder fountains, in particular, make a
striking statement. However, thought should be put into the materials you
select. </span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Natural Rock:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Natural boulders are valued for
their beauty and longevity. They can bring a distinctive gravity to any design.
Given their variable size, shape, and color, natural boulders can bring a
delightfully organic feel to a backyard setting. Over time, they weather
comfortably with your landscaping, and indigenous stone can complement the
flora that grows best in your area.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">There are, however, a few things to
keep in mind: </span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Natural boulders are heavy; transportation and labor
costs can be high, so shopping locally for native rock may make sense.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The same unpredictability that can be so appealing also
means being patient when selecting boulders that go with existing
landscape features to ensure an attractive match.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Boulders should fit the scale of your backyard. Go too
big and the fountain will overpower the setting. Go too small and the
fountain will underwhelm. </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Given all this, be sure to seek out
experienced professionals for installation or consultation to ensure that you
maximize the bold aesthetic impact of natural rock. </span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">GFRC boulders present an alternative
to natural rock. Chief materials in these artificial rocks include Portland cement,
aggregate, and alkali-resistant glass fiber reinforcement. Although manmade,
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They are lightweight relative to natural stone, making
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<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They can withstand the elements.</span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They have an extremely high strength-to-weight ratio. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">To find the right </span><a href="http://www.usaverockerymorganhill.com/stepping-stones"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">boulders in San Jose</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> for your outdoor fountain, visit this website.</span></div>
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Brett Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986120071123035724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615802152595372085.post-66719867002619610702015-01-12T23:40:00.002-08:002015-01-12T23:40:41.154-08:00Build a Better Landscape Business 2-day Workshops<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Owners of top-100 landscape companies open the hood on their operations and explain the systems that got them to the top. Bring your numbers (all financials are kept confidential) and learn the simple systems...<a href="https://www.landcarenetwork.org/PLANET/Events/Landscape-Business-Workshops/PLANET/Events-Education/Build-a-Better-Landscape-Business-Workshops.aspx" target="_blank">read more</a></div>
Brett Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986120071123035724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615802152595372085.post-18850644914829080052015-01-12T23:35:00.001-08:002015-01-17T02:33:51.920-08:00The Best of Decorative Concrete Driveways<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Plain, boring gray driveways seem to becoming a thing of the past. Taking their place are the individually designed decorative concrete driveways that are gaining popularity. By offering an endless array of possible designs, a budget-friendly price tag, and the ease of installation and upkeep, it's no wonder that so many people are choosing to install decorative concrete driveways.<br />
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One of the greatest advantages of concrete is its versatility. With a standard asphalt driveway, owners have little control over how the end product will look. With concrete driveways, however, they can design a driveway that complements their home and matches their personal style preferences.<br />
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There are two main components of creating a decorative concrete driveway: color and pattern. Concrete stains spanning the color spectrum are available. Some versions are mixed directly into the concrete to create specific colors throughout. Others are applied to the concrete once it's already formed and cured, which allow homeowners to revamp existing driveways with the color of their choice. Patterns can be added to concrete through various stamping techniques. Concrete stamps are available in a huge range of styles and sizes. Combining these stain and stamping allows homeowners to design their own custom driveway.<br />
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Another benefit of decorative concrete driveways is their affordability. There are options that fit almost any budget. At the basic end, homeowners can choose to apply a single color stain to their driveway. By adding a single stamping technique in addition or in place of the color, they can achieve a higher-end look for a reasonably affordable price. In the mid-range, customers can choose to use a couple contrasting colors or create variations in the pattern of their driveways. Although advanced designs do cost more than their basic counterparts, they allow the creation of complex designs that incorporate multiple colors and patterns. There is also the possibility of adding handcrafted detailing with advanced decorative techniques.</div>
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Compared to complex paver or natural stone driveways, decorative concrete is also faster to install and easier to maintain. The speed of installation is selling point for many customers. Experienced installers can create a custom concrete driveway in a short period of time, minimizing the mess and disruption to the homeowner.Although concrete may need to be resealed periodically, it's not an every year maintenance task, simplifying upkeep.<br />
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Concrete driveways offer unlimited customization possibilities. Whether you want to enhance an existing driveway with a splash of color or create a custom driveway that boasts hand-detailing and complex colors and patterns, concrete fits the bill.<br />
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Visit this website to discover the design possibilities that <a href="http://www.usaverockerymorganhill.com/concrete-blocks" target="_blank">ready mix concrete in San Jose</a> can offer. </div>
Brett Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986120071123035724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615802152595372085.post-74598091430473541272015-01-10T03:21:00.002-08:002015-01-10T03:21:28.564-08:00Composting: Turning Garbage into Gold<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
John Engwer, owner of Groundscapes Express, and Butch Goodwin, Operations Manager, led Ecological Landscaping Alliance participants on a tour of Groundscapes’ composting...<span id="goog_703178361"></span><a href="http://www.ecolandscaping.org/11/composting-compost-tea/composting-turning-garbage-into-gold/" target="_blank">read more</a> <span id="goog_703178362"></span></div>
Brett Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986120071123035724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615802152595372085.post-5921013126728953892015-01-02T03:35:00.001-08:002015-01-02T03:35:35.609-08:00Community Stewardship Awards<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The Community Stewardship Award recognizes PLANET member companies and organizations that have demonstrated leadership through their dedication <a href="https://www.landcarenetwork.org/PLANET/Membership/Awards-Program/PLANET/Membership/Community-Stewardship.aspx" target="_blank">visit here</a></div>
Brett Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986120071123035724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615802152595372085.post-28598077954020053042014-12-26T00:41:00.002-08:002015-01-08T00:54:21.128-08:00Three Advantages Of Using Decorative Concrete Blocks For Retaining Walls<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Retaining walls come in all shapes and sizes, and can be built using a variety of materials such as treated wood timbers or planks, natural stone available in different sizes and shapes, and manufactured concrete blocks. The blocks can range from very plain and utilitarian to remarkably natural looking and visually appealing. Decorative concrete blocks offer these advantages over other retaining wall materials.</div>
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1. <b>A Plethora of Choices Available:</b><br />
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Today’s decorative concrete blocks come in a wide range of textures, sizes, colors and shapes that should enhance or complement any landscape design. The builder or homeowner should consider the existing natural and manmade features in the landscape when choosing the most suitable block for the construction of the wall.<br />
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2. <b>Easy and Fast Construction:</b><br />
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Most decorative concrete block walls are designed to be built on a pulverized and compacted gravel footing, which is no doubt the hardest part of the assembly process. No concrete footing is necessary however. Once the foundation is done, the blocks are easily stacked on top of each other and many interlock along the edges to ensure the proper placement of each block as the wall goes up. The simple building process is fast, especially when compared to other methods.<br />
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3. <b>Easy on the Wallet:</b><br />
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Natural stone can be quite expensive. If the landscaper desires a natural stone look without the high price, decorative concrete blocks are the answer. Chances are there is a texture and color available that can create the desired natural look for a fraction of the cost.<br />
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For those who want a great looking retaining wall and want it done fast and easily without breaking the bank, decorative concrete blocks should be the material of choice. <br />
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Visit the company website for information on <a href="http://www.usaverockerymorganhill.com/concrete-blocks">concrete blocks in Morgan Hill</a></div>
Brett Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986120071123035724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615802152595372085.post-54150640055358830142014-12-24T03:06:00.003-08:002014-12-30T05:18:30.738-08:00Incorporating Topsoil Into Your Gardening And Landscaping Plan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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The classic and simplified definition of topsoil is, as one might guess, the top-most layer of soil here on planet earth. The layer can range from very thin, as in many mountainous areas where it could be an inch or less in depth, to a foot or more in depth in some lowland areas. This top layer contains the most organic material of any soil layer due to the decomposition of the plant and animal material above.</div>
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The composition of naturally occurring topsoil can vary greatly by geography, and can be classified into three general categories: clay, sand and silt. Each classification can, on its own, create optimum growing conditions for specific types of plants. </div>
<a name='more'></a>Clay is nutrient-rich and dense and is great at retaining water, but can be hard to work with because of its denseness, especially when dry. Sand is in many ways the opposite of clay. It is loose, drains easily and is not good at retaining minerals and nutrients, but it is a snap to take the shovel to. Silt is a combination of clay and sand and offers both the benefits and some of the drawbacks of the two.<br />
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The terms top soil and loam are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Loam is a soil mixture of clay, silt and sand, and because it combines the benefits of all three, is often used as a topsoil by home gardeners. Depending on the existing soil characteristics and the type of plants in the garden, loam as a topsoil can be procured with different combinations of clay, silt and sand, for example “sandy loam” or “sandy clay loam.</div>
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The ideal topsoil for the home gardener or landscaper depends on a number of factors. Location plays a big role. If the local soil has heavy concentrations of clay, a sandy mixture may be the best bet to achieve maximum benefits. If the existing soil is excessively sandy, a clay or silt clay blend may be the perfect solution. Different areas within the landscape or yard may need different blends, depending on what is being grown. A loam heavier on the clay may be best for some water loving flowering plants, while mixtures with more silt could benefit grasses and certain flower varieties. A low water consumption plantsuch as a cactus would do best with a sandier blend.</div>
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Armed with the knowledge of existing local soil characteristics and factoring in what flowers, grasses or other foliage are being grown, choosing the ideal topsoil or loam blendcan be the key to creating a healthy and beautiful garden and landscape.</div>
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Visit the company website for information on <a href="http://www.usaverockerymorganhill.com/stepping-stones">boulders in San Jose</a>.</div>
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Brett Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986120071123035724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615802152595372085.post-31591201122601444122014-12-23T03:57:00.002-08:002014-12-23T04:02:19.827-08:00How To Hire A Contractor For Landscape<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Key Things You Should Look For To Ensure Your Landscaping Experience <a href="http://clca.org/consumers/how-to-hire-a-landscape-contractor.php" target="_blank">visit here</a></div>
Brett Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986120071123035724noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4615802152595372085.post-18993028944858251222014-12-22T04:19:00.000-08:002014-12-22T04:19:05.911-08:00Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Each Country Will Make “National Pledge”<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Last week, negotiators from nearly 200 countries built further momentum towards a global deal to <a href="http://dirt.asla.org/2014/12/16/un-each-country-will-make-a-national-pledge-to-cut-greenhouse-gas-emissions/" target="_blank">visit here</a></div>
Brett Stephenshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02986120071123035724noreply@blogger.com0