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Wednesday, September 3rd, 2014
It is hard to believe September is upon us. It’s time to break out the blankets and we barely had a chance to sweat this summer. Where did the summer go?
Wednesday, September 3rd, 2014
It is time for the color guard to change. As summer comes to an end it is time to start moving on to the next season, fall. As the summer blooms begin to lose their vibrancy and petals fall unceremoniously to the earth we can focus on the season to come with its own impressive pallet. Fall containers have their own identity and give a home a completely new feel.
Wednesday, September 3rd, 2014
Fall is almost upon us. Our lovely bouquet of summer color is going to be losing its brilliance and now we are stuck with a bunch of mums, right? I think not! One of my all-time favorite fall flowers is Lespedeza, AKA Bush Clover. I just love this shrub. Lespedeza Gibraltar are easy to grow and like full sun. They get 4-5 feet tall and spread 5-10 feet and are covered blue-green leaflets. In fall they bloom with rosy, purple, pea-like flowers which are grouped in loose, pendulous flowers up to 2 feet long. This creates a arching fountain-like habit. With these in the yard everyone will be asking what they are.
Wednesday, September 3rd, 2014
This is a newer recipe for the family. We had the opportunity to devour this delicacy at a couple of picnics at Becky’s this summer. I know summer is winding down as I write this down, but all the more reason to drag summer along since it was a pretty short one anyway. Enjoy!
Monday, August 4th, 2014
So you have a shady garden? All of your hopes for a bright lush garden are doomed right? I think not. You just need a change of perspective. Just let go of the idea of a riot of bright colors. Instead, embrace the many different shades of green and layering of different shade-loving perennials, shrubs, and ground covers.
Monday, August 4th, 2014
I have a woods behind my home which I love to take walks through. The forest is a stark contrast from my own yard which is full of sun. I love my sunny yard with its colors and sounds, but something happens when you walk in the shade under a canopy of leaves held by the sturdy trunks and branches of Maple and Beech trees. The temperature drops and a sheltered stillness enters your heart as you feel the protection of nature. When the sun peeks through the foliage nature’s shade garden becomes vibrant with moss on fallen trees, ferns, and in spring Trillium, Blood Root, Jack in the Pulpits, and May Apples cover the forest floor.
Monday, August 4th, 2014
Ferns are among the first plants to inhabit the Earth; existing for nearly 350 million years. Due to their long history they are also one of the most versatile plants. There are ferns that grow in sun as well as shade and in water as well as dry sand. Their sizes range from several inches to several feet in span. Crazy!
Monday, June 30th, 2014
I cannot count how many times I have met with a client for the first time and their number one goal was maintenance free landscaping. Of course, I am a witty and charming person so my stock answer is “Well even if you use plastic plants they still need to be dusted.” I am here to say it. There is no such thing as a no maintenance landscape.
Monday, June 30th, 2014
Happy Times abound around the Smalls camp. Our associate designer, copy writer, all around wonderful father, and Nancy’s son Nick and his lovely wife, Paige, have a new son, Walter Wawok. Walter joined us on June 17th at 12:32PM. He weighed 7 pounds 13 ounces and was 20.75 inches long. Nick and Paige are very excited and their 14 month old daughter, Addison, is, so far, content as a big sister. Nancy is ecstatic, of course. She was waiting quite a while for the first grandchild so the coming of a second so soon has her with permagrin.
Monday, June 30th, 2014
One of our favorite ways to beat the heat is with a cool adult beverage. This one comes from the vault of our favorite bartender, Nick. This is not traditional sangria, but it is very easy to make, which goes a long way in our book. I usually make this in a big iced tea dispenser but whatever you have that’s big should work fine. FYI this can be a bit strong so tread lightly and don’t drink and drive.
Smalls Landscaping
310 North 325 East
Suite A
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone: (219) 476-7400
Toll Free: (855) 476-7400
Fax: (219) 476-7500
