8 Inspiring Retaining Wall Ideas and Uses that Will Blow Your Mind
Implementing a retaining wall into your yard can be a daunting and expensive project, but is necessary when you have a home along a hill or a sloped space. It will protect your home by minimizing erosion and holding back soil. A great amount of damage can be done if you don’t have an adequate retaining wall. Just because you need for damage protection, doesn’t mean you can’t do something great with it. There are so many options when it comes to decorating and adding curb appeal to your retaining wall. You can add different features to make it even more interesting. Why not build something beautiful that you can be proud of instead of something that’s purely functional? The right retaining wall design can really bring something special to your yard. 8 Inspiring Retaining Wall Ideas 1. Cor-Ten Steel Making retaining walls out of Cor-Ten steel will add great interest to your retaining wall. Cor-Ten steel is also known as weathering steel and was designed to eliminate the need for painting. After several years of weather exposure, it will form a stable rust-like appearance. This results in a material that will not continue to degrade. It works really well when paired with other contemporary materials such as stone and concrete. 2. Garden retaining wall With so much vertical space on your retaining wall, you don’t want to let it go to waste. You can incorporate levels and plant a great mix of low-maintenance perennials and ornamental grasses. Mix different types of greens as well as flowering plants to create a lush tapestry. A garden retaining wall works well in urban areas but is a great complement to a woodland garden as well. 3. Smooth concrete with lighting If you have or are planning to put in a pool that’s close to the same level as your house, you’re going to need a retaining wall design to complement it. An in-ground pool is possible on a hilly lot, but it means that you need to install wraparound retaining walls. A great way to complement your pool is with smooth concrete that features inset lights. It adds a luxurious look to your pool and gives an almost spa-like experience. 4. Mix up the materials When you’re working on your retaining wall design, it’s not required to go with all the same materials. You can create a one-of-a-kind look by mixing materials such as Cor-Ten with boulders or other materials. The boulders will add extra interest while also helping anchor the wall in place. 5. Retaining walls set up in a tiered design There are many different retaining wall contractors ideas out there and a lot you can do. Consider the possibilities of a tiered design. You can combine many different elements together such as garden beds and stairs in order to connect everything all together. This can be a bit more complicated and take some heavy design work, but the result can be absolutely stunning. 6. Retaining walls that surround a fire pit A fire pit is a great addition to your yard and a great place to entertain guests. You can really do a lot of different things with this design as well, including a curved retaining wall. This curved wall can also serve as extra seating around your fire pit. You can incorporate garden elements with planters and flowers surrounding the area to give it an even more beautiful appeal. 7. A rock gabion A great way to add textural interest into your space is through the use of metal cages. You can fill these with stones, leftover concrete, wood or other materials. It will contrast with the smooth exterior siding and make the entire space feel warmer. 8. Boulders with built-in benches Whenever you can add additional seating, it can be a great thing. If you’re going to use boulders in your retaining wall design, why not make them into something that people are actually able to use instead of just look at? These boulders will not only help retain any other planting above them but also provide for the sitting room. They will need to be carefully selected to assure that they have flat faces. You can also add some throw pillows for more comfort. Contact New Life Rockeries New Life Rockeries has years of experience with designing and implementing retaining walls. A retaining wall may seem like a daunting and boring project, but with some attention to design, you can make it beautiful. It can be hard deciding what layout would be best for your space. We can work with you throughout the whole process to create something unique. Contact us today to make your dream of retaining wall design into a reality.
Rockery Plants and Flowers that Will Liven Up Your Backyard
Whether you currently have a rockery that you’re considering livening up or you’re looking to start one, there are some beautiful plants and flowers that you should consider. These plants can help improve visual appeal with many different options. With some careful planning, your rock garden will be something to be very proud of and a source of great beauty in your yard. It’s important to take into consideration which plants will not only be beautiful but which will thrive in this kind of environment. Rock garden plants and rock garden flowers need to be chosen carefully. Consider the different options below to make the best choice for your yard. Alpine Plants Alpine plants are low-maintenance, hardy, drought-tolerant, and tend to spread easily. They are a great choice because they also have colorful flowers to brighten up any rock garden. Check out the different options below. Pulsatilla vulgaris These beautiful plants are also known as the Pasque flower. It is characterized by hairy stems, frilly leaves as bell-shaped flowers. Arabis Arabis is good for ground cover and has dense green foliage. The white or pink flowers are fragrant and will also attract butterflies to your garden! Dianthus This alpine is a beautiful rockery plant and they smell good. They are characterized by grey or blue foliage with pink, white, or purple flowers. Thyme You may think of thyme as more of an herb, but it is also a great decorative plant. It has purple flowers as well as tiny green leaves to add great beauty to your rock garden. Sempervivum These rock garden plants are also referred to as houseleeks. They are succulents but have intricate leaf rosettes. They do come in a range of colors, but full sun is necessary to keep their vibrant hue. Helianthemum This type of plant is also known as the rock rose. They are evergreens and will spread quickly. They feature miniature rose-like flowers starting in late spring. Aubrieta This is a beautiful rock garden flower for late spring. It is a carpeting plant and the purple flowers come out during this time. The flower color ranges anywhere from pale lilac to deep violet. Anacyclus This alpine is usually called the Spanish Chamomile or Mount Atlas Dairy. It has small white or yellow daisy-like flowers on long stems. Campanula There are hundreds of varieties of this bellflower plant. It ranges in many different heights, colors, and flower sizes. Edelweiss This is probably one of the most well-known plants on this list. It is hardy and from the daisy family. It is silvery-white in color, usually with a tinge of green. Sedum These plants are also referred to as stonecrop and are perfect for your rockery. They have clusters of star-shaped flowers in the summer as well as succulent leaves. Saxifraga This rock garden flowering plant is a great way to add greenery to your rockery. It forms a mat of growth and produces flowers in red, white, yellow, pink, and purple. With its great variety, you are sure not to get bored. Gentiana Verna This spring gentian forms a low-growing mat and produces deep sky-blue star-shaped flowers in the late spring and early summer. Conifers In addition to the flowering plants for color, also consider adding some miniature conifers. These will add special points of interests to your rockery. Chamaecyparis obtuse nana is a good option. Bulbs To add some additional interest to your rock garden, dwarf bulbs are a good option. They add both height and a splash of color. Consider snowdrops, dwarf narcissus, dwarf iris, and early crocus. Layout is important as well When it comes to building a rockery, it is about both the plants as well as the layout. It can be intimidating to get started, so start out simple with just a few plants. Some of it may be trial and error to figure out what you like the best. If you don’t have a naturally rocky site, you can build one. A stone wall is an ideal foundation. Incorporating water features is also a great way to add additional interest in your display. You can build your garden around these centerpieces. A hillside is a great foundation as well for your rock garden. Different texture and scale of plants and rocks make for a beautiful display with maximum visual interest. New Life Rockeries can help you try out different combinations of colors and plants to make the best space for you! It can be hard to figure out where to start when you’re beginning from scratch with this kind of project. Contact us today to help you get on your way to creating your perfect rockery!
How to Choose the Best Outdoor Water Feature for Your Home
When it comes to making your garden look its best, one of the most elegant things you can install is an outdoor water feature. While other elements like plants and rock installations will add plenty of personality to your garden, water features can elevate it to the next level. So, with that in mind, we wanted to look at some of the various water feature options out there that may work well in your garden. These features can require somewhat substantial installation, you’ll want to make sure that you’re choosing the right one for your outdoor spaces. Step One: Research Your Space Before you add anything to your garden, you’ll want to have some kind of plan. Even something small like adding a flower bed can require some research so that you don’t wind up with a bunch of dead flowers after a few weeks. With a water feature, you’ll need to measure how much space you’ll have since this will give you an excellent idea of what you can install. In addition, look at things like the slope and terrain you’re working with because this can affect your installation as well. For example, if you have a steep incline, you may decide to have a stepped waterfall feature. If you have a rugged, rocky surface, then a small pond may be the best idea. Overall, you want to consider all elements before you pull the trigger on any work. Step Two: Consider Long-Term Maintenance While the beauty of a water feature can upgrade the appearance of your outdoor spaces, most of these installations require regular upkeep. If you have anything like a fountain or a waterfall, you’ll want to make sure that everything flows correctly at all times. Otherwise, it could ruin the effect. When considering long-term maintenance, here are some tips on what you should be thinking about the most. Seasonal Changes If you live in an area where freezing temperatures are a regular occurrence, you’ll want to either cover or drain your water feature during the winter. While you could let it freeze over, allowing that may damage the structures. If there are pipes involved—like for a waterfall, these can crack when water freezes inside. Cleaning If you want your water feature to look its best, you’ll need to be sure that the water looks pristine and clear at all times. How are you going to achieve this? Installations with running water are not as much of an issue, but if you have stagnant pools, how will you keep them clean? Insects Bugs like mosquitos thrive in areas with pools of standing water. If you don’t take steps to mitigate this problem, you could be looking at swarms of insects during the warmer months, which could put a damper on your garden as a whole. Fish/Wildlife Sometimes, having a pond is a great excuse for keeping some fish in your garden. However, you have to consider how you’re going to clean the pond and keep them fed. Research different fish species and see the maintenance/upkeep for them so that you have a good idea of what to expect. Power Requirements If you have running water in your feature, then you’ll need some type of pump, which will require an outlet. Not only that but choosing the right pump is essential because you don’t want to have to replace it regularly. Think about whether or not it can be submerged, and how it will handle temperature changes over the year. Step Three: Choose Your Aesthetic Water features are great because they can either be relatively small and unobtrusive or they can be a centerpiece for your garden. When looking at different options, you’ll want to be sure that you’re picking something that fits in with the rest of your garden’s aesthetic. Here are some things to consider. Texture – in most cases, rocks are going to be a prominent element in your water feature. However, you can also utilize other components like pots and plants, or different materials like wood and metal. Lighting – a great way to highlight your water feature at night is to install lights. These lamps can either be outside or in the water itself for a bolder look. If you are going to install lighting, you’ll have to make sure that you have adequate power sources and that each part is installed correctly. Color – when picking out your textured elements (i.e., rocks), you’ll want to look at how their colors will influence your feature. Also, consider what plants will be nearby and whether they’ll add some vibrant hues to the experience, you can also use colored lights to complete the ensemble. Contact B&D Rockeries Today Water features can be an elegant option for your garden, but they usually require expert installation. At B&D Rockeries, we have a variety of options that will suit your preference. Contact us today to find out how we can transform your outdoor areas with the right water feature.
Rock Garden Designs That Will Take Your Breath Away
If you want to improve the look and feel of your home’s exterior, you may be wondering about how you can use landscaping to your advantage. While there are a few different ways that you can rearrange your various outdoor elements, we suggest that a rock garden is one of the best options out there. For those who aren’t familiar with the concept, a rock garden is a landscaping process where you utilize rocks to create the visual and functional aspects of your space. Rather than living elements such as plants and bushes—while greenery can be integral to your rock garden, it’s not the primary focus. Today we’re going to be looking at the various types of rock gardens you can have in your yard and how they can transform the appearance and utility of your exterior areas. Why a Rock Garden is a Smart Choice When you’re used to seeing landscaping projects that use living elements to create a unique tapestry, you might be wondering if a rock garden is a right approach. Here are some of the primary advantages that these installations can offer. Low Maintenance – since rocks don’t need to be trimmed, watered, or pruned, you can have a beautiful and elegant space without much work. Drought Tolerant – if you live in an area with little water, rocks can be an excellent way to keep your utility bills down. Also, you don’t have to worry about stones dying because of the heat. Dynamic – having different rocks and boulders in your garden can create a much better look for your yard than a row of flowers or bushes. While you may be more limited in your color options, you can get a lot of variety with the right rock garden. Types of Rock Gardens To help you make the right choice for your rock garden, we want to cover some of the most common varieties out there. At New Life Rockeries, we can help you pick out the best rocks for your installation so that it’s both captivating and functional at the same time. We can also help you blend different styles so that they can be unique to your home. Japanese Rock Garden One of the most popular themes for many rock gardens uses influences from the Far East. Japanese installations usually focus on creating a natural landscape, utilizing rocks as stand-ins for various natural pieces, such as mountains and rivers. Typically, Japanese rockeries have large boulders that serve as the focal point of the garden, acting as rugged mountain peaks or ridges. Separating them and the other primary elements of the garden are smaller gravel stones. In many cases, these stones can be lighter in color and have a smooth texture. Rocks forming natural pathways through the rock garden are also common. If the gravel stones are small enough, they may allow for raking so that you can create designs as you see fit. Stone and sand raking is a therapeutic activity, which can make these gardens both relaxing and beautiful. Plants are usually hearty evergreens, meaning that annuals are rarely used. The purpose of evergreen trees and bushes helps illustrate the beauty of nature all year long. English Rock Gardens If you want to utilize plants in your garden, then you may try the English approach. Typically speaking, these gardens use alpine plants because they are hearty and can withstand a wide variety of temperatures and weather patterns. One of the primary strategies in an English rock garden is planning and careful integration of both rocks and plants. Both of them are installed simultaneously to have the best effect. Usually, the plants are given deep crevices between the stones to establish roots. In many cases, you will have alpine flowers and shrubs fill in the gaps, creating a vibrant and layered tapestry for your garden. American Rock Gardens Although the early adopters in the US tried to utilize the steps created by the English, they quickly discovered that alpine plants weren’t necessarily suited for the varied climates you can find in North America. Thus, the primary strategy for an American rock garden is to utilize local plants that look like they belong. For example, if you live in the Southwestern part of the US, you may use desert plants that don’t need a lot of water. This will not only make the garden look more natural, but it will help reduce your maintenance costs. Overall, it has a more loose style that changes based on your location more than anything else. Functional Rock Gardens If you want to create a space that merges both form and function, you may decide to implement various rock structures into your garden. These pieces can include walkways, walls, archways, and fountains. Since you can use rocks to create all kinds of installations, there are no limitations as to what you can achieve. For example, you can use stones to form a barrier for a pond, or they can be piled up to make a bench seat in the middle of the garden. In this case, you will put your primary pieces in first and then add any plants around them. We suggest using local varieties as well as hearty strains that won’t have much trouble living in your garden. Consider both the color and density of the plants when putting them in as well. Contact New Life Rockeries Today If you’re ready to get started on your rock garden, give us a call today or visit us online. We can help you create the best space for your home, and we’ll make sure that you’re more than satisfied with the results.
Backyard Remodeling Tips: 7 Things You Need to Remember
Spend much time in your backyard lately? If you’re like most homeowners, renovating the backyard doesn’t always spring immediately to mind. The reason for this is most people don’t realize how easy it is to beautify their property quickly and easily by upgrading the appearance and amenities of their backyard. Knowing what changes to make and how to make them can make all the difference in your remodeling experience, too. Not sure where to start? We can help you put together your dream backyard, but for now here are 7 things to remember when remodeling your backyard. 1. Start With Your Landscaping If you have ever watched home makeover shows closely, you will note how dramatically a change in landscaping can alter a backyard for the better. Adding or redesigning flowerbeds, adding plants, trees, and even topiaries are quick and easy ways to transform your backyard quickly and inexpensively. Updating the landscaping is the first step to creating a space where you are happy to spend your free time alone or with family and friends. 2. Consider All The Factors That Affect Your Backyard Experience Now No one can think of everything, but it’s almost a certainty that there are several things you know you want to change about your backyard right now if you could. Don’t let those be the only considerations you make, though. Prevailing weather, seasonal changes, and how you would ideally use the space for you and your family, all need to be reviewed as you plan out your backyard remodeling. Would you prefer a screened in back porch or is a sun tent with mosquito netting in the middle of the backyard more your scene? How will everyone keep cool or warm depending on the time of year? These aren’t the only questions to ask yourself, but they are important nonetheless. 3. Choose Your Outdoor Life One of the many benefits of living in the 21st century is the ability to explore countless options for outdoor living. Inspired by trends and designs from around the world, anyone can easily make their dream backyard living space a reality. Prefer the Mediterranean look? Add a plinth and urn or two, install a mosaic to spruce up your concrete patio and add some herbs and spices to your garden. Are you a fan of that Tuscany coast look? Add a pergola with some creeping vines, a fire pit or chiminea. Create a Zen-inspired space with a rock garden, koi pond, and a tea house style seating area or mix and match the best of any style to create a place where you love to be. 4. Choose a Functional Design Additionally, you’ll want to think about how you want to use the space so that your style fits your functional needs. Those who want to host gatherings need to plan on plenty of comfortable seating areas and potentially an outdoor kitchen. It can be a simple charcoal grill built into a landscaping structure or some masonry/brickwork, or it can be a fully functional outdoor kitchen complete with brick oven, smoker, and wide a propane grill with supplementary charcoal grill. 5. Lighting Last but not least, don’t forget how you plan to light your new outdoor living space as well. The tone and warmth of your lighting will set the mood for every get-together or a quiet evening in your backyard, so it’s critical to get the lighting just right to make the most of your new entertainment space or personal retreat. Lighting truly is the key to getting the most out of the space and adding some lighting that complements both your functional design and your landscaping. 6. Keep Your Entertainment Space Low Maintenance Patio or deck, seating area or en-suite outdoor kitchen, make sure you use materials and treat surfaces that will require minimal maintenance on your part. The last thing you want to be doing is pressure washing your patio or having to rebuild your deck because they weren’t properly sealed against the weather and foot traffic. Additionally, outdoor textiles designed to endure weather and sunlight are key for furniture and other outdoor fixtures. Otherwise, you may find yourself needing to replace cushion covers, sunshades, and outdoor living tents on a regular basis. Keeping things low maintenance will help keep your long-term costs to a minimum. 7. Cool Things Off With Water Features and Functional Shade A small pond or water feature of some kind with a fountain to aerate it helps keep the humidity in your entertaining space comfortable year round and adds a pleasant visual and auditory effect to your outdoor design. Additionally, well-placed shade trees can actually be as effective in cooling your entertaining space and the sunset side of your home than running an air conditioner day and night. Definitely consider using natural shade to save energy and make your outdoor living space cool and comfortable during the warmer months of the year. Make Your Backyard Remodeling Into Reality Need help making all these backyard dreams come true? New Life Rockeries has been in the business of backyard wish fulfillment since 1975, and they are the Seattle local experts on designing and crafting your perfect outdoor space. Contact us today or get a quote, and let us turn your backyard from plain property to your favorite part of being at home.
5 Tips on Choosing the Best Hardscaping Company in Seattle
There’s nothing that will make you feel happier about coming home then to pull into your driveway and see a beautiful, well-cared-for lawn. A well-maintained lawn with precision-cut trees, shrubs and bushes can add curb appeal to any home, but what really can set your property apart from the others is your hardscaping—things like walkways, walls, tiles, and paths. Features like this really show the care and dedication you put into your home, and because of that, it’s important to choose the right hardscaping company when the time comes. But, how can you know which company to go with, especially when there are so many to choose from? Here are a number of tips to help you choose the right hardscaping company. 1) Know What You Want The first step in making any decision is knowing exactly what you’re going for. Because different companies specialize in different things, it makes no sense to go to with a company that won’t be able to deliver what you need. So, before you contact anyone, figure out your specific needs. Take a minute to write them down or even sketch out what you’re looking for. When you start to meet with hardscaping companies, be open about your goals for this project. This will help you match your ideas with the right company from the beginning. 2) Get References There’s no better advertising than word of mouth, so it only makes sense to see what other people are saying about the hardscaping companies in your area. Get recommendations from friends, see how a company is rated online or talk to others who have had hardscaping projects done. All of these are ways to find out which companies are worth your time, and which are best to be avoided. 3) Ask the Right Questions When you start to really narrow down your options, it’s time to start asking the tough questions. What sorts of questions should you ask? They might vary a bit depending on your needs, but some you should definitely ask include: Are you insured? What qualifications/credentials do you have? Have you handled projects similar to this one before? What, specifically, would be the process you would use to complete this project? Can you provide examples of work you’ve done in the past? As you get closer to choosing the right company, you’ll probably think of more questions to ask. Whatever you ask, remember that there is no such thing as having too much information. Your money and your peace of mind are in this company’s hands; it only makes sense to do get all of the information possible before making that decision. 4) Get an Estimate Early You don’t want to waste your time with a company that’s eventually going to end up with an estimate that’s well over your budget. So, it only makes sense to get an estimate of some sorts as early as possible. While most companies don’t like to give estimates without really getting a chance to look over a property and see what all it entails, they should be able to at least give you a ballpark figure early on so you can see if you’re even on the same page. Getting that rough estimate early on will be a time-saver as you start to get into the nitty-gritty of making your decision. 5) Pay Attention to Your Gut At the end of the day, after doing all of your research and asking all of your questions, there’s a good chance you’ll have it narrowed down. Maybe there will be only one option left, or maybe you’ll be trying to decide between two or three. At this point, you really have to figure out what your gut is telling you. Everything above this step is about what looks good on paper; but in the end, it’s also about what feels right. This could be based on personality—whether or not you like the person and think he or she seems trustworthy—or it could be something harder to explain or pin down. You know, just that indefinable sense you get when you know you’re hiring the right person for the job. Whatever it boils down to, don’t ignore what your gut is telling you as you make your final decision. When you put all of these tips together, you have the makings of a process that is sure to help you find the right Seattle hardscaping company for your next big project. Whether you’re planning a huge project or just a small redesign, it’s important to have the right company in your corner. In your search for the right hardscaping company, be sure to contact New Life Rockeries—one of the most trusted hardscaping companies in the Seattle area.
3 Easy Tips On How to Mulch A Garden Properly: Ultimate Guide
We made this helpful guide on how to mulch a garden for success because when it comes to mulching your garden bed in Seattle, the options for mulching materials seem endless. There truly are good and bad types of mulch. Depending on where you live and the amount of sunlight and water run-off the area gets, the difference can be extremely important. New Life Rockeries has been making gardens look great for over 30 years! Why does knowing how to mulch a garden matter? Using a good mulch is important because it helps stabilize the soil and can prevent erosion. A stabilized soil helps retain moisture, which improves the soil’s structure over time. Perhaps the best thing about a good mulch is that it prevents weed growth, which we all know is the most annoying aspect of keeping a garden! When good mulch is used and applied properly, it can act as an organic herbicide and be used in place of chemicals or extra cutting around the garden area. What are the types of good mulch? Bark Mulch: Bark mulch is great because it provides proper drainage and ventilation for the plants. It also has a beautiful rich color that doesn’t fade over time, making it a lovely background for your plants. Soil Conditioner: Soil conditioner is a product that is added to the soil to improve its physical qualities as well as provide nutrition to the plants. You can use this on the top of the beds or in a plant mix. Straw Mulch: Straw is not a good option for use in the Pacific Northwest, thanks to our wet weather. Straw absorbs water and is prone to mold growth — which is NOT good for your garden. Cocoa Bark: This is a lovely bark mulch option. The color and scent of the cocoa bark (especially after a rain!) keep people buying it, despite being slightly more expensive than other options. Living Mulch: A common type of living mulch is ivy. Living mulches don’t need to be replaced every season, although over time they may need to be cut back if they begin to compete with the rest of your garden plants. Peat Moss: Peat moss is a fibrous material that forms when moss decomposes in peat bogs. Acid-loving plants like blueberries and camellias love peat moss, but more alkaline plants might do better with compost instead. Leaves/Organic matter: A simple and cost-effective way to mulch your garden is with the leaves from your yard! Many people remove fallen leaves from their yards, preferring a clean, uncluttered look. These leaves can be gathered and then used to mulch garden beds. Not only is this to prevent weed growth, but those fallen leaves also provide nutrients for the soil as they decay over the winter. Compost Mulch: Using compost that you create yourself is fantastic because it’s free! It has the same benefits as regular mulches and adds more nutrients to the soil below. Stone Mulch: Stone mulch is a long-lasting type of mulch and is great for alkaline gardens or places where heavy rains are prevalent. Once you’ve determined which type of mulch (or perhaps you will decide to use multiple, depending on your garden type) you will need to tackle a few tasks before laying it down. First, you need to pull or kill all the weeds that are in the area you’re about to mulch. While mulch is designed to keep the weeds from coming up, it usually won’t get rid of the ones that are already there. Once you’ve done that, it’s smart to trim any bushes or trees in the area. After this, rake up any leaves or twigs that have fallen in or around your garden bed. Then it’s time to edge the area you are going to compost (if that’s not already completed) and then fill in the area with your desired mulch! Knowing these simple and easy to follow steps will help you to know how to mulch a garden bed with ease. If you have any questions or concerns about the different types of mulch, feel free to refer back to this article or even reach out to us and we’ll help you out right away! You have mulched your garden properly! We hope this tutorial on how to mulch a garden has helped you with your next project. Be confident knowing you did the job right. If you’ve got a rockery, retaining wall, or landscaped lawn and have questions about mulch or anything more, please reach out to us at New Life Rockeries today. We can help you with all your landscaping needs in the Greater Seattle Area. Contact us by filling out our contact form today for a free estimate today!
Why a Rockery?
A rockery is also known as a rock garden or alpine garden, and it can liven up your landscaping in a unique and manageable way. Rockeries are aesthetically pleasing, can help conserve water prevent erosion, and can add an element of tranquility to your yard that regular landscaping often can’t do. Installing a rockery might be one of the most rewarding and beneficial ways to liven up your garden. Rock gardens can be traced back to early Chinese and Japanese gardens, also known as Zen Gardens, and they have a very early history. Alpine gardens, on the other hand, have a much shorter history, and there are Seattle landscaping services that can advise you on how to create your dream garden. Homeowners in western culture often choose to build an alpine garden while borrowing some elements used in the early Zen Gardens. Rockeries for Conservation Many places in the US are facing droughts and drier weather than ever before. As these water sources continue to decline, it’s important for homeowners to consider conscientious practices for water conservation while gardening and practicing lawn maintenance. Oftentimes, a beautifully landscaped lawn requires a lot of water to keep up appearances. A rockery is a great way to stay mindful of water usage while keeping your garden looking beautiful. Rockeries for Erosion Prevention Rockeries can also help prevent erosion. It’s impossible to stop the elements entirely, but strategically placing a rockery on a hillside can help minimize the effects of soil erosion. There are Seattle rockery companies that can help you build these fantastic gardens if the initial project seems like too much of an undertaking. Begin by choosing your hardscape elements. Incorporate stairs into the hillside, and use gravel so that the water will seep into the ground easily. Building a stone or wood terrace is better if you have a large hillside, as it will prevent water runoff. Choose plants that are drought-resistant and require less water, such as shrubs, short grasses, and succulents. The right rockery company in Seattle can help you choose the perfect plants for the environment. Rockeries for Meditation and Aesthetics Historically, Japanese and Chinese rockeries are known as Zen Gardens or “dry landscape” garden. They create a miniature landscaped through carefully selection and placement of rocks, succulents, moss, pruned trees and water features. It should be inspired and created by the gardener so that they can experience ultimate personal tranquility. The construction of such a garden is simple, and the time that would be spent continually maintaining a complex garden design can instead be spent in daily meditation and enjoyment of the environment the gardener has created. Aesthetically, the garden should create symbolism associated with an element of emptiness, setting the viewer into a state of contemplation. Build Your Rockery with Seattle’s New Life Rockeries A rockery is a great way to add character to your backyard landscape. By conserving water and minimizing erosion, it can help the environment while also freeing up time that a normal landscape would tie up with constant maintenance. At New Life Rockeries, we excel at creating vibrant, beautiful rockeries that are not only useful, but also appealing. We love to collaborate with homeowners and businesses that want to build a rockery with a purpose. If you have any questions about building a rockery on your property, get in touch with our team. We’d be delighted to offer you a free quote and advice on how to keep your rockery looking great.
3 Ways to Keep Your Rockery Looking Great
Many plants thrive in rocky areas and gardeners who love the unique and attractive curb appeal of a rockery already know how satisfying such a garden can be. For many homes, a rockery is a great way to add interesting plants to your yard and combine rough and complex textures, blending the delicacy of various flowers and the jagged surface of the stones. Yet, some in warmer or more humid environments find it finicky to get plants to thrive among the rocks. Don’t worry — it’s very easy to keep your rockery looking great year-round with a little patience and a love for such a space’s tranquil beauty. Consider Zoning Plants for Different Seasons It’s important to choose many types of plants for the different seasons so that they can take turns flowering. If you did not consider this when first putting in your rockery, don’t fret, you can swap out various plants for different seasons until your rockery reaches its full potential! It is also wise to arrange a transition area between the rockery and formal parts of the garden, such as an edging or path with small stones. This will showcase different colors and textures and also make it easy for you to navigate the garden. Position your rocks so the style and grain are all facing the same direction to keep a harmonious effect. With a little creativity and vision, many colors, textures, and heights are possible! Keep Soil Around Plants Hydrated During the first few weeks after planting, you should water your plants regularly even if the weather doesn’t seem very dry. After that, be sure to water when the soil is dry at a few inches depth and the leaves look dull. Soil around a rockery can dry out very quickly and the plants need to be watered more often than the rest of your garden. Do not lightly sprinkle, that will only do more damage to the plants. You will want to water them thoroughly with a hose pipe rather than a watering can, unless your rock garden is small. Remove Weeds on a Regular Basis Weeds start growing as soon as the soil temperature gets to about 40°F in the springtime. Because of this, they tend to get a head start on the plants you actually want to see! It’s very important to pull weeds out from the rock cracks by hand. When your rockery is new, you may find you have to deal with a lot of weeds and consider turning to herbicides to help combat the issue. It is important not to use herbicide on your rock garden because often no matter how precisely you may spray it, the liquid will drip down the rock and onto other plants. Be sure to pull the weeds from the root to get all of it from the soil and do this on a continual basis to keep your garden fresh. Rockery maintenance is not a particularly difficult task, but it is certainly an important one. Many people that create this type of garden are also looking for a harmonious and meditative aspect. Between the visual aspect of the rockery and the physical upkeep, you will have a garden that will bring you joy for years to come. Build Your Rockery with Seattle’s New Life Rockeries At New Life Rockeries, we excel at creating vibrant, beautiful rockeries that are not only useful but also appealing. We love to collaborate with homeowners and businesses that want to build a rockery with a purpose. If you have questions about building a rockery on your property, get in touch with our Seattle rockery company. We’d be delighted to offer you a free quote and advice on how to keep your rockery looking great.
7 Reasons Why Homeowners Built Water Features in 2016
With spring upon us and summer on the way, many homeowners are making plans to spruce up their yard and gardens. They are mowing the lawn, pruning the trees, and spreading fresh bark in the flowerbeds. For some, their yard renovation included the one thing that adds more character and beauty than any amount of new bark: a water feature. Water features may seem like a big project, but more and more Northwest homeowners are starting to invest in the best garden addition out there. At New Life Rockeries, we understand the value of a quality Seattle water feature. We realize just how much they can improve a property, and we have experience with a wide variety of styles and installation methods. To give you an idea of what they have to offer, here’s a list of reasons why homeowners are installing beautiful water features this year: 1. Water Features Add Character There’s a time and a place for minimal landscape design. However, when it comes to enhancing the beauty of your yard or garden, you really can’t beat the sparkling presence of a water feature. The rockery will add texture, and the water will reflect the sun and attract adorable wildlife. A fountain or another feature will act as a centerpiece to the space, allowing you to structure your landscaping around it, which adds to the continuity of your entire property. 2. They Create a Unique Style Your personal taste in landscaping matters. Through a professional rockery company, you can create a style that fits your vision for your yard or garden. Whether you’re looking for a classic fountain centerpiece or a natural-looking pond, water features let you craft the garden of your dreams. Also, your choice in a water feature can be designed to match your taste in plant life, which will likely surround the fixture or pond. 3. They Aren’t Difficult to Maintain With hundreds of online resources and owner guides at your fingertips, water feature maintenance is easier than ever. Many homeowners are investing in fountains and ponds now, in the spring, so that they have plenty of time to understand different care techniques before winter arrives. And in most cases, water preparation consists of a simple heater or tarp. 4. They Create a Space for Wildlife With a water feature, you can have beautiful fish and visiting birds constantly in your backyard. Water is life, as the old adage goes, and a garden fountain or pond is no exception. Just be sure to follow recommended care guidelines for any pet fish. Nobody wants dirty water and unhealthy (or lifeless) goldfish. 5. They Provide Relief in the Summer If you install a water feature during the spring, you will enjoy the benefits of a cool, refreshing, sparkling centerpiece all summer. There’s nothing worse than a blistering August day with no way of cooling off. Now, we aren’t suggesting that you join the birds and go for a dip in your garden fountain, but the very presence of flowing water will cool down your yard and help you relax. 6. They Sound Relaxing and Meditative Speaking of relaxing, water features — specifically those with flowing water, like fountains — provide a peaceful environment through sound. The chuckle of gentle water in the morning is a meditative sound you can’t find anywhere else. Bring the sounds of a mountain spring to your own backyard. 7. They Are a Great Centerpiece for Outdoor Parties Finally, water features are the perfect centerpiece to any outdoor party you have this summer. Picture it now—friends and family gathered on the patio, eating grilled food, and thoroughly enjoying your brand new pond or fountain. It will be something you can be proud of, as well as something that you know will continue to add beauty and value to your home. For more information on water features and how you can get one for your own yard, contact New Life Rockeries today. Our rockery experts will work closely with you to design a water feature that will complement your garden design and vision. Call (866) 756-6789 or fill out our contact form to start the process today.