Winter Frost Warning

All Phoenix customers, there is a frost warning tonight November 29, 2010. Do not forget to cover all of your tropical type, cold sensitive plants or bring them in under your patio. These include annuals, bougainvilleas, hibiscus, vegetables, etc.

Cactus in the Arizona Summer

The summer temps are rising and the plants are thirsty. But, did you know that cactus needs a little water in the summer? In years like this when the monsoon season doesn't bring much rain our cactus needs a little help. Water your cactus plants deeply about once a month to keep them from getting dehydrated. Be careful to not overwater them but give them a monthly dring and they will love you for it.

Install a Patio Misting System

It is HOT out there Arizona. Wouldn't it be nice to sit in your yard and enjoy the evenings by the pool with a Professionally Installed patio misting system? When properly installed, these patio mist systems can dramatically reduce the temperature in your back yard or anywhere you might need a system. Misting Systems can be installed around your Patio, Pool, Entertainment Areas, Greenhouses, RV, boat, trailer, golf cart, or anywhere you can imagine. Misting systems use very little water (less than half a gallon per hour for each nozzle) and are constructed and installed to last for years. Sure, you can go to a hardware store and pick up a do it yourself kit but you get what you pay for. The key is in the components used and the pump for a true fog effect.

By pressurizing water up to 1000 psi and forcing it through a specially designed mist system nozzle, billions of tiny water droplets can be created. Each droplet is smaller than the size of a grain of salt and are so light they actually suspend themselves in the air. If the water evaporates, it produces cooling up to 30 degrees Fahrenheit making it a very effective method of outdoor cooling. If the droplets are enclosed in an area such as a greenhouse, humidity levels up to 100% may be achieved. Because the droplets are so small, they have the ability to remove small particles from the air making fog systems a very effective method of dust and odor control. Misting Systems can be used within your landscape (mist-scaping) or a fog effect can be created in a pool water feature (Fog Deck). The key to the full effect is in the pump, high-quality materials, and regular maintenance.
Call for a free estimate on a professionally installed patio mist system 480-390-4477

Arizona Summer Planting Tips

Extreme temperatures during summer in the Arizona desert make it a challenge for gardeners. June through August are the most extreme months for heat. Your plants may start to yellow or look droopy. Do not add more water to planters if the leaves start to look droopy at the end of the day. Take a look at them in the morning and if they are still drooping, then it is time to increase your watering. Otherwise, the sun, heat and salt in the soil are causing the drooping leaves. You want to water deeply enough for the salt to wash away from the soil but too much water will cause root rot. To help the plants look their best and keep the ground cool and moist, try adding some mulch. Be careful to keep the mulch away from the stems of the plants as much as possible and water your plants in the evening or early morning during the summer.
Another great idea for your plants is to install a patio misting system or greenhouse misting system. Plants on the patio will love the moist air from your patio misting system and it will keep your patio 10-20 degrees cooler. Call Arizona Living Landscape for your next misting system. 480-390-4477
Try these ideas for color around your flower bed from Home Depot. Annuals for summer heat

Irrigation System Check-up

The heat has arrived in Phoenix AZ. With the hotter and drier weather it is time to check your irrigation system. Below is a checklist of items that need attention:

• Check for waterline breaks, leaky valves, broken drip emitters or broken sprinkler heads.


• Adjust the sprinklers to water the lawn and not the sidewalk, rock or driveway.


• Adjust the sprinkler/irrigation timer for proper watering times and frequency.


• Move the drip line emitters out to the drip line of the trees and shrubs as they grow.


• Check out the following website for guidelines: www.Wateruseitwisely.com/arizona

For a complete irrigation system check up and repair call an Arizona licensed landscape contractor at 480-390-4477.

Backflow Preventer & Your Irrigation System

What is a backflow preventer and why do I need it? Homes built in Arizona with a front yard landscape already installed, usually have a backflow preventer installed. If your house does not have one already in place, then you must have one in order to have an irrigation system.
The backflow preventer is designed to stop the back flow of water from your irrigation system to your house and the city or well water system. The valves in the sprinkler system will not do this alone, thus a backflow preventer is needed. Landscape irrigation water is considered a contaminant and can introduce chemicals to your house and your drinking water. In Arizona, you are required to have a backflow preventer on your irrigation system. If your landscaper says you do not need one then find a new landscaper. The valves will eventually leak or break and without a backflow preventer installed, all the contaminants in your yard and ground water will come into your house.
Call Arizona Living Landscape & Design in Arizona for full sprinkler system or irrigation system installation or repair. 480-390-4477
www.LandscapeArizona.com

Organic Gardening: Plants that repel insects for your garden

Are you planning your vegetable or flower garden for spring. You might want to consider planting various plants that will actually repel those pesky bugs. In turn, you can use less chemicals and make your yard safer. Here are a few plants to consider in your organic garden in Arizona.

Basil: repels flies, caterpillars and mosquitoes.
Bay: repels ants, caterpillars and moths.
Chives: repels aphids, borers, and crickets.
Garlic: repels aphids, crickets, and grasshoppers. This is a great plant to plant around your roses, fruit trees and in your vegetable garden.
Marigold: repels aphids, caterpillars, crickets, grasshoppers, nematodes, slugs, and whiteflies
Onions: repels ants, aphids, borers, moths, crickets, and grasshoppers.
Rosemary: deters many insects including moths, beetles, crickets, fleas, grasshoppers, and mosquitoes.
Sage: deters mice and repels circkets, moths, and grasshoppers.
Thyme: deters cabbage worms, flies, and whiteflies.

Call a licensed landscape contractor for organic gardening ideas.

Arizona Desert December Gardening Ideas

It is getting colder but you can still plant in the desert southwest.

1. It is time to plant bare root roses. Soak the roots in a bucket of water a few hours before planting. Dig a hole that is larger than the root, plant the roses and fill the hole with a mixture of organic material and soil.

2. The rains have also started so be ready for those weeds that are bound to start popping up as soon as we have a warm day. Pull them when they are small so they don't have time to spread. Also, spread pre-emergent down now to help keep the seeds from germinating. Remember, do not put down pre-emergent anywhere you plant to plant seeds.

3. It's time to plant deciduous fruit trees such as apples, apricots, peaches and plums. Look for the low-chill varieties adapted to the Arizona desert climate.

4. You can continue to sow winter vegetables such as carrots, radishes, turnips, beets and kale. Germination may be slower in the cooler soil.

5. It's time for oranges. Harvest your oranges, tangelo, and mandarins. Taste for sweetness before harvest. Go to the local farmers markets for some great local oranges.

6. It's not too late to get your back yard ready for the winter parties. Call Arizona Living Landscape & Design for a custom quote and free design. They can install a fire pit, built in BBQ, concrete patio, paver patio, sod, plants and much more. If you need a yard clean-up before the relatives come over, call them 480-390-4477.

Arizona Desert Fall Planting Guide

It's fall out there and the weather is finally starting to cool off some. As the southwest desert cools down we need to make some changes in our garden for a winter planting season. Below are some guidelines taken from Home Depot for fall:

1. Get the garden ready for fall crops by adding organic matter such as compost and digging it into the soil to a depth of 12–18 inches.

2. Start watering less often as temperatures begin to drop. Add a rain barrel to collect water from fall monsoons to use in the garden.

3. Evaluate your landscape and make a list of plants that add color, shade or other desired features. October is prime planting time in the desert.

4. Sow wildflower seeds. Buy a seed mixture or choose individual kinds that will thrive in desert conditions. Prepare the soil before planting by removing all weeds and grasses.

5. Prune trees and shrubs that get damaged during the fall monsoon season. Remove broken limbs, cutting them back to the next side branch so you don't leave an unsightly stub.

For all of your Arizona Landscaping needs call a licensed contractor. Arizona Living Landscape & Design 480-390-4477

Fall Plant Guides Arizona

In the fall there are several things to consider with your plants.

1. Ryegrass overseeding - done in late September through early November.
2. Fertilize your citrus trees. This is the final feeding of the year and will help improve the size of the fruit. Spread the fertilizer around the outer edge of the drip line and water immediately. It should soak 3 feed deep throught the tree's root zone.
3. Watch your Agave's. If they have been infested with the Snout Weevils this year, they will fall over in a rotten mess. If so, dig them up and dispose of them before the infection spreads.
4. Spread compost in your garden beds. It is time to spread around 4-6" of compost in your garden and mix it in the existing soil. Compost should be spread in your garden in fall and spring every year.
Call a Arizona licensed landscape contractor. 480-390-4477

Christmas Cactus Bloom Preparation

Time to think about your Christmas Cactus Blooms. Christmas Cacti (Schlumbergera russelliana) will start setting buds to flower in time for the holidays. Apply a phosphorus fertilizer in September to promote the bud development and water well. Each evening place the plant in total darkness for 12-14 hours until early October, if possible. Move the plant in bright light but not direct sun during the day. Water when the top inch of soil dries out. It may take 4-8 weeks to bud.

Fall Overseed of Bermuda Grass with Rye

It's that time of year again. Time to think about preparing your yard for fall over seeding with Rye grass. Bermuda Grass will stay green usually into November but as soon as the frost hits, Bermuda will go dormant until Spring. Many Arizonan's over seed their lawn with Winter Rye grass. Rye grass looks and feels very different from Bermuda Grass and will give your yard year round enjoyment, in addition to keeping the weeds at bay in your lawn. We usually over seed in early October.
1. If you plan to over seed this fall, the first thing to do is not fertilize your Bermuda Grass 4-6 weeks before over seeding. You do not want it to be actively growing when it is scalped.
2. Plan to over seed in late September through early November when night time temperatures are below 60 degrees.
3. Cut your watering schedule down by half a few weeks before overseeding.
4. Stop mowing your lawn one week before mowing.
5. The day of overseeding you will scalp your lawn to about 1/2" high and remove all clippings.
6. Spread the Rye seed according to package directions.
7. Cover seed with mulch, composted manure, or grass clipping to aid in moisture and keep the birds away.
8. Water 3-4 time daily for 5-10 min. until the seeds germinate in 5-7 days.

After the third or fourth week, you can gradually reduce your watering to every 3 to 7 days in Nov. and Dec. and every 14 days for the rest of the season, depending on rainfal, etc.

You may mow y our ryegrass after is has grown 2" tall but only mow to 1.5". Do not fertilize until after the first mowing.

For assistance on your fall ryegrass overseeding call a licensed landscape contractor. Arizona Living Landscapes operates in the east valley: Queen Creek, Mesa, Gilbert, and Chandler Arizona. 480-390-4477

Summer Gardening Tips August

Fertilize roses less often and moisten soil to a about 1 foot when watering during the extreme summer heat. Water in the morning to prevent disease so the leaves will be dry in the evening.

Mulch and water landscape plants that product ornamental berries in the fall. If you water properly no, you will have a full set of fruit by fall.

Prune your shrubby flowers such as Vinca to promote flower growth in the fall. Cut the stems back to just above where a side branch emerges from the stem. Water well and fertilize.

Walk across your lawn looking for dry areas. If you can see your foot for more then a few seconds then you need to water more. Check out our watering guide for Bermuda grass blog. http://azlandscape.blogspot.com/2008/06/watering-your-bermuda-grass-lawn.html

For Sprinkler Repairs or adjustments, call a licensed landscape contractor.

Custom Designed Metal Gates in Phoenix

What better way to complement your Custom Landscaped Yard with a Custom Gate or Fence.
At Thompson Metal Works, our goal is to not only help you design and build your custom gates and fences, but to make the process easy and enjoyable for you. We are a full-service design/build company with a wide range of experience. We can help you with many of your home needs from gates and fences to barn stall doors, and even small house hold items.

Our excellent reputation and long list of satisfied clients attest to our superior craftsmanship, attention to detail, clear communication, honesty and integrity.
Let's discuss your ideas! Your free consultation is just a phone call away. Give us a call today: 480-677-5206

Pressure Washing Services in Arizona

Looking for a pressure washing company to come out and clean your motor home, park model, RV, driveway, house or any other surface, call Sundown Pressure Washing. 480-296-6733. They are located in the Phoenix east valley and use state of the art high-tech equipment. Their chemicals are biodegradable and environmentally safe. When cleaning your house or RV, they will remove the screens and leave it with a spot free shine. Check them out at SunDownPressureWashing.com
You won't be disappointed.

Planning your Flower Garden

Things to consider when planning your flower garden include light, plant height, water needs and bloom time.
Height: plant the taller plants in the back against the wall. If the planter can be seen from both sides, plant the taller plants in the middle and smaller ones on the outsides.
Light: Most plants need at least eight hours of sunlight to produce flowers. You must determine how much water an area will receive and plant accordingly.
Water Needs: Group plants together with the same water needs to avoid over or under watering.
Time to Bloom: If you determine when and how long each plant will bloom, you can schedule your planting so each section blooms separately for a longer bloom time or scattered blooms throughout the years.

Germinating Seeds Video

Check out this video on how to germinate seeds.

Container Herb Gardening Video

Arizona Desert June Landscape Tidbits

Before the monsoon gets here it is going to be hot and dry. Your winter flowers should have already been pulled out and replaced with summer friendly plants. Vinca's are a great flower that does really well in the Arizona heat. Fortunately, you can plant almost any time in Arizona but some plants will do better in the summer then others. Check with you local nursery or Landscape Contractor for advice on which plants will do better than others.

When watering your plants, do not water overhead. Apply the water directly to the soil to avoid evaporation, reduce salt build-up, and reduce disease. You can also put several inches of mulch in your garden beds around plants to cool the soil, maintain moisture, reduce watering needs, and control weeds.

Make sure you are maintaining your flowering plants by snipping off the flowers that are dead. Leave as much of the the leaves as possible on the plants to protect the main stems from the hot sun.

Shade your outdoor gardens as much as possible. If you don't have natural shade you can create one with a screen or a trellis of vines. The more shade you provide now will help keep the plants alive for fall.

What to plant in June in Arizona

It is hot and only getting hotter. What do we plant that can make it through the summer? Warm-season vegetables can be planted in your vegetable garden. These include sweet potatoes, cantaloupe, Watermelon, Okra, Corn, Basil, Garlic chives, and lemongrass. sunflowers, (Chocolate Cherry, Cinnamon sun, or Van Gogh for some color variety). It is also time to plant Bermuda seed or sod. Contact a local landscaper for any suggestions or help.