Tired of those leaves?

Well, Fall is right around the corner again, and that means piles and piles of leaves. We are offering leaf removal services at this time and would like to add you to our schedule. Give yourself a break and have us take care of it!

Give us a call at 251.GROW!

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Gardens of Growth is a landscape architecture design/build firm based in Indianapolis, Indiana. We remain committed to acting as both designer and contractor for our projects. Many design/build firms are contractors first. Gardens of Growth is unique because we are designers first. We welcome design and construction challenges and approach everything we do as artisans. It is our belief that beautiful spaces are created when each and every component of the landscape is carefully designed and executed. The team at Gardens of Growth is responsible for building and maintaining custom gardens. We provide a variety of products and services including: planting, design, retaining walls, patios, decks, fences, pergolas, water features, sculpture, driveways, pools, site grading, landscape lighting, irrigation, masonry, mowing, pruning & landscape maintenance. Visit us at gardensofgrowth.com or call 251.GROW for more information.Gardens of Growth, Inc. 928 E. 38th St. Indianapolis, IN 46250

Welcome Back!

Dear Readers,

Man, oh man – will we ever again have the good ol’ transitions of Spring that we remember from our youth? 2011 marks the 4^th season in a row that we have had really unusual weather patterns-from the heat/drought conditions of Spring 2007, to the extremely cool and wet conditions that we “enjoyed” as we kicked of this year’s growing season. It’s been hard on you to get out into your gardens, and imagine how it’s been to try and plan production! I guess we never have to worry about being complacent or bored here in central Indiana – and let’s be thankful we’ve not seen some of the more catastrophic issues that we’ve seen in Joplin, and along the Mississippi.

Now that we are having hotter weather on the heels of all that moisture, there are two things that we’re seeing a bit earlier than normal.

1. Dollar Spot in Turf – this is a common disease to Indiana turfgrasses. The disease is named for the straw-colored, silver dollar-sized spots that appear in turf. The spots can appear larger in turf that is mowed higher. They will grow to become somewhat irregular circles 3-6 inches in diameter, and as the spots grow together, large areas of damage can occur. This disease occurs more often (though not exclusively) in lawns that are nitrogen deficient. Best practice for control is to apply fertilizer, and water infrequently and deeply. Additionally, it is best to mow only when the lawn is dry, to avoid spreading the disease. This is usually sufficient to bring the condition under control, but Dollar Spot does respond quickly to professional applications of fungicides.

*Remember though, that this is a cultural issue, and fungicides are only treatments, and not preventative at all. So if you don’t change the cultural issue, you’ll just get a repeat infestation.

2. Powdery Mildew – Another fungal disease, but this one affects a variety of landscape plants. It’s pretty easy to spot, because of its distinct appearance. The plant will display leaves which appear to be coated in a thin, whitish powder. It’s unsightly, but generally not harmful – though it should be noted that some leaves on the plant may become distorted, and any disease can weaken the plant over time, and leave it more susceptible to other issues and infestations. The main cause is poor air circulation, which can be created or compounded by plants that are too dense, or are planted too close together. Your best practice for control here is also cultural. Choose healthy plants, and disease-resistant varieties. Where possible, avoid planting non-resistant plants in the shade. Keep your shrubs and trees well-thinned and pruned, and divide plants often, to keep them from becoming too crowded. And if you do find yourself with an infected plant, follow a few basic guidelines: Improve air circulation by thinning and pruning, avoid watering plants from above, and most of all – wait to do any fertilization. Powdery Mildew prefers young, succulent growth, so best not to give it a perfect host for multiplying.

Virtually every plant can get Powdery Mildew, but it’s most common in the landscape on Dogwood, Lilac, Roses, and Crabapple. It is host-specific, which means that a different type of fungi will affect different types of plants. So your Dogwood mildew will not spread to your lilac, etc. But all types favor the same conditions. And just like Dollar Spot, it both responds well to fungicide, and will come back if you don’t change the environmental conditions that cause it, wherever possible.

I guess if there were no challenges to be had in the garden, there wouldn’t be a need for the gardening professional. If you need more help with your specific challenges, don’t hesitate to call us.

Happy gardening!

Chris

___________________________________________________________________ Gardens of Growth is a landscape architecture design/build firm based in Indianapolis, Indiana. We remain committed to acting as both designer and contractor for our projects. Many design/build firms are contractors first. Gardens of Growth is unique because we are designers first. We welcome design and construction challenges and approach everything we do as artisans. It is our belief that beautiful spaces are created when each and every component of the landscape is carefully designed and executed. The team at Gardens of Growth is responsible for building and maintaining custom gardens. We provide a variety of products and services including: planting, design, retaining walls, patios, decks, fences, pergolas, water features, sculpture, driveways, pools, site grading, landscape lighting, irrigation, masonry, mowing, pruning & landscape maintenance. Visit us at gardensofgrowth.com or call 251.GROW for more information.Gardens of Growth, Inc. 928 E. 38th St. Indianapolis, IN 46250

2011 Flower & Patio Show

The show is on! You still have a few days (4 to be exact) to attend. Stop by the Indiana State Fairgrounds and see our display! This year we are working with Harmoni and are using the Midtown Initiative as our theme. We are focusing on the midtown Indianapolis neighborhoods of Mapleton-Fall Creek, Golden Hill, Butler-Tarkington, Meridian Kessler & Broad Ripple. It's a great organization with an exciting plan in place to revitalize our local neighborhoods. Check out the link below and learn what this Midtown Initiative is all about. Hope to see you at the show!

midtownloveslocal.org

___________________________________________________________________ Gardens of Growth is a landscape architecture design/build firm based in Indianapolis, Indiana. We remain committed to acting as both designer and contractor for our projects. Many design/build firms are contractors first. Gardens of Growth is unique because we are designers first. We welcome design and construction challenges and approach everything we do as artisans. It is our belief that beautiful spaces are created when each and every component of the landscape is carefully designed and executed. The team at Gardens of Growth is responsible for building and maintaining custom gardens. We provide a variety of products and services including: planting, design, retaining walls, patios, decks, fences, pergolas, water features, sculpture, driveways, pools, site grading, landscape lighting, irrigation, masonry, mowing, pruning & landscape maintenance. Visit us at gardensofgrowth.com or call 251.GROW for more information.Gardens of Growth, Inc. 928 E. 38th St. Indianapolis, IN 46250

2011 Flower & Patio Show

The 2011 Flower & Patio Show is right around the corner, and we are preparing for another successful season here at Gardens of Growth! We are working very hard to create a unique and special space to display our work and share our approach with many people. Please stop by and talk with us about your outdoor ideas. The show runs March 12 - 20 in the West Pavilion at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. We look forward to talking with you!






___________________________________________________________________ Gardens of Growth is a landscape architecture design/build firm based in Indianapolis, Indiana. We remain committed to acting as both designer and contractor for our projects. Many design/build firms are contractors first. Gardens of Growth is unique because we are designers first. We welcome design and construction challenges and approach everything we do as artisans. It is our belief that beautiful spaces are created when each and every component of the landscape is carefully designed and executed. The team at Gardens of Growth is responsible for building and maintaining custom gardens. We provide a variety of products and services including: planting, design, retaining walls, patios, decks, fences, pergolas, water features, sculpture, driveways, pools, site grading, landscape lighting, irrigation, masonry, mowing, pruning & landscape maintenance. Visit us at gardensofgrowth.com or call 251.GROW for more information.Gardens of Growth, Inc. 928 E. 38th St. Indianapolis, IN 46250

Autumn is here! Time to prepare your vegetable garden...

Vegetable Garden Preparation

If you want to have tender spinach and lettuce next spring and delicious tomatoes later in the summer, this fall is the time to prepare your garden soil.
If you want to plant a garden for the first time, you need to pick out a sunny spot. This is a critical factor. The more sun the better. Keep in mind the time the garden will be shaded by buildings or trees. You need a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight per day.
After you have chosen your site, you need to decide how large of an area you want to plant and maintain. If you are a first time gardener, you may want to start small and plan to grow. Two hundred square feet is a good and substantial size for a first time garden. This could be laid out as four raised beds approximately 4 feet wide by 12 feet long or a single bed 14 feet by 14 feet.
Raised beds offer several advantages. They warm up faster in the spring. They drain well. You can work on them without stepping in the soil and thus compacting it regardless of the soil moisture – like when the peas need to be picked, and it has been raining for three days. There are some disadvantages as well. If you want them to be nice and tidy, you need to buy the frame to put around the soil. You need to find the soil to fill the beds. If you are going to fence the beds to keep rabbits and raccoons out you may have to buy more fencing. And depending on the need or desire to use mechanical tillers, beds can be problematic.

Regardless of which approach you take to garden layout, you will want to carefully prepare the soil. What you need to do will depend on the site. In general terms all grass and weeds should be removed or turned under using a shovel or mechanical tiller. Another approach is to cover the area with 8 – 10 sheets of newspaper covered with soil. In central Indiana where we generally have heavy clay soil, an ample amount of compost will need to be incorporated into the soil.Even though now may not be the time you are thinking of gardening, it is the time to get ready to garden. In March you will be glad you took the time to prepare now. And if you need help doing it, give us a call or send an email. We love to help people get into vegetable gardening.

___________________________________________________________________ Gardens of Growth is a landscape architecture design/build firm based in Indianapolis, Indiana. We remain committed to acting as both designer and contractor for our projects. Many design/build firms are contractors first. Gardens of Growth is unique because we are designers first. We welcome design and construction challenges and approach everything we do as artisans. It is our belief that beautiful spaces are created when each and every component of the landscape is carefully designed and executed. The team at Gardens of Growth is responsible for building and maintaining custom gardens. We provide a variety of products and services including: planting, design, retaining walls, patios, decks, fences, pergolas, water features, sculpture, driveways, pools, site grading, landscape lighting, irrigation, masonry, mowing, pruning & landscape maintenance. Visit us at gardensofgrowth.com or call 251.GROW for more information.Gardens of Growth, Inc. 928 E. 38th St. Indianapolis, IN 46250

Leaf Removal

Well, Fall is right around the corner again, and that means piles and piles of leaves. We are offering leaf removal services at this time and would like to add you to our schedule. Give yourself a break and have us take care of it!

Give us a call at 251.GROW!


___________________________________________________________________


Gardens of Growth is a landscape architecture design/build firm based in Indianapolis, Indiana. We remain committed to acting as both designer and contractor for our projects. Many design/build firms are contractors first. Gardens of Growth is unique because we are designers first. We welcome design and construction challenges and approach everything we do as artisans. It is our belief that beautiful spaces are created when each and every component of the landscape is carefully designed and executed. The team at Gardens of Growth is responsible for building and maintaining custom gardens. We provide a variety of products and services including: planting, design, retaining walls, patios, decks, fences, pergolas, water features, sculpture, driveways, pools, site grading, landscape lighting, irrigation, masonry, mowing, pruning & landscape maintenance. Visit us at gardensofgrowth.com or call 251.GROW for more information.Gardens of Growth, Inc. 928 E. 38th St. Indianapolis, IN 46250

Is there a best time to water outdoor plants?

The best time of day to water the garden is early morning, before the heat of the day has set in. This reduces the amount of water lost through evaporation, and also provides water for the plants to help them get through the heat of the day. Every few days, water the garden with a deep soaking of water in the early morning, and use drip irrigation, watering cans, or targeted hoses, rather than sprinklers and other devices which diffuse the water all over the garden. Sprinklers are inefficient, and they can also cause plant damage. As a rule of thumb, try to water the garden with one inch (two and a half centimeters) of water every week, through a combination of precipitation and watering.
Do not water the garden during the heat of the day, because the water will evaporate, rather than penetrating the soil. The goal is to deeply soak the soil, encouraging the plant to put out more roots to search for water, rather than creating a shallow area of moisture and keeping it moist. A plant with ready access to water through daily watering will develop a shallow root system and become weakened. Plants which are used to the stress of less frequent watering will also do better in varied weather conditions, or when a gardener forgets to water the garden.
If watering in the evening, after the heat is passed, make sure to water early enough that the leaves of the plants will completely dry before night time. Fungal infections can colonize leaves which are left moist overnight, and roots will also suffer from being watered in the late evening. Being left moist and cold at night can lead to rot and fungal infections of plant roots, an undesired result.
If you are trying to conserve water, water the garden with reclaimed water and rainwater, and make sure to check your irrigation system for leaks frequently. If you have time, hand-water all of the plants to ensure the most efficient use of water, checking the soil for moisture levels. If you do not, invest in a quality irrigation system which will help your garden to flourish. Gardeners with less water concerns should still water the garden wisely, as extra water will not lead to healthier plants.