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And OH what a Spring it is!

I think this was the longest winter I have ever seen in my doggie life.  Don’t get me wrong, I love rolling in the mud, and sitting by the fire.  But what I really love is a beautiful spring day, and digging up rocks :).  My favorite rock is Mexican Pebble.

* Mexican Pebble is a very smooth round rock off the beaches of Mexico.  My owners supply this product in multiple colors and sizes.
* Color is a power which influences our souls. The most popular by far is Black Mexican Pebble;  to me it looks more gray/black.   The Red Mexican Pebble; has a purple reddish hue.  And the Buff Mexican Pebble is a golden beige with specks of black and red.  Every choice is unique.
* Size, it’s not the size of the dog, but the size of the fight in the dog!  But our sizes for Mexican Pebble are 1/2″x 1″  1″x 2″  2″x 3″.  The 2″x 3″ is ideal for accenting river beds (and mix with cobble).  The 1″x2″ is most popular of all, plants, ground cover, water features.  The 1/2″x 1″ is a great solution between pavers or flagstone and ground cover.
* Do you want to go smaller?  We do have a Mexican  La Paz (3/8″x 5/8″)  and a Mexican Criva (1/8″ x 1/4″).  Both products are 90% black, with the remainder of red and buff mixed in.  Visualize the the pebbles smoothed and washed down naturally to become these smaller sizes. This would great as an elegant pathway for me to run on!
What ever product you choose, just remember, Happy Digging!

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Time to “March” on?

Yes!!! Spring, daylight savings and the month of March is just around the corner.  Can you believe that?  It sure has been a long COLD winter, as far as California standards go.  But, we all know the sun will come out tomorrow!  With gardening on everyone’s list, I’d love to share my soil knowledge with you.  For me, as a dog, the smellier the better with soils.
This product is a new one for us!  Nufiber® provides an all in one soil building amendment. Treated through biological and thermal process, which produces a pathogen free, organic soil amendment that can be used in lawn/garden and a variety of horticultural markets.
Growers Blend is our Veggie Gold Standard. With organic dairy manure and humus mixed together to create the perfect blend for your tomatoes.  Superior soil for superior results.
Planters Mix is our “wonderful” blend. With organic dairy manure, sand, humus, potash, calcium and potassium designed for both residential and commercial gardens.
Topsoil is a screened “sandy loam” product. This product is great for filling in holes; used under planters mix or growers blend for mounting; or bringing up the level of soil.
If help is what you need, that’s what we are here for!  My owners are always happy to help.  Happy Digging!

Clever Ideas

Start with a Plan

So you want that “amazing” backyard, but you are not quite sure what that exactly is? For me it is an area to sleep and bury my bones…..In order to make a plan from which to work from, you need to figure out “exactly” what you want! Here is a great list of questions to guide you.

  • Kickoff your plan with measuring your area. Front to back and side to side.  This will determine the square footage you want to touch. Do you have CC&Rs that effect your measurements? In your schematic list the direction of sun light, and any area you want to highlight.
  •  What is your style of your home inside and out. California Mediterranean, Contemporary, Fixer-Upper, Eclectic.  That way your style can flow all the way to your backyard area.
  • How to use is used.  Do you use the area for large entertainment; mediation;  multiple gardening options; activities – putting green, pickle ball, basketball?
  • Set the budget on your plan.  Elements in your plan may also include irrigation needs, lighting, hardscaping, gas and electrical.
    It seems like a lot to put down to begin your project, but in that process you may discover a new place to hide your “bones”.  As always Happy Digging!

 

Clever Ideas

Maybe a #firepit is in order?

All I hear lately is fire pit…what is it with you humans, and your obsession with feeling cozy?  Just think about the options available to create such a space….
*  I’m a formal dog – For this look, install a  paving stone area (such as #calstone) with a natural gas firepit.  Add a small courtyard wall to define the area. No smoke, no wood, no fuss.  It is clean, straight lines and becomes an outdoor extension of your home.
* I’m a casual dog – My idea of a #firepit is real wood, but still cozy.  This dog likes a solid surface for the ground, maybe #flagstone with #gatordust joints.  The fire pit is a #Stonewall II, two row fire pit kit.  Nice and circular allowing for conversation (or barking) with your guests.

* I’m a country dog –  I like the spaces open and free.  My fire pit area is made of compacted #DecomposedGranite with #gatorstonestabilzer.  And my fire pit kit is the Stonewall II, 3 row kit.  A little higher kit, with room for a roaring real wood bonfire!

No matter what taste your dog has, #valleyrock is the place to start.  With #firewood available, along with all the pieces to your new project.  As always……Happy Digging!

Clever Ideas, News

Dry-Scaping

Well we live in California, and yes is it dry, warm and sometimes hazy.  I usually get comfortable by lying low in the soil or lounging in the A/C.  My masters are concerned with water use with their landscaping (and all dogs need water), so a few suggestions for your outdoor living area.
*  Create areas using more hardscape ~ increase the size of your patio area~ add a #calstsone paver walkway; #decomposedgranite #firepit lounge area. Mix #flagstone with #crushed rock creating that zen feel garden. Or add a #drycreekbed made of cobble and #mexicanpebble.
* Refer to the Low-Water Garden guide produced by the state of California (tax dollars at work).  The plants listed will thrive in our environments and you will love all of them!
* Top your plants with great soil like #plantersmix or #compost.  The soil will allow the plant to retain and absorb water more efficiently.  Then topdress plants with fresh  #Bark (mulch), adding another layer of moisture – and it looks great too!  My master has many sizes, colors and types of bark (my favorite word).
* Check, check and recheck the efficiency of your irrigation system.  Check the length of time the water runs and the time of day the water is running.  Every plant has water requirements; high, medium or low.
And most of all Happy Digging!

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It sure feels like Summer!

Now when the weather turns warm, I think of tropical locations.  My master has turned my backyard into a oasis.  How so, you ask?  Why with Valley Rock products of course!

  •  Mexican Pebble ~ the perfect accent.  My master carries this magical pebble in  three sizes and three colors. So not matter your look, one of the Mexican Pebbles will compliment it!  Smooth and round~ Ole’.
  • Arizona Flagstone ~ Imagine the colors of the southwest…..conjuring up the look of Palm Springs.  That is the feel this natural stone will give you!  Whether you make a pathway, fire pit, courtyard or patio, this palette of color is very soothing!
  • Lava Rock ~ If you want to mimic the look a Hawaiian Island, the 3/4″ or 3/8″ black lava rock will do the trick.  Or if a resort in Mexico is more your forte, try the 3/8″ black lava.  You’ll be sipping on a Mai Tai or Margarita before you know it!

Just add you favorite colorful plants, the sound of running water and a cute dog…….presto = oasis.  Happy Digging!

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May is almost in the books….

May, what a month.  May is the last month of Spring.  And the rain did bring the flowers; natures fireworks in motion, as they say.  And most of all Memorial Day (originally decoration day); honoring all the Veterans we lost.  Many of us celebrate with a three day weekend, honoring Veterans in their own way.  If your way is to create a relaxing environment in your home, try adding in a Natural Flagstone element.
Flagstone is an amazing product used to create a pathway, patio, fire pit area or a courtyard.  You can lay it on a bed of rock, creating a stepping stone path. You can plant between each stone with herbs, thus creating a fragrance as you walk on . You can make a more firm surface by applying a polymeric product (Gator Dust), between the joints of the surface. Your creation can be made in a weekend!
*   Quartzite Flagstone….this is lovely.  Autumn Gold (think yellow brick road), Storm Mountain (silver with gold) and Windridge (silver, brown, green) Quartzites, all have a little mica sparkle.  This product rates higher on the carbon test for hardness. It compliments modern and rustic designs.
* Arizona Flagstone reflects warm colors, blush, oak and rosa tones.    If you like the warm tones of the Southwest, this sandstone product is for you.  It can accent your home and punch it up a bit!
On Memorial Day take a moment to fly your flag for Veterans we lost; and the ones we love.  And as always, Happy Digging!

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When is it Dog’s Day?

Now there is Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, May day, wedding day and graduation day~ when will it be my day?  I think everyday should be dog day.  With digging to be done, and all the laying around I do……hmmmm.  But you humans get things ready for every event.
* The Party is happening soon….In that case, just drive on over and pick up a yard or two of bark.  It is easy to install, and makes a huge difference in your hard.
* My yard is not that big…..Is the square footage of your back yard equal to the size of your family room and kitchen?  If so, you can still turn it into a backyard living area.  Remove that grass, and add some hardscape (pavers, flagstone, rock).  Keep some live/green areas- it could be in the form of potted plants or some planting areas.  It is always nice by a window: you can see it and smell it easier!
*  But I really want…It all!  It’s oasis time – Start now for your Fall/Autumn events.   Decide on your design plan and material selection. Decide what you can do yourself and what you need help with.  Make a plan. We carry many of the materials you want to make it happen….just contact us.
And above all, don’t forget about your furry friend….me…Happy Digging!