With August here, and new vacation memories made (even for dogs), my owners always turn back to their projects and home maintenance.  Boy did we have some HOT spells (I dug a lot of holes to climb in), and the yard reflects it.  Just some maintenance (yawn) tips and few project (yeah!) suggestions….
* Amend those beds- Organic compost, planters mix, something with nutrients.  I know we like the hot weather, but even our soil needs love.  That way when you put your fall color in, it will thrive.
* If you have plantings that appear to be on their last “leg”, pay it some mind.  For annuals that look forlorn just pull it and chuck it. For perennials (big word for me), cut it back and wait for spring. Also, make note in your journal what struggled in your yard so you don’t repeat…
* Soak those containers.  Since they survived the heat spell, reward them with TLC.
* Projects…..I say fun… How about an area for a horseshoe pit? Use White Sand around the stake and new sod in between. It will be a clean function area. This will keep the dust only to the horseshoe stake ends.
Or a maybe marshmallow roasting center (firepit) with an outdoor lounge area is on your mind.  Utilize our Decomposed Granite add in our stabilizer, thus creating a hard surface.  Top the area with a Stonewall II firepit kit, pick up a 1/4 cord of firewood……insta-pesto….you are entertaining.
Happy Digging!

You know, us dogs are not much different then you humans, or even plants for that matter.  We all have key components that we share on this wonderful Mother Earth.  We all love to eat, relax and grow….so here we go.

•  Aqua- Ahhh yes, the source for life.  Triple check your irrigation lines and start times.  Be sure to double up on your hand water pots on these “dog” dayz.
• Shade- Any plants you have that are on the delicate side (me for instance) need to be shaded while we experience our heat wave.  Now we all have plants or friends (you know who you are), that thrive in our warm valley.  But some are transplants and need extra TLC.  So be sure you take care of them!
• Sunscreen or Bark – Bark is kind of like sunscreen for plants.  Bark will help protect the roots, and hold the moisture in the soil. With multiple choices of Bark at Valley Rock, what an easy way to help out.  And besides that, it looks pretty darn good.

So grab your sun hat, sunscreen and a large cool drink; and get to work making your friends feel better.  Happy digging!

So much to celebrate in June…with the month named after the Goddess of Marriage, no wonder my masters have an event every week.  But still so much to do out here in my garden, besides hiding my bones.
*Maintenance is always an issue, is my dog bowl full? Is my bed clean?…on and on.  But for the garden is the irrigation working? Are the drip lines clean? Do all the drip lines work? Is the timer on at optimum times?  All of this effects the plants and veggies.  Check, recheck and set, that’s my motto.
*Speaking of veggies, there is still thyme to plant your herbs.  With ample sun and consistent watering, your herbs will thrive.  Plant them close to your back door.  That way you can smell them and access them easier. I especially love the smell of rosemary.
* Weed, deadhead, fertilize and weed some more.  The secret to a well loved garden is management.  Deadhead fading blooms to produce new blooms.  Control those pesky weeds, they just get in my coat.  Keep my soil moist but not soggy (I love to lay in cool soil). And please give my plants some food, they love fertilizer.
To love my garden is to love me.  Please keep my surrounds nice and remember, happy digging!

I know it is not even Memorial Day (one of the most honorable days of the year), but what is up with the early June gloom?  The good news with that is, there is still time to get your garden in. This week is the perfect time to complete it.  Just a few pointers on your endeavor.
*  Select a fully sunlit area.  You will need at least 8 hours of God given sunshine.  So avoid areas that may cast a shadow on your crops.  Besides that I truly love to lay in warm soil :).
* Drainage and watering, they kind of go paw and paw, wouldn’t you say?  Add some 3/8 crush rock,  pea gravel or decomposed granite around the base of your garden boxes.  It will assist with drainage and make the space look amazing.  Water daily until the roots are established.  Once established, you can cut the water back to three days a week.
* Soil, the most important ingredient….And my masters have a few to choose from.  The number one pick is Growers Blend.  An OMRI product that contains manure, forestry humus, calcium, and potash, it certainly does magic.  If only you need to amend your garden soil, select our organic compost.  Mix it in well with your soil and plant away.  Or, if you want only the best our “super star” product is Grow 530.  Some of our most selective customers love this option.
The veggies need time to grow, so get it going!  Our warm days are coming.  Happy Digging!

So many dates to celebrate in the month of May.  But none are as important as Memorial Day.  The day set aside for rememberance of American war dead.  And to that I give two paws up.  Us Americans love those who have served just as much as we love our food!
With May celebrating pickle day, apple pie day, brew week and the big day Memorial day; with BBQ’s all around.  I especially love the scraps my owner gives me off the BBQ.  Now before you can celebrate, it’s best to make sure your yard is in order.
Your garden should be started, if not, stop in and get some growers blend or our super duper “530” blend soil.  It is as rich as it smells!.

Not planting a garden?  Don’t forget to lay down some bark. Nothing spruces up an area like fresh bark.  Bark will also hold the moisture in your soil.  I prefer brown bark because it  matches my coat.  But all the choices here are amazing!

Now if you are really ambitious, install a new paver patio.  I do enjoy a smooth surface to lounge on.  You would need two inches of road base, two inches of plaster sand and some of our beautiful pavers.  Now that would be a Mother’s day gift or a Father’s day gift.

No matter what project you choose, we can help.  From ideas to calculations, stop in and see my owners.  Make a toast with those we remember, we are always here to help.  Happy Digging!

Now we all have schedules to follow, whether it be for work, family or in my case sleeping.  We are all defined by our patterns.  And in planting, scheduling is important.

Now in January (or Plan-u-ary) as I call it; we discussed the importance of planning out your projects.
In February we began “awaking” the soil.  And with the month of March it was all about renewing the soil (or yourself).
With April came our April showers.  Now that May is upon us, the garden is in.
Now is the time to top the soil with some compost or worm castings to further enable a robust harvest!  Check your watering; water frequently until the roots are established.  Once establish watering can be cut back to two or three days.
Spruce up the area around the garden; add some decomposed granite or bark around the edge to walk on.  Accent the corners with flower pots, make the area a place you want to be!  Follow your patterns, and you will be amazed how your life will change. Happy digging!