Tag Archives: #valleyrock

March Miracle

They call our rains the March Miracle, but to us dogs, it’s just good old mud.  The water our earth is absorbing now, will surely make for unbelievable gardens later.  So what to do now?
* A little planning never hurt anyone or any dog.  Now I plan where to bury my bone.  Just as you should plan where to place your garden.  A nice sunny side is key.  Them Tomatoes do love the heat.
* Measure, measure and measure again.  From designing the size of your garden boxes or length of your garden rows, math is key.  Make sure that the garden boxes are not so wide that you can not reach the middle to pick and weed.    Even us dogs know how deep to dig a hole for a bone.
* Soil, now this is my favorite part.  OMRI is important when eating the harvest…..even I know that.  Growers Blend is tops for the tomatoes, fully of good stuff (75% dairy manure, 20% humus, and 5% calcium, magnesium, and potassium) and it smells great too.
* Water, never forget the water.  Make sure that you account for the location of your water source when selecting your garden area.  A timer is key, because we all get busy…and the plants can not water themselves.  Even us dogs can drink from a bowl!

So our rain today, is key for tommorrow.  Until then, Plan, Measure, Soil, Water and as always, Happy Digging!

I Love Curiosity

I have a curious friend named Isaiah.  He is always asking me questions, and as a dog, I wag my tail often to let him know I am engaging with him.  He came to visit me the other day and we talked about trucks and dirt.  And why did we have so many choices for soil?
Now for soils, my master has taken great care in choosing the right products.  Great products, with great ingredients.  None of us are perfect (even in the dog kingdom); but my masters sure do try!
When looking for soils here are some elements you want in “great dirt”:
Calcium ~ Helping provide structural support to cell walls and serve are a secondary messenger when plants are stressed, kind of like people’s injuries (aka my friend Kai’s master).  It assists with the physical and biochemical weaknesses the soil may contain.

Magnesium ~ Now this big word is central for other big words ~ chlorophyll and photosynthesis.  All these big words (remember I am just a dog) together serve as activators in plant growth.  And that is good!

Potassium ~ Many, many functions for this one.  But the main one I’m concerned with is aiding with drought resistance!   By activating enzymes this will assist with the root intake…..that’s a lot…and I do like damp soil.

But if you are a dog like me, you can just tell by the smell and color of good soil.  I’ll leave the OMRI and other certifications to my masters.  And to my friend Isaiah, keep asking questions.  Happy Digging!

 

I know I should be planning….

January is here, all my masters Christmas presents have been unwrapped.  And my master has been frantically cleaning.  But why?  They said January is a planning month.  So why not start time-lining your 2018 projects?  For us dogs it’s all about treats.  But for you humans it’s about your humble abode…
What to do in January:
* Gather Ideas -Use Pintrest, your neighbor, home shows, etc.  Make sure your ideas are products that are available.  For example, don’t pin a rock found in New Zealand that you want to put in Northern California – think freight costs.
* Gather Numbers – Measure, measure, measure.  Know the square footage you are working with.  Draw your project up with measurements. Allow for lighting, plants, hardscapes, plants, accent rocks, walkways, pathways & entertaining areas.
* Gather Samples – visit your local supply (online or in person) store  (Valley Rock) and take some samples and or pictures. Grab a brochure or two, determine your color scheme, decide on your style (beach, craftsman, fixer-upper), make a budget.
* Make Decisions – Once you have an idea what you want, decide on what you will do; and what you want a professional to handle.  Schedule appointments with Landscape Contractors once you know what you want.  Don’t go in blind, you will waste your time and theirs.
I always plan where I am burying my bone before I dig that hole.  And I know you humans do the same!  Happy Digging!

Where did November go?

Now who doesn’t love November….Our cool nights have begun (aka me by the fire), the leaves are falling (aka me rolling in leaves) and my master is inside making treats that may fall to the ground (aka me licking floor).  So from my perspective….not a bad gig.  But as always, my master is working, working, working.  While I am sleeping, sleeping sleeping.  And what are they doing?
*  Maintain if no Rain – So the rain does not always fall on the plain.  If we have a dry spell, turn the water on for a bit to keep your plants happy.  And don’t forget about those potted plants under cover.
*  Protect- don’t neglect – Everything likes to be warm.  This includes the soil.  A nice layer of bark would make those roots happy.  My master has many varieties to choose from!  If mud is a problem, maybe a crushed rock is the solution.  This will keep the mud down and much easier to drive or walk on.
*  Cold can be controlled – So you are getting a bit of a chill in the evenings?  Well good thing my master has firewood and kindling in stock!  Now a 1/4 cord can fit into the back of a pickup, lickety-split it can be home for you. Or if you need a larger portion…..call and set up a delivery.  Oh yeah, don’t forget to grab a bundle of kindling too.
So whatever this season brings for us all, just remember a warm fire, a cute dog (aka me), with family and friends makes all things better.  Happy Digging!

Defensible Space

On our warm October days, my master is always fire safe.  So now is the time to check on your defensible space at your home.  Defensible space is broken down into two zones.
* Zone 1 – at a minimum of 30 feet from all structures.  Start with removing all dead vegetation.  This includes on the ground as well as on your roof and gutters.  Trim trees 10 feet from other trees; and branches that over hand on to your roof.  Move wood piles into Zone 2.  Clean up under decks and trim vegetation around base of your home.

*Zone 2 – this extends to 100 feet from all structures.  After creating Zone 1; make sure all grass is cut to a maximum height of 4″.  Create horizontal spaces between trees and shrubs – depending on the slope of your property, determines spacing of the vegetation.  Vertical spacing is just as critical-remove all tree branches at least 5′ to 6′ from the ground.

* Landscaping for Safety – Maybe now is the time to add pavers to your home-scape.  Hard surfaces – rock, cobble and pathfines along with fire-retardant plants will look great and help in our California climate!
So please keep the area around my dog house safe and clean.  And as always- Happy Digging!

 

 

September- summer’s last kiss

Who doesn’t love fall time?  Cooler nights and milder days…. after 35 extremely hot days in the last three months; today is a blessing! With that in mind, it is time to get outside and get things done on a perfect September day.
*  Fall Planting can be enchanting- Yellows, purples and oranges.  These are the colors that compliment my coat the best.  To get the most of your fall gardening, amend, amend, amend.  Our Planters Mix is the perfect solution!  You can pick it up or we can send a truck.
* Maintain so you don’t strain – Deadhead your plants and shrubs. They will love you for it. The more you do now in this mild weather, the more your garden will continue to flourish. It will also help produce new growth and bloom.
* Harvest fest keeps you unstressed -When your veggies are finished producing, and as you begin to pull the garden out, don’t forget to add it to your compost pile.  And oh yeah, make some yummy fresh salsa for my master.
* Fire & Flame to watch the ball game- So now is the time to start that fire pit or fire place lounge area. I know how you humans love that fire.  We can help with the materials and design elements. Start with your measurements and go from there!
As you breathe in the fresh September air, don’t despair, just grab a chair and share….. Happy Digging!

 

I can smell late summer

Late August……It always has a particular scent in our Valley.  A little dryness.  You can almost smell the soil in need of replenishing.  I know because I like to lay in it to keep me cool. Here are a few tidbits as we relax on these warm dayz.
* Stay in the border- Now you may replant your beds with fall color. It is the perfect time to amend with our Planters Mix or Growers Blend.  And while you are digging (my favorite word), top off with one of our many ‘Barks”.
*Think outside the borders-The areas in front of your garden bed, or retaining wall may need some TLC.  By adding material, as small as Decomposed Granite or as large as Random Cobble, you can begin to expand your borders.  A little change in your landscape can make a big difference.
*Room with a view – So you have a smallish space?  Who cares…you can still make it your own.  By painting an exterior accent wall, adding a sitting area, fire pit area, or bar area; you have now extended your living environment.  And the best accessory is me, your faithful companion.
So if you change is large or small, all areas can be improved or modified.  And if you do stop by here @valleyrock, stop in for your free Paw-a-graph.  Happy Digging!

For the Love of Fire

So I have a friend of mine named Wyatt, that knows a lot about fire.This young male human taught me many things…..including the love of the flame. Why the flame you ask?  Now my friend Wyatt seems to enjoy the color…but my masters love the function.

*  Qing and Smoking- now these cooking methods bring out the flavors of good ole meat.  Some prefer to use the Charcoal Briquets for the simplest method; or Lump Charcoal which is 100% hardwood and contains no chemicals…all natural and adds smokey flavor.  Wood Chunks can be combined while grilling with briquets and lump charcoal, creating the must yummiest of flavors.  All these Lazzari restaurant grade products are available at my masters yard.
*  Firewood- you could be a Oak Firewood fan or an Almond Firewood fan, both varieties are for sale in multiple quantities.  The firewood is sold by the full cord, 1/2 cord, 1/4 cord and a small rack.  You can pick firewood up (and pet me while you are here) or my masters can deliver to you!  Always seasoned, 16″ split and ready to burn.
*  FirePits – this is the my most  preferred item….a place to lounge by, visit with my master, feel the warmth and see the flame (as my friend Wyatt has taught me).  My masters have ready made firepits at their yard in STOCK!  Basalite ***Stonewall II, Compact and Grand FirePits are currently featured.  You can also create your own design with use of our Natural Stone selection.
What ever your fire flavor – lover, starter or cooker, my masters have the items for you!  Happy digging….and Qing!