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Get your Grow On!

Yes…..the rains have stopped- who thought we would be saying that???  After the wettest year on record, our ground is moist and cravings nutrients.  So if your need some advice on soil, I’m your dog. Because he whom digs in it, knows it.

*Screened Topsoil – This is a screened soil (meaning rocks have been removed) excellent for mounding or filling holes prior to topdressing.
*Planters Mix – Also known as 50-50 mix.  A combination of screened topsoil and rich compost.  This is the most common choice for landscape plants and general planting.
*Growers Blend – Now this is my favorite.  It is OMRI certified dairy manure blended soil.  Now if you want a happy tummy filled with yummy veggies; this is the product.  And yes, it does have the rich smell that makes me want to roll in it!

So as you plant your garden, don’t forget to amend your soil.  And as always, Happy Digging!

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What the Fest?

Ever notice everyone is having a “fest”- beer-fest, food-fest, and what about this “March madness” stuff, Or is is March mulching? So me, as a dog, I will declare my own fest-  Bark-fest.  To me that’s all about the bark, the bark, the bark, oh puppy.  But to you humans it is all about the mulching.  Here are my picks…

*Deco Barks- Gotta love the nugget shape.  More traditional look with the brown/red hue. You may prefer small (3/4″ish) or large (11/2″ ish) in size, either way, both match my eyes.
* Dyed Barks – Black or Brown dyed barks sure do have solid consistent colors.  Black or Brown will punch up your home and give it a pop.
* Fiberous Barks-  Shredded Cedar and Redwood Ground Cover are most excellent choices for slopes.  And as a bonus are most economical selections.
Chipped Barks- Playground Fiber and Walk-on are both more of a chipped product.  Playground Fiber aka shock-ab is the pick for playgrounds.  And Walk-on bark, is always a crowd pleaser.

So go Fest it up at your place- it’s all about the bark, the bark, the bark, oh puppy.  Happy digging!

Clever Ideas

What’s up for Spring 2017?

For me, exciting trends about Spring would be full access to a supply of treats. For you humans trends are quite different. Here are just a few trends to ponder on…….

* The use of natural materials.  Creating a Decomposed Granite living area vs. a concrete living area.  Introducing more natural stone and decorative rock for ground space.  Timeless look and stunning too!
*  Mash it up.  Try combining your current “old” style with a new element.  Mix in some Mexican pebble to dress up an older retaining wall at the base.  Add some manufactured stone to you BBQ island, your fireplace or even the front of your home.  Mash is in.
*  Green me….yes I do mean sod.  There are mow free sod varieties available if you are unable to mow.  Or reinstall sod in an area that went dormant.  Not only does it look luscious, but it feels good on my paws!
Within the next thirty days, we will have about two more hours of sunset (an earlier sunrise and a later sunset).  So get trending at your home.  Happy Digging! #valleyrock #spring2017

Clever Ideas, Uncategorized

The door way to 2017

Now that we are deep into January, the holidays have passed and we are experiencing the end of our drought; what’s a dog to do?  I am fully aware that January is a time of planning, not just for me and my yummy bones, but for all of us.  Our country is planning a new administration, and you may be planning your upcoming projects.  Here are a few things we can all do to get it going.

  • Prune, remove broken limbs, and weed.  The storm has roughed up our yards.  Check for limbs that may break off, and cut them now.  Dispose of leaves and clear out the gutters (again).  The earth is receiving all this amazing moisture and getting ready as our days grow slightly longer.
  • Dig up dormant shrubs and relocate.  For your best results, now is the time.  And when you do, come get some growers blend to amend the process.
  • Do your research for your feature projects- map out your area, gather ideas and product information.  The time is now to schedule appointments for work to begin on our dry days.The Romans originally never considered January or February actually months…it was winter, dark and cold and to them “monthless”.  But to us, these 59 days are precious.  Without January there would be no baking, or soup, or diets!  Not to even mention February and chocolate. As our days grow a ‘little’ longer we can all enjoy a little soup just resting next to the fire, we me your faithful servant.  Happy Digging!
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Fire it up!

November …ahhh a month of falling leaves, short days, cool evenings and gaining an hour of sleep.  The sleep part is the best news yet.  But even better are the long nights.  This is when my master builds a fire for me to curl up next to!  There is so much caution, care and information when dealing with fire….
For outside fires
*  Make sure you have at least a 10 foot clearance.  Not too close to the house and not too close to any combustible materials.
*  Avoid those windy days.  Pick a safer day to have that bonfire.
*  Check any burning day ordinances in your area.  We surely do not want you to get a fine.
Fireplace, Fire Pit,  Firewood
* A fireplace….nothing like seating along side my master.  They always clean the fireplace out and keep the area in front of it clear.
* Fire pits are always a crowd pleaser.  You can make a firepit out of moss rock, ledgestone, retaining wall block or manufactured stone.  Prices do vary on the products, but all have an amazing outcome.
*  Now on to Firewood.  This is a staple for every wood burning home.  Our firewood is a 16″ split dry wood, and ready to burn. Firewood is purchased by full cord, 1/2 cord, 1/4 cord or a small rack.  Your pick-up truck can handle 1/4 cord or small rack; some larger trucks can even hold a 1/2 cord.  My owners will also deliver the firewood for you…just call!
So on these long cool nights ahead, be safe and be prepared. Happy Digging! #firewood #

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Falling for these days…..

October, what a fabulous month.  Full of leaves (which I roll in), roasted marshmallows (which I steal) and a raging fire (which I sit by).  So here are few things you humans need to tend to.
*  Rake up the leaves on our dry warm days.  If you do it weekly it won’t seem like so much.  At least that is what my owner says.
*  Clean the gutters.  Nothing is worse than having the rain come straight down the side of the house because the gutters are too full to flow.
* Create drainage.  Now that we have experienced rain, we all know the areas that need help.  Crushed or drain rock will normally remedy the problem (plus it’s harder for me to dig up)
* Pay attention to your trees.  Maybe the trees may need a little pruning.  With the last rain fall, branches were heavy and even broke off (good for chewing sticks). Other trees may look a little yellow, and may need some Growers Blend or Compost placed around  it’s base.
Take time on our lovely days, for a little stroll (with me), and a little yard tending.  It all matters and all makes a difference.  Happy digging!

Clever Ideas, New Product

Ahhh the Harvest Moon

When September hits, I dream of cool nights and warm days.  The harvest moon is on the 16th, and is the fullest moon of the year! September has more summer days than June, but you humans call September “Fall”.  The most even day of year (number of daylight hours=number of night hours), the Autumnal Equinox, “falls” on September 22.  It is even, an even number…..funny how that works.

The most important thing this month is to get your yard ready for comfortable evening gatherings.  Clean off your patio; hose down the plants to remove mites and keep the watering up.

Speaking of getting the yard ready, this may be the time to add that fire feature.  If you have an area as small as 8×8, you can create an additional space.  My owners do have in stock fire pits (starting at $259.00), you can construct.  They can also double as a seating area.  It can be as simple as decomposed granite area; a flagstone patio area or a paving stone area- topped with your new fire feature.  The humans even have firewood available, now won’t that be nice for me to sit along side with my favorite humans. Happy Digging!

Clever Ideas

I love our summer nights…

When the weather dips below 100….I get motivated…to maybe locate my lost bones or chase a squirrel or two.  Now you humans always begin new projects.  My humans like pathways and stairways, which I can appreciate on my daily runs. Here are just a few ideas to put in your yard.
* Stone Slabs- what a concept.  Imagine a staircase of solid stone steps staggered to your front door.  Our Utah (gold and sunshine in color) Sunrise stone stairs are @4″ high (step height), and rectangular in shape.  As always, you must first form your area, level it  and take any drainage into consideration.  This all needs to be complete, before you begin the install process.  A base of crushed rock or road base, along with some plaster sand (used to level) should do the trick to set the stones.  Equipment on site would really aid in the setting of the stairs, or a few good strong friends :).
* Decomposed Granite- always a favorite here in our warm valley.  Whether you want to mimic a California vineyard, an Italian villa or a casual country setting, decomposed granite will give you the basis for your look.  Again, make sure the ground is level and the shape is how you want it.  You can tamp it down or rake it with a design, and call it a day.  Or you can add the Gator Stone Bond to harden the surface.  You can always line your pathway with our Golden Granite cobble to highlight the decomposed granite.  Or our Sonoma Valley ledge stone is another complimentary stone that enhances the decomposed granite.
All pathways or stairways need accents.  A large moss rock boulder, Mexican pebbles beneath colorful plantings, or a mounded area to accent a curve.  Remember, planning is key (I do this daily personally,hmmm), calculating the yardage, and drawing a quick sketch goes a long way.  So smile, enjoy our valley and happy digging!