First, lawn watering should be adjusted for the warmer summer temperatures.  As a lawn transitions from winter grass to summer grass it’s recommended to water each lawn zone for 10-15 minutes 3 times per week.  It’s also best to water a lawn during early morning hours.  Spot watering is best for the occassional brown spots in the lawn.  If brown spots continue to persist,  check the irrigation system to ensure that the water is covering all areas of the grass.

Second, if a lawn is a little behind on color, lawn fertilizing could be the solution.  A balanced lawn fertilizer can be purchased at any local garden center.  With a  slow release fertilizer expect to receive 6-8 weeks of results.  Repeat lawn fertilizing every 8 weeks. 

Lawn watering and lawn fertilizing are important steps to take to ensure a healthy and green lawn during  Arizona summer months.   Give us a call if your lawn needs a new irrigation system to keep your lawn and plants healthy and green.

When it comes to filtering the water elements of your garden, there are three basic methods of filtration: biological, mechanical and chemical. The following advice demonstrates why you need to filter your garden ponds, pools and other water features, and explains the various methods employed and which might work best for you. Also included are tips to clean your water features when simple filtration devices are not enough.

Filters will keep your water clean and attractive-looking. A clean garden pond will allow you to keep greater numbers of fish healthy. Cloudy, stagnant water is seldom pleasant to behold, and a filtration system will rid your water of debris, fish waste, rotting plant detritus that becomes toxic, and so forth. For a healthy garden pond – fish or no fish – you have only to benefit from filtered water.

A biological filter is often preferred by strict organic gardeners. Biological filters allow for aerobic bacteria to convert harmful ammonia into less toxic substances; this system is referred to as the nitrogen cycle. This is the closest to nature a gardener can get without leaving the pond to Mother Nature completely – which is not effective in manmade garden conditions. Basically, as fish and plant life is converted to ammonia, the bacteria in the biological filters first convert the harmful substance in nitrites and then finally into nitrates, which are beneficial to pond plants as a fertilizer. Keep in mind, these filters require oxygen-rich conditions, so the more plant life in your pond, the better these work.

Mechanical filters are simple enough. With this type of filtration, pond water passes through a medium such as a sponge, gravel or some kind of synthetic material and the wastes are trapped there. Generally, these wastes are then removed by back-flushing them into a drain. These are quite popular and there are many varieties available from online or local garden centers. Simply choose one that is most adequate for the size of your water feature.

Chemical filtration is frequently chosen for new ponds that have not yet achieved a good water balance, but it can be used for mature ponds as well. A substance such as Zeolite in the form of chippings made from Calcium and Aluminum is added to the water. As water passes through the chips, the harmful ammonia becomes absorbed. This is generally how chemical filters work, but you will also find variations available.

Of course, part of maintaining a garden pond or other water element usually means testing the water from time to time. It makes sense to test to see if your pond is sporting an adequate balance and to see if your chosen filtration system is doing its job. Testing kits will allow the gardener to check levels of pH, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and protein. Anything out of whack can then be dealt with – the sooner the better. In such cases where your water testing kit indicates areas that need change, you can then apply a water treatment that will generally cure such problems as sludge, algae or surface foam and restore your water to a proper balance. These too are available to be purchased from online and traditional garden centers.

There are other devices available that will help gardeners perform routine pond cleaning. Pond vacuum cleaners are not miracle workers when it comes to cleaning up a real mess, but they are helpful at removing silt, sludge and detritus. A simple pond net is necessary to get at floating debris, and pond scissors will allow the gardener to cut through dead or overgrown plants and pond weeds, which can be great hazards to the health of your garden pond.

Occasionally, your water pond may simply need a complete overall, although most experts say that with a good filtration system and proper maintenance, this should not be necessary. However, emptying your pond is not unheard of, and if it is needed, it is just part of the routine of caring for your water garden. The best time of year to empty and dredge your pond in order to clean the liner is between mid to late fall. In the case of a concrete pond, this is the time to check for hairline cracks that should be resealed with waterproof paint. Then it’s time for a good scrub (be careful not to cause any tears if your liner is a flexible one) and start anew.

Of course, you will have to store your fish in such cases for a week or two in large containers with the old water until the new pond water has a chance to settle. This is seldom convenient and never appreciated by your fish – it is traumatic for them – but they may have less chance for survival in a mucky pond. Your pond can be refilled by plain tap water using the hose, and this is the ideal time to get your filtration system kicked in so emptying will not be necessary down the road.

Article provided by J. A. Young as seen in Doityourself.com.

Pergola image taken from Wikipedia

Pergolas are almost as much fun to say as they are to have in your yard. To put it simply, a pergola is a garden feature forming a shaded area using pillars that support cross beams and a sturdy open lattice. The lattice is not always present, and anything can be used as a top to provide shade.

A pergola is a much sought after element for many Arizona landscapes, where shade in your yard is at a premium. The shade can be used to provide a play area for kids or if part of your garden requires more shade than the rest. Once you do have one installed, they can be decorated with vines or any number of plants to give an almost unlimited number of looks.

Most commonly, pergolas are built from red cedar, but any weather resistant wood will work and they are also commonly painted or stained for an extra level of protection from the elements. This is essential in Arizona, as we may not have the rainfall, but the extreme sun can be just as damaging when it comes to unprotected wood structures.

The pergola is so popular when it comes to landscaping, since it is such a versatile structure. A landscape contractor may use it as a focal point for an entire backyard design, or a homeowner may build their own to use as shade for a small porch swing. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination. As far as complexity goes, pergolas can range from a weekend project for most homeowners to large scale landscape contractor jobs. Drop us a line in the comments or on our home page with questions about pergolas or if you would like an estimate on any sized project.

Image of Geranium taken from Wikipedia

A garden is a perfect addition to any outdoor landscape, but this can be a difficult thing to manage in Arizona or any other dry, desert climate. With an average annual rainfall of only 9.2 inches in Gilbert, a garden of drought resistant plants can help bring your yard to life while not being a drain on your resources such as time and water. Drought resistant plants also hold up better to the extreme heat of Arizona summers and tend to be hardier and sturdier plants in general. While many people assume drought resistant plants mean dull, boring or even dangerous (think cactus), there are numerous plants you can find of this variety that are vibrant and colorful.

If you are looking for plants to add to your garden or anywhere around your yard, drought resistant plants are an easy way to add life and give your landscape that “professionally designed” look.

Generally, drought resistant plants should be heavily mulched, as this will help them retain water during the dry, hot Arizona summer days. Flowers are one type of plant that is not usually synonymous with drought resistance, but you would be surprised as to how many different varieties there are. Whether you are looking for flowers to help spruce up a front yard flower bed or to devote a garden entirely to them, there is no shortage from which to choose. Some varieties include:

• Dahlberg daisies
• Baby’s breath
• Geraniums
• Lupine
• Sunflowers
• Alyssum
• Zinnia
• Statice
• Lavendar

There are also different herbs that are especially drought resistant if you are looking to add a nice scent to an area of your yard. Thyme, oregano and mint are just a few varieties that are sure to be found in many gardens and landscapes across Arizona.

While these flowers and herbs are just a handful of things that can liven up an Arizona garden or landscape there are many others species and varieties of plants that could work. Have you had success gardening or designing your landscape in Arizona or another desert climate. Let us know in the comments!

12 Common Swimming Pool Maintenance Mistakes

1. Not checking your pool’s chemistry often enough. Check the pool’s chemistry twice per week in the summer and once per week in the winter. By doing this you can make minor adjustments to your water chemistry instead of big adjustments that create a wild up and down graph of activity.
2. Allowing pH to get above 8.0. At 8.5 chlorine is only 10% active. At 7.0 it is about 73% active. By just maintaining pH around 7.5 the chlorine is 50-60% active. Keeping the pH in check will allow you to use to the full potential the chlorine that is already in the pool.
3. Not keeping alkalinity between 80-140 PPM. Low or high alkalinity can affect water balance and ultimately a sanitizer’s ability to perform.
4. Not checking TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) or calcium hardness on a regular basis. Check TDS every 6 months and calcium hardness every month. These also affect water balance which is different from sanitation, although related.
5. Not cleaning the cells in salt water systems (chlorine generators). Corroded or calcified cells will produce little chlorine.
6. Backwashing sand or DE filters too often. If you do this, the filter can never reach its cleaning potential. If you backwash on a regular basis for no reason, you are wasting water. Most filters require backwashing when the pressure gauge rises 8-10 PSI from clean.
7. Not cleaning the skimmer basket and/or hair and lint pot in the pool pump often enough. If these are full of debris you will get little flow resulting in poor circulation, potentially creating a big problem.
8. Adding chemicals, especially liquid chlorine, during the day. Try to add chemicals in the evening after the sun has set. You will get more out of them.
9. Not brushing the walls and tile down often enough. If your circulation system is suspect, and many are, brushing down the walls will help eliminate algae problems. Keeping your tile clean will save you money. Once the tile gets calcified it becomes like plaque and will take a specialist to get it off.
10. Make sure that you keep the space between the bottom of the cantilever on the deck and the top of the tile in check. If this cracks, then put in some silicon. You do not want water migrating from the inside of the pool out under the decking.
11. Not running pumps long enough. You should run your pump about 1 hour for every 10 degrees of temperature. This assumes you have a decent circulation system. It is ALL about the FLOW! Circulation IS the key to a low maintenance swimming pool.
12. Not replacing broken or missing drains or suction sources. This a real and dangerous hazard. The same could be said for defective door/gate closers and fences in disrepair.

At Dream Retreats Landscaping, the East Valley’s Premier Arizona landscape design and contracting company, we specialize in pool decks and can help you with all of your pool needs to make your Arizona landscape perfect. Check out our pool deck landscape gallery.

Article provided by about.com

Using Rocks in Arizona Landscape

Rock Waterfalls

You see them around in people’s backyards and the entrances to communities, and they can give the landscape a cool refreshing feel. What are they? Rock Waterfalls! And the coolest thing about them here in the Arizona desert is they have water! Rock waterfalls are a landscaping feature installed by a professional Arizona landscape contractor and add a richness to your landscape design. We can give you some great examples of water features we have added for our clients.

Another Arizona landscape design feature that most of us will incorporate into our desert landscape, is landscaping rock or gravel, available in a variety of shapes and sizes. Prices vary, beginning with the less expensive grey rock. When choosing colored rock, consider your home’s exterior paint color. What may look beautiful in your neighbor’s yard, might be garish and unsightly when paired with your house’s color.

While it is common to use the landscape rock or gravel as a ground-cover in our desert landscape, larger rocks or boulders are also used as interesting accents. Boulders and large rocks can add interest when placed next to trees and shrubs or used as benches or just a place to relax and enjoy the beauty of your landscape design.

Don’t forget landscaping with Flagstone and Artistic Pavers. These stones add beauty, durability, and provide a clean area for walkways and patios. Check out our examples of stone walkways.

Contact Dream Retreats Landscape Design and Contracting Company to get a professional landscape design including rock waterfalls by calling us at 480.507.8872 or visiting our website at: http://dream-retreats.com.

Here in the East Valley of Phoenix we have a lot of new homes. And almost all the new homes have regular city sized lots. Meaning, the space in the backyard is precious to us.
The East Valley also has lots of farm land. Now, most of us don’t have the space to have a farm, but we enjoy the zen-like qualities of having a garden and planting that garden with vegetables and herbs.

Square Foot Gardening to the Rescue

Square Foot Gardening solves this problem. You can grow vegetables, herbs, and still have room for your pool, BBQ area, lawn, and the other things you enjoy in your landscape retreat.

What is Square Foot Gardening?

The square-foot gardening concept is simple: Build a raised bed, divide the space into sections of one square-foot each, and then plant vegetables (and/or flowers) in just the amount of space they need. The advantages of this system include reduced workload, less watering, easy weeding (and not much of it), and easy access to your crops. All within a tiny space. A great total area size would be a 4×4 section. Then just give enough space between each of these to walk around.

There are 10 basics steps or rules for square foot gardening:

• Layout. Arrange your garden in squares, not rows. Lay it out in 4′x4′ planting areas.
• Boxes. Build boxes to hold a new soil mix above ground.
• Aisles. Space boxes 3′ apart to form walking aisles.
• Soil. Fill boxes with this soil mix: 1/3 blended compost, 1/3 peat moss, and 1/3 coarse vermiculite.
• Grid. Make a permanent square foot grid for the top of each box. A MUST.
• Care. NEVER WALK ON YOUR GROWING SOIL. Tend your garden from the aisles.
• Select. Plant a different flower, vegetable, or herb crop in each square foot, using 1, 4, 9, or 16 plants per square foot.
• Plant. Conserve seeds. Plant only a pinch (2 or 3 seeds) per hole. Place transplants in a slight saucer-shaped depression.
• Water. Water by hand from a bucket of sun-warmed water.
• Harvest. When you finish harvesting a square foot, add compost and replant it with a new and different crop.

There is definitely a good way and a bad way to lay landscape walkway and patio landscape pavers. The Bad way will lead to uneven surfaces. The Good way will lead to a long lasting and beautiful patio or walkway.

Laying a patio, pool deck, or walkway is in the details of the prep work. It’s the work that no one sees; but, it is the work that if done correctly will last.

Take a look at the pictures below

Bad Paver Prep

Bad Paver Prep.
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Another Bad Paver Prep
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Good Paver Prep

Good Paver Prep
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Good Paver Prep 2
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Consideration will have to be taken for the two stages of the butterflies life: adult and caterpillar. Many butterfly species will drink nectar from a variety of flowering plants, but their caterpillars often are greatly limited in the number of plants on which they can feed.

Typical plants that caterpillars feed on are: herbaceous plants, such as herbs and vegetables, pine leaf milkweed, Baja fairy duster, desert senna, black dalea, passion flower, velvet mesquite, and desert hackberry.

Typical plants that the adult butterflies feed on are: brightly colored simple flowers that are not too deep and that are wide enough for good perching platforms. Some universal nectar favorites include: zinnias, marigolds, daisies, thistles, and butterfly bush.

Some native and desert adapted plants that provide nectar for butterflies include: red bird of paradise, yellow cosmos, yellow lantana, purple verbena, Mexican sunflower, dalea, catclaw acacia, and chaste tree.

Be sure to check out the Spring Butterfly Exhibit at the Phoenix Desert Botanical Gardens March 7 to May 31, 2009. They will have areas featuring butterfly host plants and a discovery station where you can view our scaly winged friends up close.

1. Grab a beer. Two if your thirsty. But only one is needed for the moss.
2. Grab a handful of moss that you like and place it in a blender.
3. Add 1/2 tsp. sugar and your beer to the moss in the blender and blend.
4. Pour the beer/moss mixture where you want moss to grow. You can even use a paintbrush or spatula and spread it on rocks, birdhouses, etc. Pour around flagstone and other walkway materials.

That’s it. Now, go enjoy that other beer.

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