Plants to Stay Away From

It’s almost that time of year for gardeners! If you’re new to horticulture, we thought we’d share this list of plants you should stay away from if children or pets frequent your yard.

Rhododendron. Yes, the beautiful purple/pink flowering plant also known as both West Virginia and Washington’s state flower. Swallowing any part of this plant will cause you to drool, cause your eyes to water, and if that doesn’t get you feeling yucky enough, you’ll soon start to vomit. Stay away from this plant if you can.

Hydrangea. Similar to the rhododendron in its use, when swallowed, hydrangea’s poison will cause shortness of breath, fainting, and a rapid pulse. Along with a drop in blood pressure, the plant can cause convulsions and in some cases, death. 

 Lily-of-the-Valley. This plant will make you sick and will even cause you to hallucinate with just one small bite. It has also been tied to cardiovascular issues that have, in some cases, lead to coma and death.

Foxglove. Often used to deter deer (because of its foul taste and adverse affects on the digestive system), the plant, obviously, will not sit will with your (or your pet’s) digestive system. If ingested in large amounts, the plant will lower your heart rate and/or cause an irregular rhythm. Sound fun? We didn’t think so.

Oleander. This pretty white flower has a beautiful scent, but is also extremely deadly, especially to infants and small children. One leaf contains enough toxins to be lethal, as the poison first affects the digestive system, then moves along to the central nervous system. Definitely stay away from this plant.

Mistletoe. While this plant is more common during the holidays, it’s still important to note that all parts of mistletoe are toxic. Not very romantic, indeed. Ingesting mistletoe will cause gastroenteritis and in some cases, cardiovascular collapse. The berries are particularly toxic to pets, so be mindful of fallen berries. 

Water Hemlock. Common all across Northern America in the wild, water hemlock’s poison is so deadly it can be fatal within the first 15 minutes of ingestion.

If you have questions about any flowers or shrubs you’d like to plant around your home, run a quick online search to make sure what you’re planting is safe. The helpful folks in any superstore garden section are also great resources.

Cost Efficient Landscaping

Landscaping is a daunting task. You know you want flowers, perhaps some shrubs, and maybe even a spot for a garden. But how expensive is it to get the job done? Obviously, it depends on the project, but there are steps you can take to minimize your trips to the store, and maximize your budget.

First, it’s important to start with a plan. Sketch out your landscape design on engineering paper and know exactly what you need and where you’re going to put each item. 

 Once you’ve figured out your ideal design, go and talk to an expert. A landscape architect will run between $50 and $100 per hour, but it may be worth the investment if you’re inexperienced. If this isn’t your first landscaping job, the experts at your local big box home project store can help you price everything out and make recommendations based on your home. It’s also helpful to bring the site plan for your home so you can put everything into perspective.

When you’re set to start making final purchases, do a little research. Sometimes big box stores won’t carry the items you’re looking for, or if they’re not “in season” you may be paying too much. Items such as lumber for decks is often cheaper during winter months, so be patient if you can afford to be.

Shopping online is also another option for saving money.  Shopping is a little more convenient online, and a bit less stressful when you’re able to search for the exact items you need. Just be mindful of shipping costs and weigh those costs against making the trek to a wholesaler or store for the same item.

Dividing up your projects will also allow you the time you need to do the proper research and plan out your investments. This will also allow you to make adjustments to your plans if you need to, before you go out and buy supplies.

As a last bit of advice, be sure to thoroughly check the quality of all products you receive and don’t be afraid to ask about money-back guarantees. Happy landscaping!

Tips for a Green Lawn

Our lawns are more than just decorative pieces to our home. They play host to yard games, picnics, parties, and barbecues for much of the year. The trouble is: how can you grow a lush, green lawn efficiently. 

  

A good first step is to assess the pH level of your land’s soil and know the quantity and availability of nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. This will help you pick the right seed blend and understand what types of treatment your lawn will need to grow to its fullest potential.

Fertilizer can be a tough decision, and there is no cookie-cutter approach to treating your soil and seeds. It’s best to choose a slow-release, organic fertilizer. Be prepared to mow frequently in the weeks following, as the fertilizer really helps to boost growth.

Mowing. Believe it or not, having a functional mower with sharp blades can make a huge difference in your lawn’s growth. It’s a good idea to, during spring and early summer, to sharpen mower blades after each 8-12 hour use-cycle. Dull blades tend to tear off grass as opposed to cutting the blades clean.

One major inhibitor to grass growth is crabgrass. It’s that nasty weed that grows up and out, and never seems to cease growing, no matter how many you try to yank from your yard. Crabgrass begins to germinate around April when temperatures hover around 55-60 degrees. By applying a herbicide specifically designed for crabgrass during this time, you can help you lawn avoid looking like a jungle.

After spring rains when the soil is moist, it’s a good idea to head out and pluck weeds. When weeds (especially those that carry seeds) are wet, there is less of a chance for pollen to spread—and they’re much easier to grab during this time, too. When it isn’t raining, be sure to water your entire lawn twice daily. The best times to water the lawn are in the early morning before the sun rises, and at dusk.

As a last tip to help get your lawn up to par: let it grow. Especially for those homeowners with brand new lawns, it’s best to let grass grow to about three inches and maintain that height for a couple years. Keeping blades at this length will help shade un-sprouted seeds and reduce levels of evaporation.