Tag Archives: outdoor living

Rose Month Rundown- The Complete Guide To Roses

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A whole month dedicated to a plant? You better believe it! Roses hold a special place in the hearts and minds of people everywhere. Their striking beauty and lovely fragrance not only elevate your garden but also have come to symbolize love, war, history, shows like The Bachelor, and even movies such as Beauty and the Beast. While some view roses as difficult, we are here to tell you that roses, just like relationships, just need just a little extra love and effort. Here are our tips for bringing the elegance of roses and all they stand for into your backyard.

FROM THE BEGINNING

Planning ahead will not only impact the success of your roses but also help you highlight their beauty. When choosing where your roses will be placed, you want to look for a location with at least 6 hours of sun and good drainage. Planting next to a South or West facing fence or wall will help minimize the damage of our harsh Wisconsin winters. You also want to plan how your roses will be used whether it is as focal points, border shrubs, climbing vines, etc. Determining the use will help you choose the variety in addition to looking for disease-resistant and locally-hardy varieties.

When planting roses, mixing in leaf compost and adding root stimulator will help the plant get established and also create more even soil conditions which will lead to greater health and longevity.

GENERAL CARE

Roses do their best when the soil moisture is uniform so regular watering on hot and humid days can make a big difference. When watering it is best to water in the morning at ground level or use soaker hoses. Wet leaves, especially at night, are much more prone to diseases such as powdery mildew and black spot.

Hard pruning is best done in early spring (March/April). In addition to removing dead and damaged canes, we recommend cutting back 1/3 to 1/2 of the previous year’s growth until you find a healthy white center inside the cane. We also recommend light pruning throughout the season to keep your roses looking pristine!

Deadheading roses will encourage reblooming if your varieties do not develop rose hips. Leaving as much foliage on the canes as you can, cut back just below the first leaflet to encourage the foliage to continue drawing up nutrients all the way to the top.

There are multiple options for fertilizing roses, so we encourage you to stop by and ask us about your options. Whether it is a slow-release granular product or a liquid fertilizer, your roses are working hard to look beautiful and need the extra boost! You can fertilize throughout the growing season, but we recommend you stop feeding late in the summer to allow growth to slow and enter the dormant stage before winter.

BATTLING DISEASE AND INSECTS

Powdery Mildew will cause leaves to curl and twist leaving white powdery spots on the leaves. This is best prevented by proper watering as described in the general care as well as pruning to allow for air circulation.

Black Spot will leave circular black or brown spots on the tops of the leaves, starting at the bottom and working their way up. Eventually it will cause defoliation but is best prevented the same way as powdery mildew. Some basic rose care products can also take care of black spot and powdery mildew.

Insects including aphids, Japanese beetles, spider mites, and sawflies are best controlled with basic rose care products such as neem oil or insecticidal soaps. Aphids can also sometimes be handled by blasting with water in the morning.

DISPLAYING

Roses can be the highlight of your garden, but also the highlight on your or your loved one’s counter. Roses cut for display are best cut right when the petals are opening using a sharp blade to ensure a clean cut and undamaged water channels. The best time is when they are well hydrated in the early morning or evening hours. To eliminate air bubbles and encourage water uptake, you should recut the stems at a 45-degree-angle just before putting them into the vase. Strip the leaves below the water line, add other flowers like baby’s breath if desired, and change water frequently to create a gorgeous and long-lasting display!

After all of this information you can probably see why roses need a whole month to be highlighted and celebrated! Show some extra love to your roses this month and they will continue to spread the love and beauty they manifest in your yard and in your home.

Landscaping Management 101: June

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June is Rose Month, so let’s work hard, but don’t forget to stop and smell the roses! We are saying goodbye to the spring and hello to the start of summer! We will also be saying hello to gorgeous annual and perennial flowers and unfortunately the pests that come along with the warmer weather. Let’s get right to it with your June Landscape Management 101!

EARLY JUNE

  • Prune all spring flowering shrubs as they finish blooming.
  • Cut peony blooms when they are one-third open if you want to bring them in for cut flowers.
  • Plant late potatoes and cabbage.
  • Fertilize bulbs and most perennial flowers now. The bulbs will be forming for next year and the perennials will be actively producing flowers!
  • Prune and transplant houseplants experiencing vigorous growth due to increased light and warmer temperatures. Fertilize monthly.
  • Control heavy plant bug damage on honey locust and ash foliage with insecticides.
  • Inspect your vegetable garden for pests, covering and spraying as necessary. If you have specific questions check with a Vande Hey Company horticulturist.
  • Spray fruit trees.
  • Cut back late spring blooming perennials such as yarrow and salvia to encourage a second flush of blooms in summer.
  • Aphids can be treated with a strong jet of water or insecticidal soap. They are typically identified by curling foliage, sticky leaves, and black sooty mold.

MID JUNE

  • Cut back delphinium after blooming.
  • Allow only 1 dahlia shoot per clump
  • Mulch woody plants to control weeds, retain moisture, and modify soil temperature extremes.
  • Stake and mulch tomatoes; thin annual flowers and vegetables.
  • Sow perennial seeds and label all perennials.
  • Remove seed clusters from lilacs.
  • Check spruce and arborvitaes for spider mites. Thoroughly wet plants with hose if present.
  • If you have not mulched yet, 2-4” of fresh mulch will discourage weeds, hold moisture, and maintain even soil temperatures. Mulch rings around trees can also prevent mower damage.

LATE JUNE

  • Pinch out tips of black raspberry shoots when 3 feet tall.
  • Remove leaves of spring flowering bulbs after they turn yellow for best development and growth next year.
  • Set house plants on shaded patio as night temperature warms.
  • Fertilize roses after first full flush of blooms.
  • Keep an eye out for Japanese beetle adults and get ready to treat grubs.

As always, let us know if you have questions! We can give suggestions, recommend product, and help you create the beautiful backyard you’re striving toward. Call 920.788.6344 today!

21 Ideas to Inspire Outdoor Living

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Looking for fun and unique ways to inspire outdoor living? Tired of looking at Pinterest ideas that seem unrealistic? Want to create your own backyard paradise, but not sure where to start? These ideas are for you!

With ideas like these, little things go a long way! Try a few things this year, add a few more next year, and before you know it your yard will be looking like that backyard eye candy everyone dreams about! Contemporary, modern, rustic, alfresco dining…Sign us up!

#1) Bar Carts – Nothing says alfresco dining like a mini-bar or a bar cart. Bringing your drinks outside not only makes your trip for a refill shorter, but also creates a nice display item that all your guests can enjoy!

2) Stylish Outdoor Rugs – A rug brings a warm and cozy feel that can also add flare. Choose something with some color to accent your color scheme, or something more neutral-colored to tie everything together!

3) Planters – Nothing brings a backyard to life like something living. Custom arrangements and planters can bring color and also be updated seasonally to reflect different color schemes. Add some trellises or vertical plantings to create height dimension and watch the way your backyard transforms. Ask us about our Color 365 program to learn more!

4) Swimming Pool – Need we say more? Nothing builds a backyard paradise like your own pool! Something the whole family can enjoy; a pool will lead to many lasting outdoor memories. Add some lounge chairs with bright throw pillows to accent with bold color and you will have a tropical destination right in your back yard. Did we mention we install pools?!

5) Vacation Vibes – Tropical feels are not just for the Caribbean! Paint your railings white, pick out some Ratana furniture, some tropical planters, and maybe even a seagrass rug. Before you know it, you will be able to hear the ocean in your backyard!

6) Fire – Firetables, fireplaces, firepits, and fire features leave endless opportunities for warmth and flare. Nothing creates a cozy atmosphere like the crackle of wood or the soft flicker of a gas flame. One of 2020’s Top Garden Trends, fire is sure to always bring the heat. Build a modern contemporary look with straight lines and a rectangular firetable or a free-flowing rustic look with a rounded firetable.

7) Hot tub – Nothing heats things up in your backyard quite like a hot tub. If you want to really step up your game, you could even add a custom deck around the hot tub. Now you have the perfect place to enjoy a glass of wine and the health benefits of spas!

8) Create Cohesion and Flow – Take your indoor themes and extend them out! Whether it’s color scheme or even just a few accent colors, your indoor style does not have to end at the doorway.

9) Lighting – Low voltage lighting not only provides beauty and safety at night but also expands your ability to use your outdoor space later in the evening. Create a warm glow throughout your backyard as you up light some trees, add some path lights, or spotlight different highlights!

10) Add some color – Adding fresh paint to a deck or staircase is a great way to create an eye catcher that brings new life to older landscaping.

11) Cover it up – Adding a sunroom, pavilion, pergola or other structure adds shade and protection while also adding a structural centerpiece. These structures look awesome and create the perfect place to relax and unwind outside.

12) Make it multi-level- A multi-level landscape means a multi-purpose landscape. Levels create unique structural diversity that break up the landscape and provide little nooks for all sorts of different things whether it’s cocktails, open lounge areas, or a fire pit.

13) Frame it with a Bench or Seat Wall- Seat walls create visual intrigue and structure as they wrap the border of your patio or deck. They create more open space adding seating without filling your area with chairs.

14) Outdoor kitchen – Nothing inspires outdoor living quite like cooking and eating outside! Whether it is an expansive outdoor kitchen area, a pizza oven, or one of our favorite grills (Green Mountain and Green Egg), a kitchen adds a place to spend quality family time and enjoy good food together.

15) Add new furniture – Berlin Gardens, Kingsley Bate, and Ratana (our favorite furniture lines), provide couches, chairs, tables, and more to help transform your outdoor space! The styles and colors are limitless, so choose something that fits your style!

16) Make it comfy – Don’t just get furniture—class it up and make it comfy! Take a look at fabrics for outdoor pillows or throw cushions and create a seating area that you won’t want to leave! Express yourself with unique designs and colors and watch how it brings life and style to your space. We have extensive brochures of options for every taste.

17) Embellish with Little Things – Little details make big statements! Add lanterns throughout your yard, your favorite smelling candles, some of our favorite towels or napkins from June and December, and more! Stop by our retail center for fun ideas on how to create a space that fits your style!

18) Play Some Tunes – Every outdoor space needs some classy dinner music and late-night dance music. Whatever vibe you’re looking for, a nice Bluetooth speaker or an outdoor sound system takes your backyard party to the next level.

19) Add a Water Feature – When it comes to aesthetics, nothing quite relaxes like the soft trickle of a water feature in your backyard. Add lights to it and you have a whole new highlight to your outdoor oasis.

20) Build an Herb garden – Seems simple, but fresh herbs take every dish to the next level. They look cute in a small corner planter, highlight your green thumb, and make you look like an alfresco dining pro.

21) Get Active – Add a basketball hoop, a turf putting green, or maybe even a multipurpose court! Spending active time outside is great for your health and a great way to grow your outdoor living lifestyle.

Landscaping Management 101: May

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The weather is finally warming up, spring is in the air, and we cannot wait to get to work in our gardens! We survived the “April in Wisconsin Gauntlet” and all 5,236 different types of weather it threw at us. Now it is May! Everything is greener, brighter, and warmer! Let’s get to work!

EARLY MAY

  • Fertilize bush fruits, grapes, and ornamental shrubs.
  • Plant broccoli, early cabbage, cauliflower, and spinach.
  • Interplant annuals among spring flowering bulbs. Be gentle!
  • Scout for bare patches in your lawn, raking up dead plants and debris. Now is a great time to sow grass seed to ensure it beats out the crabgrass.
  • Treat lawn for control of broadleaf weeds.
  • Do not roll lawn. Instead aerate which will allow much needed oxygen and nutrients to get to your grass. This is especially beneficial for lawns on heavy clay soils that are compacted, lumpy, or thinning. You may need to aerate again in the fall for very lumpy lawns.
  • Prune Evergreens as new growth begins to expand.  Pinch off up to two-thirds the length of new growth “candles.”
  • Prune Forsythia after they have bloomed.
  • It is not too late to start seeds indoors, but beets, carrots, chard, kohlrabi, late cabbage, leaf lettuce, mustard, collards, turnips, radish, spinach, onion sets, onion seeds for bunching onions, peas, and potatoes can be sown directly into the garden.
  • Purchase and plant trees and shrubs now! Ask a Vande Hey Company representative for planting instructions to ensure healthy plants!
  • Examine fruit trees for Eastern tent caterpillars, being sure to remove limbs where they are nesting. You should also start your fruit tree spraying schedule. You do not want to spray when it is blooming because it can harm bees and other pollinating insects.
  • When leaves start to emerge from the buds, begin fungicide treatment. Be proactive! Apply every 14 days throughout cool season. Make sure to apply to crabapples, ninebarks, roses, and honeysuckles. Call Vande Hey Company to pick up your fungicide today!
  •  

MID MAY

  • Plant bush beans, snap beans, and sweet corn.
  • Plant muskmelon, squash, and cucumbers.
  • Work systemic insecticides into soil around roses.
  • Stake peonies and delphiniums.
  • Prune out winter-killed wood on trees and shrubs by cutting back to green wood after new growth begins.

LATE MAY

  • Plant geraniums and tuberous rooted begonias.
  • Set out peppers, tomatoes, and eggplants.
  • Start compost pile.

Staying on top of these tasks and being proactive will help keep your landscaping healthy and beautiful! Go get your hands dirty and enjoy the warming weather!

As always, let us know if you have questions! Also, stay tuned for our brand-new service “The Plant Doctor!” Ask all your plant and gardening questions and get answers!

10 DIY Planters: Recycle, Re-purpose, Reuse.

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Are you looking for creative ways to bring new life to your yard? Are you looking for a fun DIY project that saves you money? Look no further! Recycling is not just separating some plastic bottles from the rest of your garbage; it’s also about reusing and re-purposing old items! Check out these unique planter ideas and show off your go-green zeal!

Before we jump into the ideas, we want to share a couple of notes. When it comes to plants, you want to be strategic about the plants you choose for your new pots. Because many of these ideas are smaller in size, we recommend succulents! Succulents can thrive in just about any nook or cranny because of their shallow root system. They all bloom, come in different colors and textures, and are easy to propagate. Not to mention the stellar names like tiger jaws, Shrek ears, and baby toes. Choose some tall ones, some hanging ones, and combine them to make a visual masterpiece. Just ensure you add a hole to the bottom of your planter, so the water can drain out.

Now without further ado, here are 10 DIY Planters: Recycle, Re-purpose and Reuse!

#1) Bottles or Tin Cans- It seems like canned goods are making a comeback, so maybe they can come back in your yard, too! Paint them, wrap them in fabric, cluster them together, or even stack them!

From Balcony Decoration

2) Pots and Kettles– Grab old scratched up pots that just sit in your drawer, add some paint, drill a hole in the bottom and TA-DA: new planter.

From Homesthetics

3) Clothing– Hang some old boots on a fence, set them in your garden, or even add a pair of jeans to make these unique “lower-half” planters.

From Home Stratosphere

4) Legos– If you are sick of stepping barefoot on those Legos that never seem to make it in the closet, put them to good use! Build a planter of any size and color, and just make sure to skip some holes in the bottom.

From In Habitat

5) Tires– Go BIG with some old tires. Stack them up, paint them, and create a new planter unlike anything in your neighbor’s yard.

From Favim

6) Bikes- Not only do bike wheels make a great trellis for climbing plants, but an old rusty bike can add a nice accent piece to your garden!

From The Micro Gardener

7) Broken Pots– Just because a pot is broken doesn’t mean it’s useless. This has got to be one of the coolest ideas we have seen! Just be careful with sharp pieces!

From Better Homes and Garden

8) Dresser– Looking for a big rustic looking planter? Just slap an old dresser down, cut some holes in the bottom for drainage, and decorate.

From i Creative Ideas

9) Sports Equipment-Make a hanging basket with half of a basketball, or use tennis rackets to build a trellis. You can even cut a smaller hole and place a pot in it as a centerpiece item! These make great gifts for sports team banquets!

From Balcony Garden Web

10) Bird Cages– Not all of us may have one of these laying around, but this is one really unique way to add a hanging accent with some trailing plants!

From Home BNC

While these suggestions are great, don’t be afraid to walk around the house and get creative! Once you have your new planter designed and decorated, we can provide the potting soil and some plants to fill it! Bring it in, show it off, and let us help you create a beautiful arrangement to fill your new planter.

For those of our less crafty friends, we also have our own succulent kits, custom arrangements, and even a full seasonal planter program with Color 365. We would love to help you create new centerpieces and accent containers that add fresh beauty and life to your yard. Call 920-788-6344 today with questions or to begin your journey.

Backyard, Now What? Part 2: Top 5 Questions You Should Be Asking Yourself to Create the Backyard of Your Dreams.

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If you read “Backyard, Now What? Part 1,” you are already on your way to turning your backyard “blank page” into a beautiful masterpiece for you and your family to enjoy.  However, like a good student, you should also make sure you are asking the right questions. Asking the right questions will not only help you increase your own understanding, but also make sure you get exactly what you want with top notch quality. Here’s the Top 5 Questions You Should Be Asking Yourself to Create the Backyard of Your Dreams.

#1 How do I want to use the space?

This is arguably the most important question you will ask yourself throughout the entire design process. Are you looking to entertain groups of people? Are they large groups or small groups? Do you want a more intimate space for relaxing with just your family? What about your kids? How old are they now and how will their needs change as they get older? Do you want a pool, playset, basketball court, etc., that encourages an active lifestyle? What about grilling or other forms of outdoor cooking? What about privacy, protection from the elements, and light for enjoying your space at night? We know there are a TON of factors! That is why our team of experts recommends you “start with the end in mind” and then fill in the little details.

#2 Are there plants or features that I know I want?

What are your “must haves”? Is it a shade structure, the sound of water trickling for relaxation, or maybe a favorite plant? If you are not sure what you want, brainstorm! Check out our Garden Trends of 2020, research online, ask us for resources, and bring everything you collect with you when you meet with a Vande Hey representative. You do not need to make every decision right away, but get some ideas and we can help fill in the gaps!

#3 What is my budget?

Be realistic with your budget, but also remember to keep the end in mind—there are many adjustments that can be made to meet your budget, while not sacrificing your dreams.  For many people this means landscaping in phases; our team can help recommend steps so adding additional features like lighting, grills, or pergolas is not as costly in the future due to having to remove or relay pavers in order to run conduit or pergola posts. It could mean selecting younger plants that are much more economic than larger sizes of the same plant. Or you may want to DIY part or all of the installation; for example, Vande Hey Company could install the beds and you could install the plants with special instruction from us! These are just a few options to consider before settling for lower quality materials or installation.

#4 How do I choose a landscape designer?

A good landscape design and a great landscape design are two different things with differing aesthetic and functional results. You should consider factors such as reputation, services offered, cost, and their design process (see question 5). How many years has the company existed, and what examples of work can they show you? Are the designers degreed/licensed? Do they provide both design and build or do you need to hire install separately? Do they install all the elements of your design: plants, pavers, pools, structures, lighting, athletics, etc.? What about providing maintenance after the project is finished? Asking these questions will help ensure beautiful quality and longevity for all of your landscaping.

#5 What is my time frame?

When do you want the project completed by and what does the process look like? For spring install, it is best to start the process in the fall; and for fall install, it is best to start the process in the spring. It is also important to understand that weather such as rainy seasons or extended snow could also impact the scheduling of your project. In addition to scheduling, each landscape company will have their own unique process. It is important to ask about the process and understand the expectations. You can learn more about Vande Hey Company’s interactive analysis, design, and install process here.

Don’t flunk on your landscaping since you were not paying attention during class. Be part of the process, participate, and ask these questions to ensure that your yard becomes everything you want and more.

Vande Hey Company has been creating a legacy of landscape excellence since 1950. Call or stop by today to learn more about our process and how we can help you answer these 5 questions!

Landscaping Management:101 April

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April Showers bring May… Well, we sure hope for showers instead of snow this year! As things continue to warm up, we can all get more and more active in the backyard! Here’s our list of things you can do in April and don’t forget about Landscape Management 101: March if you are behind schedule!

EARLY APRIL

  • Finish pruning trees and evergreens. Avoid pruning maple, elm, birch, oak, and walnut trees at this time. Pruning these trees now will cause excess sap bleeding and increase the likelihood of contracting diseases such as oak wilt.
  • Once the ground has thawed, fertilize grapes, raspberries, and blueberries before growth resumes.
  • Rake the lawn when weather conditions permit. Raking when lawns are too wet will result in pulling out large amounts of roots and live grass parts.
  • Pull out last year’s dead annuals if you have not yet done so.
  • Dead flowers, stems, leaves, etc. can serve as protection for new plants and compost in place. There is no need to clean up too much this early in the season.
  • Prune summer flowering shrubs.
  • Plant fruit trees.
  • Graft apple trees when buds begin to swell.
  • Plant pansies in a pot and place outside. Pansies can handle some frost and cold temperatures.
  • Do not work in garden soil when it is wet.
  • Collect soil samples for testing. Test multiple areas separately.

MID APRIL

  • Uncover and prune roses if weather permits. You can vent rose cones (if you are still using them) during the day, but replace by sundown. Do not feed roses until mid-May.
  • Check out your indoor plants. More sun and higher intensity will lead to quicker growth and more need for fertilizer and water. You can also prune back hard now to stimulate new growth.
  • Seed or sod new lawns as soon as the soil can be worked. 
  • Vegetables that do well in cold temperatures such as broccoli, lettuce, and parsley can be transplanted outdoors after the average last frost date (May 21-31). In the meantime, you can slowly introduce plants to the outdoors by placing flats in shaded protected areas and gradually increasing exposure to sun and wind.
  • Sow seeds indoors for the following: tomatoes, asparagus, beets, carrots, chard, kohlrabi, leaf lettuce, mustard, onion sets, parsnips, peas, potatoes, radishes, spinach, and turnips.
  • Reseed or sod lawn areas injured by the winter.

LATE APRIL

  • Dig and divide fall-blooming perennials before top growth gets too tall.
  • Consider planting flowers which can be dried for winter arrangements.  Strawflower, statice, Chinese lantern, celosia, and globe amaranth are some of the best choices for successful drying.
  • Do not mow the lawn until it has grown at least 2 inches.  The roots are being renewed in the spring and grass needs vigorous initial top-growth.
  • Check birch leaves for birch leaf miner. Staying ahead of pests and treating trees early leads to greater health and success in the long run.
  • Plant onions, carrots, beets, chard, leaf lettuce, parsnips, peas, potatoes, radishes, spinach, and turnips.

If you are on top of all of these things and still chomping at the bit for more, check out our blog post Get Outside! 33 Outdoor Activities You Can Do Right Now!

Have questions? Call us. Need help? Call us. Our team of experts is here for you.

Get Outside! 33 Outdoor Activities You Can Do Right Now!

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33 ideas for you, your family, and even your kids that will help you get outside, transform your yard, and have fun while doing it!

  1. Create some “Patio Playlists” for your upcoming summer events.
  2. Clean your grill.
  3. Learn about the trees in your backyard. Can you identify them based on the bark? The leaves?
  4. Start slow-growing annuals indoors. PRO TIP: download a light meter app on your phone to ensure your plants will get plenty of sun!
  5. Make a flower press. You can even do this with just cardboard and rubber bands at home. They make beautiful additions to cards, bookmarks, resin paperweights, pictures, and more!
  6. Start your spring cleanup—pick up sticks and leaves, cut back plants, and begin to prepare your beds for spring!
  7. Build a plant inventory list of all the plants in your yard.
  8. Create a plant wish list for plants you want to add this year. Check out our Plant Finder for lots of resources!
  9. Research new grill recipes for your next family cookout.
  10. Research recipes with fresh garden vegetables and herbs to step up your game this summer.
  11. Plant an indoor herb garden.
  12. Begin planting seeds for your vegetable garden indoors.
  13. Build a homemade bird bath.
  14. Enjoy some quality time in your backyard hot tub or learn about the health benefits here.
  15. Prune! The end of the dormant season is the best time to prune almost all trees and shrubs.
  16. Pick out some new houseplants to bring new life to your home.
  17. Take your outdoor furniture out of storage and clean it up.
  18. Start a rock garden with hand-painted rocks.
  19. Start your own DIY landscaping project. Check out our DIY kit here!
  20. Oil up or WD40 your adjustable basketball hoop.
  21. Make a homemade bird feeder.
  22. Go green! Pick out a few pollinator-friendly plants to create a little “buzz” about your landscaping.
  23. Rake your lawn when weather conditions permit
  24. Order a succulent arrangement from Vande Hey Company to bring low-maintenance, sun-loving succulents into your home.
  25. Have a picnic outside when it warms up.
  26. Mulch your yard to freshen it up and prepare ahead of time for your summer events.
  27. For a more detailed list of landscape management things to do check out our March Landscape Management 101 blog post.
  28. Keep an eye out for our April Landscape Management 101 blog post coming soon!
  29. Build and paint fairy houses for your garden.
  30. Get the outdoor firepit going and make s’mores or some other fire treat. PRO TIPs: Try adding peanut butter cups to your s’more or roast Peeps for Easter.
  31. Challenge your family to see who will be the first one in the swimming pool or pond.
  32. Listen to a podcast on gardening or landscaping.
  33. Accessorize your outdoor living space with outdoor furniture, firetables, grills, and more!

Backyard, Now What? Part 1: The Top 6 Benefits of Great Landscape Design

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Sometimes staring out your window can seem like staring at a blinking cursor at the top of a blank page. You want to make something happen, but have no idea where to begin. Or maybe you feel like an HGTV guru with a thousand ideas, but not one idea that helps you make it happen. In this week’s blog we are going to talk about why design is important and The Top 6 Benefits of Great Landscape Design. Stay tuned for Part 2 where we discuss the top 6 questions you should be asking to create the backyard of your dreams.

Why is Design Important?

Grab some plant names from an HGTV show, order them online, and put them in the dirt. Easy right? WRONG. At Vande Hey Company we have degreed horticulturists who think about the size, spacing, and location of plants to maximize the health of the plant as well as visual appeal. We also think about factors such as the blooming season for each plant, grading and drainage, and even the amount of maintenance plants require. We make sure all the elements of your design, both softscape and hardscape, create a backyard that maximizes flow and function.

Top 6 Benefits of Great Landscape Design

#1 Year-Round Usage

A great landscape design provides a yard for you to enjoy all year. Whether it is seasonal blooming plants to provide color, shade structures to keep things cool, lighting to keep the party going, or bug prevention, a great design can greatly expand your backyard capabilities.

#2 Enhanced Curb Appeal and Property Value

If you ever decide to sell your gorgeously designed piece of property, great design means selling faster for higher dollar amounts. Not to mention you will be “that neighbor” with the beautiful yard everyone else is secretly jealous of.

#3 Save Time and Money

Small things make big differences in the long run. Simple design tweaks such as shading your AC can increase AC efficiency up to 10% while shading your house can save even more. Choosing native or other low maintenance plants requires less water, fertilizer, and pruning, saving you both time and money.

#4 Protection

Tired of your neighbors checking you out? Privacy screens and other strategically placed plants not only keep the neighbors out, but also act as wind shields protecting you from the elements.

#5 Environment Friendly

Good plant choices result in more nutrient-dense soil and cleaner air. Great design also increases biodiversity, attracting birds and pollinators to your. Added elements such as no mow areas, or rain gardens can also decrease maintenance and help filter water.

#6 Good Drainage, Longevity, and Quality

It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3. Protect your property from water and ensure beautiful landscaping that lasts. Great design will take into account how you plan to use the space over time and account for how plants and trees will evolve into the space as they grow.

At Vande Hey Company, you will receive a great design from a degreed professional, that is unique to you—catered toward your needs, your wants, and your budget. Our team of professionals will work closely with you from start to finish to ensure absolute quality and satisfaction.

Boom. Your blank page is now a dissertation on outdoor living instead of a sad face drawn in crayon. That’s the benefit of great landscape design, plain and simple!

Vande Hey’s Top 5 Health Benefits of Spas

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Yep. You read that right. There are actually health benefits to relaxing in the warm waters of your backyard spa. We have also been told that a glass of red wine a day can be good for your health. Spa plus red wine equals…Did we just find a match made in heaven? Other than a slight risk of dehydration (shhhhh), we certainly think so. Let’s dive into these benefits from our spa team!

#1 Stress Relief

Warm water to relax your body, hydrotherapy to ease tension, lighting system to set the mood, and a sound system to put on your favorite tunes. That sounds like something to look forward to after a long day at work!

#2 Pain Relief and Muscle Recovery

When you get in your luxury spa from Vande Hey Company you are immediately experiencing three things: heat, buoyancy, and therapeutic massage. First, heat will cause your blood cells to dilate thus increasing blood flow and bringing valuable nutrients to your muscles. If you regularly exercise at high intensities, increased blood flow can also reduce the buildup of lactic acid. That’s a win. Second, the buoyancy from the water eases the constant pressure on joints and muscles allowing them to relax and heal. Lastly, therapeutic massage (or hydrotherapy as we call it) releases tension in muscles and can even help work out knots. As your body relaxes from the hydrotherapy you will also release positive endorphins that act as the body’s natural painkiller.

Let’s simplify the science for a second. If you have pain, stiffness, soreness, knots, etc., a spa can help. In fact, it’s even more efficient than a sauna. It heats your body faster and is easier on your body because you are buoyant in water rather than weighed down on a hard, wooden seat.

#3 Better Sleep

Now that you are relaxed and de-stressed, of course you are going to sleep better. You also reset your body’s natural thermostat allowing you to fall into a deeper sleep faster. Thanks, science.

#4 Exercise?

We put a question mark here because this just seems too good to be true. Let’s focus on the facts.  

1) Increased heart rate and improved circulation do simulate the effects of exercise. 

2) A study by the New England Journal of Medicine found that spas can lower blood sugar levels when used regularly. 

3) There are multiple other real studies that support the links between spas and exercise. 

“So you’re telling me there’s a chance?” Our spa experts at Vande Hey Company certainly agree there’s a chance, but we also recommend regular exercise and a healthy diet to help boost the effects of your hot tub health machine.

#5 Quality Time

A spa provides a great opportunity to have some alone time or have some great conversations with friends and family. Not to mention ROMANCE! You put the kids to bed…you make your way over to the spa… Easy now, this is a family friendly blog!

Whether you have a spa or not, we just want you to be happy and healthy! So pour yourself a glass of wine and jump on in. Enjoy the little things, and don’t forget to take care of yourself. It’s a beautiful life and you should enjoy it!

As always, if you need help or have questions, give us a call. Our team of professionals is here for you.