December 13, 2009
· Filed under Durango Colorado Snow Blowing, Durango Colorado Snow Removal, Landscaping Tips, Snow Blowing Durango Colorado, Snow Removal, Snow Removal Durango Colorado · Tagged David Hart, Durango Colorado Landscape Tips, Durango Colorado Snow Removal, Gardenhart Landscape & Design, Snow Removal Durango Colorado, www.gardenhartlandscapedesign.com
Durango, Colorado received up to fifteen inches of snow in the last few days, covering everything that is outdoors. This includes old newspapers, rags, brooms, pieces of carpet, dog toys, piled leaves, etc. All of these items are not appropriate for consumption by a snowblower. Not only does it take a long time to clear debris from the machine, they may actually break the shear pins that hold the rotor in place. This requires repairs and prevents you from completing the task at hand.
Gardenhart Landscape & Design recommends when the first snow event of the season is close, take a moment to walk around your property and pick up things which may be in the way of snow removal operations, this will save me time and you money. We all want to make the most of both of those resources. Durango, Colorado only gets several snowstorms like this each year that require snow removal and we at Gardenhart Landscape & Design try to make it as painless as possible. For more information about Gardenhart Landscape and design, go to our website at http://www.gardenhartlandscapedesign.com
Another tip is to put up markers to indicate edges of driveways, walkways, sprinklers, water main lines or other important items you may need a snow removal expert to be aware of, so as not to break or damage those items. If you plan to have someone else remove your snow, it would be a great idea for them to come out before it snows, so that your landscape is the best protected and the contractor can see any delicate items.
If you would like more information or need some snow removed call DavidHart at Gardenhart Landscape & Design, 970749-1555 or email at hart@frontier.net
December 7, 2009
· Filed under Durango Colorado, Durango Colorado Landscape Architect, Gardenhart Landscape & Design, Home and Garden, Landscaping Tips, Landscaping and Design, Snow Removal, Snow Removal Durango Colorado · Tagged Dave Hart, David Hart, Durango Colorado Landscape Tips, durango colorado landscaper, Durango Landscaping, Gardenhart Landscape & Design, landscaping in durango colorado, Snow Removal Durango Colorado, www.gardenhartlandscapedesign.com
Snow has arrived in Durango, Colorado this morning and it looks like it will continue for several days. These are the types of storms that require diligent snow removal and often tire out the average homeowner. Gardenhart purchased a large snow blower last fall and was able to keep many of its clients driveways and sidewalks clear and safe for pedestrians last year.
Snow removal is a chore that does not always provide satisfaction, like planting a new tree. You work for an hour shoveling the drive, only to have it covered again in the morning. Durango is known to have back to back storms that can deliver significant snowfall over several days. So it is best to keep on top of shoveling before significant accumulations make it icy, thick and difficult to move.
Gardenhart Landscape & Design uses a snowblower, not a plow on their truck for several reasons. First, it is much more suited to driveways and sidewalks than a plow. Plows are efficient for roads and parking lots, not smaller areas. Another reason is that it blows the snow away from the area being cleared, instead of piling it up at the edges. It also tends to do less damage to adjacent plants and sprinkler systems.
So, give Gardenhart Landscape & Design a call at 970-749-1555 if you find yourself getting behind in the snow removal chore, we would be happy to help dig you out! Find out more information about Gardenhart at http://www.gardenhartlandscapedesign.com and on Facebook for more sustainable landscaping tips.
David Hart of Gardenhart Landscape & Design helps remove snow in Durango Colorado
October 19, 2009
· Filed under Durango Colorado, Durango Colorado Landscape Architect, Home and Garden, Landscaping Tips, Landscaping and Design, gardening · Tagged Dave Hart, David Hart, Durango Colorado, Durango Colorado Landscape Tips, durango colorado landscaper, Durango Landscaping, fall composting tips, Fall Landscape Tips in Durango Colorado, Gardenhart Landscape & Design, gardening, landscape architecture, landscaping, landscaping in durango colorado
Fall is well on its way here in Southwest Colorado, the nights are cold and the days usually sunny and cool. Perfect weather to work in your garden or ride your mountain bike ( watch out for hunters, wear your orange ) in the woods around Durango. Gardenhart Landscape & Design is working with a few clients to get some trees in the ground before winter really sets in, a good idea I wrote about several weeks ago. More things to think about to get ready for winter…
1) Start a calendar so you can track when and how much you water your trees and other plants. It does not have to be very technical about how much water was applied, just give yourself in idea, a lot or not so much this time. You will use this information in the upcoming months to help you decide when you should water during the winter.
2) Turn your compost at least one more time, before it freezes, this will give the worms a good supply of water and table scraps to feed upon for the next few months. If you do not have at least two piles going, start another one now with all the leaves from your yard and the neighbors ones as well.
I hope this information is helpful to my readers and gives you things to do to help get your landscape in the shape you want, there are many things you can do. Any questions about your landscape or topics you would like me to address?
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David Hart
http://www.gardenhartlandscapedesign.com
October 8, 2009
· Filed under Durango Colorado, Durango Colorado Landscape Architect, Home and Garden, Landscaping Tips, Landscaping and Design, gardening · Tagged Dave Hart, David Hart, Durango Colorado, Durango Colorado Landscape Tips, durango colorado landscaper, Durango Landscaping, Fall Landscape Tips in Durango Colorado, Gardenhart Landscape & Design, landscaping in durango colorado, www.gardenhartlandscapedesign.com
Last time I wrote about the cooler weather arriving here in Durango and some things we should be doing outside. I will continue with a few other things you should make time to do.
1) Mulching your perennials with garden compost is a great idea and the plants will really respond in the spring. The compost that you have been growing all summer is done now and you should put it around your favorite plants. It will slowly leach nutrients into the soil with each freeze and thaw cycle and come springtime, the plants will spring forth!
2) Resist the temptation to prune everything back to the ground in order to make it look neat and clean. Yes, you can deadhead the flowering plants and remove any broken branches or stems, but I would leave major work to be done in the spring, like Butterfly bush and other plants that need to be cut back each year. Give your garden a nice look when the snow gently covers it all.
Great Fall Color
This Fall Pruning Job is a little excessive
Fall is a wonderful time to garden in Southwest Colorado, it is not too hot to be outside. We at Gardenhart Landscape & Design are finishing up a few local projects and starting the design process for a home up on the Florida Mesa. We might be able to get a few things in the ground this fall if we hurry.
Here’s to a Successful Landscape,
Dave Hart
Follow me on Buzztown, Facebook for more landscaping advice and tips. http://www.gardenhartlandscapedesign.com
September 25, 2009
· Filed under Home and Garden, Landscaping Tips, Landscaping and Design, gardening · Tagged Dave Hart, David Hart, Durango Colorado Landscape Tips, durango colorado landscaper, Durango Landscaping, Fall Landscape Tips in Durango Colorado, Gardenhart Landscape & Design, gardening, landscaping in durango colorado, www.gardenhartlandscapedesign.com
The air has definitely cooled off here in the Durango Colorado area the last few days, especially in the evening, with the hard frosts we have received. Many of us have lost the above ground vegetables by now.
I will share some of the fall action steps you can do for your landscape this time of year in the next few posts to this blog.
1) Reduce the amount of water that you put to your plants, this will not only save you water, but it will start to harden them off, in preparation for really cold weather. This is very important for your shade trees with soft bark, such as maple and ash. Freeze cracks in the outer layers of the bark will eventually stress the tree and cause its decline.
2) If you have a lawn, try to keep it mowed more frequently than you might otherwise do in the summer months. Not only does it make it easier to rake the leaves, but the lawn will over-winter much better if it is shorter.
We here at Gardenhart Landscape & Design are always happy to answer all of your questions concerning landscaping and your gardens. People often call me with their landscape problems that are very easy for me to suggest a solution.
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August 25, 2009
· Filed under Home and Garden, Landscaping Tips, Landscaping and Design, gardening · Tagged Dave Hart, Durango Landscaping, Gardenhart Landscape & Design, gardening, landscaping, landscaping in durango colorado, www.gardenhartlandscapedesign.com
Many of you may not realize that fall is on it’s way and that this is an excellent time of year to get plants in the ground. I get phone calls from people who are worried that it is too late to purchase plants or get that landscaping project started before the winter.
Fall planting is highly recommended by many nursery professionals and landscapers for several reasons that I would like to share with you.
1] Fall planting is less stressful on the plants than spring or summer, ambient temperatures are lower and humidity is often higher, which creates a gentler environment for the plants to become established.
2] It takes several weeks for plants to recover from being transplanted and to start to grow in their new location. If we put them in the ground now, they will settle in and be ready to grow in the spring, without any hesitation or adapting to the new location. They are more acclimated and ready to get on with it!
3] Many nurseries and garden centers have fall sales or specials on selected plants. This is a good opportunity to get more value for your dollar than in the spring, when everyone wants trees and shrubs. These businesses would rather have the plants at your house, in the ground, than overwinter them and sell them in the spring.
4] Landscapers, like Gardenhart Landscape and Design, like to book work through the fall, and will often discount their prices slightly to remain busy until the ground freezes and it becomes very difficult to landscape in the Colorado weather!
So, in summary, if you are thinking about doing a landscape project this summer and have not started it yet, do not despair, get going and call us. You will gain a whole growing season by doing it this fall and you will also save some of your hard earned cash.
April 22, 2009
· Filed under Home and Garden, Landscaping Tips, Landscaping and Design · Tagged Candee Pearson, Colorado Durango Feng Shui, Dave Hart, David Hart, durango colorado landscaper, Durango Landscaping, Feng Shui, Feng Shui Durango, Feng Shui Durango Colorado, Five Star Feng Shui, Increase your curb appeal in durango colorado, landscaping in durango colorado, sell your house fast tips in Durango Colorado
Here is some news from Durango that will interest most homeowners who like advice concerning their home and gardens. Five Star Feng Shui and Gardenhart Landscape & Design have collaborated to offer a special package this spring and summer. After several conversations about what we discuss with our clients, Candee and I realized that lots of people will benefit from both of our areas of expertise. My clients often will complain about how they wish they had a more functional outside area to relax and entertain in, while she will often consult with people about how to make their inside areas more pleasant and efficient to use. This is a situation where we would be able to offer lots of solutions or possibilities to help them see how well their homes and gardens could support their lifestyle.
Gardenhart Landscape & Design along with Five Star Feng Shui will travel to your location and consult with you concerning how your indoor and outdoor spaces can be better organized and utilized by you and your family. We will discuss how the elements of Fire, Water, Metal, Wood and Earth can be incorporated and manipulated to achieve harmony in your home and landscape environment.
This spring and summer promotion is as follows, five hours of consultation/design work from both of us for only two hundred dollars or you can choose the larger package of twelve hours for five hundred dollars. Our labor can be used to design a plan or you can choose to have us do some of the work, whatever you like.
Durango, Colorado Curb Appeal Stimulation Package
April 6, 2009
· Filed under Home and Garden, Landscaping Tips, Landscaping and Design · Tagged Durango Colorado Landscape Tips, Durango Landscaping, Pruning Tips in Durango Colorado
I have been doing quite a bit of pruning around Durango and and La Plata county this spring and have taken a few before and after pictures. I hope that by posting these pictures you might undertake to prune some of your own bushes and trees this spring. If not, give Gardenhart Landscape & Design a call, we would be happy to help you out.
Remember, the first rule is always remove dead, diseased and touching branches first, this is primarily for the health of the plant. Then we get to look at the overall shape we desire, flat against the building, vase shaped, open in the center for air circulation, low growing so it does not crowd the sidewalk etc. The many different places that we put ornamental plants into the landscape require us to maintain them to an appropriate size and shape.
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Russian Olive before
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Russian Olive after
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Hopa Crabapple after
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Hopa Crabapple before
You can see the difference from removing several branches, the shape of the tree becomes much more obvious, many of the branches were too close together, crowding and competing for sunlight and space to grow. The crab apple was too tall so I removed several of the topmost branches in order to promote growth in the areas that I desired as well as removing lots of sucker growth. The Russian olive was heavily overgrown in all areas, so I removed lots of branches that were competing with each other. I think that this tree still needs some work, but it is in a rural setting and does not need to be perfect!
One more bit of advice, do not be in a hurry to remove lots of branches, you can always prune them off later, but they are very difficult to re-attach! Go give it a try and let me know how it works out.
March 12, 2009
· Filed under Home and Garden, Landscaping Tips, Landscaping and Design, gardening · Tagged Dave Hart, David Hart, Durango Landscaping, Gardenhart Landscape & Design, gardening, landscape architecture, landscaping in durango colorado, www.gardenhartlandscapedesign.com
You may wonder why it is a good idea to hire an Architect to design your residential landscape project, after all , it does add to the overall cost. But remember, you always get what you pay for. The consequences of an inexpensive pair of shoes may not be that great, but the problems encountered with a tree planted too close to your house or a flagstone patio that drains water up against your sliding glass door can be significant. When interviewing a potential landscaper for your project, ask them specific questions about their education, experience and references.
Landscape Designer or Landscape Architect?
An individual does not have to have any formal schooling to call themselves a designer, often they just have a few years of experience in making things look pretty. They usually do whatever the homeowner suggests, and they, the homeowner, often know even less about the landscaping process than the contractor does. I see many local projects that are not appropriate for our climate, they use trees and shrubs that do not thrive , use excessive amounts of bluegrass lawn, flagstone patios that are too small or too large and the list goes on and on. On the other hand, an architect will have an appropriate degree from a college or university and they will be glad to offer that information. A good architect will ask you many questions about how you intend to use your landscape.
- Do you need places for children or pets to play?
- How about entertaining, do you need an outdoor kitchen or just a spot for the grill?
- Do you enjoy working in the yard? Mowing the grass?
- Would you like to grow your own food?
Obviously the list of questions could (and should be) extensive, after all, the more they know about you and how you want to use your outdoor spaces the more likely their landscape design will be successful. You will have enough lawn to appease the neighbors and the kids to play on, but not too much to mow or be politically incorrect in our dry climate. Large trees will shade the patio in the heat of a summer afternoon but not block the winter sun from warming your house. A good landscape design will add thousands of dollars to the value of the property because it seamlessly integrates the house and it’s inhabitants with the outside and nature. Remember what Ben Franklin said so long ago” An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure “ Get a landscape that works!
March 9, 2009
· Filed under Home and Garden, Landscaping Tips, Landscaping and Design, gardening · Tagged Dave Hart, David Hart, Durango Colorado Landscape Tips, Durango Landscaping, Gardenhart Landscape & Design, gardening, landscaping in durango colorado, Pruning Tips in Durango Colorado, www.gardenhartlandscapedesign.com
Do you get confused about when the best time is to prune certain trees and shrubs?
Some guidelines to be aware of include:
1) Temperature Changes–If you live in a cold place where the temperatures can fluctuate , it is important to monitor those temperatures so that you don’t prune too early. Generally it is safe to prune when the temperatures are holding steady during the day and don’t dip too significantly at night.
2) If you notice that plants are beginning to bud then it’s safe.
3) Spring flowering plants (forsythia etc) should be pruned after they flower or you will reduce their bloom.
Early Spring (March-April)
Plant type: Ornamental grasses
Task: Cut as close to the ground as possible.
Tip: Tying the tops before cutting makes the job fast and easy.
Plant type:Semiwoody perennials (Butterfly bush, Russian sage)
Task: Cut back to about 4″ to produce strong new stems and best flower display.
Tip: May be cut back anytime during the winter or fall
Plant type:Broad-leaved evergreens (boxwood, holly, firethorn)
Task: Prune out stems with winter-injured foliage.
Tip: Wait until later in the spring to shear or hedge so new growth will quickly cover cut tips.
Plant type: Summer-flowering trees, shrubs, vines, hydrangea, and roses
Task: Remove dead, damaged, or crowded stems, shape or reduce size if desired.
Tip: Summer flower buds develop on new growth. Spring fertilization and adequate moisture in the summer will maximize number and size of summer blooms.
Early Summer (May-June)
Plant type: Spring-flowering shrubs (forsythia, rhododendron, lilacs)
Task: Prune for shaping or size control following the “prune after flowering” rule. These plants form buds for next year’s flowers during the summer. Pruning after midsummer will cut off flower buds.
Tip:Deadheading — removing fading flowers — benefits plants like rhododendron and lilac by preventing seed formation and directing growth into flower buds for next spring. Thinning multistemmed shrubs by removing several of the oldest stems each year will maintain size and keep plant vigorously blooming on new stems. If any of these plants, like forsythia and lilac, are overgrown, cut down to 3″ to 4″ for a fresh start. A drastic procedure for problem plants growing too vigorously in full sun, this technique is called “rejuvenation” and is not for the timid gardener!
Plant type: Evergreen shrubs (yews, juniper, boxwood)
Task: Hedging and shaping if desired or thinning to reduce size.
Tip: Cut just as growth begins so new growth covers cut tips. Each job should include some inner thinning of the bush to ensure the outside layer of foliage doesn’t become very thick, resulting in a thin shell of very dense foliage that is attractive to insects.
Midsummer/Fall (July-November)
Plant type: Flowering perennials and annuals
Task: Deadheading — removing flowers as they fade — extends the flowering or promotes a second flush of flowers. After the frost in your area , when the perennials have slowed down and annuals have died, cut down the flower heads and mulch the area well for next year’s growth.
Tip: Do not deadhead if dried flowers or seed are attractive or desirable for propagation. Some folks like the look of their garden plants in the snow.
Winter (December-February)
Plant type: Deciduous and evergreen trees, crab apples and other pest-prone plants
Task: Remove any dead, damaged, or hazardous limbs. Prune limbs that interfere with walkways and structures. Remove crossed or rubbing limbs. Prune out suckers.
Tip:Winter is a great time to prune; insect and disease pressure is minimized and the plant architecture is visible. Also it is not as stressfull to the plant as it can be in mid-summer.
