DIY Landscaping

Honey bee, forget-me-not-flower

Curbside Buffet

Bee Friendly, DIY Landscaping, Outdoor Living Spaces, Pollinator Gardens, Porch Living, Texas Native Plants TerieRick2894

One of the many benefits of being a landscaper is that we are often accompanied by some of nature’s hardest workers. As we go about our business butterflies, birds, and bees fly swiftly through the air to snack on the nectar hidden within each brightly colored flower within the landscape. Without a second thought, these critters are performing one of nature’s greatest tasks, the task of pollination.

Pollination occurs when a plant’s “male” reproductive cells, called pollen, travels down the narrow stigma to fertilize the “female” egg. This allows the flower to produce the seeds necessary for new plants. Pollination can occur through wind and water, however, there are 250,000 plants that need the specific help of pollinators. Without their aid many plants simply can not reproduce. Among the best pollinators are butterflies, birds, small mammals, and of course honey bees.

It is no secret that in recent years many pollinators have been on the decline. This effects not only the ecosystem that they live in, but it has a tremendous effect on us as well. Much of our food comes from these precious pollinators. In fact many researchers believe that approximately 1 out of every 3 bites of food exists because of them. Honey bees alone are responsible for the fertilization of over $100 million of crops in the United States each year. The source of their decline: urbanization, the use of harmful pesticides, pollution among various man made factors. The future seems bleak for these hard workers. So what can we do to help? The answer may be found in your backyard.

Pollinator gardens are gardens specifically designed with pollinators in mind. Carefully selected Texas native plants are handpicked to provide an optimal food source and habitat for these flying fellows year round. So how do you create one?

How to Create Your Pollinator Garden

Step 1. Choose a location

Many insects enjoy being in full sun. Creating your garden in an open area with lots of sunlight is ideal for butterflies and bees.

Step 2. Prep the ground

This is among the hardest steps. Knowing your soil type is extremely important. You can find out what type of soil you have at websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.gov. If you have poor soil, it may be necessary to apply fresh organic rich soil that can be found at your local landscaping store. It is also best that an irrigation system is installed.

Step 3. Choose the plants

We always recommend using Texas native plants. Fortunately, there are a wide variety of colorful flowering plants to choose from. When choosing your flowers, include a range in types, shapes and sizes. Careful planning and you will have a succession of flowers throughout the growing season, which provides continued sustenance to the pollinators.

Step 4. Plant

The proper placement of your plants will not only get your plants off to a great start, but it will also give it the best chance at staying healthy. Overcrowding will cause the plants to compete for sunlight, while too much space will provide a location for unwanted weeds to sprout up. Grouping certain flowers of the same kind in large drifts is recommended.

Step 5. Mulch

Adding mulch to your garden provides nutrients, cushions large temperature fluctuations, and helps with water retention. Don’t skip this step. Although it’s another additional cost, it could save you from losing plants and having to replace them.

Step 6. Maintain

Watering, pruning, and weeding are all necessary to maintain. Try not to use harmful chemicals that can do exactly the opposite of what these gardens are designed to do.

Having pollinators in your garden is an excellent sign of a healthy ecosystem and although it may take getting your hands dirty, the fruit of your labor will be well worth it. Here at LaField we are passionate about our pollinators. If you would like us to help create your curbside buffet, call us today!

Front Porch Sitting: Creating Spaces that Make Memories

DIY Landscaping, Landscape Lighting, Outdoor Living Spaces, Porch Living TerieRick2894 Leave a Comment on Front Porch Sitting: Creating Spaces that Make Memories

For decades, the front porch has served as a place where families have sat and relaxed after a meal while listening to the strumming of a guitar and the voices of playing children. It is a place where stars were counted in the sky, dates were kissed good night while dad flickered the lights saying, “time’s up,” and many great conversations were had. Grandads have shared stories on front porches, fish were counted, and tea was sipped.

Sometimes I think about how many people must long for those front porch moments again- those moments when time stood still for a bit, and laughter passed through the walls. But then I think about how it doesn’t take much to recreate those front porch days and how easy it is to refresh your porch by adding a few rockers, some potted plants, and even a small lamp and table to add a warm glow at night. Coat that old front door with a fresh coat of paint, and add a simple metal door knocker and an inviting doormat, and that “old” front porch can begin to bring endless smiles to residents and visitors alike.

Speaking of doormats, there are so many great doormat sayings these days! While traditional sayings like “stay awhile,” “come as you are,” and “as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord“ scroll across many doormats, funny ones like “no coffee no knockie” and “warning this house is protected by dust balls” have begun to adorn the front stoops of homes.

While there was a time when front porches began to disappear due to housing trends, architects are beginning to hear the heart cries for front porches again. As landscapers and lighting experts, we hear those requests, too. A common request we receive is, “how can we make a sitting area like a front porch when we don’t have one on our house?!” While you can certainly add a structural addition to your home, for many, that option is too costly. However, for those that don’t have a front porch, there are some wonderful budget-worthy solutions. Consider a flagstone sitting area with Adirondack chairs, a porch swing in a tree, a free-standing swing under the trees, or a small bench tucked in the garden areas. Surround this alternative front porch space with colorful plants that attract butterflies and birds, and it becomes a perfect spot for a short break in your day. If this new porch space is being designed as an evening spot, professional landscape lighting such as moon lighting can create a magical ambiance for evening visiting and relaxing. No matter how you design or revamp your front porch space, it doesn’t take much to create a small gathering area that can create great memories for years to come!