Ah, its summertime. Time for baseball, grilling, swimming, and trimming the hedges. While I’m sure most of us are all for the first few items, I am equally sure that the last item is at the bottom of the list of ‘fun’ activities. But what if we didn’t even have to worry about that yearly hedge trimming task, or any regular trimming for that matter?
Before (hedges removed) Who knew those windows were there!?
True, the desire to trim the hedges goes back to a personal level; something we’ve been programmed to do because that’s what our parents did, and what their parents did. Most of the heavy duty trimming that was done was to keep plants at the foundation of the house in check. In older homes, it was not uncommon to have 3 feet of exposed foundation, or more in some cases, and shrubs and even small trees were planted in order to conceal it.
After
Today, home facades have become more decorative and the need to conceal has actually given way to the opportunity to accent. Larger windows and doors have meant less room for plants to grow vertically, and the natural tendency is to try to force a plant into an area by constant trimming and pruning. This can all be avoided by using the right plant in the right place.
Personally, I don’t like the sheared hedge look, not to mention the time and effort required! I much prefer the natural, open look to plantings, which can get out of hand if you plant a shrub that wants to be 12 feet tall in a space that only allows 3 feet. By making the right selections on plant materials, the tedious task of trimming can be for the most part avoided, and the natural beauty of each plant can be realized.
There are many plants used in today’s landscape that are much more behaved than some of their ancestors. ‘Repandens’ Yew is an improved version of an old favorite that has a naturally weeping form and slow growth rate. Just watch out for the deer, yews are like filet mignon to our four-legged friends. Various types of boxwood including ‘Green Velvet’, ‘Insularis Nana’, and ‘Varder Valley’ all form nice low mounds from 1 to 4 feet in height, and are deer resistant. ‘Cavatine’ is a form of Pieris (some may be more familiar with the name Japonica) that also stays quite low without the need for pruning.
So, if you are tired of hoisting that hedge trimmer, and doing that delicate balancing act off of your step ladder, maybe it is time to have one of our designers out to show you what new options exist. Who knows, maybe you’ll be able to sell that old hedge trimmer at a neighborhood yard sale…another summertime favorite!
When I ventured into work this morning and looked out my office window, I saw our resident rabbit casually munching away on a patch of clover with not a care in the world. Fortunately for him, he hasn’t sampled Lisa’s perennials yet, but I know she’s had to chase him a couple of times when he has gotten close. I, on the other hand, think he is adorable (I love every kind of rabbit, even when they’re in my garden), but I know a lot of people who don’t. Whenever I make any mention of rabbits, the guys in the office pretend to grab their shot guns, sound effects and all, and fire away. One of my co-workers, Mike, even snuck over to my computer one afternoon while I was out, and changed my screen saver to say, “Kill the Wabbit, Kill the Wabbit, Kill the Wabbit!” We’re not all Elmer Fudd’s, Mike!
That being said, there are a few remedies that seem to work wonders on keeping the bunnies from eating our plants. One of the best methods that I have found is to use a spray called Liquid Fence. For those of us worried about chemicals in the garden, Liquid Fence is all natural, environmentally friendly, and bio-degradable. It is even safe for pets! It is fairly easy to find in most garden centers, and it is easy to use as well. Another bonus? It is great for keeping deer at bay. I will warn you upfront, Liquid Fence has an extremely pungent smell right after applying, so you may want to hold your breath while you spray!
Another option you could try is planting rabbit “resistant” perennials in and around your other plants. But keep in mind that rabbits, just like humans, tend to have different tastes in different areas. Some perennials that I have found to work well are: salvia, astilbe, bee balm, catmint, alliums, and daffodils.
With these few helpful tips, the next time you see a bunny in your backyard, don’t think ”rabbit stew” or “where’s my shot gun?!”, but “Oh, what a cute little rabbit!”
Whether you have a developed landscape, or are considering extending your living space to the outdoors, Outdoor Lighting is a feature not to be overlooked. Not only can you extend the time that your outdoor space can be used, but important features can be highlighted so that they stand out in the darkness.
There are many options for your lighting needs, as well. Traditional line voltage systems are always a good choice; the fixtures are relatively inexpensive and can last a very long time if properly cared for. Low voltage systems have come a long way in recent years, and boasts ease of installation, and offers immense customization and choice of fixtures. LED options are becoming more and more popular now, with folks more aware than ever of their power usage, and wanting to “go green.” They use much less energy, last longer, and 
are more intense than traditional bulbs. These LED lights are available both in the Low Voltage and Line Voltage fixtures, which makes reducing your carbon footprint even easier.
What a way to light up the night!
If you should need any assistance with a current lighting system, or if you would like to plan a new one, please contact me to get started!
At award ceremony were , from left to right, partners Timothy McGinley, Jeff Amici, Bruce Fritzinger and Michael McShane
We are so very proud to announce that on Thursday, June 17, 2010, Plantique was presented this year’s Excellence in Business Awards from the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business CouncilChamber EIB Award 2010 Release at a special ceremony held at Northampton Community College. Companies nominated for this award were invited to apply and then judged on customer service, quality planning, leadership, marketing, training and development, and community involvement. Our first time entering, we were the winner among businesses with 26-100 employees.
“We are extremely honored to have won this prestigious award from the Chamber,” says Plantique president and CEO, Michael McShane. “We have always held our staff and our services up to the highest standards possible, which has brought us so many loyal customers year after year, but to be recognized in this way for all these efforts is really very gratifying.”
It was also an honor to share the spotlight with Haggerty Services LLC, a firm that helps nonprofit organizations raise money through grants and special events and the recipient of this year’s award for businesses with up to 25 employees.
Plantique has previously been bestowed the Sales & Marketing Executives International (SMEI) Greater Lehigh Valley’s coveted Best Marketed Company Award and the nationally recognized “Inc. 5,000” by Inc. Magazine. Within the green industry circle, we have received hundreds of landscaping and professional awards, both locally and nationally, over the years. “We are very proud of our long-standing reputation for quality craftsmanship and customer service,” says Mike. “Even as we have grown and incorporated the latest techniques, technology and machinery to get just about any landscaping project done, our commitment to our clients hasn’t changed.”
Click here for a copy of our news release.
I’m sure everyone is glad that summer is here. School’s out, there are plenty of picnics, pool parties, and vacations planned. Which means the last thing anyone wants to be doing is watering their lawns and gardens. But with all of the heat and humidity that define summers in the Lehigh Valley, I thought it would be a good idea to brush up on the best ways to water our plants.
Many clients ask us, “how often should I be watering my new plants?” When temperatures and rainfall are pretty average, the best answer would be a couple of times per week. However, when the temperature is 90 degrees and it hasn’t rained in weeks, that answer changes. The best way to monitor soil moisture is to simply get your hands dirty! Pull the mulch away from the base of the plant and feel the soil with your hands. If it is dried out or cracking, the plants need water. On the other hand, if the soil is still wet or even muddy, it does not need to be watered. Overwatering is just as bad as not watering enough.
Another good tip is to set the hose at the base of the plant and let the water trickle out, rather than spraying water over the plant with a sprinkler attachment. This insures that the water is going directly where it needs to, the roots. It also eliminates run-off, which is wasteful.
When it comes to the best time of day to water, earlier is definitely better. The sun hasn’t reached its peak, so not only is it cooler, but there is less evaporation. The plants also have the entire day to absorb the water. If you can’t water first thing in the morning, then do it as soon as you get home from work at the end of the day. But the absolute worst thing you can do is water the plants at night. Watering once the sun goes down not only promotes rot and mildew, but can encourage pests (think slugs! or snails!) or other diseases to take hold.
Hopefully with these few helpful techniques, your watering will become less tedious, and before you know it, you’ll have thriving, beautiful plants that will require less water over time.
With Father’s Day right around the corner, my mind starts the thought process of coming up with the perfect gift for my dad. If you are having the same thoughts, why not consider setting the wheels in motion for the creation of an outdoor living area that he could enjoy for years to come. What gift could be better than one that provides rest and relaxation for someone who works so hard? Give us a call for the perfect way to honor your dad this year.
Now that another brutal Lehigh Valley summer is approaching, everyone is prepping their pools for the start of the season. Did you ever think about turning your dream into a reality of owning a backyard paradise? Plantique’s award winning designers can help you through the selection process of location, materials, interior finish, and other components of the project. Our pools can accommodate any need you may have, and are customized for the functions you would like to use it for. Boulder coping, waterfalls, spas, and fountains are just a few things to incorporate into your pool project. Formal, elegant, or naturalized looks are ideas people have used in the past, but don’t let this stop our creativity! Our design team can ensure they will work with architectural components of a home to make the whole project function as one. All of your friends and family will be asking you to have parties on the weekends after they see the paradise we can build for you. Call us today to set up an appointment with one of our award-winning designers!
Today’s back-yard spaces have become so much more than a square deck and a charcoal grill. More than just a square deck and a charcoal grill, today it is more of an extension of the indoor living space. At Plantique, we are experts at creating outdoor living spaces. And what living space is complete without a place to prepare a meal?
Outdoor kitchens have become a requirement of the outdoor experience. Think about it, why would you want to confine yourself indoors to cook, when your guests are all outside? Plantique can create a well-designed and constructed outdoor kitchen, where you can prepare everything from ‘burgers and dogs’, to steaks, boiled seafood and vegetables, homemade pizzas, and all the cocktails to go along with them. Best of all, you can do all this in the company of your guests, instead of being inside confined to the stove!
Call or email us today to discuss your outdoor kitchen, and the next time someone tells you ‘well-done,’ it won’t be just about their hamburger! Mike Wimmer
Now that the weather is getting warm and it seems like spring is here to stay, I’ve been anxious to get to work in my garden. One thing that I absolutely love about gardening is all the various wildlife that you can attract. My weak spot happens to be hummingbirds.
I’m sure most people just assume that hummingbirds appear in the summer, and so that is when they bring out their bright red feeders. In actuality, hummingbirds begin their 500 mile non-stop flight from Mexico as early as February! By the time they reach our area, it is late April to early May, and after that long trip, they are HUNGRY! So now is the perfect time to be putting out your feeders and preparing your garden for these cool little birds.
As far as feeders go, anything that is red will really grab the hummingbird’s attention. 
A ratio of 4 parts water to 1 part sugar is the perfect solution for them. Most experts recommend using granulated white sugar, NOT honey or brown sugar. I also shy away from the pre-packaged mixes you can buy at the store, just because you never know the negative effects that different dyes and chemicals can have on them.
And it doesn’t hurt to plant some flowers near the feeder as well. The more things to attract the hummers, the better! Red, orange, and pink flowers are most attractive to hummingbirds, but there are certain ones in particular that they love. These include: monarda (bee balm), honeysuckle, annual salvia (the ones with bright red flowers), coral bells, and cardinal flower. Planting them in groups will increase your chances of success because they will be drawn to the bright color.
Hummingbirds can visit up to 1,000 flowers in just one day! Once they find a garden that they like, they will continue to return to it year after year. So start your hummingbird garden now and enjoy these winged jewels for many seasons to come!
Contact me if you’d like to find out more information or need help with any other landscaping ideas. Rebecca Conrad
The possibilities are endless and never the same. Simple to elaborate, you can design your own landscape accents for a economically friendly price. Container gardening may spruce up a dull looking patio area, deck, balcony, or doorstep. Many homeowners have an area that may just need a little extra “something” to get that astonished look from friends and family. When choosing a container, consider what will be grown in it, how often do you want to water, and if it will accent what you are putting in it. If you have limited space, and time is sparse, container gardening may be for you. Annuals, perennials, herbs, and even vegetable gardening can soften any backyard or doorstep. Fresh produce within reach of your fingertips? Sounds good to me.
