Tag Archives: #valleyrock

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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!

 

 

Clever Ideas

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!

 

Clever Ideas

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!

New Product

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!

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!
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!