A Flagstone Walkway in Potomac, Maryland

Here is a video of a walkway we built this fall (2011) for a client in Potomac, Maryland. We used irregular Pennsylvania flagstone set on a CR6/stonedust base. The walkway ends at small patio which has a fire pit built into it. What a nice spot to spend a summer evening!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFLnFOt2v_I

Ugly, Ugly, Ugly           

Where did that ugly utility box come from? It wasn't there last month. It's soooooo ugly!

Actually, it was there last month. As was the electric meter, irrigation controller, and your, um, neighbor. Unfortunately, as leaves drop all that is left  is the bone structure of deciduous plants and some eyesores we may not have noticed in the warmer months.

Fear not, here are some excellent solutions to consider:

Evergreens - Plants such as Skip Laurels, Hollies and Arborvitaes offer year round beauty, seasonal interest and potential backdrops to shrubs and perennials. There are a lot of variety of plants to choose from.

Trellises - Adding an element such as a trellis can not only hide something you don't want to see, but can also become a point of interest in your garden. Always try to match the architectural style of your home.

  

Fences - Fences make good neighbors. Not only do they hide things you may not want to look at, they hide things your neighbors may not want to look at too! They also provide security and keep our pets safe. With so many styles available, there is a fence for hiding just about everything.

 With a little imagination, screening can be both functional and attractive.

Winter Is On Its Way

A nip in the air, longer nights, shorter days. We still have a lot of fall to go through but... winter is on it's way. Here is a checklist of tasks to get your home and landscape ready.

·         Pick up a bag of ice melt product to have on hand.

·          Shut off outdoor water spigots. Leave the faucet slightly open to drain out any remaining water.

·          Drain and store all garden hoses.

·          Have mower blades and pruners sharpened.

·          Add a little extra mulch around tender plants.

·          Move outdoor furniture indoors or cover with plastic.

·          Drain and cover fountains.

·          Replace furnace filters.

·          Replace batteries in smoke detectors.