Home Shows Abound!
As I write this, we are in the middle of the Great Big Home & Garden show at the I-X Center in Cleveland. The show began on February 5 and runs through February 13. We are excited to announce that we won the 3rd place prize for our garden size category. The theme for this show was “movies,” and every landscape display is centered around a movie chosen by the landscaper. Our movie of choice is “Return to Me,” starring Minnie Driver and David Duchovny. In the movie, Minnie Driver’s character has a spectacular garden in the middle of the city and we wanted to emulate the spirit of that garden. Our display includes a pavilion with a motorized retractable cloth canopy that you can put down when it’s sunny for shade or roll up if you want to see the sky. In addition,a natural stream bed is off to the side of the pavilion. We also constructed a water wall that we are projecting the movie on. As you walk into the display,you will notice the natural stone patio that you are walking on and hear Frank Sinatra music playing in the background. Our quaint little garden also features yellow vintage metal chairs, a vintage bicycle, party lights hanging from inside the pavilion, and a wonderful painting of the display greets you as you enter. The smell of Hyacinths hangs in the air for all to enjoy. We also constructed our leafy “G” logo out of sod which you will see at the outward most corner of our display.
We were honored to be invited to this home show for the first time. Do not worry if you did not have a chance to make it out to this show;you still have a chance to see the display!We will also be one of the featured landscapers at the Akron Home & Flower Show at the John S. Knight Center which runs from February 25-27.
More information can be found here: www.akronhomeandflowershow.com
Plant Profile – Dappled Willow
The Dappled Willow is a small tree or large shrub suitable for just about any garden. It’s foliage creates a starburst of color all summer long. The bright pink new foliage matures to variegated creamy white and green. The stems then turn to red in winter. This plant will grow in dry to occasionally wet soil. It will also tolerate salt well. The pH preference is acidic to slightly alkaline. Its light requirements are full sun, partial sun, or partial shade. Cut back in spring if necessary. Heavy fertilization will maintain it’s beautiful foliage color. Fertilize with Holly-tone as recommended.
The beautiful foliage is best set off against a dark background. For a striking display, plant beside or in front of deep purple foliage plants such as a ‘Black Lace’ elderberry
or purple Smokebush. Excellent choice for a specimen plant in a large open space or near a water feature, hedge, screen, or windbreak. Will thrive in low areas that are generally more moist. Will also do a very nice job of erosion control on slopes and banks. When sheared frequently to maintain size, can be well used as a bed or border plant, or as a foundation planting. As we update our accounts, please let us know of any concerns that you have or of any services that you would like to change for this season.
Spring Is Coming
Yes, Spring is on its way. It really is! I know sometimes it is hard to believe with this snow filled and very cold winter we have had, but soon the crocus, hyacinths and tulips will be blooming and the grass will awaken.
As we prepare for the season of 2011, we are updating our customer accounts and preparing service contracts for the upcoming year. Our goal is to have those to you for your review around the middle of March. This is essential and helps keep us organized so that we can provide exceptional service to our special customers.
Now, if we do not hear from you regarding your service, we will keep everything the same and begin maintenance for 2011 when the time comes. In the meantime, if you have any questions, or comments please let us know!
