Creative Collaborations
Aesthetic Revitalization
Aesthetic Pruning
As the most prominent and powerful feature of any garden; trees and woody shrubs require special attention in order to maintain optimal health and effect. Aesthetic pruning is a method of addressing these important members of the garden and answers the question, Why prune? Pruning helps increase flower and fruit production, promotes colorful bark and stems, directs plant growth, controls size, increases vigor, repairs and prevents damage, and also protects your investment in them.
IPM (Integrated Pest Management)
This holistic approach to mitigating insects, plant diseases, weeds and other pests uses many strategies to manage, yet, not eliminate pests. Preventing problems by fostering a healthy environment in which plants have the ability to fight of disease and insect infestations and out compete weeds is the first step. When a problem is identified all possible solution and techniques are used, only as a last resort are the least toxic pesticides considered. It is necessary to understanding that a certain amount of damage can be a sign of a healthy balanced eco-system.
Soil Enrichment
Developing a healthy living soil by preventing and/or aerating compacted soil, amending soil with organic compost, cycling grass clippings back into lawns, and spreading mulch is absolutely vital in creating a flourishing garden. Soil is a complex, dynamic combination of minerals, air, water, organic matter, and living organisms. These little creatures are amazing workhorses that help create soil structure, store and cycle nutrients, protect plants from pests, improve water infiltration and storage, and filter out urban pollutants. Identifying and understanding different soil types helps determine what amendments and steps are necessary to be taken.
Sheet Mulching
This layered mulch technique optimizes the benefits of mulch with four simple steps. First the sight is cleared of all weeds and vegetation; second, a weed barrier of recycled cardboard, which breaks down in time is laid; third, layers of “weed seed free” mulch and compost is spread; and fourth, cut holes in the cardboard and plant in the soil beneath the mulch. This method helps suppress weed growth, saves time and money by composting organic matter in place, improves soil’s water and nutrient holding capacity, encourages beneficial soil microbial activity and worms, and improves plant vigor and health, leading to improved resistance to pests and disease.
Casual & wild
