March gardening checklist So soon after the new year and it’s already time to start preparing for summer! Here is a list of some to-do items for the home gardener: Plant warm-season annuals and annual seeds once the threat of frost has passed. Choose plants according to microclimate conditions such as shade [...]
Gardening tips for sandy soil In coastal areas like Santa Barbara, sandy soils are a reality that can bring frustration to even the most adept gardener. Fast draining and often lacking nutrients, the soil is also unworkable, falling apart easily due to its gritty makeup. However, having a beautiful garden in the [...]
The “green” lawn: Sustainable turf Where lush green lawns are an icon of Americana and a necessity for active families with kids and pets, maintaining them sustainably is a new consideration as awareness for environmentally friendly practices has grown. Primary concerns over lawn maintenance involve water usage, pollution, accelerated storm water runoff, [...]
Pruning and shearing: Understanding the difference To the layperson, “pruning” can be regarded as a generic term for cutting back trees and shrubs, often interchangeable with “shearing” or “trimming.” But when the time comes to change the shape or size of overgrown trees and shrubs, it’s critical to understand the differences. For [...]
Planting trees like a pro A tree can go a long way in lending curb appeal to a residential landscape and therefore it is an excellent investment in the value of one’s home. Unless time and patience are of no consequence, most homeowners and landscapers will prefer to purchase a young tree [...]
Zeroing in on the right tree for your landscape The most thorough way to select a tree, or almost any plant for that matter, is to start with the widest range of options available and, through the process of elimination, narrow down the field until just a few “best fit” choices remain. [...]
Planting Annual Flower Seeds to brighten gardens There is no denying that the warm, consistent climate of California’s southern coast is a showcase of lush, gorgeous plants year round. But even here the region experiences seasons and so property owners ought to take advantage. Brighter and showier than many of [...]
Making a boulder statement – stone products for awe-inspiring landscapes Hardscaping Contractor-sbevolutionlandscape Ever changing by the seasons, gardens are a living and evolving scene. One element in the landscape, however, offers a feeling of permanence without detracting from the natural setting. Boulders and stone material can lend drama or complement the softness of [...]
Soil types in Santa Barbara Soil types in Santa Barbara While the average gardener might direct their efforts toward selecting plants that will look best in their garden and complement the architecture of their home, it is often a myriad of other factors that determine a plant’s true success. From sun exposure to [...]
Understanding bougainvillea pruning Bougainvillea Santa Barbara Lush and colorful, bougainvillea is a must for every Southern California landscape. The plant is as versatile as it is beautiful and knowing the best pruning and trimming methods can be helpful in ensuring its stunning presence in the landscape for years to come. The plant holds [...]
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