Q. Why should I hire a landscape designer?
A. As an experienced landscape designer, Barry Block uses an artist's eye coupled with practical knowledge to meet your property and budgetary needs. With over 20 years experience, he knows which plants and materials can be integrated to best enhance your property's distinctive characteristics.
Q. How would professional landscaping affect my property value?
A. The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) provides a general formula: by investing 5 - 10% of the value of your property, you may expect a return of 100 - 200% percent of their cost when you sell.
Q. When should I hire a professional landscape designer?
A. Anytime is a good time, but we recommend that you contact us in the fall or winter. They are the ideal times to start planning for the spring installation so that you can fully enjoy your summer.
Q. How can I keep deer and rabbits away from my plants?
A. The most permanent defense against deer is an 8 foot high fence. To deter rabbits, we recommend installing a fence that is 3 feet above ground, with 12 inches buried below ground. Repellent sprays work with varying degrees of effectiveness. We can arrange for these types of solutions for you. Please check with your local zoning board for pest control regulations.
Q. What are the symptoms of over watering?
A. If plants wilt when the soil is moist; they may be getting too much water; wait until the soil has dried before watering again.
Q. When should perennials and shrubs be cut back or pruned?
A. Most herbaceous perennials can be cut back to the ground when their foliage has turned yellow or brown. Woody perennials such as Lavender or Pervoskia should be pruned back in spring. Unless indicated otherwise in the information on specific shrubs and vines (i.e., Hydrangea,
Q. Leaves of my newly planted perennial look wilted. What should I do?
A. Check the soil around the plant with your finger to a depth of about 1in. If the soil is dry, water thoroughly. But if the soil below the surface is moist to the touch, don’t water. The plant is probably wilting because the roots are unable to supply the top with sufficient moisture even though the soil is damp. The remedy is to provide temporary shade for the plant. Within a week or so, the roots should catch up, and you can remove the shading. Note: Do not over water.
Q. Leaves in my garden have a white coating on them. What is it?
A. Leaves of certain plants (such as Phlox and Pulmonaria) are more susceptible to a fungus called powdery mildew, especially when soil conditions are dry. Water deeply during dry spells to reduce the incidence of disease and dust with sulfur beginning in early summer. Thinning ½ the shoots of Phlox when 6in tall in spring also provides better air circulation and helps keep mildew at bay.