Sweeneys Custom Landscaping Articles
Options for Overwintering Containers
Blushed and tinged by the blustery, cool winds and subdued sun of October, the landscape was transforming. Nature was starting to slow and savor, wholly at ease. Decreasing sun light and cooler temperatures have set the season in motion. And there are certain preparations that should be made. Container…
Surviving First Frosts
As the wind whipped through the canopies, animating every leaf and limb, their shadows cast a violent display on the ground – flickering wildly and unhinged. Fallen leaves thrashed and raged against their new seasonal station. Now that temperatures are beginning to cool and nighttime temperatures beginning to plummet, frost…
Put Your Leaves to Work
October caramelizes the landscape with deeply saturated tones and sweet, mellow flair. The static display of Summer foliage turns dynamic, each species unique in color, smoldering in the brisk, cool air. In addition to vivid displays, trees drop their leaves in an effort to conserve energy and nutrition for…
True Colors: The Science Behind Fall Foliage
The mellow, ripened sun struck the match that would soon set the landscape ablaze in brilliant umber, vermilion, gold, scarlet and smoky plum. The verdant greens of Summer would soon smolder in the deep, rich tones of Autumn’s palette, and the show is about to start. As trees prepare for…
What’s Wrong with My Evergreens?
Sweet, sultry September invites each and every tree to the grand Autumn ball where Summer’s verdant robes are shed for the opulent, jewel tones of the season. Although we tend to think only of deciduous trees, evergreens too undergo change in Fall. As you know, waning daylight and cooler…
Fall Firsts: The Importance of Clean Ups
Change is in the air. Cool, crisp change. The first day of Fall is Saturday, September 23rd, and I for one welcome it with open arms. Now, is a busy time in our yards and gardens as we take advantage of the perfect growing conditions and prepare for the winter…
The Perennial Question? We Have the Answer.
September, like dusk, gilded the landscape in its ripened rays as the petals and foliage blushed in the cooling air and waning sun. Beauty was everywhere. As we begin to put our landscapes to bed – tidying, raking, mulching, and pruning, you might consider letting your perennials stand. To many,…
The Season of Second Chances is Upon Us
The landscape lay beleaguered, drunk on the sun’s rays and summer heat. She was beginning to blush and mature in the ripened light of August’s sun, and there was a palpable shift in the air. The winds of change are upon us as our attention begins to turn from Summer…
Fall Forward: Autumn Aerations
Drunk upon the sun’s rays, the verdant leaves began to yellow and shed upon her slumped and weary figure. The heat, and sparse rains of late Summer were more than she could bear. These are the dog days indeed. But August too will soon concede, and with it, any remnants…
Late Summer Lawn Renovations: Your Window of Opportunity
Late Summer’s beauty and vigor began to wane, but she put on a brave face as August sauntered in, hot and heavy. She held a secret and plenty of tricks up her sleeve. She was ever the opportunist. Late Summer provides ideal conditions to seed our lawns. More specifically, seeding should…
Lofty Idea: Why Raised Beds Work For Everyone
Ponderous grows the landscape, sluggish is the lawn. The vibrant, lively hues of Summer ripen and languish. Glowing sprays of Goldenrod permeate the garden. Raised beds are perfect for tight spaces, questionable soil and short growing seasons. Sounds too good to be true? There’s more. Studies have shown that gardeners…
Drought Damaged Lawns? Help is Here!
The Summer lull seemed to come early, along with rising temperatures and a lack of any meaningful rain. August will soon be upon us, and contrary to popular belief, she would bestow a dynamic landscape of possibility and change. And opportunity is a knocking. Late Summer provides ideal conditions to…