Preparing for Summer '15...

Are you thinking ahead of preparing your yard/garden/patio for the coming summer?

Consider reducing the amount of grass! That is not to say totally do away with grass and go all rock! Do not get that carried away. A good goal for Hill Country Texas is 30% turf. This will reduce cost and maintenance throughout the summer and whole year, and who doesn't want to save both?

This will not be as hard as you may be already thinking. A good goal for your outdoor living space is 1/3 turf, 1/3 hardscape and 1/3 planting beds. Stand back, look at your yard and imagine how you would love for it to look. Browse magazines and Pinterest for ideas. Start small. Do you have a patio for entertaining or just for grilling with your family? 

A patio is the perfect winter project as outdoor living is only becoming more popular. A patio is an improvement that will last for many years to come. 

Popular hardscape materials include flagstone, pavers, brick, cut stone and gravel. Decomposed granite or pebbles can be used to fill in spaces in flagstone. Decomposed granite is a colorful choice. The terra cotta color blends well with landscape plants. Using permeable hardscape allows water to be stored in the ground and water other nearby plants, rather than running off concrete.

Burroughs Landscaping has the answer to all of your patio and landscaping ideas and needs. From Kerrville, Fredericksburg and the San Antonio area, the experienced team loves making your dreams come true!

Xeriscape Landscaping in Hill Country, Texas

Living in Hill Country, Texas, we all know the dry conditions constantly in place. Just because we have limited water, does not mean we cannot have a beautiful yard. Burrough’s Landscaping specializes in Xeriscape (pronounced “zeer-i-scape”). Focusing on drought-resistant plants and beautiful hardscape, it is possible to have attractive scenery.

Burrough’s will begin with establishing a design that works best for the area, and is appealing to an owner, incorporating your ideas and appealing to your lifestyle. Whether there is a large expanse of yard or garden, or a small front yard that needs curb appeal, there are some thoughts to examine.

A plan is the first step. Like plants should be planted together, the ones needing less water separate from ones that may need more attention, such as water and sun. This results in less water being wasted if it is all going in the same direction. Begin by drawing and making a plan.

Examine the current turf area. It is not to say that you cannot have grass, but plan to use grasses that are nativeto the region. Plan for turf in less traveled areas. Incorporate grass in complimentary settings along with flowers and other hardscape.

Choosing plants and flowers that are native to the area is a great start. Keep in mind which plants and flowers need the least amount of water, and can tolerate the most sun. Group them together, making the most use of the natural environment.

Soil is more important than one might think. Most soil is a combination of three soils – clay, silt and sand. Silt is the choice preferred for Xeriscaped gardens, as sand allows too much drainage and clay retains moisture.

It is important to monitor watering, especially in newly planted flowers and plants. Even hardy plants may need water to establish a root system, then eventually slowing down the moisture. Monitor plants regularly, even drought resistant plants may need minimal watering during extreme heat. Watering close to the ground, avoids waste blowing into unneeded areas.

The two types of mulch are organic and inorganic. Choose organic mulch, such as bark mulch, cedar mulch and pine peelings to surround plants and flowers. Wood-based mulch keeps landscapes cooler, but may need to be replaced regularly to avoid rot. Inorganic mulch works best in the shade and for hardscapes. Stone based mulch, such as cobblestone or lava rock will soak up heat from the sun and evaporate any moisture, which can cause a hardship on plants and flowers.

The maintenance should be minimal, but will not be totally nonexistent in Xeriscape landscaping. Since most of the plants are natural to the area, which are typically slow growing, they should require minimal water after they are established. As in any landscape, trim dead or dry branches, leaves and flowers from plants.

Even if it initially seems costly to establish water conserving landscape, the savings can be seen in a few short months of less maintenance. Burrough’s Landscaping offers eco-friendly,innovative ideas for unique drought-resistant landscapes.

Spring Fling

What a great place to be in the spring – Texas Hill Country. The days are getting longer and it is finally warming up. We have had a tough, long winter, would you agree? I am ready to get my yard and landscaping in order, ready to welcome the summer months and spend some time outdoors. It is time to reclaim our yards from Old Man Winter and make them our own. Landscaping, such as trees, flowers and stone walls all show our personality, just as those great new boots and jewelry do for our outfits every morning when we get dressed. Get ready to design, install, plant, trim, expand and enjoy your outdoor living space.

Start with imagining what your goal is, what you want to see accomplished, and a plan to get there. Be thinking about any new plants, perennials and annuals you may want added. Imagine, even draw planting designs and gardens you have in mind. Look online for updated, fresh ideas.

It is time to have emergent put out. Replenishing mulch will protect the roots of plants and trees in the coming hot, dry summer months as well as greatly improve the look of the beds and around trees. Does your hardscape need improvement? Is there a new pathway in your plan? Are you thinking that retaining wall needs a little love? Have you decided a pond would add ambience to your outdoor living room? Do you need or want to add irrigation to water more wisely, not to mention easier?

Things to keep in mind while brainstorming, according to Burroughs Landscaping, about your ideas for landscaping are to keep the area, climate and soil in mind as you are determining your choices.

An inexpensive approach is to use what you have. Allowing areas to remain natural will be a maintenance time saver. It is a more economical and efficient use of water by having limited turf to maintain. Brighten up a natural area with pops of color with wildflowers, saving money as well as time now and in the long run. Wildflowers, such as Bluebonnets, Texas Paintbrush, Indian Blanket, Greenthread, Winecup and Square Bud Primrose will add colorful beauty with minimal work.  Yucca or cacti are also great additions.

Kiss winter goodbye and welcome spring with open arms, outdoors in your new sanctuary.