Melody's Landscape Ideas

04/07/2025

02/03/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1Bgs1TDFiE/

02/01/2025

Some great ideas here for the DIYer.

If you don’t like having a drab front yard or a small bare garden corner, there are many rock landscaping ideas that…

12/31/2024

Cold Weather Alert! Meteorologists are predicting some very cold weather in the second week of January for our area. There have even been predictions of snow for N Florida!

You can help minimize frost damage to susceptible plants by covering them to the ground. Place weights around the bottom of coverings to secure as winds may blow them off during the night. Stakes may be necessary to keep the coverings from coming in direct contact with the plants. Layers of protection are better when it's below 25 degrees F.

Citrus are particularly vulnerable. You may wish to place a single light bulb under the covering. Incandescent lights offer more heat than LEDs. CAUTION! Make sure that the light bulb does not touch the tree or the covering. Allow at least 6 inches of clearance.

Some of the local nurseries carry frost blankets but you should pick them up soon as they will likely run out. They can also be ordered online and come in a variety of shapes and weights. Get the heavier ones whenever possible. Be sure to get them big enough to allow for extra air around the outside of the plant.

Any potted plants should be moved inside as frost can damage both the pot and the plants!

If more than one consecutive night of cold is expected it's OK to leave the coverings on during the daytime but they should be removed (or at least open to allow air circulation) every other day.

Water plants thoroughly before a hard frost. If you cannot cover larger trees you can set a sprinkler on them and let it go all night. They will become covered in ice which acts as an insulator. This is how citrus growers protect their trees.

Good luck and stay warm!

09/03/2024

Something eating your plants? Before you spray pesticides (even organic ones) investigate the source. This interesting creature was munching on the leaves of a tangerine tree. It is the caterpillar that will become a Giant Swallowtail butterfly.

08/27/2024

I LOVE this idea incorporating both stone and water.

04/17/2024

04/16/2024

I had a client who had a bunch of pots that needed to be redone so they asked me to come over and help. Before and after pictures of a couple of containers I did for a customer. They should last throughout the summer. They are very happy with the results!

07/31/2023

I charge $85 for my initial consultation. For this price you receive up to an hour of my expertise as a 16-year Landscape Designer and contractor. I will assess your yard and alert you to potential problems with plants, tree health, microclimate needs, and drainage.

I will also make recommendations on plants and trees suited to your landscape and in keeping with the architecture and style of your home as well as you personal taste.

I will also make recommendations as to whether a written Landscape Assessment will suit your needs or a quick sketch of a particular bed you'd like to renovate--or, whether a complete hand-drawn Landscape Plan is in order.

Contact me if you think you may be in need of my services!

07/22/2023

I believe in working with the landscape instead of trying to control it. This part of the yard was where all the water wanted to go during rainstorms. Nothing much was growing except weeds Plus we needed away to handle the runoff so we installed a Dry Creek bed. The clients loved it!

07/01/2023

I've often seen this method of mulching used as a way to deal with excess leaves. I don't recommend it around trees as the super thick mulch invites disease. Trees breathe, get water, and absorb nutrients through the feeder roots in the top 12 inches of soil. Instead, blow those leaves into a compost pile. Sprinkle a little wood ash on them to help them break down into rich soil. A thick layer of leaves can also be used to suppress or kill weeds or unwanted ground covers.