Cravings

Wednesday, March 7th, 2012

FlowersSpringWinter

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It’s March, that wonderful month when we are all sick and tired of winter, snow, and being stuck indoors. When we get occasional hints of what is to come with spring, but alas winter is there to bring us back down. So here we sit; craving color and wishing we had planted those bulbs we promised ourselves last fall but never got around to. There is no need to despair though. We have potted bulbs to install in your landscape including Allium. Allium are a dramatic flower that look like gigantic violet, purple, or white lollipops. Some Allium can be planted all season and will flower into fall.

Allium Millennium is about 12 inches tall and has 2 inch balloon-like, pink/ purple flowers that bloom from July-September. Allium Alba has a white flower and is a little taller, but blooms just as long. If you are looking for later blooms try Allium Ozawa. It is a little shorter in stature and begins blooming in September and runs until November when the red/purple flowers give way to stunning gold and orange foliage. Allium also make wonderful cut flowers in the home. That is; if you can bear not seeing them in your garden.

So as we stare out our windows or prepare to put on that big winter coat again think about what is lying in wait under the surface of the soil. As winter slowly fades to spring our weary souls can rejoice at what is to come whether it be in the ground already or needs to be planted this summer.

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Backyard Paradise

Wednesday, March 7th, 2012

Fire PitSpring

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Imagine sitting around the fire on a wonderful spring evening enjoying the company of family and friends. Fire, like water, attracts all of us like bees to a hive. Often the combination changes a home from ordinary to being the “go to” house. The neighbors and their kids will always want to be over reminiscing of fun times and creating new memories. The best part is always knowing where your own children are. They are at home!

A proper firepit installation is designed according to the grade and space available. The fire pit and the patio around it can be made using natural stone, bricks, or dimensional cut stone. A wall can also be built around the pit to be used as a seating area or a place to set your beverage or snack. Often our clients choose to have a gas line installed for a simple key start for the fire. No more singed eyebrows and empty cans of gasoline.

Be sure to have ample snacks and drinks on hand and you will be sure to have plenty of guests for years to come. The draw of an outdoor oasis is enormous. The kids will enjoy being home more and even when they are rambunctious teens they will be right outside safe and sound.

Family, friends, and fire. What a joy!

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