Landscaping with Mulch

 

Mulch plays a major role in landscaping. From providing essential moisture and nutrients to fighting off weeds and pests, mulch is an inexpensive yet efficient way to spruce up your flower beds, walkways and gardens.

 

Angie’s List, the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews, asked highly rated landscaping companies about the benefits of mulch and which types are available.

 

Mulch is commonly applied to flower beds, around the base of trees and to line walking paths, but it does a lot more than liven up landscaping – it provides added benefits to your plants.

 

Benefits of Mulch:

• Helps retain moisture around the base of plants.

• Keeps plant roots warm.

• Allows water to seep slowing into the ground.

• Provides additional nutrients for the soil.

• Mulch is a natural weed suppressor. It won’t completely rid your yard of weeds, but it’s a great option if you prefer not to use pesticides.

 

Which mulch should I buy? There are several options for selecting mulch.

• Types of mulch: You can choose between coarse, shredded and fine consistencies – the consistency will determine how fast the mulch decomposes – generally, the finer the faster.

• Brown is one of the most popular colors of dyed mulch thanks to its natural look and ability to blend in with most landscapes. It’s great for mulching flower beds and around water features and patios. Average price: $33.50 per yard

• Black is another popular choice for dyed mulch, and it’s often used to add contrast to flower beds and to make colorful flowers stand out. Average price: $33.50 per yard

• Red mulch is the color to use if you want your landscaping to really stand out. Average price: $33.50 per yard

• Gold is another popular choice for dyed mulch. Gold-tinted mulch is often referred to as “mock cypress,” due to its similar appearance and consistency. Average price: $33.50 per yard

• Hardwood mulch is screened to create smaller particles called “fines.” It has the consistency of coffee grounds and it composts quickly making it a good soil additive. Average price: $29.50 per yard

• Cypress mulch is shipped from Florida and comes in a blond or gold tint. It’s durable mulch that is known to hold its color longer than other varieties. Average price: $46 per yard

• Rubber tire mulch is great for landscaping and playgrounds. It’s made out of recycled tires that have been stripped of all wires and cut to ¼- or ½-inch pieces. Rubber tire mulch is low maintenance and absorbent to impact. Average price: $8.50 per bag

• Picking out color: Some dyed mulches like red or black can be used to add contrast, or make flowers and plants stand out in a landscape, but there is no real benefit to choosing one color over another.

• Should I buy mulch in bulk or by the bag? Mulch can be purchased bagged or bulk. Customers can save a considerable amount of money by purchasing mulch by the yard, but a delivery fee might apply. One benefit to having it delivered is you can have the mulch dumped in a convenient location to minimize trips with the wheelbarrow. If you own a truck or trailer, you can buy mulch in bulk and pick it up yourself – cutting out the delivery fee.

• How much mulch? Mulch is usually sold by the cubic yard. A quick way to estimate how much mulch you’ll need: take the length times the width to find the area and then divide by 100. One yard will cover 100 square feet at 3 inches deep.

• What is the cost? Prices vary depending on the company and geographic location. Expect to pay anywhere from $20-$50 per yard, depending on the quality of the mulch. Buying mulch in bulk may be cheaper if you need large volumes. Bagged mulch is often easier to handle, especially for smaller projects.

• Avoid the mulch volcano: The biggest mistake you can make when spreading mulch is piling it high around the base of a tree. Even if you think it looks nice, be warned that it can cause serious damage. Excessive mulch can saturate the tree roots with water which can cause rot and fungus problems, and block oxygen from reaching the roots. Keep mulch piles to 3 inches or less.

 

Consider this when purchasing Mulch:

• Think about how much work you actually want to do. You may only want to hire someone to deliver the mulch, or you may want to hire someone to spread the mulch.

• Does the company offer to help you get the right amount? It’s a good idea to bring in measurements of the areas where you’ll be using the mulch to get an accurate amount.

• Do they deliver the mulch or are you responsible for pick-up? How is the delivery charge calculated? Is it by material, weight, or location distance? Request a delivery quote.

• If you want it delivered, it’s a good idea to be present during delivery of the materials. If you can’t be there, be clear and detailed on the place in your yard where you would like the mulch dumped.

• Is the mulch good quality? Is it free of pests? Good mulch smells like freshly cut wood or has the earthy smell of a good garden soil.

• Compare prices. Call around to three other mulch companies to compare rates.

• Save some money by splitting mulch and delivery with your neighbors.

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A total of 11 stops — nine gardens, one park and a plant exchange — are booked for the Grover Beach Spring Garden Tour set for 1 to 4 p.m. today.

Those who take the annual free, self-guided tour can see beautiful, drought-resistant, old-fashioned and whimsical gardens created by local residents.

Along the way, they can exchange one of their old plants for a new plant, get answers to gardening questions and pick up ideas from the city’s own demonstration garden.

Members of the Grover Beach Parks, Recreation and Beautification Commission, which sponsors the tour, will be on hand at each site to point out that garden’s highlights.

Participants can visit any of the gardens in any order, or they can follow the recommended 3.5-mile loop around the city to see all of them.

The route starts on West Grand Avenue near Sixth Street and ends up on North 10th Street near Ramona Garden Park, where the first free Sizzlin’ Summer Concert and Farmers Market from 3 to 6 p.m. will feature music by JD Project.

Here’s a look at this year’s featured gardens:

1) 551 W. Grand Ave. — An ornate iron gate opens onto Mr. Glenn’s garden, Cynthia Glenn’s work in progress to create a calm oasis for friends and passers-by.

2) 175 S. Fifth St. — The Old California lifestyle is re-created with waterfalls, fire pits, wine-barrel chairs, a wine-barrel cooler and cowboy paraphernalia, with many pieces handcrafted by the homeowner and his son.

3) 1624 Trouville Ave. — A water feature is the centerpiece of a garden filled with ornamental grasses and a blooming potato tree surrounded by a variety of succulents.

4) 1480 Atlantic City Ave. — A quaint front patio with a red door, red lawn chairs and red ti trees transitions to a striking drought-resistant landscape.

5) 1273 Saratoga Ave. — A tribute to drought-resistant, water-efficient landscaping, this front-yard garden features ornamental grasses, red hot-lips, succulents, a palm tree and bird-of-paradise plants.

6) 620 Parkview Ave. — Remodeled using the Grover Beach Cash for Grass program, this garden features more than 16 varieties of plants and trees, an arbor, a water feature, a meandering decomposed granite pathway and a stamped-concrete patio.

7) 850 Atlantic City Ave. — Parks, Recreation and Beautification Commission Vice Chairwoman Dee Santos is the hostess for the plant exchange, where master gardeners will be available to answer visitors questions.

8) 900 Brighton Ave. — After admiring the proteas and succulents that surround this Mediterranean-style villa, wander next-door to visit the Community Garden plots filled with a variety of vegetables and fruits.

9) 250 N. 10th St. — A trellis gives entrance to a colorful old-fashioned garden of streaming lavender blossoms, roses, purple princess flowers, orange flowering maples and orchids maintained by 97-year-old Aunt Molly.

10) 993 Ramona Ave. — Decomposed granite walkways take visitors through the city’s demonstration garden at Ramona Garden Park, which showcases how drought-resistant plants can create a landscape that uses little water.

11) 158 N. 10th St. — Rest in the shade, sip iced tea and enjoy a whimsical display of artwork while listening to doves and parakeets in the aviary of this shabby chic garden.

A list of the gardens with a map to guide you to each one is available at Miner’s Ace Hardware, 1056 W. Grand Ave., Grover Beach, as well as online at www.grover.org.

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Tickets for the Oshkosh Garden Club’s 2012 Garden Walk are now on sale. The walk will be held rain or shine on Sunday, July 22, from noon to 5 p.m. Adult tickets are $8 in advance and $10 on the day of the Walk. Children under 18 years are free.
Enjoy a summer day amidst the blooms and foliage of five exceptional gardens.

These five gardens may be visited in any order and feature ideas and inspiration for a variety of gardening situations.

Jerry Borlen, 3518 Brooks Road: This large garden on 3 acres features hundreds of outstanding hostas varieties thriving beneath mature shade trees as well as collections of roses, hibiscus, and cleome.

Audrey and Richard Knopp, 4121 Leonard Point Road: Texture is a key feature in a garden that includes colorful foliage shrubs and highlights interesting ways the garden changes as light falls throughout the day.

Sharon Wright, 1616 Grove St.: Charming garden art, created by the owner from recycled materials, gives a sense of wonderful whimsy to the colorful mixed plantings in this garden.

Candy and Marshall Potter, 922 Bowen St.: This well-tended small garden includes a sunny patio featuring artfully arranged containers and highlights the obvious love and passion for gardening of its owner.

Bev Glaeser, 1745 S. Oakwood Road: An array of perennial plants is skillfully combined with colorful summer-blooming annuals and lends a park-like atmosphere to this mid-size garden.

Additional information and maps to all the gardens are available at www.oshkoshgardenclub.org/gardenwalk.

Owners and garden club members will be on hand at each garden to share information about the site. Experts from Stuart’s Landscaping and Garden Center will be featuring many of the plants of each garden on the tour along with perennial favorites and showcasing new products at the Brooks Road garden during the event. Leon’s custard ice cream will be located at the Grove St. garden. Four $50 gift certificates and one red maple tree donated by Stuart’s will be raffled on July 22.

Proceeds sustain two annual $1,000 scholarships awards for local area students majoring in horticulture or a related area and gardening projects in the Oshkosh area including schools and community gardens. A main recipient this year is the Oshkosh West High School Butterfly Garden located in the Science Courtyard.
Advance tickets to the 2012 Garden Walk are available at Stuart’s Landscaping and Garden Center in Oshkosh (2957 Brooks Road) and North Fond du Lac (N07820 Lakeshore Drive) or at www.oshkoshgardenclub.org/tickets. Tickets may also be purchased at any garden location on the day of the event.

The owners of Waterloo Gardens, a mainstay on the region’s landscaping scene for 70 years, plan to sell their Main Line flagship store in Devon and consolidate operations at its only other retail location — 12 miles away in Exton.

In a telephone interview Saturday, Bobby LeBoutillier, president of Waterloo Gardens, said the Devon garden center would be put up for sale in the next few days. No likely buyers have been identified yet, he said.

The store, at 136 Lancaster Ave., would likely remain open through the end of the year and possibly into next spring, LeBoutillier said.

The sale comes after the cancer death in October of LeBoutillier’s mother, Linda LeBoutillier, Waterloo’s chief executive officer who operated the company with her husband, Bo. They purchased it from Linda LeBoutillier’s parents in 1972. James and Anna Paolini founded the company in 1942. It celebrated its 70th anniversary in April.

LeBoutiller said Waterloo’s Exton location at 200 N. Whitford Rd. is nearly twice the size of the Devon location and offers a larger inventory.

 

Click photo to enlarge

Do you love flowers, but also want to grow vegetables in your garden? Think you can’t have it all? Think again.

Gardeners are now finding ways to grow fruits and vegetables called “edible landscaping.” Rather than planting a traditional vegetable garden with straight rows, edible landscaping mixes veggies and herbs into flower beds.

Those who like to eat what they grow are also becoming more knowledgeable about edible flowers, which are often the same ones you’d be growing anyway for their looks. Nasturtiums, pansies, and roses can all be used in fine cuisine, and in fact are often found gracing salads at high-end restaurants.

Edible landscaping is gaining attention as a way to use garden space, soil and water more effectively, and it’s popping up in unexpected places. For instance, a terraced garden plot behind Tarpy’s Roadhouse Restaurant in Monterey is being transformed into a wonderland of flowers, herbs and vegetables that are being used in the restaurant’s dishes.

The project helmed by organic farmer-edible landscape specialist Mark Marino not only is utilizing the space for something useful to the restaurant, but also making it more attractive. Although the general public doesn’t get to see the garden — it’s at the back entrance to the kitchen, and it’s where restaurant staff take their breaks — it has made something not only easy on the eyes, but also where vegetables and herbs can be harvested and used.

“It’s a mix of beauty and utility,”

said Marino. “If you choose the right vegetables, they are beautiful.”

Marino, a Carmel Valley resident who has been involved with organic farming and gardening for more than 30 years, has been working on the Tarpy’s project since mid-April, installing state-of-the-art irrigation and using old tree stumps to create beds for the plants.

“I like the challenge of using what’s there and mixing it with new technology,” he said.

Edible landscaping isn’t exactly a new concept, but it’s one that has become more popular recently.

Edible landscape pioneer Rosalind Creasy of Los Altos, who began promoting the practice as far back as the 1970s, published “The Complete Book of Edible Landscaping” in 1982. Yet the movement didn’t really seem to catch fire until the past few years, when many gardeners suddenly got passionate about growing their own vegetables, something that’s attributed to the downturn in the economy and people wanting to save money, as well as a strong surge toward self-sufficiency.

Then the dilemma for some people was how to grow vegetables and keep their yard looking landscaped, rather than like a mini-farm. Edible landscaping offers the best of both worlds.

Creasy, a longtime garden writer and landscape designer who continues to write a most informative blog at www.rosalindcreasy.com, mingles edibles and ornamentals in unique ways in her gardens. She’ll put tomato plants next to roses and nestle succulents with herbs.

However, as she points out in a recent article, the marriage of flowers and vegetables is mutually beneficial. The flowers act as attractants for bees and other pollinators, which are then more likely to visit your fruit and vegetable plants and promote better yields.

Also, notes Creasy, if you don’t want to plant things in rows, then don’t. The colors and textures of vegetables and herbs can enhance flower beds admirably, especially when planted in clusters rather than straight lines.

That’s how Dianne Woods of Carmel Valley has planted the garden in her front patio, with kale and iris side by side, with citrus and fruit trees as backdrops. Woods, a professional gardener and president of the Carmel Valley Garden Association, chose plants that not only taste good, but look good while they are growing.

Marino said when picking plants for an edible landscape, to apply the same principles as you would for ornamental landscaping, paying attention to height, dimension, color and texture.

At Tarpy’s garden, he’s put in everything from rainbow chard to pansies, as well as Russian kale, onions, nasturtiums, salvia, fennel, sunflowers and parsley.

There are also some rather unexpected plants to be found there. The geraniums are also edible, and so are the calendulas, an orange flower also known as pot marigold. Tincture of calendula is often found in herbal remedies for irritated skin or acne, and the flower’s petals can be used fresh in salads, or dried and employed as a replacement for saffron.

Although calendulas are often sold as an annual plant at nurseries and garden centers, not everyone knows their medicinal and edible uses.

And the garden isn’t just for show. Some of the plants being grown are saving money for the restaurant, since specialty vegetables and herbs can often be expensive to buy. By growing its own, Tarpy’s is getting them practically for free.

“We’re trying to grow those high-dollar items that otherwise the restaurant would have to get from specialty purveyors,” said Marino.

And it has another very important purpose as well: being a relaxing place for people to take their breaks.

“The employees are stoked to be coming out here,” said Marino.

Fair weather for home fair

Rescheduled from its original date of May 19 due to the whims of Mother Nature, the fifth annual Boulder County Home Garden Fair is today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring your list of indoor and outdoor projects and you’ll find “ideas, information and inspiration” from more than 60 vendors offering their expertise in landscaping, building, home décor and gardening. Children’s activities, live music and food also on tap. Twenty Ninth Street Retail District, Boulder, homeand gardenmag.com/fair/

Get revved up

Goodguys’ 15th Colorado Nationals Car Show is a three-day

Take A Moment to Capture the Season

While taking pictures of a landscape does not literally help in its maintenance, taking a few snap shots of the lawn, garden and landscaping not only provides flavorful memories from weeks of hard work, but can also help envision changes in future years. For example, a few strategic shots may capture the sun/shade ratio to better understand what shade tolerance current or additional plants need. Pictures can also help lawn and garden professionals assist in choosing the right plants or garden products, such as fertilizer. Taking pictures often could even create a time-lapse slide show of progressive landscaping efforts.

Flower Gardens

While flowering annuals are beautiful, many gardeners are not aware that in most cases, removing the flower now will direct the plant to send up more flower heads. Pinching them back could provide a more dramatic show of flowers later. Plants that respond especially well to this technique include inpatients, snapdragons and marigolds.

To aid in the overall health of flowers and produce bigger blooms, consider using a specially designed fertilizer and watering it into the flower beds once a week.

A little behind on planting this year? The good news is, it’s not too late to get those annuals into the ground and containers. The Farmer Almanacs says that any time after Memorial Day is a great time to plant, and the season has just begun to enjoy those colorful blooms.

Unwanted Garden Visitors

Be on the lookout for aphids. These tiny green insects suck the life out of plants. While an aphid infestation should be visible, some other tell tale signs are “sticky” stems or weak looking plants. There are many ways to combat aphids and the best recommendation is to see a specialist at the local garden shop.

Winter Moth inch worms are still very active. You can often see these worms hanging from silk-like threads. The damage is unmistakable as they will target the leaves of many trees, including maple, oak and fruit.

The Vegetable Garden
If  the starters have been recently planted or new seedlings have been freshly transplanted, the key to their strong start is ample watering.  Watering is not only essential to seed germination, it also helps plants settle into their new home and sends out new root growth.

For tomatoes, peppers, pole beans, peas or any other climbing vine plants, now is the time to consider adding support structures to allow the plants to climb. There are many options available, functional or decorative, such as cages, bamboo stakes, wooden stakes, trellis and obelisks to aid those climbers.

Lawn Care

Watering the lawn is obviously important, especially through dry periods. The strategy, however, differs from vegetable watering. Wilson Farm Garden Shop Manager Sam Bradford recommends water less frequently but very deeply. The reason for the deep watering is to encourage roots to grow deeper in search of water. A lawn with a deep root system is healthier, can withstand stress and will also winter better. It may even save time and energy as weeds are less likely to grow in a healthy lawn.

Weeds are a common problem this time of year and there are many strategies for those handling pesky intruders. There are two organic options: first, spray an organic weed treatment. These remedies, however, will also impact the health of the grass as well, so careful application is necessary as to not impact the grass. If the current lawn is mostly weeds, it can be applied to the entire lawn, add topsoil and reseed. At Wilson Farm, the experts in the garden shop have had good luck applying spot treatments of organic weed control using a paint brush. Simply pour some of the weed control into a cup, and use a brush to paint the weeds. It may take more than one application, but it’s definitely a good option for people that want an organic lawn.

The second organic option for getting rid of weeds is to use a weed puller. This tool helps to pull the entire weed out, reducing the chance that remaining roots will re-grow.

There are also easy to use weed control options that are non-organic that work extremely effectively. These treatments can be applied to specific weed spots or can be sprayed over the whole lawn without impacting the grass.

 

There is no need to sit and admire the neighbor’s landscape anymore. A healthy lawn and garden requires just a little regular effort and attention. Pretty soon, those admiration tables may be turned!

 

 

Information for this article was contributed by Wilson Farm, 10 Pleasant St., Lexington.

781.862.3900, www.wilsonfarm.com, on Facebook.com/ShopWilsonFarm or Twitter@WilsonFarm.

A WAR-THEMED garden created by a landscaping company won a gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show.

The garden called Quiet Time: DMZ Forbidden Garden made by Dan Flynn, director of Gardenlink in Lesbourne Road, Reigate, was inspired by the demilitarised zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea.

1. ​

   Dan Flynn, director of Gardenlink in Lesbourne Road, Reigate, meets Michael Caine at the Chelsea Flower Show

2. ​

   Dan Flynn’s creation

3. ​

   Dan Flynn, director of Gardenlink in Lesbourne Road, Reigate, meets Michael Caine at the Chelsea Flower Show

He also received the RHS President’s Award for his garden, a prize usually reserved for floral entries, not show gardeners.

Mr Flynn said he was surprised judges saw the raw beauty of the garden he exhibited at the show, which ran from May 22 to 26.

“Other gardens fit into the Chelsea mould, but the DMZ is the complete opposite, with trees planted on angles, landmines, bullets, it’s great the judges saw the natural beauty behind it all,” he added.

“It’s by far the biggest achievement of my career to date – we were told we couldn’t do it because of funding and I said, ‘Yes we can,’ and we did.”

This was the second year running that Gardenlink collaborated with Korean designer Jihae Hwang. And once again, their efforts won gold at the prestigious horticultural event – and even garnered celebrity attention

“We found out Michael Caine was a Royal Fusilier in the Korean War [in the early 1950s] so we sent him a letter and he said, ‘What a great idea,’ and came and visited.

“It was lovely to meet him and also the president of the Korean War Veterans Association, Ricky Gervais and a few BBC presenters,too,” Mr Flynn said.

Designer Jihae Hwang became interested in the DMZ after meeting Korean war veterans from her home country and then visiting the area herself and seeing how nature had taken back the war-scarred land.

“This land was a complete no-go zone with landmines, spent shells and in the last 60 years nature has engulfed the area,” Mr Flynn said.

The garden, which was in part created from logs and growth from Reigate Hill with National Trust permission, has barbed-wire fencing and a vine-covered watchtower.

Mr Flynn said the garden was particularly significant because next year marks the 60th anniversary of the fighting ceasing, although the war has never officially ended.

This is the fourth of Mr Flynn’s projects to receive a Chelsea Flower Show medal.

Mr Flynn, who has lived in Reigate since he was 12 and once packaged free magazines into the Surrey Mirror, said the garden could not have been built without help from the 70 volunteers involved.

CLEVELAND – Mulch plays a major role in landscaping . From providing essential moisture and nutrients to fighting off weeds and pests, mulch is an inexpensive yet efficient way to spruce up your flower beds, walkways and gardens.

Angie’s List, the nation’s leading provider of consumer reviews , asked highly rated landscaping companies about the benefits of mulch and which types are available.

Mulch is commonly applied to flower beds, around the base of trees and to line walking paths, but it does a lot more than liven up landscaping – it provides added benefits to your plants.

Benefits of Mulch:

• Helps retain moisture around the base of plants.
• Keeps plant roots warm.
• Allows water to seep slowing into the ground.
• Provides additional nutrients for the soil.
• Mulch is a natural weed suppressor. It won’t completely rid your yard of weeds, but it’s a great option if you prefer not to use pesticides.

Which mulch should I buy?There are several options for selecting mulch.

• Types of mulch: You can choose between coarse, shredded and fine consistencies – the consistency will determine how fast the mulch decomposes – generally, the finer the faster.
  • Brown is one of the most popular colors of dyed mulch thanks to its natural look and ability to blend in with most landscapes. It’s great for mulching flower beds and around water features and patios. Average price: $33.50 per yard
  • Black is another popular choice for dyed mulch, and it’s often used to add contrast to flower beds and to make colorful flowers stand out. Average price: $33.50 per yard
  • Red mulch is the color to use if you want your landscaping to really stand out. Average price: $33.50 per yard
  • Gold is another popular choice for dyed mulch. Gold-tinted mulch is often referred to as “mock cypress,” due to its similar appearance and consistency. Average price: $33.50 per yard
  • Hardwood mulch is screened to create smaller particles called “fines.” It has the consistency of coffee grounds and it composts quickly making it a good soil additive. Average price: $29.50 per yard
  • Cypress mulch is shipped from Florida and comes in a blond or gold tint. It’s durable mulch that is known to hold its color longer than other varieties. Average price: $46 per yard
  • Rubber tire mulch is great for landscaping and playgrounds. It’s made out of recycled tires that have been stripped of all wires and cut to ¼- or ½-inch pieces. Rubber tire mulch is low maintenance and absorbent to impact. Average price: $8.50 per bag
• Picking out color: Some dyed mulches like red or black can be used to add contrast, or make flowers and plants stand out in a landscape, but there is no real benefit to choosing one color over another.
• Should I buy mulch in bulk or by the bag? Mulch can be purchased bagged or bulk. Customers can save a considerable amount of money by purchasing mulch by the yard, but a delivery fee might apply. One benefit to having it delivered is you can have the mulch dumped in a convenient location to minimize trips with the wheelbarrow. If you own a truck or trailer, you can buy mulch in bulk and pick it up yourself – cutting out the delivery fee.
• How much mulch? Mulch is usually sold by the cubic yard. A quick way to estimate how much mulch you’ll need: take the length times the width to find the area and then divide by 100. One yard will cover 100 square feet at 3 inches deep.
• What is the cost? Prices vary depending on the company and geographic location. Expect to pay anywhere from $20-$50 per yard, depending on the quality of the mulch. Buying mulch in bulk may be cheaper if you need large volumes. Bagged mulch is often easier to handle, especially for smaller projects.
• Avoid the mulch volcano: The biggest mistake you can make when spreading mulch is piling it high around the base of a tree. Even if you think it looks nice, be warned that it can cause serious damage. Excessive mulch can saturate the tree roots with water which can cause rot and fungus problems, and block oxygen from reaching the roots. Keep mulch piles to 3 inches or less.

Consider this when purchasing Mulch:

• Think about how much work you actually want to do. You may only want to hire someone to deliver the mulch, or you may want to hire someone to spread the mulch.
• Does the company offer to help you get the right amount? It’s a good idea to bring in measurements of the areas where you’ll be using the mulch to get an accurate amount.
• Do they deliver the mulch or are you responsible for pick-up? How is the delivery charge calculated? Is it by material, weight, or location distance? Request a delivery quote.
• If you want it delivered, it’s a good idea to be present during delivery of the materials. If you can’t be there, be clear and detailed on the place in your yard where you would like the mulch dumped.
• Is the mulch good quality? Is it free of pests? Good mulch smells like freshly cut wood

Greg Grant is an outstanding horticulturist. He served as extension agent for horticulture in Bexar County for a few years, writes regularly for gardening magazines, has been instrumental in many Texas plant introductions and is a prolific author of gardening books.

His newest book, “Texas Fruit and Vegetable Gardening” (Cool Springs Press, $19.99), presents short write-ups along with photos of each of the many vegetables and fruits that we can grow in Texas. It is a good basic text for any vegetable gardener and especially useful for gardeners new to the area or just venturing into vegetable gardening.

Grant is a master of weaving his East Texas roots into the text, which makes the book pleasant to read. Almost every specific vegetable section has an anecdote that will make you smile and most will contribute to your gardening success.

The sections on soil, pests, watering, compost, harvesting and getting started are short and to the point. This is the go-to guide for new residents and rookie gardeners needing to learn the basics of gardening in Central Texas.

My favorite of Grant’s books in terms of horticultural techniques is “Texas Home Landscaping” (Creative Homeowner Press, $19.99), which he co-wrote with Roger Holmes The writing is good, and photos help readers understand the recommendations. The best feature is the way authors Grant and Holmes address landscape planning, breaking the the residential landscape into manageable pieces.

This is the book for a homeowner who wants to do his own landscaping but is overwhelmed by planning the job in one piece. Isolate the parts of the landscape into front door area, shady side yard, area around the water feature and “no-water slope” like the authors do and the job becomes manageable.

Nearly as important as the design section, the authors have 16 short chapters in a section called “Guide to Installation.” With text and illustrations, they show you how to make the features in your plan a reality.

“Texas Home Landscaping” also offers a section on outstanding plants to use, presenting brief photos and brief descriptions of each. The choices include the Texas Superstars such as firebush, ‘Gold Star’ esperanza and vitex that Grant had a role in introducing to the nursery trade. The author understands the importance of drought tolerance, soil preferences and pest issues in our landscapes.

In 2011, Grant and William Welch collaborated on “Heirloom Gardening in the South” (Texas Aamp;M University Press, $29.95). Gardeners all across the South know Welch as a skilled ornamental horticulturist and author in his own right. His “Perennial Garden Color” and “Antique Roses for the South” are classics. “Heirloom Gardening in the South” is an expansion of an earlier version, “The Southern Heirloom Garden.”

“Heirloom Gardening in the South” discusses the various cultural influences in Southern gardens, including Native American, Spanish, African, French, German, English and Italian. One of the most interesting chapters is “Natives, Invasives, Cemeteries and Rustling.”

The detailed accounts of the large number of heirloom plants and the design section will help the gardener seeking a resource for creating his own heirloom garden, and “Heirloom Gardening in the South” will also provide a good read for folks who enjoy traveling through the South to view gardens and those who seek out historical accounts.

The book has all of the characteristics you would expect from a book Grant co-authored. It provides excellent horticultural information, good writing and affection for every part of the gardening spectrum.

Calvin R. Finch is a horticulturist and director of special projects with San Antonio Water System. Contact him at Calvin.Finch@saws.org.