Dec 18, 2015 | Nature
The winter solstice has been celebrated in cultures around the world for thousands of years. The solstice marks the shortest, darkest day of the year. It also marks the rebirth of the sun, when days begin to grow longer. This year the winter solstice occurs in Seattle...
Dec 8, 2015 | Landscape Design, Recommended Plants
Would you like to add visual interest and texture to your landscape but don’t have room for another large tree? A number of gorgeous evergreens are available that work well in small gardens. Some are mounded shrubs, and others are columnar trees. The Great Plant...
Dec 1, 2015 | Eco-friendly Gardening, Landscape Design, Nature, Recommended Plants, Tree Care, Wildlife
At this time of year, many families bring evergreen trees into our homes. We decorate them with lights, ornaments and garland, and we savor their sweet fragrance. We even sing carols to them: “Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree! Thy leaves are so...
Nov 24, 2015 | Nature
Thank you to our clients for your business and for trusting us with your landscapes. And thank you for being our partners in building a healthier planet one landscape at a time. Here is an Iroquois prayer of thanksgiving. We return thanks to our mother, the earth,...
Nov 12, 2015 | Disease Control, Garden Care, Tree Care, Watering
Phytophthora is a soilborne pathogen that causes crown and root diseases in a number of western Washington plants. There are several species of Phytophthora. These organisms may infect fruit and nut trees, ornamental trees and shrubs, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant,...
Nov 3, 2015 | Eco-friendly Gardening, Garden Care
There’s a good article this week on Houzz about why you should plant in the fall. Here’s a quick summary. Planting in fall will stress your plants less: cooler temperatures and no hot sun to scorch them. You don’t have to spend a lot of time watering...
Oct 29, 2015 | Landscape Design, Recommended Plants
Would you like more color in your garden? Now that the rain and clouds have returned, does your landscape seem empty and dull? Consider planting a witch hazel. These beautiful large shrubs have leaves that turn bright colors in the fall. For example, the leaves of the...
Oct 15, 2015 | Disease Control, Eco-friendly Gardening, Garden Care, Lawn Care, Tree Care
After it rains, mushrooms may pop up in your lawn or garden beds. Don’t panic! Some of our clients are concerned when they see mushrooms sprouting in their yard. They want to know: Are they harmful to my children or pets? Are they associated with a soil disease?...
Oct 8, 2015 | Disease Control, Garden Care, Pest Control, Tree Care
The fall rains have started. It’s time to clean up your yard for the winter. You’ll have a healthier landscape next year. Sanitation is an important step to reduce problems from pests and diseases. Like people, plants need a healthy environment. To reduce...
Oct 1, 2015 | Disease Control, Eco-friendly Gardening, Garden Care, Lawn Care
Many trees provide a wondrous show in the fall, with leaves in hues of red, orange, brown and gold. But once the show is over, those leaves can damage your lawn, so it’s time to get out the rake. What’s the problem? Leaves, especially wet leaves, can thin your...
Sep 15, 2015 | Garden Care, Tree Care
Sometimes clients ask our staff, “What’s wrong with my cedar (or pine or fir)?! It’s dropping its needles!” Most frequently, the answer is “Nothing.” This is a natural condition. Every fall and especially after exceptionally dry summers, some evergreen trees...
Sep 8, 2015 | Eco-friendly Gardening, Garden Care, Pest Control
Have you seen these long-legged insects flying around your lawn or home recently? No, they are not large mosquitoes. They are adult European crane flies. Contrary to what chemical companies may tell you, right now is not the time to worry about or treat for this...
Sep 1, 2015 | Eco-friendly Gardening, Garden Care, Video
Mulch is one of the best things you can do for your garden. Learn about different types of mulch, including bark, arborist chips, compost and sheet mulch. Find out how to properly apply mulch to save water and reduce weeds. Share this...
Aug 27, 2015 | Landscape Design, Recommended Plants
Does your garden tend to look sad in late summer and fall? Consider adding seasonal interest with Arbutus unedo, or strawberry tree. It is a standout in the landscape this time of year, and continues to look beautiful all year long. Features include: Evergreen shrub...
Aug 20, 2015 | Disease Control, Garden Care
Do your squash plants look like they’ve been dusted with flour or talcum powder? Does your rhododendron have spots on the leaves? You may have powdery mildew. Powdery mildew does best when damp nights are followed by warm, sunny days, such as in late summer and...
