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Having a brilliant green and lush lawn has long been the envy of many homeowners. Consistently achieving a thick verdant carpet has become the epitome of a well-cared-for property. Often times we see our front lawns as the welcome mat to our homes and businesses. A well-kept lawn and landscape signify dedication and attention to […]
\n","content":"\nHaving a brilliant green and lush lawn has long been the envy of many homeowners. Consistently achieving a thick verdant carpet has become the epitome of a well-cared-for property. Often times we see our front lawns as the welcome mat to our homes and businesses. A well-kept lawn and landscape signify dedication and attention to detail, traits we value in ourselves as well as others. It helps us put our best foot forward, boosting curb appeal, and giving us a sense of gratification at the well-deserved results of our hard work.
\n\n\n\nWhile the desire to have a nice lawn is certainly not a bad thing, it does often come at a high price. Americans spent roughly $29.1 billion on lawn care products and services in 2015 alone. Sod, seed, hydromulch, fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides; lawn mowing, weed whacking, leaf blowing, the list of products and tasks needed for quality lawn care goes on and on.
\n\n\n\nBesides taking a large chunk out of our pocketbooks, traditional lawn care also takes a large toll on the environment. You may have guessed that given how many resources people pour onto their lawns to keep them green, they aren’t actually that “green” in practice. In order to keep lawns green, lots of water is used. Many lawn owners also use harmful pesticides and herbicides on their grass. These toxins can end up in our waterways and in our food. And lawn maintenance releases greenhouse gases, such as with the fuel needed for lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and edging.
\n\n\n\nSo, is it possible to have the best of both worlds? A green healthy lawn that is both economical and environmentally responsible?
\n\n\n\nThe answer is YES!
\n\n\n\nSpeaking specifically for lawn care, putting into place an ‘eco-friendly’ maintenance plan requires little change from traditional methods.
\n\n\n\nThe key components for an eco-friendly lawn have to do with these two things:
\n\n\n\n‘Building healthy soil biology’ can sound like a task larger than most property owners are willing to take on. Keep in mind these simple steps and you will be well on your way to creating and maintaining healthy soil and plants. No additional science classes required!
Now that a healthy soil profile has been developed, Dallas residents should look at using a native turf blend such as Habiturf. This blend of three native grasses, developed by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, simulates shortgrass prairies. But don’t let that fact make you think your yard will look wild and unkempt. Habiturf provides all the visual beauty of a uniform lawn with the drought-tolerance and low maintenance of native Texas grasses. Heartiness is achieved through the use of multiple species, but the uniformity of the leaves and color make for a lush, beautiful lawn. Just be sure to plant in the proper location as it does not do well in shady areas. For more information and where to buy check out the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center or local seed suppliers such as Native American Seed for more native Texas seed and wildflower mix.
Another issue Dallas property owners face is growing turfgrass under our beautiful shade trees. With plentiful hot summer days, the shade of large mature Live Oak is worth its weight in gold. Under these precious trees, however, little to no turf can grow due to the deep shade. This is where using a grass-like plant called ‘sedge’ becomes a game changer. Texas Sedge is a low water use native and works well in shady areas where St. Augustine, Bermuda, and Zoysia grass is difficult to grow. It produces wispy mounds of foliage that can tolerate light foot traffic and can be mowed yearly at a high setting.
With some thought and planning, a green lawn really can equal a green choice for the environment!
\n\n\n\nLooking for more lawn care tips? Visit our Dallas lawn care page for more information.
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\n","content":"\nDogs and cats may be our best animal friends, but they can wreak havoc on our landscaping. Home should be safe for your animals and free from potential threats, so pet-proofing your Austin, TX landscape is a must-do task. Your pets can’t protect themselves; you have to do it for them!
Pets, most often dogs, like to go outside for playtime or to lay in the sun. Your landscaping practices may pose several threats to your pets as they try to enjoy their time. Things such as fertilizers, pesticides, mulch, and compost could be toxic if your animal tries to eat or lick it. Which is highly likely if you have a puppy because puppies are adventurous and will get into anything!
So, if you need to pet-proof your Austin, TX landscape, here are some tips!
\n\n\n\nYou might spend hours on your seasonal flower bed only for your dog to dig it up and eat the flowers. These things happen! Many common flowers can be poisonous to dogs. If you’re unsure, call your vet to confirm that your flower selections are dog safe.
A few common backyard flowers that are dangerous for dogs include:
\n\n\n\nPet owners have to worry about more than just flowers. Hundreds of common houseplants and garden plants are toxic for your animal. Here are the 10 most common toxic plants in Austin, TX.
\n\n\n\nIf you have a swimming pool or a pond as part of your landscape, you need to take some extra precautions. Yes, dogs can typically swim, but falling into a pond or a pool can be deadly for your pet.
Pet owners should teach their pets how to get out of their pools from the time they’re little in case they ever fall in accidentally. It could save their lives!
\n\n\n\nDo you have your trash can sitting on the side of your house awaiting trash pick-up day? Most of us do, but that can be hazardous to your dog. Make sure the trash cans are secured with appropriately fitting and locking lids.
Dogs are curious, and the smell of old food is appealing. He will happily take a bite of that old burger without realizing its soaked in old cleaning supplies.
\n\n\n\nInsecticides, pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers may perform an important job for you, but they can be toxic for your pet. If you do decide to use them, keep your pet away from the lawn when it’s recently been treated. Dogs and cats should never walk on freshly sprayed lawns. Put your animal in another area for a few days.
Ideally, you wouldn’t treat the areas that your pet will spend his time. That prevents your pets from accidentally ingesting any of the chemicals. Dogs do sometimes decide to eat grass.
Most importantly, be sure all of these chemicals are locked up out of your pet’s reach. Put them in your shed or garage. A dog would happily take a drink of some chemicals spilled all over the floor.
\n\n\n\nIf your yard is fenced, that’s a huge bonus! Fences keep your pets safe and prevent them from running away. Puppies and dogs need plenty of exercise. A dog or little puppy can easily find a small gap or hole in your fence that you may not notice. So, it’s important for you to regularly check your fence to make sure it’s secure for your animals.
\n\n\n\nTall grass can be a haven for ticks and snakes to hide. While most snakes aren’t venomous, a few poisonous snakes do call Austin, TX home like the Western diamondback rattlesnake.
Make sure you mow your grass regularly and remove any branches that are laying around. Clear out debris often. Ticks can be harmful to your dogs! Plus, fleas love tall grass. Unlike other parts of the nation, Austin doesn’t have a specific flea season. Austin doesn’t have multiple days of below-freezing temperatures or extended dry conditions, so fleas can survive year-round. That means you need to pay attention to your pets to be sure they’re flea-free and cut your grass regularly.
\n\n\n\nIt would be nice if Fido understood walking in your new garden bed is a bad idea, but they have no concept of that. Owners have the responsibility of deciding what areas are off-limits by creating physical reminders.
You can do this by making walls, fences, or pieces of wood to create a makeshift fence around the areas you want your pet to stay away from. Another idea is planting tall, native grasses or bushes. Make sure the plants that you pick aren’t poisonous.
\n\n\n\nGrass will turn brown and die in the area that your dog uses the bathroom. Rather than having random spots throughout your entire lawn, pick a spot where you want your dog to do his business.
\n\n\n\nKeep the grass in that area well watered and longer than the other parts of your yard because it helps dilute the urine and hide the brown spots. Some smart pet owners create a bathroom area hidden behind a fence or a wall so guests don’t notice.
You could also hardscape the area where your dog does his business. Hardscaping would make it easier for you to scoop up feces and spray urine away with a hose!
\n\n\n\nPet owners have the responsibility of keeping their animals safe and sound in their environments. Dogs and some cats are adventurous outside, so you have to pay special attention to how you’ll handle your landscape and yard.
The most important thing is to avoid anything that could be toxic to your animal. That means be sure that your flowers and plants aren’t toxic to animals. If you aren’t sure, talk to your vet. Keep all of the chemicals out of their reach, stored inside a shed or garage ideally.
Last, always watch for dangers. That could be a loose fence board or a pond that you think is beautiful. Landscaping and pets can mix harmoniously with a little planning on your end.
\n\n\n\nLooking for more lawn care tips? Visit our Austin lawn care page for more information about everything lawn-related.
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\n","content":"\nHomeowners have to decide whether they want to higher a professional lawn care service for all of those important tasks or if they prefer the DIY lawn care route. Each option has positives and negatives, so you have to look at your unique situation! Orlando, FL residents need to consider the pros and cons of DIY lawn care to make the right choice.
Residents in Orlando, FL have a long growing season for their lawn when compared to other regions of the country. The higher temperatures and climate mean you do more lawn care than other homeowners, which makes Orlando unique. You need to closely consider the pros and cons of DIY lawn care vs. professional lawn care.
\n\n\n\nThe biggest pro for DIY lawn care is that it does TYPICALLY (not always) save you money. If you’re pinching pennies and making them scream, professional lawn care may not be in the budget for you.
One of the biggest areas you’ll save money is the cost of lawn mowing. If you have ¼ of an acre in Orlando, FL, the average cost to have your grass cut is $48.77. That doesn’t sound too bad, but during some periods of the year, you may have to cut your grass twice a week.
For our example, we’ll say it’s cut once a week. That’s $195.08 per month. You could spend over $2,340 per year on lawn mowing! A riding lawn mower costs anywhere between $500 and $2,000 depending on the make and model, and they last for years. You do need to pay for gas, but mowing your own grass does save you money.
Another example is the cost of overseeding your lawn. The cost can be anywhere from $500 to $1,000. Grass seed doesn’t cost that much; it’s the cost of the labor involved with overseeding. Overseeding will take you several hours to an entire day to finish yourself, but the savings there are large.
\n\n\n\nWho needs the gym? Taking care of your lawn is exercise enough, especially when the temperatures are high and you sweat a gallon or more. It’s a great way to get some exercise in or get some time alone with your headphones. No screaming kids in your ear is a bonus.
\n\n\n\nA lot of homeowners take serious pride in their lawn care and landscaping. You spend all of that time taking care of your lawn. It feels great to get the credit for how wonderful it looks! Taking care of your lawn yourself means that you can put your own creative spin on your design and how you want it to look.
\n\n\n\nYou aren’t a professional, and the results you wanted may not be achievable without their help. It takes time and practice to get it right.
The problem isn’t just not getting the results you wanted, but you might spend too much money trying to get the right results. Professionals can knock out weeds easier than homeowners can. You’ll spend weeks trying to find the right combination of chemicals and products when a professional would get it right the first time. They do this on a regular basis.
For example, core aeration is one task that can really make your lawn shine, but it can cost around $100 for a professional to aerate a 5,000 square foot lawn. It costs around $80 to rent a core aerator for the day, but it may take you more than one day to complete the task. If your results aren’t satisfactory, you may have to do it over again. In these cases, hiring a professional who can complete the task timely and properly the first time around is a wise investment of your money.
\n\n\n\nLet’s not forget that time is money as well. Do you want to invest a lot of your time taking care of your lawn? For some people, lawn care is a true joy, so taking the time for DIY lawn care is no problem for them.
You have to consider your schedule and flexibility. Do you have the time to spend on DIY lawn care? If so, that’s great, but you may find you have to give up something else to make the time.
\n\n\n\nYou’ll save money in some aspects of lawn care, but there will be hidden costs you don’t expect. Things can easily go wrong without a professional over-seeing your lawn care.
You might not notice patches of your grass starting to come up because of a grub infestation. The crabgrass weed may rapidly take over your lawn without you realizing it began! If you encounter a lawn disease or something that you don’t know how to fix, you’ll spend money fixing it and you might end up still having to call a professional.
The average cost of weed control in Orlando, FL is $60. If you have to experiment and purchase a few brands of weed killer, you’ll spend more than that! An average gallon of weed killer is around $20!
Don’t forget that you need to fertilize our lawn at least once or twice a year. The average cost of lawn fertilizing in Orlando, FL is $60 for ¼ of an acre. If you do that yourself, you will spend several hours and just a bit less in fertilizer. Homeowners forget to include the cost of things when they consider how much they’ll save by using DIY lawn care.
\n\n\n\nIf you love taking care of your lawn or if you don’t have any room in the budget, DIY lawn care could be right for you. In most circumstances, a professional lawn care service has many benefits. You benefit from their expertise, and they come well-equipped to handle anything that they might encounter. Plus, you’re reclaiming hours of your life that you can spend with your family or having fun!
Fall is a lovely time of year, but in many parts of the country, it’s rather short. Winter can take a toll on your yard even if your town rarely sees snow, and fall is your last chance to prepare your property for impact. If you don’t get your landscape ready now, you’ll be faced […]
\n","content":"Fall is a lovely time of year, but in many parts of the country, it’s rather short. Winter can take a toll on your yard even if your town rarely sees snow, and fall is your last chance to prepare your property for impact. If you don’t get your landscape ready now, you’ll be faced with a muddy mess come springtime.
\nSo grab your tools and put on your gardening boots. We at Wiki Lawn have prepared a few fall landscaping tips and maintenance ideas you can use to “fall-ify” your landscaping and get your property ready for winter.
\nApproximately 90% of Americans say they prefer to live in a home that’s surrounded by grass, trees, and other plants. But if you’re going to have plants, you’ll need to maintain them like the rest of your yard.
\nThat leads us into the first of these 12 fall maintenance tips.
\nIt’s important to spread mulch during the fall months because it helps to protect the roots of your trees and plants from frost. It also helps to retain moisture in the dry winter weather. You’ll want to spread between 2 and 3 inches of mulch around your trees and shrubs.
\nCheck out our tips for Eco-friendly Lawn Care.
\nFall might not be the time to prune your plants, but it’s definitely the time to remove the dead and dying plants from your yard. When you get rid of your dead landscaping during autumn, you won’t have to look at them during the winter months. Remove dead annuals and perennials. Prune (lightly) the dying branches from trees and shrubs.
\nYour shrubs can be damaged from high winds, ice, and heavy snow. Wrap your shrubs in burlap to protect them from winter weather conditions and surround your trees with shredded leaves. If you have smaller plants, use overturned plastic pots or bucks to hide them.
\nIt’s a good idea to mow your lawn so the grass doesn’t get too long before the first snowfall. According to gentlemanship guide Joel Flynn, grass that’s too long can not only shade the other blades of grass and affect growth but it can also get packed down under the snow and cause snow mold. You’ll want to keep your grass around 3 inches tall year-round to make sure it’s able to grow properly and receive enough sunlight.
\nLearn How to Grow Grass like a gardening expert.
\nIt’s essential to take care of your plants and lawn before winter hits, but it’s important to give your walkways and driveway some special attention, too. If you have cracks in your concrete or asphalt, water can penetrate these cracks and freeze during the winter months. When the water freezes in the cracks, it expands the cracks and causes even more damage to your walkways and driveway. That said, be sure to apply a sealant to keep water from getting into these cracks while it’s still warm enough to do so.
\nFallen leaves in the yard might look like an autumn postcard at first, but soon enough they turn into a problem. After a while, the leaves start to decay, they become slippery and might be a potential health hazard.
\nUse a leaf blower or a lawn sweeper to collect dead leaves and tidy your yard. Ensure that the house gutters are also free from fallen leaves. Clogged gutters can cause significant water damage if left unattended.
\nYellow, red, brown and all sort of hues formed from these colors are what makes fall such a lovely season. Implement these colors in the outdoor decoration of your property. Collect some of the fallen leaves in your yard and place them in baskets at your front porch.
\nAlso, plant seasonal flowers such as crocuses and goldenrod that bloom in October and November. This way you’ll have an incentive to continue watering your lawn and it will remain greener for longer.
\nWhen the trees in your yard lose their leaves, any hidden flaws of the exterior of your home will be exposed. According to manhood culture and lifestyle expert Joel Flynn, poor looks mean it’s time to make an inspection and dedicate some time for small repairs and improvements.
\nUse a pressure washer to clean the exterior of the house along with the driveway and walkway. Repaint and seal any chipped paint, wipe the windows and their frames. And we’ll say it again because it’s highly important – clean your gutters too.
\nWith summer gone, daylight is also scarce. For the convenience of your own family, inspect the outdoor lights to see if they work properly or need maintenance. Test if they provide enough illumination from the walkway to the entrance of your home.
\nInvest in energy-saving lightbulbs to reduce your electricity bills and also help the environment. If you’re a big fan of the upcoming holidays, get decorative lights and arrange them creatively.
\nRead also: How to Use Lighting To Transform Your Outdoor Space.
\nPumpkin, in all its forms and colors, is the queen of autumn. You can even use it for decorating the exterior of your home. Arrange several pumpkins on the front porch or window sills. Create a DIY wreath from mini pumpkins and seasonal flowers and proudly hang it on the front door.
\nFor more inspiration, check out our 9 Examples of Halloween Inspired Garden Designs.
\nWhatever decoration you choose, make sure it’s tasteful. Don’t overdo it.
\nDuring autumn, the weather is often gloomy. And with fewer colors in the yard, your house will lose its appeal. Use this opportunity to put an emphasis on the front door.
\nRepaint it in a bright color that will make it stand out from the neighborhood doors. Yellow, blue, and red are great options for highlighting the entrance.
\nAlso, check the insulation of the front door and prepare it for the cold months.
\nImprove the curb appeal of your property by installing a new mailbox or upgrading the old one. This can be a fun family project for a rainy afternoon. Customize your mailbox with bright colors, unusual design or whatever else comes to your mind.
\nUse Pinterest for mailbox makeover inspiration.
\nAlso, check if your house numbers need any polishing or replacement. Numbers made from aluminum or stainless steel won’t be affected by the weather changes that much.
\nAutumn is the time to prepare your yard for the cold winter months. Make sure your trees, plants, and walkways are as ready for the snow as you are. Upgrade the exterior of your home and make it vibrant even during the gloomy months.
\nStill, have questions about lawn care?
\nVisit our lawn care page for additional information
Landscaping may seem like an afterthought, something that is nice but not a necessity. That may be true if you are at your house for the long haul, even though most homeowners find landscaping appealing. However, those on the hunt to sell their home or simply want to increase your property value, landscaping can increase […]
\n","content":"Landscaping may seem like an afterthought, something that is nice but not a necessity. That may be true if you are at your house for the long haul, even though most homeowners find landscaping appealing. However, those on the hunt to sell their home or simply want to increase your property value, landscaping can increase its value, particularly for homes in Austin, TX.
\nWhat’s the first thing you notice when you arrive at a home? You notice landscaping! It might be the tall bushes under the large window. It could the garden bed full of perennial flowers. Proper lawn care and landscaping make an impact where it’s needed – the first impression.
\nSo, when potential buyers arrive at your home, you want to make a serious first impression. They should remember the landscaping and how well your property is maintained. Many buyers will turn away if they think the landscaping is subpar! So, take the first steps and focus on landscaping.
\nMaking a good first impression is important in Austin’s variable market. You are more likely to set the expectation that the rest of the home is just as amazing as this one.
\n
Photo: Flickr // Huge Cool
\nDid you know that mature trees add beauty AND increase your home’s value if they are planted correctly? Mature trees can increase your property’s value by up to 10 percent! Homes in Austin are no exception; potential homebuyers love them! Trees offer vital shade to lawns with families and kids.
\nIt’s important that trees aren’t planted too close to the home because large tree roots can cause foundation issues. So, do your homework before planting to avoid pipes and wires, then you can enjoy the added home value years later.
\nOn the other side, dead and dying trees will hurt your resale value. That means if you plan to put your home on the market anytime soon, you should remove any dead trees and branches. After removing the dead branches, fertilizing, prune, and trim the healthy ones as well. This theory goes with anything on your project. Anything that is not taken care of or well-maintained will decrease your home value.
\nDon’t worry; you will get back your cost when you sell the home. Even if it costs you $1,000 to take care of the trees around your house, you can expect to make that money back after the house sells.
\nLandscaping can increase your home’s value by up to 12% – that’s impressive! Now, some landscaping CAN be expensive, so you have to find cheap and easy ways to make sure your yard is maintained.
\nHere are some helpful tips for keeping your lawn in tiptop shape:
\nLandscaping is more than just plants and flower beds; it’s also the porch or patio in your backyard. A well-planned landscape creates an outdoor living space that gives the homeowner more area to spend with friends and family.
\nAustin, TX residents are lucky; the climate is sub-tropical and warm more often than not. Residents want to take advantage of that and live outside. Your home’s landscape plans might include a covered space, like a pergola, with drapes and couches for relaxing. There could be an area to grill and serve drinks to friends. Don’t forget a firepit and a huge swing set.
\nLandscaping includes other things as well, such as:
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/landscaping-adds-money-in-your-pocket.jpg\")
Photo: Flickr // Red Jacket Resorts
\nA well-landscaped home can get 5.5 to 12.7 percent increase in the home’s original value. That means if your home is worth $200,000, you can earn an extra $10,000 to $25,400 when your home finally sells!
\nResearch shows that large landscape expenditures increase the home value and fetch a higher selling price than homes with minimal landscape. According to the responders in the study, most homeowners want to purchase a home with a sophisticated landscape. Plant size and the diversity of the plants also play a factor in how pleased home layers.
\nYou might wonder what is a sophisticated landscape includes. Home buyers want to see large deciduous trees, along with evergreen trees and colorful annual plants. The American Society of Landscape Architects suggests that homeowners invest 10 percent of the home’s value into landscaping.
\nHomebuyers want to see more than plants. Outdoor rooms, terraces, and decks are high-returning investments to make in your landscaping plans.
\nIf you’re trying to figure out how landscaping affects home value, you might want to consider calling in a professional. A landscape architect can create a detailed plan that a contractor will be able to follow. Best of all, the plan will be just for your home! These experts understand botany, engineering, and design, anything with horticulture.
\nUsing a professional also helps you avoid the most common mistake when it comes to landscaping – piecing things together. Your landscaping plan should flow together, and homeowners often start random projects without a plan as to how it all fits together. The result looks like a hodgepodge, which can turn off homebuyers.
\nAustin, TX has a competitive real estate market right now, and there is a lot of competition against your home. If you want to stand out against others AND get the most bang for your buck, hire a professional to create a landscaping plan. A well-designed landscape will make a lasting first impression, leading to a quick offer when you decide it’s time to sell your home.
\nStill have questions about lawn care or landscaping? Please share your thoughts in the comments below or visit our Austin lawn care page for more information.
\n","title":"How Landscaping Affects Home Value in Austin, TX","featured_media":{"localFile":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"aspectRatio":1.499531396438613,"src":"/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/1789c/atx-skyline.jpg","srcSet":"/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/107df/atx-skyline.jpg 320w,\n/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/293e9/atx-skyline.jpg 500w,\n/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/f2cbb/atx-skyline.jpg 800w,\n/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/1789c/atx-skyline.jpg 960w,\n/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/9352a/atx-skyline.jpg 1600w","srcWebp":"/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/1dd6e/atx-skyline.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/67b76/atx-skyline.webp 320w,\n/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/8df11/atx-skyline.webp 500w,\n/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/98a65/atx-skyline.webp 800w,\n/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/1dd6e/atx-skyline.webp 960w,\n/static/a6297a5828adc08e3f82461232cef6ae/72532/atx-skyline.webp 1600w","sizes":"(max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px"}}}},"yoast_meta":{"yoast_wpseo_title":"How Landscaping Affects Home Value in Austin, TX | Wikilawn","yoast_wpseo_metadesc":""}}},{"node":{"id":"ad5eff3c-df49-52b3-a7ab-26de8a7847db","slug":"5-native-maryland-plants-for-easy-container-gardening","path":"/lawn-care/md/frederick/5-native-maryland-plants-for-easy-container-gardening/","status":"publish","template":"","format":"standard","author":{"description":"","name":"Wikilawn","id":"706a455e-0b9c-56ea-aeed-4f411c6c1973","path":"/author/wikilawn/","avatar_urls":{"wordpress_96":"https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/fd0301960c52ded452e0b5fc145cb264?s=96&d=mm&r=g"}},"categories":[{"id":"7482bf2c-ede7-5fc6-b43b-73f95c59d2b3","name":"Frederick","count":1,"path":"/category/lawn-care/md/frederick/"},{"id":"205f24d4-c1e5-5728-bb28-8ba70eecbc7a","name":"Lawn Care","count":432,"path":"/category/lawn-care/"},{"id":"2a5e33f9-ad47-575e-b414-2fa0c9049fd1","name":"Maryland","count":8,"path":"/category/lawn-care/md/"}],"date":"September 8th, 2018","excerpt":"Container gardening is ideal for those with a small outdoor space like a balcony or a postage-stamp lawn. Pots overflowing with flowers can also add colorful accents to gardens, porches, patios, pool decks—wherever you want to take your landscaping additions. Even the design possibilities are limitless with containers in every size and shape available, and […]
\n","content":"Container gardening is ideal for those with a small outdoor space like a balcony or a postage-stamp lawn. Pots overflowing with flowers can also add colorful accents to gardens, porches, patios, pool decks—wherever you want to take your landscaping additions. Even the design possibilities are limitless with containers in every size and shape available, and an endless variety of native plants that flourish in Maryland.
\nBy using native plants in your container garden, you are choosing plants that are completely adapted to the climate and have natural defenses against local pests and diseases. They also are usually unaffected by air pollution, a real benefit for urban gardens.
\nHere are five really beautiful plants native to Maryland, perfect for container gardens.
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Petunia-Night-Sky.jpg\")
Photo: mandycanudigit.com
\nCommon name: Galaxy Petunia
\nColor: Blue, purple, white
\nSunlight: Sun
\nHeight: 10-16”
\nWidth: 24-36”
\nSoil: Average, rich, moist
\nMoisture level: Consistent
\nWildlife Attraction: Butterflies, hummingbirds
Where as this is a special variation of the ever so popular petunia flower, the ‘Night Sky’ is unlike any other petunia—or any other flower for that matter. The plant produces a profusion of plush, trumpet-shaped indigo blue flowers splashed with bright white speck. Think the nighttime sky filled with glittering stars. Incredibly, no two flowers are alike. The starlike appearance is due to the difference in temperature between daytime and nighttime. The plants need warm in the daytime and much cooler at night.This sun-loving plant grows to 10 to 16 inches and blooms from May through September with pointy green leaves that gently spill from the container.
\n“The best plants for busy gardeners are natives and perennials,” says Gene Sumi, education coordinator for Homestead Gardens in Davidsonville. “It’s hard to go wrong with old standbys like black-eyed Susans, coneflowers and perennial geraniums.”
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Cardinal-Flower.jpg\")
Photo: americanmeadows.com
\nThis flower is named after the vivid red color of the Roman Catholic cardinal’s robe. The brilliant red of the flowers bloom when most other perennials are fading in the summer heat.The tall spikes of exotic, brilliant red, trumpet-shaped flowers rise above rich green, lance-shaped leaves tinged with bronze.
\nThe cardinal flower plant, which can grow to four feet high, overflows with blooms during summer and sometimes into early fall. The Cardinal Flower can be grown in perennial borders but can also be naturalized and grown in wildflower meadows. Since the trumpet shaped flowers have long necks, it depends on the hummingbird for fertilization, so it’s the perfect plant for a hummingbird garden.
\nPruning it will bring about a second round of flowers. Or, if you want them to spread, let the seeds fall to the ground for self-sowing. If you want seedling, you will need to pull back the mulch so the seedlings can grow.
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Celosia-Intenz.jpg\")
Photo: ncnewsonline.com
\nMoisture level: Medium
\nHeight: 18”
\nWidth: 12”
\nColoring: Reddish-purple
\nSunlight: Sun
\nWildlife attraction: Bees, butterflies
The Celosia ‘Intenz’ is easy to maintain as long as it has its place in the sun. The flamboyant flowers, startling reddish-violet plumes, bloom all summer long and add remarkable texture as well as the intense color to the container arrangement. It’s considered drought tolerant and is a great choice for an xeriscape application or a low water garden. But, if it’s in a container or basket, it may need more frequent watering.
\nThe plant is compact, only 10 to 14 inches tall, and its upright growth makes it compatible with any number of plants. For a real showstopper, combine it with the lime-green of ‘Envy’ zinnias. ‘Intenz’ doesn’t need pruning as such, simply pick off the old flowers as they begin to fade to keep the plant looking tidy.
\nCarrie Engel, a greenhouse manager, says the Intenz line will stand up to Maryland’s summer’s. “They are great for July, August when it’s still hot outside.”
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Blue-Mist-Shrub.jpg\")
Photo: cochatonursery.com
\nThe blue mist shrub is light and airy with clusters of powder-blue flowers and blue-green leaves from late summer to early fall. The leaves are further enhanced by their silver undersides. This shrub has a fine texture that makes it stand out from the “crowd,” and is used to its best advantage in the center of the container surrounded by smaller plants. The blue mist wants to be in the sun as much as possible. It’s drought tolerant so it only requires the average amount of water but if it’s over fertilized, it will become disorderly and overblown. Only prune it when it begins to grow leaves in the spring. In fact, the entire shrub can be cut back to the ground, which will give it a more even shape and livens it up. The Blue Mist Shrub can grow to three feet tall and has an average lifespan of 20 years.
\n“Being a Maryland gardener I will say I love blue mist shrub (caryopteris) as it’s one of the late summer early fall flowers. It takes the heat and humidity around the DC area and has beautiful flowers to boot!” – Ann Bowie Addison, local gardener at home.
\n![\"\"](\"https://wp.wikilawn.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Caryopteris.jpg\")
Photo: crasstalk.com
\nMoisture level: Moist to dry soil
\nHeight: 2-3 ft.
\nWidth: 2-3 ft.
\nColoring: Evergreen
\nSunlight: Full sun to light shade
\nWildlife attractions: Birds
The blue sedge with its quirky, bright, variegated foliage is a dramatic addition to a container garden for its waterfall effect. The foliage ranges from slivers of strands to thick straps, and the variety in texture and distinctive shades of color make a stunning display, particularly in a plant that is as compact as the blue sedge. It grows well in the shade, sometimes better than in the sun, so move your blue sedge around until it finds its bliss.
\nIt’s drought tolerant, almost maintenance free and easy to grow. The plants can be transplanted easily, usually don’t need fertilizer and grow rapidly.and crowds out other invasive species. Remove the old leaves before the new ones arrive, as it looks best when it’s cleanly trimmed.
\nHave more questions about lawn care? Visit our Frederick, MD lawn care page for more information!
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