Going For The Gold

Yeah, we know. It is a little cliché to use an Olympic theme but we are going to do it anyway. If you want to have a "gold medal" landscape, here are some simple rules to follow:

Start with a plan - You wouldn't build a house without a plan would you? The same holds true for the landscape. Going through the planning process helps prevent possible problems down the road, takes into
account the growth patterns of plants, and may bring to light some possibilities not previously considered.

Create fun - Life is hard, gardens should be for creating happy moments. Whether this means creating intimates places to spend time with loved ones, putting together an interesting combination of plants, appealing to the senses with fragrant plants or wind chimes, attracting birds, or hiding something whimsical (like a frog band) along a path, make your gardens come to life for yourself.

Make wise plant choices - If you have deer, accept the fact that you have deer and do not use plants that they are known to eat. Also, consider whether a plant has a lot of issues such as disease or insect problems. There is no point in fighting uphill battles. Use the right plants for our area. A southern plant will probably not survive our winters.

Consider maintenance - Hard fact here. There are no plants that require no maintenance. Sorry, it is the truth. There are, however, plants that require less maintenance than others. If you are going to hire a company to maintain your landscape (we have fantastic maintenance programs by the way) this may not be an issue. If you are going to maintain your landscape yourself and do not have a lot of time or knowledge, high maintenance plants such as roses may not be a good choice.

Following these guidelines may not guarantee you a gold medal, but they do assure a more successful landscape. After all, isn't that the real goal anyway?

If you are interested in having Allentuck Landscaping Co. create a gold medal landscape for you, please call us at 301-515-1900 or email us at info@allentucklandscaping.com, or simply click the link below:

Built Over Time

Sometimes we need to rip out an old landscape in order to plant a new one, and sometimes we are presented with a blank canvas. In this case, we had a blank canvas that was filled in over several years.

Front Yard - Before

Built on fill dirt on a slope, this property presented many challenges. Among them were drainage problems and a steep drop off in the rear yard.

In the front yard, plantings were created to give the landscape some flow and interest. A Japanese Maple, 

Crape Myrtle, Astilbe and Kousa Dogwood provide a rotation of color all year. A curving, brick paver walkway replaced a straight flagstone walkway to make the entrance more inviting.

Front Yard - After

On the left and right sides of the property, an elaborate drainage system was installed to direct and capture surface water. River gravel was used to help prevent erosion and stone steppers were installed to help people get down the slope.

Rear Yard - Before

In the rear yard, a small flagstone patio was created for enjoying time with friends. Border plantings were installed along the top edge of the drop off to give a sense of safety and space. Plantings were also used to help frame a small lawn area. The plant palette always has something of interest to offer; Cherry Laurels, Nandinas, Spireas and Knockout Roses provide a great foundation.

Rear Yard - After

The landscape has matured extremely well over the years and continues to be improved to this day. The owners have a keen eye as to what will continue to make their gardens special, and Allentuck Landscaping Co. is happy to deliver.

You can see more photographs of this project here: 

ut prosim

What happens when four hundred landscapers descend on Arlington National Cemetery with big hearts, capable hands, a fantastic spirit, dozens of pieces of equipment, and tons of materials? Something amazing, that's what happens.

For the sixteenth year, the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET), out national trade association, held Renewal and Remembrance at Arlington National Cemetery, and for the sixth straight year, Allentuck Landscaping Co. dug in to help.

Our colleagues came from all across the country. Together, we aerated 35 acres, applied lime to 150 acres, cabled trees and installed lightning protection, planted native ornamental grasses and perennials, and upgraded irrigation systems. In all, the day's work was a gift of approximately $250,000 to our country.

The highlight of the day was the Children's Program involving fifty children of our colleagues who learned about the importance of the Milkweed plant in the Monarch Butterfly's life and planted three gardens. Two of the children even had the honor of laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unkowns.

For me, this day of service became very personal. I had taken the opportunity to reach out to several of my military friends and teammates (I race for a military based endurance team) and asked them if I could visit anyone's gravesite for them.  I received ten names and spent a few moments with each of them, placing a commemorative stone at each. A true honor for me.

If you cannot tell, my pride in our industry for the care we give to these sacred grounds runs deep.

Ut prosim...so that I may serve.  

May Question of the Month - Which Celebrity Would you Most Like To Have Mow Your Lawn?

May Question Of The Month

Which Celebrity Would You Most Like To Have Mow Your Lawn?

• William Levy - from Val in Silver Spring, Maryland
• Rafael Nadal or Christiano Ronaldo - from Janet in Florence, Italy
• Jennifer Anniston from Lee in Longmeadow, Massachusets
• 80's Soloflex Man from Kelly in Springfield, Virginia
• McSteamy from Diane
• Ashton Kutcher from Lauren in Washington, DC
• Matthew Fox or Matthew McConaughe from Christina in Burke, Virginia
• Brooke Burke or Alyssa Milano from Ed in Baltimore, Maryland
• One of the Kardashian girls from Joy in Las Vegas, Nevada (she says she needs a good laugh!)
• Darth Vader from John in Poolesville, Maryland

Allentuck Landscaping Co. Lends A Hand At Jubilee House in Rockville, Maryland

The Allentuck Landscaping Crew Does It's Magic

Members of well-reputed professional landscape firm Allentuck Landscaping Co. descended on Jubilee House in Rockville, Maryland today to lend a hand and spruce up the landscape on the property. Five members of its well trained staff took part in the event, the sixth year Allentuck Landscaping Co. has donated services to Jubilee House.

The Allentuck Landscaping Co. project is part of a nationwide “Day of Service” initiated by national Professional Landcare Network lawn and landscape association PLANET, with the goal of giving it’s over 4,200 member companies and affiliates an opportunity to plan, organize, and carry out projects to give back and benefit their local communities.

Allentuck Landscaping Co.’s president, Bruce Allentuck, touts the event’s purpose as a “shining example for members of the lawn and landscape industry to play a publicly vital role as caretaker’s of the world’s green spaces, parks, schools, and public grounds, thereby creating and maintaining a crucial quality-of-life factor in communities across America.”

A perennially recognized leader in community service contributions, Allentuck Landscaping Co. plans and carries out five to eight community service projects every year. “These projects provide the company an opportunity to thank our community for helping us  succeed in our business, but also provide us with an opportunity to foster camaraderie and teamwork,” says Allentuck.

Allentuck Landscaping Co. chose to volunteer at the Jubilee House because it was inspired by Jubilee Association of Maryland’s commitment to providing people with developmental disabilities the support and enrichment they need to fulfill their own lives.

“We are very happy that we could give a little of our “Allentuck Landscaping Co. magic” to such a worth organization.”

Too Much Of A Good Thing

Is it possible to have too many beautiful days? As much as I hate to say it, it is when we have not had any measurable rain since March 2nd. And now, with temperatures expected to reach into the eighties for the next few days, your landscape is going to need a little help.

Click Here

Let's start with watering. New plants and newly seeded areas are going to need water. Our watering instructions can be found by clicking the water drop to the right. More established plantings and lawns will probably not need any extra help at this time.

Weeds have been really enjoying this weather and have taken over many lawns and gardens. An application of post emergent herbicide for the lawn should do the trick. Good old fashioned weed pulling for the gardens is the best way to re-gain control.

Be sure to take full advantage of the weather by getting those planting and hardscape projects on the schedule. This is a great time to be landscaping.

Project Profile: A Step Up

Project Profile: A Step Up

Before

After

In this project, our client presented us with several challenges. The driveway was too narrow, access to the front door was inconvenient, and their children wanted to plant herbs and vegetables. Our designers set out to create solutions to these issues and give our client a great landscape.

A two and a half foot high Celtik block wall was constructed along the left side of the driveway. By doing this, we wereable to expand the driveway by three feet giving enough space for car doors to open, bicycles to get past the parked cars, and for trash cans to be wheeled out to the curb.

In the front yard, a slope created a difficult obstacle for walking directly to the front door from the driveway. To solve this, Western Maryland steppers were stacked to create steps. Our client remarked that this gave the feeling of a vacation spot in Maine that she and her family like to spend time at. Plantings of Winter Jasmine, Fountain Grass and a Sangu-Kaku Japanese Maple makes the walk to the front door seem like walking through a garden.

The only sunny spot, other than the front yard, is on the right side of the house. This area was prepared for herbs and vegetables. A Southern Magnolia grown on a trellis was placed against the chimney to serve as a backdrop. Stone steppers lead to the back yard and travel under a stunning Wisteria that gives a magical roof to an area the children like to run through.

"Allentuck Landscaping was fun to work with and really listened to our practical concerns.  And since we are fairly plant-illiterate they asked a lot of questions to figure out what kinds of style and look we like.  We are still admiring it every day when we pull up in front of our house." 

 

Want to add fragrance to your garden? Read this: 

http://tinyurl.com/7pqwwt3

Two good garden related articles in the Washington Post this morning.  

The first one discusses the qualities of Helleborus (Lenten Rose), a wonderful early season bloomer. Read more here: 


http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home/rediscovering-the-lenten-rose/2012/03/23/gIQArHQogS_story.html


The second article talks about the benefits of using fireplace ash in the garden:


http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/home-garden/the-benefits-of-wood-ash-in-the-garden/2012/03/18/gIQAVBSEgS_story.html

Warning: Cold Weather Tonight

It looks like Mother Nature isn't quite ready to is not quite ready to give up on cold weather. Tonight's forecast is for temperatures in the high 20's to low 30's. This means that some tender plants could be affected.  

Here are some things to consider:

Cover the most tender plants like roses, peonies and xxx with a sheet or newspaper.If you have already planted spring annuals (petunias, begonias etc) or vegetable plants, cover them as well.    

Cover the plants around dinner time tonight and uncover them around 9am tomorrow morning.  

Most plants will come through the cold temperatures just fine. Some of the more tender growth may get burned but will most likely be re-generated.

As a rule, the last frost date in this area is usually around May 10th. This is the date that it is safe to plant summer annuals and vegetables. 

We just made our first posting on Houzz. Let us know what you think:

Be A Suburban Farmer

Nothing tastes better, or is better for you, than fresh grown vegetables. It is even more rewarding when you grow them yourselves. Unfortunately, it takes a lot of work to get a garden started. Removing turf, tilling in organic matter and fertilizer...who has the time? And then there is the bending over to pull weeds.

Want the "fruits of your labor" without the toil? We have the answer.

Allentuck Landscaping Co. has created "Garden In A Box"! These vegetable/herb gardens are 4' wide, 8' long, and stand 1' tall to minimize the bending over. Each garden is constructed using sturdy recycled composite lumber that will not rot or warp and is filled with a rich mixture of topsoil, leafmold and manure. We even give you a bag of fertilizer so you can continue to nourish your garden plot.

Each Garden In A Box can be installed for $550.00 (slightly more on sloped ground) or two for $1,045.00. Deer Protection can be added for $140.00.

Get started today to have veggies on your table this summer.

To find out more how Allentuck Landscaping Co. can make your landscape dreams a reality, please call Eric Shostal at 301-515-1900 or email at eric@allentucklandscaping.com, or simply click the link below:

                                                  

Signs of Spring

With the early warm weather here, our team has been actively visiting our client's properties to check on work in progress and to assess any site conditions. One of the benefits of doing this is that we get to see some of the beautiful plants that we care for in bloom. After all, we are plant people at heart. Here are a few of our sightings:

Daphne at a Chevy Chase, Maryland Residence

Camellia at a Chevy Chase, Maryland Residence

Saucer Magnolia at a Potomac, Maryland Residence

Got Mulch (It Does A Plant Good!)

Just as robins and daffodils are harbingers of spring, so are landscapers putting down mulch. A fresh application of mulch on one's gardens is a great way to sweep away the gray of winter. Besides appearance, what are the benefits of mulch?   

  

• Mulch keeps plant roots from drying out in dry periods. 

• Mulch suppresses weeds. 

• Mulch keeps roots cool in the summer and warm in the winter. 

• Mulch protects tree trunks and roots from damage caused by lawn mowers and string trimmers. 

• Mulch helps prevent erosion. 

• Mulch adds nutrients to the soil as it breaks down. 

So as you can see, not only does a fresh layer of mulch look great, it has a lot a benefits to offer your trees and gardens. Applying mulch can be done at any time of the year but it is certainly understandable that we all want to see a fresh look in the spring.

Your Landscape Will Thank You

Your Landscape Will Thank You 

What's the easiest way to a beautiful landscape? Just call us!

Allentuck Landscaping Co. has three programs tailored to the way you want your property cared for. They are simple. They are reasonably priced. And best of all, you do not need to do the work.

TotalScapes - For the customer that wants it all. Weekly mowing, pruning and weeding, Spring mulching, turf fertilization and weed control, leaf removal in the fall. This program is designed so that you do not need to worry about your landscape.

GardenScapes - We will take care of the mulching, pruning, weeding, plant fertilization and leaf removal. Your gardens will love you.

TurfScapes - For the nicest lawn around. Fertilization, weed control, fall seeding. A full, lush lawn is only a phone call away.

All it takes is one phone call to Allentuck Landscaping Co. to get the landscape care you have always wanted and get your weekends back at the same time.  

Give Eric Shostal a call today at 301.515.1900, email him at eric@allentucklandscaping.com, or simply click the link below:

                                                      

Meet Ron Gravish 

Most of you have met Ron but for those of you who have not, Ron is our very excellent Residential Maintenance Manager. He is responsible for the programs you just read about above.  

Ron has been with Allentuck Landscaping Co. for three years. He graduated from Penn State with a Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Horticulture. Originally from Lansdale, Pennsylvania, he now lives in Rockville with his wife Jen. In his spare time, on is an avid woodworker and, of course, a terrific gardener. 

You can reach Ron at 301.515.1900 or ron@allentucklandscaping.com.    

2012 New Year Garden Resolutions

A new year brings the opportunity for improvement and while most resolutions may go by the wayside, we are pleased to present some that you may want to consider for your landscape.

·         I will recycle my yard waste by composting.

·         I will install a rain barrel...or two.

·         I will spend more time with my family and friends in the garden.

·         I will put out bird seed this winter.

·     I will stop and smell the roses...and the hydrangeas...and anything else blooming in my garden.

·         I will water in the morning to avoid fungal growth.

·         I will plant a vegetable garden so I can eat healthier.

·         I will install some plants that will give my gardens more interest for the winter.

·         I will enjoy my yard.

·         I will have a happy and healthy new year.