David's Landscaping Blog December 2005 Archive

Snow-in-Summer Plants
I'll do anything to keep from thinking of snow in winter -- even if it means thinking of "snow in summer." Huh? you ask. Has the cold addled my ... Read More

Saturday December 31, 2005 | permalink | comments (0)

Viburnum Bushes
The popularity of viburnum bushes in landscape design is understandable. As About's Gardening Guide, Marie Iannotti notes in this article, not only do viburnum bushes provide four seasons of visual ... Read More

Friday December 30, 2005 | permalink | comments (0)

How to Maintain Septic Systems' Health
For those who have septic systems, there are steps you can take in your landscaping work to help maintain your septic systems' health. Plan drainage in your landscaping so as ... Read More

Thursday December 29, 2005 | permalink | comments (0)

Winter Landscape Design With Colorful Conifers
When you hear about "conifers," you probably think about trees that stay green all year. And a fine trait that is in a tree, too! But there are so ... Read More

Wednesday December 28, 2005 | permalink | comments (0)

Snowblower Safety Tips
The snowblower safety tips included in this article could save you some serious misfortune. Always respect the power of heavy equipment -- don't take snowblower safety for granted!

Tuesday December 27, 2005 | permalink | comments (0)

Landscaping on a Slope
Landscaping on a slope presents a great challenge. If you fail to meet that challenge, you may face costly and unsightly erosion problems. But before you begin, browse through these ... Read More

Saturday December 24, 2005 | permalink | comments (0)

How to Use Lawn and Garden Decor
Selecting the right lawn and garden decor is a matter of building unity in one's landscape design, as Keith Muraoka tells us in this piece. Lawn and garden decor ... Read More

Thursday December 22, 2005 | permalink | comments (0)

Building a Fence Gate in 5 Easy Steps
Building a fence gate can be trickier than you might think. Follow the 5 easy steps for building a fence gate, as detailed by buildeazy.com. Their descriptions and ... Read More

Wednesday December 21, 2005 | permalink | comments (0)

Seaside Landscape Design -- Plants for Seashore Landscaping
Many of us drool over the prospects of having a home at the seashore. But it's not without its unique challenges. Some plants thrive in seaside communities, while others balk ... Read More

Tuesday December 20, 2005 | permalink | comments (0)

Soil Testing, Soil pH and Soil Types
What's your soil's pH? What's your soil type -- sand, silt, clay or loam? Why does it matter? What's involved in soil testing? Roll up your sleeves and find out ... Read More

Monday December 19, 2005 | permalink | comments (0)

What to Look for When Hiring Landscapers
Need a big landscaping project done on your property? Thinking of hiring a pro? Such is the case with our featured poster this week from the Landscaping Forum. This isn't ... Read More

Sunday December 18, 2005 | permalink | comments (0)

Photo Gallery of Garden Pictures
"Garden photography isn't just a beautiful art form. It's also an excellent gardening tool, allowing us to view successful design in our gardens, analyze mistakes and preserve moments in the ... Read More

Friday December 16, 2005 | permalink | comments (1)

Landscape Design Basics: Style, Function
When undertaking a landscape design project, two immediate considerations are style and function. What message do you wish the property to convey? What practical goals do you wish to ... Read More

Wednesday December 14, 2005 | permalink | comments (0)

Caring for Cut Christmas Trees
Caring for cut Christmas trees begins "by making a straight cut, taking one inch off the butt" (then immediately placing it in water), instructs Steve Nix. Read the About Forestry ... Read More

Tuesday December 13, 2005 | permalink | comments (0)

Bypass Pruners
Marie Iannotti, About's Gardening Guide, offers consumers advice on buying bypass pruners. Marie bases her top picks on the following criteria: comfort of grip, cutting diameter, ease of repair, one-handed ... Read More

Monday December 12, 2005 | permalink | comments (0)

Spring Flowering Bulbs
If you live in zone 8, it's time to plant spring flowering bulbs now. You have to plant them now if you want to enjoy their displays in spring. Do ... Read More

Sunday December 11, 2005 | permalink | comments (0)

Outdoor Christmas Tree Lights and Safety
Do you decorate outside for the holiday season? Outdoor Christmas tree lights can look great on evergreens, but always keep safety foremost in mind. In this article I mention several ... Read More

Saturday December 10, 2005 | permalink | comments (0)

Dwarf Evergreen Shrubs and Trees
Why are dwarf evergreen shrubs and trees so popular in landscape design? Well, besides the beauty of their foliage, they provide structure for a yard without overpowering it. To help ... Read More

Friday December 9, 2005 | permalink | comments (0)

Landscaping in Florida
Landscaping in Florida presents many opportunities that the rest of us can't enjoy, although the climate there does present challenges, too. This site, which specializes in plants native to Florida, ... Read More

Thursday December 8, 2005 | permalink | comments (2)

Consumer Product Reviews on All Things Landscaping
With the holiday shopping season in full swing, you may be looking for just the right gift for that homeowner or future homeowner on your shopping list. Let my consumer ... Read More

Wednesday December 7, 2005 | permalink | comments (0)

Reassessing Your Landscape Gardening Design
Has it been a while since you've reassessed your landscape gardening design? A design that "worked" ten years ago may now be flawed. Marie Iannotti, About's Gardening Guide, steers you ... Read More

Tuesday December 6, 2005 | permalink | comments (0)

Gift Idea: "Landscape Planning" Book
Considering giving a book to that plant lover on your shopping list this year? "Landscape Planning" by Judith Adam might be a good choice. Among other features, "Landscape Planning" has ... Read More

Monday December 5, 2005 | permalink | comments (0)

Gift Idea: Jerry Baker's "Backyard Problem Solver"
Having trouble coming up with gift ideas for your outdoorsy friends? Then this book review of Jerry Baker's "Backyard Problem Solver" may solve some of your shopping problems. As ... Read More

Sunday December 4, 2005 | permalink | comments (0)