Dry climates can be challenging when it comes to watering and maintaining a verdant lawn. Los Angeles landscaping company, Neighborhood Gardening, can now help ensure the lawn is efficiently watered while also increasing the property value of the home.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) April 29, 2014

Los Angeles landscaping company, Neighborhood Gardening, now offers sprinkler system installation services to area homeowners and businesses. In contrast to manual watering methods, automatic sprinkler watering requires no special attention once installed and configured. This service allows more area clients to keep their lawns, gardens and landscaping plants healthy throughout the year. With plenty of experience designing and installing these systems, Neighborhood Gardening is an efficient choice for creation and maintenance of a hands-free successful landscape.

About Neighborhood Gardening Services Los Angeles

Neighborhood Gardening, Los Angeles landscaping company, has been offering client-focused landscape services since 2009. In addition to installing sprinkler systems in Los Angeles area, Neighborhood Gardening professionals offer deck construction, design of landscapes and hardscapes, installation and repair of irrigation systems, placement of sod and artificial grass in Los Angeles and several other services. With this broad selection of options performed on budget and on time consistently, hundreds of clients in Los Angeles rely on the company for regular installation and maintenance of commercial and residential lawns and gardens throughout the year.

The dry climate of Southern California presents certain challenges to property owners who want a lush, attractive landscape that onlookers will love. During long summer days of intense sunshine, multiple water sessions may be necessary to sustain trees, shrubs and flowers. Unfortunately, watering by hand can result in wasting water or overwatering an entire garden or parts of it. Using the professional sprinkler system installation services of Neighborhood Gardening ensures that sprinklers are selected and configured optimally for lower water bills and protection from property damage.

A variety of systems can be chosen by clients who use Los Angeles landscaping company Neighborhood Gardening. For example, above-ground or below-ground systems may be best depending on certain conditions. For larger areas of grass, oscillating sprinklers may be recommended. Pulsating types are a more affordable option ideal for rounded sections of vegetation. For the lowest cost when watering smaller lawns, stationary sprinklers can be ideal. Neighborhood Gardening technicians analyze every lawn to determine the ideal product and system design for the best results. With any type of system, property values are likely to increase, making sprinkler systems sound investments for virtually any home or business that requires regular watering.

For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/landscapingcompany/losangeles/prweb11798745.htm

Several gardens could be installed around roads in the town of Appomattox this fall as part of the town’s beautification effort if Town Council approves the project.

Proctor Harvey, of Lynchburg-based Harvey Land Design Architect, presented the preliminary comprehensive roadside management program for the town at Tuesday’s Town Council meeting. His company has been working with the town to create the plan for more than a month.

The program is entitled ROSE, which stands for Roadway Opportunities for Sustainable Enhancements. It is based on the Lynchburg program, which has been in place for nearly 20 years and has more than 50 gardens along roads in the city.

The goal of Appomattox’s program is to create donation-funded gardens around town to improve appearances and attract more people and businesses. It was one of Town Council’s priority initiatives for the year and developed into a separate committee, headed by Councilwoman Mary Lou Spiggle.

Through the program, businesses donate a certain amount of money that would install and maintain a garden for five years. The town of Appomattox would be responsible for the maintenance and the donor would have a sign advertising their organization or business displayed with the garden. The donor would have the opportunity to continually renew the agreement.

Donations would not exceed $7,500, which is the minimum amount the Virginia Department of Transportation allows for these gardens and signs. The department also has regulations on the types of signs that can be installed and the spacing between them.

The fee would cover the installation and maintenance costs for five years. The committee is looking into the possibility of having multiple donors for spots to bring the needed donation per individual down, as well as creating payment plans, Spiggle said.

Donations are tax deductable.

All of the money goes to a fund, separate from the town’s operating budget and will be used to cover the costs of the program. The committee is still looking into who will maintain the gardens. Some possibilities are town employees or by horticulture students in county schools. There is also a possibility a landscaping company would maintain all of the sites in exchange for a garden of its own.

“The maintenance is more expensive than the program,” Harvey said.

Jane Coleman, of the town’s garden club, said she supported the idea but said whoever takes care of the gardens should be knowledgeable of the plants there and how to maintain them. The garden club planted 75 dogwood trees years ago and only two are left because town staff didn’t treat them properly, nicking the bark during weed removal.

Harvey said he’s had a lot of success with the program in other localities and hopes for similar results in Appomattox once people start to see the gardens around town.

“It just takes a life of its own,” he said. “People are interested. They ask about it and seek out sites.”

The program also reduces litter and boosts community pride, Harvey said.

“You want people to come in and admire the beauty of the area and appreciate the history,” he said, adding now is a good time to do this because the sesquicentennial will draw a lot of people to the area next April.

Harvey said this is helpful for economic development even past the sesquicentennial because it is advertising along the roadways in lieu of billboards.

“It’s a very nice, tasteful way of letting people know we’re there,” he said.

Harvey provided a master plan to the 15 audience members and council Tuesday night. The plan highlights 25 possible sites within the town, based on daily traffic counts and land beside the roads. The sites are suggestions to help people start off, but he said they would be willing to work with the donor. They generally don’t locate on residential roads.

Town Council and the town’s chamber of commerce are planning to partner for the first garden, which is expected to be located along U.S. 460 between Kroger and Walmart.

The chamber of commerce had tried to do a similar program recently but wasn’t able to get people to commit and provide funding.

The next step will be for council to create a resolution and advertisement for a public hearing on the program, which is slated for May 27. Council is expected to vote on it in June.

If approved, and depending on interest, the planting will occur this fall.

Throughout his years creating these gardens and programs around the state, Harvey has determined which plants look good and require little maintenance, which he uses to help donors create their gardens.

The marketing book, which Harvey and committee members will use to solicit donations this summer and gain interest, is expected to be completed in May.

“I think this is a wonderful opportunity to enhance the community, not just the town, but the whole community,” Spiggle said.

The local chapter of American Association of University Women’s Annual Garden Tour has become a tradition among locals.

Each year the various gardens on tour delight guests as they meander from home to home, taking in the beautiful sights and fabulous fragrances and occasionally get intriguing ideas, perhaps, for their own backyards. Mark your calendars for May 9 or May 10 for the tour, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Member Tena Gallagher was happy to report that four of the five gardens on tour are located in Alamo, including the gardens of three AAUW members, Paula Weintraub, Luisa Hansen and Donna Brown. Tena and AAUW members encourage the community to attend to come on out and enjoy the fresh air and lovely landscapes.

“Begin your Mother’s Day Weekend by treating your mother and daughters to this self-guided tour of five of the loveliest gardens in the Alamo and Danville area. From the calm serenity of an artist’s studio garden to an exquisite entertainment garden featuring expansive lawns, terraced hillside and multiple patio areas, you will be inspired by the creative elegance of each of these unique gardens,” Tena said via email.

The homeowners of the “Serenity Garden” planted two Oak trees 50 years ago, which greet guests as they arrive. Landscape designer Bill Williams has incorporated beautiful large stones into the landscaping. A wisteria-covered patio is a notable truck shape and being drought-mindful, the owners have added realistic artificial grass to add some green and save water at the same time. There is a quiet shaded garden, however the pool welcomes the sun and is nestled in the yard by citrus trees along the fence.

The “Entertainment Garden” in Alamo boasts an expansive lawn, tennis and basketball court. Rock plantings, annuals and perennials color the landscape. A pool garden provides a place for family to gather. The “Artists Wonderland” is a place for the owner to display works of art created by this resident artist and include ceramic and metal pieces. Whimsical pieces decorate and “protect” the property. Alice in Wonderland flowers are scattered throughout, along with cast-iron Tree of Life and big Grecian urns. Don’t miss the figurines in the garden and peeking out of the shrubbery.

A hillside above Danville offers lots of privacy and a calm and naturalistic setting, making this “retreat” seem far from it all. The owner is a sculptor, displaying her work throughout her garden, among potted plants. Her studio is in her garden area and there is a lovely view of Mount Diablo from the back yard. The pool area encompasses a dining area, perfect for enjoying meals al fresco and relaxing.

The “Fun Garden” displays “garden treasures” the owner finds, which includes flower pots on the porch and a collection of bird houses and an outdoor “breakfast nook” among other clay pots. An assortment of Asian artifacts surround a stone bench, offering the perfect place to sit and ponder.

Tickets for the tour are $30 each, $25 for seniors age 65 and until May 5 and then ticket prices go up an additional $5 apiece. Tickets can be bought at East Bay Flower Company, 206 Sycamore Valley Road West in Danville in the Livery, or online at http://daw-ca.aauw.net/garden. Or mail a check payable to AAUW Funds with a self-addressed stamped #10 envelope to: AAUW Garden Tour, P.O. Box 996, Alamo, CA 94507.

Light refreshments will be provided, and all proceeds benefit scholarships, research and grants for dedicated women scholars. Another gift idea for Mother’s Day is the fun game, Mommy Tonic, created by two talented Alamo women, and is taking off by storm. Read more about the creators and how they came up with the idea in my next column. In the meantime, go to www.mommytonic.com to order Mom the game today. Wishing all moms a Happy Mother’s Day!

Contact Caterina Mellinger at around- alamo@hotmail.com.

AMHERST — With spring finally in bloom, the town’s highly anticipated plant sale — billed as one of the largest in the state — is expected to draw a big crowd next month.

The sale, sponsored by the Amherst Garden Club, will feature more than 2,000 plants, according to organizers, who have been digging and potting perennials from local gardens for several weeks in preparation for the sale.

“This is our largest fundraiser of the year, and we are very excited about this year’s offerings,” said Deborah Ferrelli of the garden club.

The sale will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 10 at Wilkins Elementary School, 80 Boston Post Road, but visitors are encouraged to arrive early for the best selection.

“This is typically one of the largest plant sales in New England,” said Ferrelli. “All of the perennials have been locally dug and potted by members of our group.” Currently, the gardening club has about 120 members.

Some of the plants that will be offered include day lilies, hostas, astilbes, bleeding hearts, alliums, anemones, centaureaus and garden herbs.

Nine specialty vendors have been invited to the sale as well, and will offer various hanging plants for Mother’s Day, small shrubs and trees and a variety of vegetables.

Perennials will sell for $5 a pot, and prices for other items will vary.

“After the winter that we had, everyone is thinking about spring gardening. And, with Mother’s Day just around the corner, this event is the perfect place to stop for a beautiful planted gift,” said Ferrelli.

There is no charge for admission, and people are welcome to bring their own wheelbarrows or wagons to collect their favorite flowers. In addition to the plant sale, baked goods will be offered, and a raffle table filled with gift baskets will be on hand.

A children’s potting table will be featured, and kids are invited to make something special for their mother or grandmother. Garden jewels, water features and hanging baskets are also expected to be a crowd favorite, according to Ferrelli.

All of the money raised from the event is used to help with Amherst Garden Club initiatives, including the plantings at seven community gardens in Amherst.

Proceeds will also assist with horticultural education in the Amherst area, and local scholarships for high school seniors interested in studying horticulture or landscaping.

“Back by popular demand, we are bringing back the tool shack,” said Ferrelli, adding donations of gently used gardening tools will be accepted and made available during the plant sale.

khoughton@newstote.com

Group for the East End’s Missy Weiss prepares soil with Victoria Witczak, 9, of Cutchogue, and her sister Julianna, 3, last weekend at Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue.

Build a rain garden, help the environment, get a reward.

It’s a simple as that.

The federal Peconic Estuary Program, which was created 20 years ago to improve water quality in the Peconics, will offer rewards of up to $500 to residents in Southold’s Hashamomuck Pond watershed area and the Reeves Bay watershed in Flanders who work to combat groundwater pollution by installing rain gardens, rain barrels or other forms of “conservation landscaping” on their properties. 

This summer, the Peconic Estuary Program plans to install rain garden demonstration projects near Hashamomuck Pond and at one of the buildings at Big Duck Park in Flanders to draw attention to the program.

So, your first question is probably “What’s a rain garden?” And that’s likely followed by “What’s a rain barrel?”

The nonprofit environmental organization Group for the South Fork teamed up with local Girl Scouts Saturday to provide answers at Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue, on the grounds of the old Ford Corchaug Indian archeological sites.

“A rain garden is a very specific garden,” said Missy Weiss, an environmental educator for Group for the South Fork and program manager at the preserve. “It’s not something you would plant in your backyard if it’s a flat area,” Ms. Weiss said. “A rain garden would be used if you had a slight slope in your lawn, so that stormwater runoff naturally will flow into the ground and be filtered by a collection of native plants.”

Experts say native plants like these New England asters are preferred for rain gardens. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder)

Stormwater runoff is often cited as a major source of surface and groundwater pollution because it carries pollutants like fuel and animal waste from streets and into the water.

A rain garden serves two purposes, Ms. Weiss said. It waters the plants, of course, but the plants — if you choose the right types — will also filter out contaminants the water might have picked up, so it’s cleaner when it returns to the ground.

On Saturday, members of Girl Scout Troop 1971, Service Unit 60, in Cutchogue helped build a demonstration rain garden at the preserve, with the aim of not only demonstrating what one looks like but educating residents on other ways to protect the Peconic Estuary.

The rain garden the scouts created in Cutchogue is also connected to a rain barrel, which collects water from a roof gutter so it can be used again to water plants. Troop leader Tonya Witczak said she got to know Ms. Weiss when her daughter attended the “storytime” program Downs Farm Preserve runs for the Southold Mothers’ Club.

“We had so much fun and this place is beautiful, so I asked, ‘What else can my girls do?’ ” Ms. Witczak said. “Last year we did a huge planting over at Orient Beach State Park for Earth Day and now we’re doing this. The girls love to plant things, they love to get dirty and work in the dirt. We’ve been trying to do this project for some time now.”

On Saturday, the scouts planted ferns, asters, lowbush blueberries, native grasses, milkweed and other plants that will filter rainwater and return clean water to the ground.

“We try to use native plants, specifically as local as possible, that we know have been documented to have grown here on Long Island,” Ms. Weiss said. “If that’s not possible, we try to use as close a species to that as possible.”

The Group for the East End is monitoring will monitor the PEP rebate program to make sure people are doing it right, Ms. Weiss said.

The rebates will award different amounts for different conservation projects, up to a maximum of $500 per location. The program will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, according to education and outreach coordinator Jennifer Skilbred, and is supported by $50,000 in funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. To qualify for program rewards, rain gardens must be at least 50 square feet and rain barrels must hold at least 50 gallons.

It won’t take more than a day to build a rain garden, Ms. Weiss said, but participants might need to do some research beforehand. For instance, a depth of six to eight inches of available soil is needed to make sure the plants will remain stable, she said.

While rain gardens can help prevent pesticides or fertilizers from being carried into the groundwater, Group for the East End isn’t promoting their use as a justification for continued of pesticides or fertilizers, Ms. Weiss said. They would rather homeowners didn’t use those products on their lawns in the first place.

For more information visit PeconicEstuaryProgram.com or email jskilbred@eastendenvironment.com.

tgannon@timesreview.com

 

There’s a bit of good news for toughing out the many snowfalls this winter — the thick layers should make way for healthy blooms to start the growing season.

Joan Westby, general manager at Leitner’s garden center in St. Paul, says while winter was “terrible” because frost was so far into the ground that the freezing and thawing cycles delayed the season, things are looking up this spring.

“It’s been a cold winter, and having all that snow has really been the best insulation — better than hay and straw. Perennials and evergreens are safely under the snow and insulated from temperature fluctuations,” Westby says. “It’s nature’s way of protecting them.”

While spring may be off to a healthy start, it remains to be seen what summer has in store.

“I’m pretty confident plants have been insulated and protected. That’s all I can predict at this point,” Westby says. Beyond that, “It will depend on what happens weather-wise here on out.”

To prepare for the season, garden centers and shops are stocking up to have supplies at the ready for green thumbs. We’ve compiled a guide of garden spots and their specialties. Note that garden centers vary on when they open for the season, so call ahead or visit store websites for the latest information.

Abrahamson Nurseries. All three garden centers — in Stillwater, Scandia and St. Croix Falls — offer trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals and more from nature’s bounty. Garden decor, gifts and supplies are also housed at the garden centers. Design and landscape services are available at each site. (2100 Tower Drive, Stillwater; 651-439-2140; 20021 St. Croix Trail N., Scandia; 651-433-2431; 1257 State Road 35, St. Croix Falls, Wis.; 715-483-3040; abrahamsonnurseries.com)

Bergmann’s Greenhouses and Farm Market. Green thumbs flock to this St. Croix River Valley destination for its large selection of things in bloom, ranging from lush bedding plants to overflowing floral hanging baskets. (12239 62nd St. N., Stillwater; 651-439-9577; withrowballroom.com/bergmanns–stillwater–greenhouse)

Country Sun Farm. This family-owned operation began as a wholesale business. But as the growers gained a reputation for quality flowers and plants, Country Sun Farm opened a retail operation with greenhouses and a garden center where a colorful variety of flowers and plants can be found. (11211 N. 60th St., Lake Elmo; 651-439-4156; countrysunfarm.com)

Camrose Hill Shop. Cindie Sinclair has turned a former dairy field into sprawling gardens of roses and wildflowers. From bridal bouquets to centerpieces, floral arrangements are elegant and garden fresh. In addition to the shop, the property also hosts events. (233 S. Second St., Stillwater; 651-351-9631; camrosehillflowers.com)

Dege Garden Center. For more than 100 years, generations have been coming for the center’s large selection of flower and vegetable seeds. The spot is also a draw for locally grown annuals, perennials, water plants and garden decor. During the season, George Dege, or “Mr. Lawn,” passes along his extensive gardening knowledge Saturday mornings on a national call-in talk show on 1220 AM Radio. (831 N. Century Ave., St. Paul; 651-739-5296; degegardencenter.com)

Fleur de Lis. For more than 20 years, this quaint floral shop on Cathedral Hill has been offering gorgeous seasonal and themed bouquets of things in bloom. The gift shop is popular for pottery and jewelry from local artists. (516 Selby Ave., St. Paul; 651-292-9562; fleurfresh.com)

Funkie Gardens. This nursery near William O’Brien State Park is a place to soak up nature’s bounty while stocking up on the center’s unusual offerings, such as Martagon lilies and woodland plants. More than 300 perennials and 400 hosta varieties can be found here. (19713 Quinnell Ave., Marine on St. Croix; 651-433-4599; funkiegardens.com)

Garden Safari Gifts. Inside the Como Zoo and Marjorie McNeely Conservatory, this shop has a reputation for keeping a lush stock of bonsai plants and supplies. It also has garden-themed gifts such as botanical beauty products, nature-inspired jewelry, apparel and stuffed animals. (1225 Estabrook Drive, St. Paul; 651-487-8222; comozooconservatory.org)

Gray Gardens. Roam the charming Victorian grounds while getting gardening and landscape inspiration both indoors and out. In addition to trees, shrubs, plants and flowers, Gray Gardens stocks gazebos, fountains, statuaries and more for decorating your garden. (464 2nd St., Excelsior; 952-474-7180; graygardens.net)

Hermes Floral Greenhouses. For three generations, this family-run neighborhood spot has grown flowers and plants to sell at its floral, garden and gift shop. Design-savvy bouquets range from classic to contemporary, simple to lavish. (1639 W. Larpenteur Ave., St. Paul; 651-646-7135 or 800-547-6334; hermesfloral.com)

Highland Nursery. This more than 60-year-old family-run institution has come a long way since Lois and Henry Harich started with a borrowed tent for a shop and a cigar box for a cash register. Now on West Seventh Street, it touts a shop and attached greenhouse featuring herbs, heirloom vegetables and unique plants. Statuary and other garden accents also are available. While strolling the grounds, check out the elaborate Bur Oak tree sculpture paying tribute to John Smith and Elizabeth Ryan Smith, who homesteaded the site in 1850. (1742 W. Seventh St., St. Paul; 651-698-1708; thehighlandnursery.com)

Humble Acres. From zinnias to peonies — not to mention more than 100 hosta varieties — this spot emphasizes flowers and greenery friendly to our Upper Midwest climate. A new woodworking shop offering made-to-order pieces is also housed on site. Look for a May opening. (433 E. Cove Road, Hudson, Wis.; 612-290-5004; humbleacres.com)

Leitner’s. Deck out your patio and garden with finds from this St. Paul institution offering annuals, perennials, fruiting plants and shrubs. The garden center is especially known for custom potting plants and more than 100 varieties of herbs. The nursery also emphasizes local and independently owned growers. Original garden art is a treat during any visit. (945 Randolph Ave., St. Paul; 651-291-2655; leitnersstpaul.com)

Lilydale Garden Center. This garden design and installation center is a favorite for garden-style arrangements. Fans also appreciate the variety of flowering shrubs and tropical houseplants, as well as fruit and ornamental shade trees. A great place to shop for garden art with a wide selection of benches, statuary, fountains, birdbaths and other outdoor accents. Stop in the gift shop, which includes botanical and garden accessories, ranging from soaps to wind chimes. Purchases come with complimentary gift-wrapping. (941 Sibley Memorial Highway, St. Paul; 651-457-6040; lilydalegardencenter.com)

Mother Earth Gardens. Organic and sustainable are key philosophies at this independently owned spot. Look for a variety of seeds, vegetables, herbs, annuals, perennials and native trees and shrubs. Also a draw for finding eco-friendly, local, handmade gifts plus garden decor. Besides its original Longfellow location, Mother Earth Gardens opened a second site last year in Northeast Minneapolis. (3738 42nd Ave. S., Minneapolis, 612-724-2296; and 2318 N.E. Lowry Ave., Minneapolis, 612-789-0796; motherearthgarden.com)

My Sister’s Garden. This western Wisconsin spot features annuals, perennials, herbs, vegetables, plants and gifts. It’s also popular for gardening workshops and landscaping services. (850 Kelly Road off Highway 12, Hudson, Wis.; 715-386-4111; mysistersgarden.com)

Petunia’s. Since the Excelsior store closed this past year, fans will be happy to hear Petnunia’s has moved to a shared retail space called Shop 501 in downtown Chaska. The new spot continues to carry an eclectic mix of accessories emphasizing vintage, including themed miniature gardens. And yes, the shop still stocks those signature flying-pig statues. (501 Chestnut St., Chaska; 763-300-8398)

Prairie Restoration. The two retail locations are an extension of Prairie Restoration’s expertise in native Minnesota flowers, grasses, trees and shrubs. The spot is a gem for its unique and well-edited selection of garden accessories and nature-themed gifts such as books, botanicals and pottery from local artists. The Princeton location has expanded its Native Plant Center to include a larger retail area. (31646 128th St., Princeton, 763-389-4342; and 21120 Ozark Court N., Scandia, 651-433-1437; www.prairieresto.com)

Sam Kedem Nursery. A favorite destination for the variety of specialty roses, for everything from hedges to container pots. Fruits and vegetables are certified organic and locally grown. Customers come for pick-your-own fruit offerings and a garden-themed gift shop featuring flower baskets, homemade jam and more. (12414 191st St. E., Hastings; 651-437-7516; kedemroses.com)

Savory’s Gardens. During its 70 years, Savory’s has developed into a mail-order business specializing in hostas. During the growing season, shop on-site for not only hostas, but other varieties available at the garden store, opening May 1. (5300 Whiting Ave., Edina; 952-941-8755; savorysgardens.com)

Squire House Gardens. In a charming renovated 1875 home along the St. Croix River Valley, this nursery and display garden features annuals, perennials, herbs, trees and shrubs tough enough to survive extreme Upper Midwest climates. The gift shop, with everything from jewelry to skin-care products, home decor to jams, is a treat. Landscape design services are available. (3390 St. Croix Trail S., Afton; 651-436-8080; squirehousegardens.com)

Tangletown Gardens. There’s plenty of eye candy at this eclectic spot that highlights local, sustainable garden art and pottery. Tangletown also boasts a large assortment of heirloom vegetables, aquatic plants and more than 3,000 perennial varieties. In the shop, look for everything from gardening tools to outdoor accessories, artisan jewelry to gifts. During the growing season, regulars come for the daily farmers’ market and to buy CSA shares with items from Tangletown’s own farm. (5353 Nicollet Ave. S., Mpls.; 612-822-4769; tangletowngardens.com)

Terrace Horticultural Books. Green thumbs and bookworms will appreciate one of the largest stocks around of books on planting and gardening. Rare books, seed and plant catalogs and periodicals are part of Kent Petterson’s vast collection. Shop and stay awhile: The grounds feature display gardens and “tea at the terrace” receptions several times a day. (503 St. Clair Ave., St. Paul; 651-222-5536; terracehorticulturalbooks.com)

Twiggs Home Garden. This Linden Hills shop draws landscapers and home interior designers alike. Along with flowers and plants, Twiggs Home Garden offers home pieces for both indoors and outdoors. Apothecary, apparel and gift items are sourced locally and from around the world. (4301 Uptown Ave. S.; Mpls.; 612-823-8944; shoptwiggs.com)

Twin City Nursery. Trademark polar bear statues are stationed outside for sale, making this family-owned White Bear Lake nursery easy to find. Once inside, you’ll find a large variety of seeds, annuals, evergreen perennials, ornamental shrubs, pines, firs and spruces. (4941 Long Ave., White Bear Lake; 651-429-0144; twincitynursery.com)

Whispering Gardens. A family-owned operation that started as a small greenhouse with perennials has blossomed into a full-service garden that includes annuals, trees and shrubs. Hanging baskets, unique hostas and a sizeable list of tomato varieties are among the top sellers. The gift store is a one-stop shop for everything from fountains and other garden art as well as cabin gifts, jewelry and botanicals. Be sure to check out the 1.5-acre landscaped display gardens with perennials, gazebo and large waterfall. (11180 70th St. S., Cottage Grove; 651-459-8080; whisperinggardens.com)

 

LARGER GARDEN SUPPLY CENTERS

Bachman’s Floral, Home Garden centers. The 129-year-old family-owned local enterprise has come a long way since founder Henry Bachman Sr. planted potatoes, lettuce, onions and squash in 1885 on a piece of land in South Minneapolis. That spot is now Bachman’s headquarters, as well as one of six retail centers, and it has become one of the largest garden centers and nurseries around. Famous for those purple delivery trucks, Bachman’s offers annuals, perennials, garden accessories, patio furniture, gift items and more. Those looking at landscaping also might like the Lyndale location’s most recent addition of the Hardscape Center, which includes a large selection of pavers, mulches and boulders. Landscape services are also offered here.

Bachman’s Lyndale flagship location, 6010 Lyndale Ave. S., Mpls.; 612-861-7600; bachmans.com

Apple Valley, 7955 W. 150th St.; 952-431-2242

Eden Prairie, 770 Prairie Center Drive; 952-941-7700

Fridley, 8200 University Ave. N.E.; 763-786-8200

Maplewood, 2600 White Bear Ave., 651-770-0531

Plymouth, 10050 Sixth Ave. N.; 763-541-1188

Gertens: With the motto “Buy from the grower,” this third-generation family-owned establishment sports a sprawling garden center with a large selection of annuals, roses and other perennials, plus trees and shrubs of all sizes and shapes. A “grill zone,” gift shop, water garden and an outdoor living space are among themed areas that take up more than 40,000 square feet of retail space. A large landscape supply yard and year-round seminars and clinics attract visitors. A state-of-the-art automated greenhouse has been added to the main campus in Inver Grove Heights; Gertens bought 80 acres from Buell’s Landscape and Design Center in Denmark Township; and earlier this year, the family operation purchased the 52-acre growing site of the former Linder’s Greenhouses in Lake Elmo.

5500 Blaine Ave., Inver Grove Heights; 651-450-1501; gertens.com

This article also appeared in Spaces magazine.

National Public Gardens Day

Published: Monday, April 28, 2014 12:15 am

Celebrate National Public Gardens Day on May 9

(StatePoint)

EllwoodCityLedger.com

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Birds are singing, flowers are blooming, it can only mean one thing — spring has sprung. May 9, which is National Public Gardens Day, is an ideal time to celebrate the warmer weather and visit a local garden.

“Even if your green thumb means you have a garden right in your own backyard, a visit to a public space can be fun, informative and is a hallmark of the season,” says Casey Sclar, Ph.D., Executive Director of the American Public Gardens Association. “In fact, many gardeners use the trip to get inspired and learn how to practice environmental stewardship at home.”

Here are some great ways to make the most of your trip:

Celebrate Mom

Looking for fun Mother’s Day Activities for the family? National Public Gardens Day takes place annually on Mother’s Day weekend, the unofficial start to spring, and a time when the environment is top of mind.

Celebrated by more than 500 arboreta, botanic gardens, conservatories, entertainment gardens, historical landscapes, museums, and zoos, many sites are extending the National Public Gardens Day celebration throughout Mother’s Day weekend with special events, tours and activities designed specifically for families.

“What backdrop would be more perfect for celebrating mom than a beautiful garden?” says Sclar.

Additionally, many gardens are offering discounts and other special offers to visitors on May 9th. To find a garden near you and learn more about the celebration, visit www.NationalPublicGardensDay.org.

Learn

The staff at a public garden can be a great source of information when it comes to gardening techniques. Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

For example, public gardens use efficient watering practices and have insight on responsible water use and irrigation systems. Learn how to more efficiently irrigate your own garden by consulting with your local public garden.

Additionally, landscaping at public gardens can demonstrate what plants bloom at similar times and what arrangements look great together.

And while you’re there, don’t forget to pick up some reading material on gardening and botany.

Get Supplies

Public gardens often sell plants, flowers and trees during annual festivals, providing top quality native and adaptable additions to your garden. With the sale comes professional experience and advice of the sort that cannot be found in nurseries or hardware stores.

Whether you’re a family looking to spend the day together, a couple on a romantic date or a gardening enthusiast looking for information and inspiration, a visit to a public garden is a low cost way to spend the day outdoors.

Photo Credit: (c) Scott Dressel-Martin

© 2014 Ellwood City Ledger. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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• National Public Gardens Day
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Monday, April 28, 2014 12:15 am.

Home And Garden,

Gardening

The loss of that contract, effective May 1, was a slap to Shane Pliska, whose father, Larry, started Planterra in the 1970s and has grown it from a small retail shop into a landscape and events business with $5 million a year in revenue. It has such high-end clients as Somerset Collection in Troy and the Mansion at MGM Grand, an exclusive suite hotel in Las Vegas. The company creates living green walls and elaborate interior gardens as well as throws lavish parties in Planterra’s 11,000-square-foot greenhouse.

“They don’t care about Detroit,” said Pliska, referring to Rentokil. “They don’t care at all. We’re proud of our local airport. It’s a real pride point to do business (there).”

Planterra continues to service the airport’s larger McNamara Terminal through a direct contract with Delta Airlines Inc. The large trees in the terminal are artificial and don’t require maintenance, but Planterra handles Delta’s club lounges and some of the airline’s concessionaires.

Rentokil was incorporated as a British pest control company in the 1920s and expanded into other business services in the 1990s, including interior landscaping. (It originally called that division Rentokil Tropical Plants but later rebranded as Ambius.) In 2006, Rentokil bought Pennsylvania-based J.C. Ehrlich Co. for $141.8 million to “build up its U.S. bug-killing business,” according to Bloomberg News.

That gave the British company a foothold in the U.S., and it soon expanded its interior landscaping business here, too. Ambius has been involved in the renovation of the Robert and Arlene Kogod Courtyard in the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., and the African pavilion of the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago.

It was Ambius — doing business under the name of its sister company, J.C. Ehrlich — that bid against Planterra. It scored the three-year contract for $127,053. Planterra bid $167,416.

When the issue came before the Wayne County Airport Authority Board on Thursday, all present board members except for Chairman Alfred Glancy III voted yes; Glancy abstained.

Before the vote, the authority’s lawyers confirmed that Rentokil scored contracts several years ago with Gadhafi. British newspaper accounts suggest those contracts came in exchange for Britain releasing the Lockerbie bomber at Gadhafi’s request.

In 1988, Pan Am Flight 103 was scheduled to fly from Frankfurt to Detroit with stops in London and New York City. A terrorist bomb destroyed the flight over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing all 243 passengers and 16 crewmembers.

A Libyan citizen was convicted of carrying out the terrorist act. He spent more than two decades in prison, until, in 2009, the Scottish government set him free, calling it a humanitarian nod to his ill health.

But Gadhafi’s son claimed, in The Telegraph, the release was linked to trade deals the British government had arranged with Libya for British companies. One of those companies was Rentokil, which in 2009 signed a contract with Gadhafi for pest control, including on the leader’s personal ranch, according to the newspaper.

“It makes we wonder, does anyone have a backbone?  Real people died in the Lockerbie bombing,” said Pliska, 33. “Michigan victims were on that flight. Why would the airport authority knowingly grant this contract when they have legitimate local alternatives?”

Because the bid was lower, explained Conway, reiterating that neither Rentokil nor J.C. Ehrlich is flagged by the State Department.

“The contract expired and we put it out to competitive bid,” he said. “We just rebid the retail vendors, for example, and some existing retailers didn’t win the bid because there was another bidder who generated more revenue for the airport authority.”

The airport authority relies on revenue from the airlines and what it generates from retail, parking, car rental and taxi concessions to make its budget.

The authority charges airlines to land planes, based on a particular aircraft’s maximum gross landing weight.

Any budget deficit is contractually made up by the airlines that use Metro, and they, in turn, lean on the authority to further trim costs. Conversely, any budget surplus is refunded to the airlines.

Pliska said the bulk of the terminal landscaping contract is actually labor costs, so he suspects Planterra’s bid was higher because he pays higher local wages than J.C. Ehrlich. For maintenance workers, Planterra pays an hourly wage of $11-$17 after training.

Neither J.C. Ehrlich Co. nor Ambius would comment for this story.

“Labor is our biggest expense,” said Pliska. “We invest in our people. We’ve had one horticultural technician with us since 1976. He’s taken care of the GM Tech Center that entire time.”

Losing the contract will not hurt Planterra’s bottom line, however, Pliska said. The terminal represents one of the company’s larger interior landscape-maintenance accounts, but only a small fraction of its annual sales.

“We are fortunate to be diversified,” he said.

The bulk of Planterra’s business is its corporate interior landscaping, but that is followed by its onsite events service, which designs everything from food to décor for weddings and other celebrations in the company’s conservatory. The company has 55 employees.

The glass-encased botanical garden is frequently rented for corporate events, as well.

Finally, it does off-site events and special displays, such as the current Easter-themed plantings for the Somerset Collection.

Amy Haimerl: (313) 446-0416, ahaimerl@crain.com. Twitter: @haimerlad

Tonya Witczak (left) and her daughter Julianna planting with Missy Weiss. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder)

Build a rain garden, help the environment, get a reward.

It’s a simple as that.

The federal Peconic Estuary Program, which was created 20 years ago to improve water quality in the Peconics, will offer rewards of up to $500 to residents in Southold’s Hashamomuck Pond watershed area and the Reeves Bay watershed in Flanders who work to combat groundwater pollution by installing rain gardens, rain barrels or other forms of “conservation landscaping” on their properties. 

This summer, the Peconic Estuary Program plans to install rain garden demonstration projects near Hashamomuck Pond and at one of the buildings at Big Duck Park in Flanders to draw attention to the program.

So, your first question is probably “What’s a rain garden?” And that’s likely followed by “What’s a rain barrel?”

The nonprofit environmental organization Group for the South Fork teamed up with local Girl Scouts Saturday to provide answers at Downs Farm Preserve in Cutchogue, on the grounds of the old Ford Corchaug Indian archeological sites.

“A rain garden is a very specific garden,” said Missy Weiss, an environmental educator for Group for the South Fork and program manager at the preserve. “It’s not something you would plant in your backyard if it’s a flat area,” Ms. Weiss said. “A rain garden would be used if you had a slight slope in your lawn, so that stormwater runoff naturally will flow into the ground and be filtered by a collection of native plants.”

Experts say native plants like these New England asters are preferred for rain gardens. (Credit: Katharine Schroeder)

Stormwater runoff is often cited as a major source of surface and groundwater pollution because it carries pollutants like fuel and animal waste from streets and into the water.

A rain garden serves two purposes, Ms. Weiss said. It waters the plants, of course, but the plants — if you choose the right types — will also filter out contaminants the water might have picked up, so it’s cleaner when it returns to the ground.

On Saturday, members of Girl Scout Troop 1971, Service Unit 60, in Cutchogue helped build a demonstration rain garden at the preserve, with the aim of not only demonstrating what one looks like but educating residents on other ways to protect the Peconic Estuary.

The rain garden the scouts created in Cutchogue is also connected to a rain barrel, which collects water from a roof gutter so it can be used again to water plants. Troop leader Tonya Witczak said she got to know Ms. Weiss when her daughter attended the “storytime” program Downs Farm Preserve runs for the Southold Mothers’ Club.

“We had so much fun and this place is beautiful, so I asked, ‘What else can my girls do?’ ” Ms. Witczak said. “Last year we did a huge planting over at Orient Beach State Park for Earth Day and now we’re doing this. The girls love to plant things, they love to get dirty and work in the dirt. We’ve been trying to do this project for some time now.”

On Saturday, the scouts planted ferns, asters, lowbush blueberries, native grasses, milkweed and other plants that will filter rainwater and return clean water to the ground.

“We try to use native plants, specifically as local as possible, that we know have been documented to have grown here on Long Island,” Ms. Weiss said. “If that’s not possible, we try to use as close a species to that as possible.”

The Group for the East End is monitoring will monitor the PEP rebate program to make sure people are doing it right, Ms. Weiss said.

The rebates will award different amounts for different conservation projects, up to a maximum of $500 per location. The program will operate on a first-come, first-served basis, according to education and outreach coordinator Jennifer Skilbred, and is supported by $50,000 in funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. To qualify for program rewards, rain gardens must be at least 50 square feet and rain barrels must hold at least 50 gallons.

It won’t take more than a day to build a rain garden, Ms. Weiss said, but participants might need to do some research beforehand. For instance, a depth of six to eight inches of available soil is needed to make sure the plants will remain stable, she said.

While rain gardens can help prevent pesticides or fertilizers from being carried into the groundwater, Group for the East End isn’t promoting their use as a justification for continued of pesticides or fertilizers, Ms. Weiss said. They would rather homeowners didn’t use those products on their lawns in the first place.

For more information visit PeconicEstuaryProgram.com or email jskilbred@eastendenvironment.com.

tgannon@timesreview.com

From Mother Nature Network’s Tom Oder:

Amanda Tedrow loves to garden, but she has a problem. It’s a common one that many people who share her passion for plants can understand: She has plant allergies.

“I’ve gone through formal testing, and I’m allergic to pretty much everything except the weed Johnsongrass,” she said.

Her allergies are so severe that they forced her to leave a dream job as curator of the shade and native flora gardens at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia in Athens. Instead, she became the agriculture and natural resources agent for the Athens-Clarke County Extension office where she answers gardening and landscaping questions from the public.

If you are a plant lover but are one of the 35 million Americans that the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America estimates suffer from hay fever or if you have another pollen allergy, don’t despair. There are still ways you can enjoy gardening. Here are some suggestions.

Before you go outside:
– If you are on allergy medications, take them before you start gardening rather than after symptoms start.
– Wear a NIOSH-approved face mask, hat, glasses, gloves, and a long-sleeve shirt to reduce skin and nose contact with pollen.

In the garden:
– Avoid touching your face or eyes while working outdoors.
– Limit gardening to early in the morning or later in the afternoon or evening when pollen counts tend to be the lowest.
– Garden after rains when the water has washed pollen off plant and other surfaces and left pollen wet and less susceptible to being carried by the wind than it would be on dry days. Be aware, though, that brief thunderstorms may increase pollen counts.

Precautions:
– Use gravel, oyster shell, or special plant ground covers such as vinca or pachysandra as mulch rather than wood chips since the latter can retain moisture and encourage molds to grow.
– Be cautious about using hedges because the tangle of branches can easily collect dust, mold, and pollen. If you have hedges, keep them pruned and thin.
– Ask a family member or friends who don’t have allergies to mow lawns and weed flower beds.
– Keep grass cut low – 2 inches – to help prevent or at least limit the stems from dispersing pollen.
– Keep windows in the house closed while mowing and for a few hours afterwards.
– Clean and replace furnace and air conditioner filters often. HEPA (high efficiency particulate air) filters are often recommended because they capture at least 99 percent of pollen, animal dander, dust, and other particles for all-around better air quality.
– Immediately shower and change your clothes when you go back indoors, making sure to wash your hair to remove allergens trapped there. As an alternative, wash your hands often and rinse your eyes with cool water to remove clinging pollen.

What to plant, what to avoid: A pollen primer

Allergy sufferers can also increase their garden enjoyment by understanding what causes the pollen problem in the first place. When many plants flower they reproduce by releasing large quantities of pollen into the air. Once released, the wind carries the pollen, a fine coarse powder with individual grains so tiny they are almost invisible, to other plants. When the pollen lands on a compatible pistil of another plant, it pollinates that plant.

Plants that produce wind-borne pollen are the ones that allergy sufferers should avoid planting because they can easily inhale the tiny pollen particles. When someone with a pollen allergy inhales the pollen through their nose or throat, they get allergy symptoms – sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose; itching in the throat or in the ears; hives; swollen eyelids and itchy eyes; and coughing, wheezing that may cause them to have trouble breathing. Some people are allergic to pollen from specific plants while others are allergic to pollen from multiple plants.

As an alternative to choosing plants that produce wind-borne pollen, gardeners with pollen allergies should select plants that are pollinated by insects or birds. Pollen grains in insect/bird-pollinated plants tend to be larger, heavier, and stickier than pollen produced by plants that rely on wind-borne pollination. Instead of traveling through the air, insects and birds carry this type of pollen from plant to plant. Consequently, plants pollinated by insects and birds are much less likely to cause an allergic reaction than plants that produce wind-borne pollen. The staff at your local garden center can help you select insect/bird-pollinated plants for your area. Luckily, this group contains plants that produce many of the brightest colored, attractive, and sweetest-smelling flowers for the garden. Some examples:

– Flowering plants — begonia, cactus, chenille, clematis, columbine, crocus, daffodil, daisy, Dusty Miller, geranium (pictured here), hosta, impatiens, iris, lily, pansy, periwinkle, petunia, phlox, fose, salvia, snapdragon, sunflower, thrift, tulip, verbena, and zinnia.
– Shrubs — azalea, boxwood, English yew, hibiscus, hydrangea and viburnum.

A quick disclaimer. Unfortunately, even if you plant an “allergy-free” garden, bear in mind that many of the wind-borne pollens that might affect you can travel to your yard from other gardens in the neighborhood, nearby parks, or even from as far away as the next state. At least you’ll know which plants to avoid in your own garden by knowing the worst pollen offenders.

Peak pollen times will depend on the plant, the weather and your location, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma immunology. If you suspect you have plant allergies, it’s essential, the college says, to identify which plants trigger your symptoms. To avoid guessing about the culprit and, perhaps, guessing wrong, they suggest you talk with an allergist who can help you determine what you might be allergic to and who can recommend treatment options tailored to your specific situation.

Allergy seasons’ friends and foes

To help give you an idea of which plants are an allergy sufferer’s friends and which ones are foes, here’s a general season-by-season guide of blooming plants divided into good guys/bad guys. The guide will help you get started on your own allergy-free garden – or at least let you know what’s blooming next door or around the corner that may be making you miserable.

Late winter and early spring: Most trees release pollen as winter is ending and spring is beginning.

Trees most likely to cause allergy symptoms include: Alder, Ash, Aspen, Beech, Birch, Box Elder, Cedar, Chestnut, Cottonwood, Elm, Hickory, Juniper, Maple, Mulberry, Oak, Olive, Palm, Pecan, Pine, Poplar, Sequoia, Sycamore, Walnut, and Willow.

Trees less likely to cause allergy symptoms include: Apple, Cherry, Chinese Fan Palm, Fern Pine, Dogwood, English Holly, Hardy Rubber Tree, Magnolia, Pear, Plum, and Red Maple.

Late spring and early summer: Grasses, of which there are hundreds of types, release pollen in the late spring and early summer.

Grasses most likely to cause allergy symptoms include: Bermudagrass, Fescue, Johnsongrass, June, Orchard, Perennial Rye, Redtop, Salt Grass, Sweet Vernal, and Timothy.

Grasses less likely to cause allergy symptoms include: St. Augustine.

Late summer and fall: Weeds usually let go of their pollen in the late summer and fall. Ragweed is by far the worst offender.

Other weeds most likely to cause allergy symptoms include: burning bush (also called kochia, Mexican fireweed, and summer cypress), Cocklebur, lamb’s quarter, mugwort, Pigweed, plantain, Poison Ivy/Oak/Sumac, red (sheep) sorrel, Russian Thistle, Sagebrush, scales (atriplex), and tumbleweeds.

Weeds least likely to cause allergy symptoms include: None!