When it comes to choosing a Charlotte landscaping professional, you need to consider a few factors. First and foremost is your budget. Landscaping projects can have varying costs, all of which are dependent on size, time, and the professional you choose. Planning things out ahead of time can go a long way in successfully completing your landscaping project.
When it comes to budgeting for your project, you need to consider the size of your area, as well as the work to be performed. Installing a Charlotte water feature is not the same as installing a Charlotte patio or Charlotte hardscapes. Doing some research on the range of costs for various services can help you to plan how much you will need to spend to get the landscaping you desire.
Second, you need to set a timeline for the work to be completed. Once again, certain jobs will take longer to perform, and will be much more labor intensive. When choosing a Charlotte landscaping company, it is important to find one that will have the time to devote to your project. In addition, consider the time of year the work will be performed in. The cooler months typically give professionals more time for your project.
Finally, decide on a Charlotte landscaping professional that can back up his work with experience. Some landscapers do not have the knowledge to professionally give you the results you want, so find a landscaper that can show you examples of his work. By following these guidelines, you should have no trouble hiring a Charlotte landscaping expert to perform your work.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
Protect Your Landscaping Investment
All too often, people who have Charlotte landscaping work done do not take the extra time or spend the extra money to protect their landscaping investment. Typically, someone will have a professional who specializes in landscaping in Charlotte come out to their home or place of business, perform some landscaping work, and then they never worry about it again; well, until it is too late.
The fact is, no matter what landscaping work you have done, you should have a long term plan in place to protect your investment. From the installation, management, and maintenance of water features, to irrigation systems and landscape lighting, it is important to hire a Charlotte landscaping professional to come back on a regular basis to perform checkups on your landscaping. By doing so, you can extend the life of any landscaping features on your property.
Another benefit to having a professional who works with landscaping in Charlotte perform routine maintenance is to keep costs down. By allowing your landscaping features to fall by the wayside, you are only increasing your future costs as these systems break down. By hiring a Charlotte landscaping professional to install your landscaping features, you know that the job will be done right the first time, and by having them check your systems on a regular basis, you can add beauty and value to your home or business.
The fact is, no matter what landscaping work you have done, you should have a long term plan in place to protect your investment. From the installation, management, and maintenance of water features, to irrigation systems and landscape lighting, it is important to hire a Charlotte landscaping professional to come back on a regular basis to perform checkups on your landscaping. By doing so, you can extend the life of any landscaping features on your property.
Another benefit to having a professional who works with landscaping in Charlotte perform routine maintenance is to keep costs down. By allowing your landscaping features to fall by the wayside, you are only increasing your future costs as these systems break down. By hiring a Charlotte landscaping professional to install your landscaping features, you know that the job will be done right the first time, and by having them check your systems on a regular basis, you can add beauty and value to your home or business.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Edible Vegetable Flowers
Did you know that broccoli, cauliflower, and artichokes are all flowers? Also the spice saffron is the stamen from the crocus flower? Capers are unopened flower buds to a bush native in the Mediterranean and Asian nations. The general rule is that the flowers of most vegetables and herbs are safe to eat. Always check first, because as with anything in life, there will always be exceptions. If you have any questions regarding vegetable flowers, you may want to contact a Charlotte landscaping professional to assist you.NOTE: Avoid - the flowers of tomato, potato, eggplant, peppers and asparagus.
Arugula (Eruca vesicaria) - Also called garden rocket, roquette, rocket-salad, Oruga, Rocketsalad, rocket-gentle; Raukenkohl (German); rouquelle (French); rucola (Italian). An Italian green usually appreciated raw in salads or on sandwiches. The flowers are small, white with dark centers and can be used in the salad for a light piquant flavor. The flowers taste very similar to the leaves and range in color from white to yellowish with dark purple veins. Arugula resembles radish leaves in both appearance and taste. Leaves are compound and have a spicy, peppery flavor that starts mild in young leaves and intensifies as they mature.
Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) - The artichoke is considered a flower in which the leaves of the flower are eaten and the choke or thistle part is discarded.
Broccoli Florets (Brassica oleracea) - The top portion of broccoli is actually flower buds. As the flower buds mature, each will open into a bright yellow flower, which is why they are called florets. Small yellow flowers have a mild spiciness (mild broccoli flavor), and are delicious in salads or in a stir-fry or steamer.
Corn Shoots (Zea mays) - Corn shoots may be eaten when they resemble large blades of grass with a strong sweet corn flavor, which could be used as a garnish for a corn chowder. The whole baby corn in husk may also be eaten, silk and all.
Mustard (Brassica species) - Young leaves can be steamed, used as a herb, eaten raw, or cooked like spinach. NOTE: Some people are highly allergic to mustard. Start with a small amount. Eating in large amounts may cause red skin blotches
Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) - Also known as Ochro, Okoro, Quimgombo, Quingumbo, Ladies Fingers and Gumbo. It has hibiscus-like flowers and seed pods that, when picked tender, produce a delicious vegetable dish when stewed or fried. When cooked it resembles asparagus yet it may be left raw and served in a cold salad. The ripe seeds have been used as a substitute for coffee; the seed can be dried and powdered for storage and future use.
Pac Choy (Brassica chinensis) - A sister of the Broccoli plant.
Pea Blossoms (Pisum species) - Edible garden peas bloom mostly in white, but may have other pale coloring. The blossoms are slightly sweet and crunchy and they taste like peas. The shoots and vine tendrils are edible, with a delicate, pea-like flavor. Here again, remember that harvesting blooms will diminish your pea harvest, so you may want to plant extra. NOTE: Flowering ornamental sweet peas are poisonous - do not eat.
Radish Flowers (Raphanus sativus) - Depending on the variety, flowers may be pink, white or yellow, and will have a distinctive, spicy bite (has a radish flavor). Best used in salads. The Radish shoots with their bright red or white tender stalks are very tasty and are great sautéed or in salads.
A Charlotte landscaping company can give you more ideas on planting vegetable flowers.
source: What's Cooking America
Edible Herb Flowers
Planting herb flowers in your yard is a great way to have plants that are not only beautiful to look at, but also functional. A Charlotte landscaping company can help you to choose just the right herb flowers for your yard, and your palette. Most herb flowers are just as tasty as the foliage and very attractive when used in your salads. Add some petals to any dish you were already going to flavor with the herb.
Alliums (leeks, chives, garlic, garlic chives) - Known as the "Flowering Onions." There are approximately four hundred species that includes the familiar onion, garlic, chives, ramps, and shallots. All members of this genus are edible. Their flavors range from mild onions and leeks right through to strong onion and garlic. All parts of the plants are edible. The flowers tend to have a stronger flavor than the leaves and the young developing seed-heads are even stronger. We eat the leaves and flowers mainly in salads. The leaves can also be cooked as a flavoring with other vegetables in soups, etc.
Chive Blossoms (Allium schoenoprasum) - Use whenever a light onion flavor and aroma is desired. Separate the florets and enjoy the mild, onion flavor in a variety of dishes.
Garlic Blossoms (Allium sativum) - The flowers can be white or pink, and the stems are flat instead of round. The flavor has a garlicky zing that brings out the flavor of your favorite food. Milder than the garlic bulb. Wonderful in salads.
Angelica (Angelica archangelica) - Depending on the variety, flower range from pale lavender-blue to deep rose. It has a flavor similar to licorice. Angelica is valued culinary from the seeds and stems, which are candied and used in liqueurs, to the young leaves and shoots, which can be added to a green salad. Because of its celery-like flavor, Angelica has a natural affinity with fish. The leaves have a stronger, clean taste and make a interesting addition to salads. In its native northern Europe, even the mature leaves are used, particularly by the Laplanders, as a natural fish preservative. Many people in the cold Northern regions such as Greenland, Siberia, and Finland consider Angelica a vegetable, and eat the stems raw, sometimes spread with butter. Young leaves can be made into a tea.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) - The white variety of ginger is very fragrant and has a gingery taste on the tongue. Petals may be eaten raw or you can cook the tender young shoots.
Jasmine (jasmine officinale) - The flowers are intensely fragrant and are traditionally used for scenting tea. True Jasmine has oval, shiny leaves and tubular, waxy-white flowers. NOTE: The false Jasmine is in a completely different genus, "Gelsemium", and family, "Loganiaceae", is considered too poisonous for human consumption. This flower has a number of common names including yellow jessamine or jasmine, Carolina jasmine or jessamine, evening trumpetflower, gelsemium, and woodbine.
There are many more herb flowers to consider for your yard, so contact a Charlotte landscaping expert to discuss your options.
source: What's Cooking America
Alliums (leeks, chives, garlic, garlic chives) - Known as the "Flowering Onions." There are approximately four hundred species that includes the familiar onion, garlic, chives, ramps, and shallots. All members of this genus are edible. Their flavors range from mild onions and leeks right through to strong onion and garlic. All parts of the plants are edible. The flowers tend to have a stronger flavor than the leaves and the young developing seed-heads are even stronger. We eat the leaves and flowers mainly in salads. The leaves can also be cooked as a flavoring with other vegetables in soups, etc.
Chive Blossoms (Allium schoenoprasum) - Use whenever a light onion flavor and aroma is desired. Separate the florets and enjoy the mild, onion flavor in a variety of dishes.
Garlic Blossoms (Allium sativum) - The flowers can be white or pink, and the stems are flat instead of round. The flavor has a garlicky zing that brings out the flavor of your favorite food. Milder than the garlic bulb. Wonderful in salads.
Angelica (Angelica archangelica) - Depending on the variety, flower range from pale lavender-blue to deep rose. It has a flavor similar to licorice. Angelica is valued culinary from the seeds and stems, which are candied and used in liqueurs, to the young leaves and shoots, which can be added to a green salad. Because of its celery-like flavor, Angelica has a natural affinity with fish. The leaves have a stronger, clean taste and make a interesting addition to salads. In its native northern Europe, even the mature leaves are used, particularly by the Laplanders, as a natural fish preservative. Many people in the cold Northern regions such as Greenland, Siberia, and Finland consider Angelica a vegetable, and eat the stems raw, sometimes spread with butter. Young leaves can be made into a tea.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) - The white variety of ginger is very fragrant and has a gingery taste on the tongue. Petals may be eaten raw or you can cook the tender young shoots.
Jasmine (jasmine officinale) - The flowers are intensely fragrant and are traditionally used for scenting tea. True Jasmine has oval, shiny leaves and tubular, waxy-white flowers. NOTE: The false Jasmine is in a completely different genus, "Gelsemium", and family, "Loganiaceae", is considered too poisonous for human consumption. This flower has a number of common names including yellow jessamine or jasmine, Carolina jasmine or jessamine, evening trumpetflower, gelsemium, and woodbine.
There are many more herb flowers to consider for your yard, so contact a Charlotte landscaping expert to discuss your options.
source: What's Cooking America
Edible Fruit Flowers
Edible fruit flowers can make a beautiful and functional addition to your yard. Most fruit trees are usually sprayed just before and during the bloom. If you are using you own flowers that have not sprayed, use only the pedals, not the pistils or stamen. You might want to have a Charlotte landscaping company visit your home and help you with planting and maintaining your fruit flowers.
Apple Blossoms (Malus species) - Apple Blossoms have a delicate floral flavor and aroma. They are a nice accompaniment to fruit dishes and can easily be candied to use as a garnish. NOTE: Eat in moderation as the flowers may contain cyanide precursors. The seeds of the apple fruit and their wild relations are poisonous
Banana Blossoms (Musa paradisiaca) - Also know as Banana Hearts. The flowers are a purple-maroon torpedo shaped growth appears out of the top of usually the largest of the trunks. Banana blossoms are used in Southeast Asian cuisines. The blossoms can be cooked or eaten raw. The tough covering is usually removed until you get to the almost white tender parts of the blossom. It should be sliced and let it sit in water until most of the sap are gone. If you eat it raw, make sure the blossom comes from a variety that isn't bitter. Most of the Southeast Asian varieties aren't bitter.
Citrus Blossoms (orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, kumquat) - Use highly scented waxy petals sparingly. Distilled orange flower water is characteristic of Middle Eastern pastries and beverages. Citrus flavor and lemony.
Elderberry Blossoms (Sambucus spp) - The blossoms are a creamy color and have a sweet scent and sweet taste. When harvesting elderberry flowers, do not wash them as that removes much of the fragrance and flavor. Instead check them carefully for insects. The fruit is used to make wine. The flowers, leaves, berries, bark and roots have all been used in traditional folk medicine for centuries. NOTE: All other parts of this plant, except the berries, are mildly toxic! They contain a bitter alkaloid and glycoside that may change into cyanide. The cooked ripe berries of the edible elders are harmless. Eating uncooked berries may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
To find out more information on functional fruit flowers for your yard, contact a Charlotte landscaping company today!
source: What's Cooking America
Apple Blossoms (Malus species) - Apple Blossoms have a delicate floral flavor and aroma. They are a nice accompaniment to fruit dishes and can easily be candied to use as a garnish. NOTE: Eat in moderation as the flowers may contain cyanide precursors. The seeds of the apple fruit and their wild relations are poisonous
Banana Blossoms (Musa paradisiaca) - Also know as Banana Hearts. The flowers are a purple-maroon torpedo shaped growth appears out of the top of usually the largest of the trunks. Banana blossoms are used in Southeast Asian cuisines. The blossoms can be cooked or eaten raw. The tough covering is usually removed until you get to the almost white tender parts of the blossom. It should be sliced and let it sit in water until most of the sap are gone. If you eat it raw, make sure the blossom comes from a variety that isn't bitter. Most of the Southeast Asian varieties aren't bitter.
Citrus Blossoms (orange, lemon, lime, grapefruit, kumquat) - Use highly scented waxy petals sparingly. Distilled orange flower water is characteristic of Middle Eastern pastries and beverages. Citrus flavor and lemony.
Elderberry Blossoms (Sambucus spp) - The blossoms are a creamy color and have a sweet scent and sweet taste. When harvesting elderberry flowers, do not wash them as that removes much of the fragrance and flavor. Instead check them carefully for insects. The fruit is used to make wine. The flowers, leaves, berries, bark and roots have all been used in traditional folk medicine for centuries. NOTE: All other parts of this plant, except the berries, are mildly toxic! They contain a bitter alkaloid and glycoside that may change into cyanide. The cooked ripe berries of the edible elders are harmless. Eating uncooked berries may cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
To find out more information on functional fruit flowers for your yard, contact a Charlotte landscaping company today!
source: What's Cooking America
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Using Warm Season Grass in the Cooler Months
When it comes to choosing grass, it is important to recognize the seasonal aspect of your choice. While many people choose to go with traditional fescue grass, this can actually lead to more maintenance, as well as more cost, down the road. Instead, you may want to consider grasses like bermuda, centipede, and zosia. These grasses are typically warm season grasses, and they will often require less care along the way. To see more examples of warm season grasses, contact a Charlotte landscaping expert. A Charlotte landscaping expert can offer you advice on choosing a warm season grass, while being able to offer you affordable installation options.
The reason many people choose fescue grass, which is a cooler season grass, is because it gives the lush green color that many people are used to. When thinking about a healthy lawn, often, people have the image of fescue in their minds. However, using warm season grasses can actually give the same results, if not better, all while offering a lower cost or ownership. When properly cared for by a Charlotte landscaping company, your grass can remain thick, green, and beautiful, all year round.
In addition, North and South Carolina are in a unique environment, in that they are both situated in a climate that does not suffer from extreme high or low temperatures. As a result, using warm season grasses makes even more sense for residents in the area, as North and South Carolina can support warm season grasses all year long. If you are in the Carolinas, and would like to investigate alternatives to fescue and other cold season grasses and turf, consider contacting a Charlotte area landscaping company today. They will be able to give you a free quote on installation, all while educating you on the cost savings associated with warm season grasses.
The reason many people choose fescue grass, which is a cooler season grass, is because it gives the lush green color that many people are used to. When thinking about a healthy lawn, often, people have the image of fescue in their minds. However, using warm season grasses can actually give the same results, if not better, all while offering a lower cost or ownership. When properly cared for by a Charlotte landscaping company, your grass can remain thick, green, and beautiful, all year round.
In addition, North and South Carolina are in a unique environment, in that they are both situated in a climate that does not suffer from extreme high or low temperatures. As a result, using warm season grasses makes even more sense for residents in the area, as North and South Carolina can support warm season grasses all year long. If you are in the Carolinas, and would like to investigate alternatives to fescue and other cold season grasses and turf, consider contacting a Charlotte area landscaping company today. They will be able to give you a free quote on installation, all while educating you on the cost savings associated with warm season grasses.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Are Hardscapes Right For You?
The term hardscapes encompasses a set of landscaping features that are meant to add beauty to your home, as well as serve a functional purpose. Everything from water features, such as fountains and waterfalls, to paved outdoor areas are covered under hardscapes, and many people are installing these wonderful home improvements in the Charlotte area to add value to their home. If you have considered having hardscape features installed, now is a great time to call a Charlotte hardscapes expert who can discuss your options with you.
Hardscapes are a great way to join together the beauty of an outdoor setting with the functionality of an indoor living space. For instance, you may want to install an outdoor patio and fireplace to use on cool Fall nights. Imagine the wonderful times you could be having with friends and family as you all gather around your beautiful brick fireplace, all sharing stories and laughing. Or, as mentioned, imagine having an ornate waterfall installed in your backyard, allowing you to sit nearby and relax in the Summer as the refreshing waters soothe you.
Hardscapes are also a great way to maximize your property's space. By installing hardscape features in your yard, you are eliminating the amount of lawn care maintenance required each year, all while enjoying the benefits of beautiful hardscape installations. Hardscape features allow you to show off your personality, and with virtually unlimited possibilities in design and materials to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect feature for your home and your lifestyle. To get started, consider contacting a Charlotte hardscapes professional today to learn about all of the exciting options available to you.
When installing hardscapes, it is important to understand the structural integrity issues involved. Improperly installing a retaining wall, for instance, could have devastating consequences. Furthermore, such damage may not be covered by your insurance policy. For this reason, it is always best to have a Charlotte hardscapes professional perform any work on your property, as well as have them return for routine service inspections.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Why Trim a Tree?
There are many reasons to trim a tree, but the 3 most common are for safety, health of the tree, and aesthetics. You can attempt to do the tree trimming yourself, or you may consider hiring a Charlotte landscaping professional to do it for you. A Charlotte landscaping professional has the tools and expertise to ensure that the trimming is done safely, all while preserving the health and integrity of the tree.
Trimming a tree for safety is always a good idea if the tree has branches that are looming over a structure. Furthermore, branches that hang over driveways or an area where people congregate are a safety hazard and need to be trimmed. Also, branches that block line of sight in places like driveways or into yards could be a safety hazard. Broken or damaged limbs could also become a safety hazard during severe weather.
Tree trimming for health is usually done when a tree has a pest infestation, or when certain areas of the tree need more air flow or sunlight. Also, removing broken or damaged limbs can assist in healing wounds on the tree. Pruning limbs also promotes stronger structural integrity.
Finally, trimming trees for aesthetic purposes can be done for a variety of reasons. Landscaping in general can be used to make your yard more appealing to the eye. Trees that have twisted or gnarled branches can be unsightly, so trimming these trees is a great way to bring a sense of form and flow to your property. Some trees may have broken limbs that take away from the natural beauty of the rest of the tree, and these would be removed to bring a sense of balance.
Trimming trees can be dangerous, so it is a good idea to consult with a Charlotte landscaping professional before undertaking any tree trimming. Injuries could result from anything from falling off a ladder to having branches fall on you. A Charlotte landscaping professional has the experience to trim your trees safely and efficiently. A Charlotte landscaping professional also understands the care that is involved in trimming a tree, meaning there is a lower risk of damage to the structural integrity of the tree and its core.
Trimming a tree for safety is always a good idea if the tree has branches that are looming over a structure. Furthermore, branches that hang over driveways or an area where people congregate are a safety hazard and need to be trimmed. Also, branches that block line of sight in places like driveways or into yards could be a safety hazard. Broken or damaged limbs could also become a safety hazard during severe weather.
Tree trimming for health is usually done when a tree has a pest infestation, or when certain areas of the tree need more air flow or sunlight. Also, removing broken or damaged limbs can assist in healing wounds on the tree. Pruning limbs also promotes stronger structural integrity.
Finally, trimming trees for aesthetic purposes can be done for a variety of reasons. Landscaping in general can be used to make your yard more appealing to the eye. Trees that have twisted or gnarled branches can be unsightly, so trimming these trees is a great way to bring a sense of form and flow to your property. Some trees may have broken limbs that take away from the natural beauty of the rest of the tree, and these would be removed to bring a sense of balance.
Trimming trees can be dangerous, so it is a good idea to consult with a Charlotte landscaping professional before undertaking any tree trimming. Injuries could result from anything from falling off a ladder to having branches fall on you. A Charlotte landscaping professional has the experience to trim your trees safely and efficiently. A Charlotte landscaping professional also understands the care that is involved in trimming a tree, meaning there is a lower risk of damage to the structural integrity of the tree and its core.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Tips for Landscaping Design
If you are tired of looking out of your windows and seeing the same old drab, featureless lawn, it may be time to consider consulting with a Charlotte landscaping professional. There are many beautiful options when it comes to landscaping your home or place of business, and each one can serve to enhance the appearance and functionality of your space.
One of the first things you need to think about is what type of design you are aiming for. Having a free consultation with a Charlotte landscaping expert means you can see all of the many different choices available when it comes to design. A professional can offer you tips on which materials to choose, as well as advice on placement of landscaping features. The ultimate goal is to maximize your green space, all while keeping it functional.
If you are budget conscious, you may want to consider buying in phases. Having a little bit done at a time can give you the results you want while saving you money. A Charlotte landscaping professional can help you to choose the best options for now, and then can offer you more down the road when you are ready. You may also want to consider having work done in the off season. Many people want to have landscaping done during the Summer months, but having the work done during the Fall and Winter may lead to lower prices, as well as greater availability.
Finally, realize that landscaping is a large investment. You may be tempted to skimp on materials and hardware, as well as on labor. Many people try to install landscaping features themselves, only to run into bigger problems later. From crumbling infrastructure in your yard, to botched irrigation installations, skimping on your landscaping may be a bad idea. It is recommended to use only the best quality, longest lasting materials for any landscaping job, as these will serve you better down the road. Furthermore, having a Charlotte landscaping professional come out and inspect the property, complete any landscaping work, as well as return for regular service visits, ensures that your landscaping will remain in beautiful and functioning order for many years to come.
One of the first things you need to think about is what type of design you are aiming for. Having a free consultation with a Charlotte landscaping expert means you can see all of the many different choices available when it comes to design. A professional can offer you tips on which materials to choose, as well as advice on placement of landscaping features. The ultimate goal is to maximize your green space, all while keeping it functional.
If you are budget conscious, you may want to consider buying in phases. Having a little bit done at a time can give you the results you want while saving you money. A Charlotte landscaping professional can help you to choose the best options for now, and then can offer you more down the road when you are ready. You may also want to consider having work done in the off season. Many people want to have landscaping done during the Summer months, but having the work done during the Fall and Winter may lead to lower prices, as well as greater availability.
Finally, realize that landscaping is a large investment. You may be tempted to skimp on materials and hardware, as well as on labor. Many people try to install landscaping features themselves, only to run into bigger problems later. From crumbling infrastructure in your yard, to botched irrigation installations, skimping on your landscaping may be a bad idea. It is recommended to use only the best quality, longest lasting materials for any landscaping job, as these will serve you better down the road. Furthermore, having a Charlotte landscaping professional come out and inspect the property, complete any landscaping work, as well as return for regular service visits, ensures that your landscaping will remain in beautiful and functioning order for many years to come.
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