Enhance Your Garden With Landscape Rocks
Landscaping rocks come in all shapes, sizes and colors and are a great “new” idea to allow your personality to show through in the design of your garden. Whilst rocks have been used for landscaping for many years, their use has been reinvented in particular with river rocks. You may choose to use natural rocks or artificial rocks in that “perfect” shape, but where can you find them?
Where to Find Landscape Rocks
If you live in an area that has rocks occurring naturally, you may well find just what you need and save yourself a great deal of expense. If you are not so lucky, there are plenty of garden stores or landscaping companies that will have just what you are looking for. You can even go online and search for artificial rocks that can be personalized to suit your needs. But wherever you purchase your rocks, you should consider the following things.
What You Need to Know When Buying Landscaping Rock
What job will the rock have to do? Some rocks are not suitable for certain jobs, so do your homework to make sure that you choose the right type of rock. This applies if you are doing the work yourself or if you are getting a professional landscaper.
Landscaping Rock Garden Ideas
Landscape rocks can be used in a number of ways for different areas in your garden design. They can be used to construct walls, paths, decorative columns, the foundations for other structures and as focal points. There is a rock to suit just about any role in your garden.
Rocks used as accents or focal points will give your garden design a great deal of character and will add dimension to the garden. Accent rocks can be used as a border around garden beds, a swimming pool or a pond.
Using rocks to construct a retaining wall will give the dual benefits of providing strength to a structure as well as a beautiful appearance. A “rock garden”, with small plantings nestled between the rocks will provide an original and naturalistic look to your garden. By far the style now is the use of river rocks in landscaping.
Tips for River Rock Landscaping
River rocks can be used to create stepping stones, construct a retaining wall or just to add interest to certain areas of your garden or to your backyard landscaping design. They can even be used as weed suppression in your flower beds. Water is not necessary with river rocks to create the desired effect.
For people with small children, water can be a safety concern, so using river rock to create a dry river bed bordered by ornamental grasses and flowers is an effective alternative. Blue and greens in the grasses add interest in the form of color.
Whatever you decide regarding your landscape design, you will be able to find a landscaping rock to fit your needs.
How to Landscape a Model Railroad
One of the more fun aspects of model railroading is planning and executing the scenery and landscaping that your track and engines will meander through ” for some it is almost like playing God in that you can decide and create on any scene you desire.
From fanciful hobbit themes, alien worlds or realistic recreations there is nothing that you cannot create and display, all it takes is a plan, some materials, a little skill and some time.
First and foremost you need a plan or at least a concept.
- Do you want to duplicate an existing landscape? - Do you want a faithful historical recreation of a place now lost in time? - Are you more inclined to creating a never-before seen or unlikely scenario to wow the masses?
Making a choice on one theme for your layout and staying true to that theme is perhaps the most important keys to success. If you change your methods and style in the middle of your landscape the result will be inconsistencies that will detract from the overall impression you are trying to form.
Ideally those you invite to view your work will see a delightful scene and the harder they look the more detail enforcing that scene they will find. Nothing is more enjoyable then hearing those delighted squeals as a viewer notices ever more subtle details as they come closer and closer and the key to that is consistency.
Once you have a plan for the theme you need to decide on track placement and terrain. Many modelers create the terrain and then try to force the track to follow through that, just as occurs in real life ” but one of the advantages of modeling vs. real life is that you can consider all aspects and requirements up front. If you know you will have a bend or a switch at certain points why design rough terrain that you will then try to overcome with ‘grading’ in your models at those points?
Next you should collect your materials ” some items you can find around the house, others you may wish to purchase from dealers such as www.oakridgehobbies.com and www.jttmicroscale.com or your local hobby shop but always stay true to your plan. Just because you find an amazing little miniature you long to use doesn’t mean it belongs in this model! Common materials you will need include:
1. Tables or Stands 2. Plywood (preferably outdoor grade) for base if using stands 3. Glues 4. Twigs, ‘dirt’ gravel, crushed or powdered stones, herbs etc. for plants and groundcover 5. Paints of various kinds for touch-up, covering the base and backgrounds etc. 6. Poster board, wax paper, aluminum foil, tissues etc. for texturing and shaping 7. Styrofoam blocks and sheets for shaping
Optional items you may wish to use include:
8. Plaster of Paris and / or fiberglass 9. Talcum powder, pepper and salt, cayenne pepper ” for texturing and colorants 10. Corkboard and cork ‘paper’ 11. Roof repair tar (for road surfaces etc.) 12. Paintable caulks and adhesives for securing items in place
What to Look For In Professional Landscaping Services
Because there is a great deal of time and effort placed into the landscaping of your garden, it is wise to ensure that the job is done correctly. If you feel that you do not possess the necessary skills or knowledge to do the job, you should consider seeking professional help. Here are a few things to consider when you are choosing a landscaping professional.
How do you want your landscape to look?
Some people opt to go with whatever design the landscaper envisages and whilst this may be acceptable for some of us, for others it is important that our garden reflects at least some of our personality traits and ideas. Therefore, do your homework before you contact a company. Make a note of precisely what you are wanting in your garden. Include things such as pools, trees, vines, decking, paths and the color scheme. Make sure that the landscape company is aware of your wishes and be guided as to the feasibility of your concept. You should also set yourself a budget and communicate that to the landscaper as well.
Research Your Options
Obviously, you will first have to locate prospective landscapers. You may decide to go online to do this or use a company directory to get contact numbers. A smart thing to do is some local research - check out any projects that are happening around your home and make enquiries. Not only will you obtain contact numbers; you will also be able to ask about the quality of workmanship.
Meet Company Representatives
Organizing a meeting with the representatives of a number of companies will help you to establish if the company has the knowledge and experience necessary to complete the job to your satisfaction. Talk through your ideas with the representative and take note of their comments. It is also a good idea to meet with the person who is actually going to complete the project as its success will depend a great deal on how you relate. If you feel that either the representative or the worker is rude or arrogant or you don’t feel comfortable working with them, move on to the next company.
Check for Identifications, Certifications and Licenses
Make sure that the company that you choose is a legitimate business concern by checking for their federal identification number. You should also make sure that they have valid up to date insurance cover and a sales tax license. Check the company representative’s credentials as well as the credentials of the person completing the project. Relevant experience also counts. Most companies with an operating license should have fully qualified staff.
Inquire about the time the company has been in existence
The number of years that a company has been operating is not necessarily vital in the decision making process, but the longer a company has been operating is an indication of their success and their understanding of the local conditions. As such, these longer standing companies will have an advantage over the newer ones.
Check out some ongoing and completed projects
It is quite acceptable to ask to view ongoing or completed projects. Arrange for a convenient time to visit a site and take a look. If you can, ask the owner about the work and gauge their level of satisfaction. The advantage of visiting projects that are still in progress is that you are able to watch the crew at work and assess for yourself the quality of the work.
If it is not convenient for you to visit the actual site, you can request photos to view as well as customer references. Contact the customers and ask what they thought of the service given to them.
Inquire about ongoing maintenance
Most landscape designs require regular to keep them looking good, so it is vital that you ask about any services that the company may offer in this regard. Check to see if they offer a mowing service, weed removal, pest control fertilizing etc and the prices for these services.
Some other issues to find information about
There are a few questions that you should remember to ask the company:
* How do you evaluate the condition of the soil and what measures do you take to improve the soil fertility?
* What fertilizers do you use?
* How important is water management to your company? What will you do to minimize the consumption of water on this project?
* What preventative methods do you use regarding pest control?
* What insurance do you have regarding accident or damage? How do you cover accidental damage?
When you have made the decision and “gone firm” on a particular company, ensure that you have a detailed contract or plan even if work involves only a small backyard that includes the following:
* the proposed design (e.g. tropical landscaping design, water front, etc)
* a list of the plants and other materials to be used
* payment options
* duration of work
* maintenance
* guarantees and liability issues
* start and finish dates
* the total cost
The contract should contain every important aspect of the plan and should be properly signed. Check the “fine print” and confirm any possible issues you may have with the landscaper before you accept the offer.
Say Goodbye to Landscaping Problems
Whilst landscaping can give many benefits to the homeowner, there are a few basic problems that we have to deal with. The following article will list some of these problems and suggest a solution to them.
Dealing with Pests
The unwelcome insects and animals that come uninvited into our gardens can, if not dealt with, lead to significant damage. They can also create problems for humans and our pets through the spread of infection. One solution is to use pest proof products, repellants or traps, but these can have a negative impact on the environment as well if they are not carefully used.
To avoid this, it is wise to consider alternatives. Talk to other people in your area about their methods of pest control - this may include pest controllers, who wil be able to advise you on the safe use of chemicals.
Dealing with Irrigation
The correct use of water is a significant issue and if you are installing an irrigation system it must be done properly. Too little or too much water can kill a plant or retard its growth and in some cases can spread disease through pathogens living in the water that has pooled.
The best option for do it yourself gardeners is the drip system. It should be checked on a regular basis to ensure that there are no unwanted leaks or blockages.
Dealing with Climatic Changes
If you choose the wrong types of plants for the climate in your area, you are doomed to fail. There are some plants that do not cope well with too much snow, rain, cold or heat.
To avoid this problem, your landscape should be created in “layers” - taller plantings at the back, then a middle level and short level. This will reduce damage to the more sensitive plants from wind. If you have extreme weather conditions, it is best to choose plants that are native to the area and are adaptable to the climate.
Dealing with Maintenance
It is vital that regular maintenance be carried out to keep the landscape looking good. This can be a rather arduous task, especially if there are changes in climate or if the area is a large one and the plants are spaced out.
If you want to avoid this, once again choose native plants as they will generally require lower levels of maintenance. Smaller gardens with less “busy” designs will be easier to look after. Choose less variety in plantings to lower the workload.
Dealing with Plant Diseases
Diseases and pests are common in gardens. Many plants are susceptible to disease or pest attack, for example, thrips or black spot on roses. Trying to control disease can be difficult once it takes hold, so it is best to employ preventative measures.
In the first instance, ensure that the plants you choose are healthy and keep a watchful eye on them for the first few months. Any diseased parts of the plant should be removed as soon as they are found. You can apply an organic pesticide to prevent pest attack.
Dealing with Drainage
Drainage is not something that we give much thought to, but it is important. Without proper drainage, erosion, leaks and boggy areas can form. These boggy areas can in turn create an ideal environment for algae, fungi and mosquitoes, ruining all your efforts.
Make sure that you include drainage in the initial plans and if you do not feel confident about dealing with the drainage yourself, consult an expert.
Dealing with Weeds
Weeds are just unwanted plants in all gardens and landscapes and are something we all have to cope with. If you grow anywhere and if let them take control, they will ruin the look even of your hillside landscaping designs and all your hard work will have gone to waste.
Mulching the garden is a great weed suppressant and you can use weedicides or herbicides as well, taking care to avoid contact with the plants you want to keep.
Dealing with Hazardous Chemicals
There may be times when a landscaper has to use hazardous chemicals in the garden and they must ensure that they follow the precautions on the labels to avoid serious health problems. Some of these chemicals are known to cause cancer, nerve damage or birth defects when they are not used properly.
One solution to this problem is to avoid using the more hazardous chemicals and wherever possible using organic alternatives.