Tag Archives: #pathways

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!

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!