Tag Archives: landscape
Less Lawn – #1 Trend in Gardening
According to the American Society of Landscape Architects, reduced lawn has recently been identified as a top trend in landscaping. “Each year we get more and more customers who are interested in converting some of their front and/or back yard into a native garden area,” says Rose Brabender, Nursery Specialist at Hedberg Nursery in Stillwater. Continue reading
Only the Best for Mom
As a mother, I will tell you getting a card, gift or some form of recognition on Mother’s Day is VERY IMPORTANT. It doesn’t have to be much, but it has to be something. And it has to be on time. It’s only one day a year, but it’s a big one. So, if you’re running late on getting your mother something, here are ten suggestions. Continue reading
The Truth About Mulch
Here’s the truth: not all mulch is created equal. Some mulch that is touted as being “environmentally friendly” because it is made of recycled materials may actually contain hazardous waste. Some mulch recycling centers accept construction and demolition materials, pallets and wood that has been treated or painted. Samples of mulch made from these materials have been shown to contain arsenic, nails and other unwanted debris. Buyer beware! Recycling can be a good thing, but you need to know what you’re getting. Continue reading
It’s Spring at the Home & Garden Show!
I asked readers what they like about the Minneapolis Home & Garden Show and more people responded that they love the flowers. I agree! We’ve been cooped up far too long in a monochromatic world. This weekend it’s spring inside the Minneapolis Convention Center. Continue reading
How to Choose a Landscape Contractor
Our topic today is how to find the right landscape professional for your needs. Do you need a Landscape Architect, a landscape designer, a design+build firm, an installer, or a combination? It depends on your project and your budget. The more extensive your job, the more you will lean toward an architect or design professional to get you started. They will work with you to draw up plans and either hire an installation crew or recommend one. Design+build firms handle complete projects. If your project is well defined, you may benefit from working directly with a landscape installer.
But how do you choose from the thousands of landscape professionals in our area?
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True Grit
I saw the new Coen brothers film, True Grit, the other night (thumbs up) and got to thinking about the role landscaping plays in movies. Continue reading
Winter Wishing Time
Chase away the winter blahs and get fired up for next spring by watching two videos from the Minnesota Nursery and Landscape Association’s 2010 awards. Continue reading
Queen Of Leftovers
My family knows that I can open a refrigerator that holds nothing but leftovers and butter and whip up a gourmet meal. It’s a challenge I enjoy, especially with the economy the way it’s been lately. I refuse to waste anything that has still has a possible use. Two of my favorite landscape features came from the clearance area at Hedberg. My paver patio is a combination of several paver colors. We call that a “field blend”. It’s like a gourmet meal made from leftovers. The other is a small mosiac flagstone patio, a patchwork motif. Continue reading
Eagle Lake Mini Golf Course Not Your Typical Putt Putt
Eagle Lake Regional Park features three golf courses that are perfect for beginner golfers to learn the game or more experienced golfers to take in a social round. The new mini golf course features 18 holes that are fun and challenging. No windmills or clowns here, instead you’ll test your skills reading tricky greens studded with chunks of stone. Limestone is the dominant design feature of this mini golf course. Limestone edging borders each hole, and limestone outcroppings serve as accents, seats and obstacles. Continue reading