Letters From A Landscaper

   Thanks to all our soggy co-workers who have rallied around the common goal of spring clean-up.  We have finished edging and bark mulching one week ahead of time.  Once again we have met our Memorial day deadline. Yeah!  Our new challenge is regrouping and finding our individual crews rhythm.

•   Rhythm? For the mow crew is weekly scheduling. It is getting used to the weedwacker again, it is memorizing a property until you can retrace your path in your sleep.
•   Rhythm? For our construction and excavation crew is, well it is getting used to diversity.  There is not a true rhythm because there is to many variables.  But, it is were these guys are the happiest. 
•   For our gardeners it is reintroducing ourselves to property owners, remembering are gardening gloves and where we sat down that trowel.  Rhythm here is based truly on mother nature.
•   The office is very busy keeping track of all of us. There has got to be a science to this rhythm.  Good luck Claire! 

  It is hard to believe that mowing has been underway for a couple of weeks and that the weeds are all ready keeping the gardeners busy.  I am still holding off on putting any flowers out.  I use Memorial Day as my cue and even then frost can surprise us.  So, you all know what I am doing next Friday and just in time for the long weekend.  The growing season is so short in Vermont it is hard to wait to get started.
  I hope every one is enjoying this years spring bling.  The Lilacs are just now blooming and the Rhododendrons are stunning this year.  Yesterday I was noticing a Purple Sand Cherry and thinking how very pretty this shrub is.  It's dark purple leaves and pale pink flowers make a great impact on any garden.  It is a fun color contrast when planted in groupings and striking when it is allowed to grow to full stature.  The Sand Cherry is an easy keeper, but can grow quite rapidly so regular pruning is necessary unless it is planted where it can grow to full size.  If you are looking for a new addition for your property, I recommend this one.
    While on the subject I would like to talk a little about pruning of spring flowering shrubs.  People generally know the rule of thumb to prune when the trees are dormant.  This is not the case with early bloomers. Shrubs that flower in the early spring develop there buds during the summer and fall of the previous year, sometimes called "blooming on old wood" .  So unless you prune soon after the blooms die you chance removing next springs flowers.  Pruning promotes new plant growth, maintains plant size and encourages flowering.  Years ago I read an article that said if it blooms before June 15th it is an early bloomer.  So, if you are like me and like rules of thumb I think this is a pretty safe one.  Otherwise, every shrub you purchase should come with a plant identification tag that will tell you exactly when to prune!
Enjoy the rest of spring, and we'll see you outside.
      Let's get inspired!
          Valerie Chase
     Landscape Designer

Letters Fom A Landscaper

  It's May and spring clean up is in full swing.  My back however can tell I have been in an office all winter.  It does feel good to be back outside.  I just wish the rain would let me get my job done.

  What does spring clean up consist of?  Well I am glad you asked.  Spring clean up can  be very individual depending on the customers needs and wants.  A basic package includes...

• .  removal of sticks and debris on the property and in planting beds
• .  sweeping up of winter sand
• .  dethatching lawns
• .  edging and bark mulching of planting beds

There is an instant gratification from this kind of work.  It immediately transforms your property aesthetically.

I am including pictures of us edging and mulching at one of our condos this week.

  Why do we edge?  Edging makes a nice crisp, clean line around planting beds while cutting back the grass and weeds that grew in last year.  It is a good routine maintenance practice.

  Why bark mulch?  Bark mulch when applied properly will help retain moisture in the soil, suppress weeds, help keep soil from eroding, and removes the need of a string trimmer near the trunk. It also just looks good!  There are many types of mulch, but bark mulch is best around trees, shrubs, foundation plantings, and garden beds where you do not do alot of digging.

This week we also had to save a crab apple that took it hard from snow damage (planted a little to close to a stand and seam roof.) Normally you would prune trees and shrubs that flower in the spring after their blooms die.  But, I will talk more about that in my next blog.  I am going to attempt updates every two weeks (or when it rains.)   Call or e-mail us if you have any questions before then.  Let's get inspired!

                                                                                                 

Thank you and see you outside,

             Valerie Chase  

         Landscape Designer