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Creating Defensible Zones

As the main defender of my home, I know how important it is to keep my masters safe, but there’s one thing I can’t protect against…wildfires.

California now requires 100 feet of defensible space around the 8 million homes and business like mine that are in high risk burn areas. The most important defense zone is within 10 feet of the structure, walk with me and I’ll share my tips for a fire protected landscape. That’s where I hang out, and I love my tail!

Known as the ember resistant zone, it should be designed to keep embers from igniting fuel that can spread the fire to your home. Adding pavers to your walkways (I love Calstone products) and patio spaces are excellent hardscape options.

Lean, Green & Clean- Keeping your plants and trees trimmed, distanced, and healthy is vital in preventing a fire or embers from reaching your structures. Now is the perfect time of year to add an extra layer of soil to your planted areas to keep them green, (and me digging).

Imagine your side yard pathway flourishing with vegetable planted water wise stock tanks surrounded by a stylish and functional pebble. Please visit the official Cal Fire website (fire.ca.gov) to learn more about creating a defensible space.

-Happy Digging!

Clever Ideas

Summer Fun

Summer has always been my favorite.  My kid friends are out of school and my days consist of swimming, eating and sleeping.  Now as far as the garden goes, there is always work to be done.

Plan & Plant – We are always planning.  but now is the time to plan your spring bulbs.  And at the same time plant your summer color (marigolds and zinnias are some of my favs).  Our Planters Mix is the best choice for your summer color.  To add art to your yard, with a stock tank container (I love the round one).  It is easy to move and place in your design.

Maintain – Mulch/Bark your area around your garden ( I prefer walk-on bark for my paws).  This will keep moisture in, roots cool and dust down.  Plus it will look amazing.  We have many varieties and colors to choose from.
Be sure to check your watering schedule as our temperature creeps up. And don’t forget your hand watering containers.
Pinch off your herbs so they will keep producing.  Check your feeding schedule for your strawberries.  We all love shortcake!

Harvest – It is about that time.  Morning is the best time to pick that yummy food.  Keep your eye out for rodents and the pesky snakes, they may like the morning too.  Clean up any fallen fruit to avoid the rodent and squirrel issue.  Make up a feast with your tomatoes, peppers and basil – my mouth is drooling already.
And as always – Happy Digging!

New Product

I am a Master

I suppose you have heard the phase “jack of all trades; master of none”.  Well me, as a canine, I do object, because my owners name is Master?  But I have another friend who is a master gardener.  And Margaret (that’s my friend), always said to plant your garden by Mothers Day.  This has always been due to late hail that can damage young plantings.  But, surprise, it has been a dry April.

So if you have not planted yet, there is still time.  New this year, My Master  brought in Stock Tanks for raised garden beds.  With lumber pricing being so crazy (result of 2020 shut down); this is a great solution.  They are sturdy, functional and bring another element to your design.
And we do carry a variety ~ 3′, 4′ and 6′ in oval shape; 3′ and 4′ in round shape.  Along with the fully contained tanks, my Master also offers 6′ oval with an open base and 3′ round with an open base.  The 3′ open base is also a fire ring ` ingenious! All tanks are galvanized.
We all know our Growers Blend is tried and true for veggies . But to improve even more, we now carry Heritage Bag products.  Empire Builder Blend, Perfect Potting Soil, Organic Compost and Worm Castings (my fav). The worm castings will only improve your crop!  So stop by and see us, my Master can help you.  Happy Digging!

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Experience is Key

I have heard the phase that experience is key.  And as a senior dog (I am 100 human years young); I would love to pass some wisdom down…. Plan, Participate, Party

Always plan your projects out, whether or not it is an yard project, or a life project.  I have found that it helps for me.  If I plan where I will hide a bone, I am more likely to find it later.  In landscaping, a design plan or sketch is the beginning.  Now measurements, even if you pace it off like I do, it must be done.  How can you start, if  you don’t know what you are getting into?
Participation always helps.  To be present in the moment, makes it all worth it.  I like to pace around an area and mark it, if you know what I mean.  By determining the purpose of your landscape project, selecting your product style and staying on top of the action plan all add up to a winning combo.  My team mates at Valley Rock can help you with this.  They seem to know everything about products and their purpose.
Party, this is the fun phase. The work is done, and you can enjoy the fruits of your labor.  In my case the bones of your labor.  Sit, relax, enjoy your new water feature, BBQ Island, paver patio, and of course your family.  All the years that I have been digging on this Earth, my family is what I value the most.  So plan, participate and party!  Life is good – Happy Digging!

Clever Ideas, New Product

No More Leftovers

You ever feel like all you get is left overs? January felt like a leftover from 2020, February felt like a left over from January.  And that April is around the corner, we are beginning to feel new again!

For 2021, livable luxury that is versatile with earthly palettes to refresh, renew and recreate. Does that sound right? But we have been recreating ourselves for the past 12 months in ways we did not think possible.

We are using every bit of space in our homes.  A table is not only for family meals, but also for board meetings and school projects. With all of us “hanging” around the home, it would be nice to have our outside areas even more usable.

Patios and Courtyards have become meeting areas, food prep and project  zones.  So why not utilize EVERY inch.  Versatile, durable and inviting. And as a digger of dirt (so my master says) I always start from the bottom up.  Install a concrete paver stone patio.  With paver stones you can make the area flat, firesafe and pleasing to the eye.  You can customize the look to match your interior design.
With Calstone Paver products there are so many options, in both color, shapes and patterns. Add dimensions with Roman Stone.  Roman Stone; this is a solid block, finished on all sides with ten colors to choose from.  By creating sitting walls, courtyard walls, counters or columns the area truly is an additional living area.

And for added flair you can put in a raised planter stock tan.  My masters have oval and round ones to choose from.  Such a nice finishing touch!

Renew, refresh, reimagine ~ all the tools are at your fingertips.  Happy Digging!

 

Clever Ideas, Uncategorized

Defense is key

Defense, as in Football?  No, defense, as in defensible space around your home. This is always a requirement in our dry climate. When my masters talk about defensible space, they are referring to creating a fuel break in the event of a wildfire – yikes!

Defensible Landscape – What is that?  It is landscape designed with fire safety in mind.  Still using the elements, functionality, style that you desire with your safety always a priority.  Visualize your yard in two zones.

Zone 1 is within 15′ to 30′ of your residence.  So what does that look like?  It can be a paver patio in the backyard up against your home. And a hardscape courtyard in the front as you enter your home.  Function with style.
Zone 2 is within 30′ to 100′ of your residence.  Now, this gets to be quite a large area. This area can include flagstone pathways between your plants; rock or decomposed granite walkways through your garden; or even a dry cobble creek bed within your design.
By adding these elements, you can create a beautiful area and a fuel break in the event of a wild fire.    Stay safe, and Happy Digging!

 

Clever Ideas

Finally Fall…..

What season is it? What day is it?  For some reason, I hear that a lot these days. To answer the question- today it is the Fall! My time to roll in the leaves, enjoy the cooler nights and the smell of the harvest….All the things us doggies love, besides digging.  After all our hot and smokey summer days, digging would actually do me and your garden good. Some garden TLC is in order.

By TLC, we mean adding nutrients back in that have been depleted.

First and foremost, Dig, dig in deep, and dig some more.   To really be efficient till your soil down 8 to 12 inches (wow that’s great).  But even 4 to 6 inches can be an improvement for the soil. Then you are ready to start the soil amending process.
Second, amending (that’s a big word) of the soil.  A great add in is Nufiber compost – coming straight from the central valley.  If you soil does not need this rich of a blend- try our Growers Blend or Planters Mix.  After the amending (adding in) is complete, leave the soil alone for a day or two so.  The organic materials (soil enhancements) will have time to decompose and provide nutrients into the soil. Yummy for your soil!
Your amended soil with bless you tremendously.  You have now created an opportunity for moisture retention. Your garden will yield a large, healthy and nutritious crop; your flowers will shine and your trees will thrive.
Last, but not least, check your watering.  Repair any damaged lines, or reroute as needed.  Look at your watering times.  Our daylight is changing.
Take time to smell the flowers and as always – Happy Digging!

Uncategorized

September to Remember?

September just turned the page to a new beginning.  The end of hot spells, the beginning of leaves turning and most of all, the anticipation for the Autumn season.   Here are just a few things to remember in September for your outdoor living area.

On our smokey days (carbon dioxide) can increase the growth of your plants.  And we sure have had our share of smokey hot days. So help your plants by amending your soils with compost or planters mix. Clear out dead parts and help those plants to flourish once again.
Have you noticed the sunshine is lessening?  With a later sunrise time, and an earlier sunset time, don’t forget to check your irrigation times for watering.  And if you add Fall color – don’t forget to set the water for that area as well. Your plants will appreciate the attention.
Firewood, yes I said firewood.  We have Oak and Almond firewood in stock; ready for delivery or pick up.  Palletized firewood is also available (1/2 cord on a pallet)- clean and ready to load. No matter what amount you want, we can accommodate your request.  And don’t forget the kindling.  We have it by the bundle.

Most of all don’t forget the Autumn food- apple pie is my favorite.  Happy Digging!