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Geared for Growing Newsletter: Backyard Observer

 

Happy Holidays!

We’re wishing you and yours all the best in the new year, with thanks from all of us at Geared for Growing.

It’s Time to Winterize

We are heading into the best time for a winter cleanup in the garden. Work done now will pay big dividends throughout the spring and summer months.

  • Perennials need to be pruned back now before the next growth cycle begins.
  • The wonderful textures of ornamental grasses add so much to the garden during the early winter, but don’t forget, they too should be pruned before warmer weather brings new growth.
  • Dormant spray fruit trees and roses to control disease now.
  • This is an especially important time to stay on top of weeding duties as winter rains help many weed species flourish.
  • Mulch, more mulch! A good layer of mulch goes a long way to improving the garden in winter as well as throughout the growing season. Mulch helps insulate soil and reduces weed growth.

December 2009

Gather 'Round the Fire

Socialize around an outdoor fireAn outdoor fireplace is one of the improvements you’ll enjoy most in your landscape. In our climate, the addition of a fireplace means you can enjoy your garden in every season and at any time of day, even during the short daylight hours of winter or when cool seasonal fog dampens entertainment plans.

Gathering around a fire is universally a pure, simple pleasure, and there are fireplaces and fire pits to suit any style from rustic to regal. Outdoor fire features can easily be incorporated in the landscape using a wide range of pre-fabricated designs, such as these from DGB Designs by Gary. Whether constructed on a pre-fabricated base, built around a firebox insert like those offered by Vermont Castings , or custom designed and built by Geared for Growing on the flipside of an outdoor kitchen, there is a fireplace option that can work in any landscape.

Photo of various fireplace styles

Before and After — Wow!

This Healdsburg residence project is a great example of what we like to do best: making the most of the beautiful natural attributes of a site. We think this project did just that. The focal point of the backyard is a pool, hot tub, and waterfall that drops into a cool side plunge and offers three distinct water temperatures for a relaxing soak or invigorating swim. The goal of redesigning the front approach to accentuate the interesting architecture of the house was beautifully met. In conjunction with the structure remodel, the new garden design maintains the natural feel of the landscape and provides a safe, well-lit entry that draws visitors through bold-textured native plantings up to a more intimate succulent garden near the house. Give Geared for Growing a call and see how our design team can transform your landscape into a garden you’ll love.

Before photos After photos

 

Geared for Growing

Landscape Design, Build
and Maintenance
Sonoma County & Beyond

Visit our website:
gearedforgrowing.com
For questions call:
707-473-4333

 
Copyright 2009 Geared for Growing. All Rights Reserved.Newsletter produced by Athena Design Group