Rain Rain Go Away!

The past few days have soaked the Montgomery County area. This large downfall has wrecked havoc with a recent clean up and mulching. Even though we made 4 inch edges around the beds the amount of water that fell carried the mulch out of the beds. Of course we returned as soon as the weather broke to rake up all the mulch and replaced it in the beds.

Other issues we have encountered are areas that have recently been seeded - the seed has been washed away. Or the ground becoming so soaked a tree fell over destroying a Japanese Maple. My ornamental grasses and many others through out the County have fallen under the heavy pounding. And the many calls of standing water and the request for solutions.

If you would like our help please fill out our free estimate request form or call:

301-980-9005

Over-Seeding is broadcasting about a pound of seed per thousand square feet onto an already established lawn.

Golf courses over-seed in the Spring and Fall. You need only over-seed in the Fall to replace any grasses that have died over the year.

Nature does its own over-seeding at the end of summer when the grasses drop their seed. However your lawn is cut regularly so that the grasses do not go to seed. You must perform this renewal for your lawn or it will slowly depopulate.

Over seeding when done in conjuction with Aeration gives you the best results.

...For more Lawn Tips

Gardening Is All About Change.

Plants grow and die. We need to watch what is going on in our landscapes and take action as needed.

We can not be afraid of change but rather embrace it realizing the potential to grow our gardens and experience them anew.

If a plant should die or become too retched that it must be pulled - Look around first at what you have. Can another plant that may have out grown its space be transplanted? Is this a good time to reduce the size of the bed? Can a large stone or a grouping fill the space?

I had a Japanese Maple loose half of its branches to a heavy snow fall. Instead of tossing it I transplanted it up against a large stone angled in such a way as to hide the scar of the missing branches. This created a small story of a tree growing up the side of a mountain.

I then populated the surroundings with other stone a Hosta pulled from another location added some Ivy to the mix a Liriope also scavenged. I added some moss to the rock and petunias as color. More plants soon joined and became players in the story.

Today the story needs to change again. The supporting players have become to big and need to be rearranged. The Hosta and the Liriope pulled out from under the maple's branches. The Ornamental Grasses need to be split as they are taking over the story. And the Holly needs some attention.

But this is part of the ever changing story of the landscape and a welcome one. As we grow in experience through living our own lives our stories change. We meet new people move to other homes begin families and nurture them towards their own discoveries and adventures.

We must at least provide a little of that care to our landscapes or they will reflect exactly how much we do.

  If you would like our help please fill out our free estimate request form or call:

301-980-9005

Maryland's New Fertilized Law

Fertilizer Business Licenses are Required by Professionals under the law going into effect October 1, 2013.  Seneca Gardens obtained its license and is in compliance with the regulations effecting everyone from farmers, municipalities, counties, commercial applicators, and home owners.

The new law is designed to protect the Chesapeake Bay from excess nutrients that contribute to explosive algae growth that rob the waters of oxygen. Algae block sunlight from reaching Bay grasses, robbing the water of their oxygen production through photosynthesis. With out that oxygen, or the plants that produce it, the Aquatic Life is dying off in large numbers.

We need to be responsible with our use of fertilizers both as a company and as a homeowner. By following the regulations of the State Law and the recommendations of the Maryland State University we can enjoy a healthy Chesapeake Bay.

And someday I can take my 22 foot sailboat out onto clear Bay waters of the Upper Chesapeake with the hope of an overnight stay, after a relaxing swim and then dinner of fresh caught healthy fish.

  If you would like our help please fill out our free estimate request form or call:

301-980-9005

Do Not Cut Ornamental Grasses in Fall

My Ornamental Grasses  provide my landscape with a sense of grandeur over Winter. I use them as a barrier, screen and wind break through out most of the year. In the winter they contrast nicely with a denuded Japanese maple and the conical shapes of evergreens. Their large volumes provide interest in an otherwise drab winter setting.

Ornamental grasses take full shape at the end of spring and only turn brown once the first freeze arrives and the grasses go dormant.

To often I see people cutting back these beauties at the end of Fall. This is a waste as the grasses maintain their form through out Winter and need very little maintenance until Spring.

Spring is when the grasses are cut back so that they can begin their new growth and provide the fabulous interest to the landscape.

Many a Winter on milder days with the wind gently blowing through the grasses their hypnotic movement and the rustling of their many leaves provide memories of warmer times on quite beaches.

  If you would like our help please fill out our free estimate request form or call:

301-980-9005

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  If you would like our help please fill out our free estimate request form or call:

301-980-9005

Is There Snake Sushi In My Lawn?

When your lawn gets tall enough to hide pests - snakes will arrive.

Will mowing keep out snakes?

Yes. Snakes hate mowers. They slither away from them as fast as they can. Keeping your grass mowed leaves them little to hide in. Mowing keeps out their prey: rodents, bugs, and rabbits.
But if the snakes are are not fast enough then Sashimi!!!not Sushi is what you get. Sushi requires vinegared rice and thats not what we get here.

If you find yourself with a large portion of Snake Shashimi after mowing - You need to mow more often or - Call us at 301-980-9005 to schedule for Mowing.
  If you would like our help please fill out our free estimate request form or call:

301-980-9005