Easy Garden Décor With Tree Branches

Posted on July 30, 2021 by levylawns

When it comes to using natural elements for garden décor, most people think of landscaping with rocks. But, did you know that tree branches can be used to improve your garden decor? Yes, those hanging or fallen tree branches all over your garden can do much more than serving as fuel for your fire pit. In this post, you’ll find ideas for easy garden decors with tree branches.

3 Ways To Use Tree Branches To Decorate Your Garden

Stop letting those tree branches in your garden go to waste. Here are three ways you can repurpose them to decorate your garden.

1. Build a Garden Arbor or Chair

You can build a simple garden harbor or lounge chair with tree branches and twigs if you love DIY projects. You don’t have to make it elaborate for it to be a beautiful addition to your garden. Just punch in some holes and nail the branches together to build the chair or arbor, and the rustic look will add charm to your garden.

2. Provide Support for Plants

If you’re trying container gardening in the Pacific Northwest, you can construct a potholder for your pots or containers instead of just placing them on the ground. This will give it an elevated garden look. You can also construct a tree branch ladder to serve as a trellis for climbing flowers to twine around.

3. Create Borders & Boundaries

You can use tree branches to build a picket fence to give your garden a rustic look. They can also be used to create boundaries around different parts of your garden and borders to protect specific plants. Furthermore, you can strip a couple of inches of the side of small branches to make a decorative plant marker. You can write creative names for your plants on the markers to add a personal touch to your garden.

Need more creative ways to decorate your garden? Contact us at Levy’s Lawn & Landscaping today!

Organic Vs. Non-Organic Potting Soil – Is One Better?

Posted on July 30, 2021 by levylawns

organic or non-organic?

Although most people will argue that organic potting soil is better than inorganic potting soil, the truth is neither of the two is perfect

Are you thinking of starting a container garden or potting your vegetables before transplanting them to your garden, but can’t decide on the type of soil to use? You’ve heard that you can’t just use your yard or garden soil for potting your plant. But, which potting soil is better: organic or non-organic? Continue reading to find out.

What is Potting Soil?

Potting soil is soil that is specifically made for growing plants in containers or pots. Unlike garden soil, which gets easily compacted in pots and prevents roots from growing easily, potting soil is fluffy. It also lacks contaminants like weed seeds and debris that may be in your garden soil.

Organic Potting Soil

First, you should know that organic potting soil is not free from chemical compounds. They are referred to as organic because they are made from decaying natural organic materials such as seaweed, bone and fish meal and worm casting, and are rich in nutrients and microbes. These materials enable adequate aeration and hydration, and promote nutrient retention.

Inorganic Potting Soil

As the name implies, inorganic potting soil is made of materials that are not organic. Also known as potting mixtures, it is often made from three essential components: peat moss, perlite and bark. These essential components don’t contain “harmful chemicals” and give the soil a neutral PH. However, the mixture isn’t nutritious, so synthetic fertilizers are added to provide nutrients to the plant.

Organic Vs. Inorganic: Which Is Better?

Although most people will argue that organic potting soil is better than inorganic potting soil, the truth is neither of the two is perfect, depending on the plant type and needs. For example, organic potting soil is best and safer for vegetables, as you won’t have to worry about chemicals from fertilizer seeping into a crop you intend to consume. On the other hand, plants like succulents will do well in inorganic potting soil.

Another factor to consider is cost. Non-organic potting soil is cheaper than organic potting soil. You can also opt for already made potting blends for the specific plant you want to cultivate. The bottom line is that good quality potting soil, whether organic or inorganic, will help your plant grow better than just using just any soil.

How To Mow a Lawn with A Severe Slope

Posted on July 30, 2021July 30, 2021 by levylawns

Impossible?

Mowing a lawn with a severe slope can seem almost impossible. We know how difficult it can be pushing a lawnmower uphill against gravity, not to mention the danger of slipping as you mow downhill. So, we don’t blame you if you decide to leave your lawn overgrown. However, there some strategies that can help you mow your slope lawn.

5 Tips for Mowing A Steep Lawn

Even with a severe slope, your lawn can be mowed and kept lush and beautiful. Here are some tips to enable you mow a lawn with a severe slope safely.

Never Mow Straight Up or Down

It’s dangerous to push a mower directly up or down a steep lawn. You’ll require lots of effort to maintain your balance, and the chance of losing your footing is high. The best way to mow a lawn with a severe slope is to mow along the slope laterally. That is, you should mow crosswise, from left to right, side to side. Also, you should avoid riding mowers on a severe slope, as you may flip over.

Set Your Mower at A Higher Setting

Setting your mower deck high will make it easier for you to push it around, especially when you are mowing the side of a severe slope. In addition, the higher setting will get you over bumps and lumps easier and reduce the chances of bouncing around on the ground.

Wear The Right Shoes & Gloves

Shoes with cleats are the best kind of shoes to wear to mow a steep lawn. The cleats will give you extra traction, keeping your feet firmly on the ground and preventing you from slipping down the slope. Also, quality gloves will help you get a better grip on the mower.

Never Mow When Lawn is Wet

Slipping down a lawn with a severe slope is far easier when the grasses are wet than dry. Yes, even when you are wearing the right shoes. Also, mowing wet ground is bad for the soil, as the power can uproot some of the grass.

Hire A Professional Landscaper

If your lawn is steeper than a 10-foot or 15-degree incline, then perhaps you should hire a landscaper to help you with low-maintenance landscaping options. You can contact us at Levy’s Lawn & Landscaping to transform your lawn with a severe slope into a beautiful landscape, eliminating the need to mow it constantly.

“Mowing a lawn with a severe slope can seem almost impossible.”

Posted on July 30, 2021 by levylawns

Can Discarded Furniture Be Used To Plant Flowers In The Garden?

When you have furniture to discard, you probably think of your local thrift shop. Or, you come up with reasons to keep that old sofa and find ways to can still use it. If the question, “can discarded furniture be used to plant flowers?” ever crossed your mind, then the answer is absolutely! Yes, you can use discarded furniture to plant flowers in your garden. Continue reading to learn how.

How To Use Furniture To Plant Flowers

No matter the type of furniture you want to discard, you can repurpose it into a planter for flowers in your garden. Here’s how some discarded furniture can be used to plant flowers in the garden.

Desks and Dressers

Desks and dressers have drawers that can serve as containers for planting flowers. First, line the inside of the drawers with plastic garbage bags, and drill a couple of holes through the bags and drawer bottoms. This will enable sufficient drainage of water and prevent the wood from decaying quickly. Next, fill the drawers with potting soil and plant your flowers. Then, open some drawers a little and others entirely to create a layered effect.

Broken Chairs

Yes, even a broken chair can be used to plant flowers in your garden. Just cut out the seat and hang a plastic container in it to plant your flowers. You can even grow climbing plants that will twine around the back of the chair.

Bed Frame

You can literally put the bed in “flowerbed” by planting flowers in an old bed. After taking out the mattress, cut out some sections of the bottom wood of the bed frame. Then, fit in several planters or containers to plant your flowers.

The bottom line is that discarded furniture can be repurposed as planters. So, before you discard that old piece of furniture, first think about how you can use them to plant flowers. If you need more creative ideas to make your garden look even more fabulous, reach out to us at Levy’s Lawn & Landscaping today!

Partition Your Garden

Posted on July 30, 2021July 30, 2021 by levylawns

Partition Your Garden Using Boundaries, Borders, and Clever Planting

Partitioning your garden is a great way to improve your garden design, create a private area for socializing or relaxation, and even keep prying eyes out of your garden. Whatever your reason for deciding to partition your garden, you can use boundaries, borders and clever planting.

How To Partition Your Garden

Thinking of partitioning your small or spacious garden? Outlined below are some ideas for creating partitions in your garden with boundaries, borders, and clever planting.

1. Climbing Plants

You can use climbing plants to create a boundary or border with an archway. Also, climbers that grow vigorously, such as clematis and jasmine, can be grown near a dividing wall or trellis to make a luscious green boundary.

2. Bricks & Stones

Bricks can be used to build a low wall to partition a private relaxation nook. Drape the wall with rambling plants like nasturtiums for a pop of color. You can use stones to create borders around different sections of your garden, as well as pathways between them.

3. Trees & Branches

Deciduous trees like Shadwood and Birch trees can help provide boundaries at the edges of your garden. These trees have airy foliage that allows sunlight to still get through to your garden plants. Also, fallen tree branches can be used to create rustic short fences around different sections of your garden.

4. Hedging Plants

Plant evergreen hedges like Yew and Beech to use as green borders. You can even trim the hedges into attractive topiary shapes. Bright flower hedges like foxgloves can also be used to block outsiders from looking in, while giving your garden a pop of color.

5. Pergola or Arbor

Building a pergola or arbor will create a section of your garden where you can relax with family or socialize with friends. You can border the area with a trellis made from tree branches, and decorate it with climbing plants.

Need help creating beautiful partitions in your garden or yard? Reach out to us at Levy’s Lawns & Landscaping today!

Sod Lawns vs. Seed Lawns

Posted on July 30, 2021 by levylawns

Need it fast? or time to grow. You’ve got options.

So, you want to revitalize your old lawn, or you just moved to a new house and want to start a new lawn. But you can’t decide whether to go for a sod lawn or seed lawn. In this post, you’ll find out the differences between sod lawns and seed lawns, so you can pick the best option to make your yard lush and green.

Differences Between Sod Lawns & Seed Lawns

A sod lawn involves transplanting already grown grass known as sod onto your yard. The grass sod is usually harvested with a rug-like roll of soil containing the grass roots. On the other hand, a seed lawn involves planting grass seeds into your yard soil and tending to them until they germinate.

Sod Lawn Vs. Seed Lawn: Which Is Better for Your Yard?

When it comes to choosing which is better between a sod lawn and a seed lawn, it depends on three major factors: the time, the effort, and the cost.

Time

If you want to make your yard beautiful ASAP, then a sod lawn is the best. You can have a lush green sod lawn in two (2) weeks. However, if you don’t care how long it takes, or you want to enjoy the process of watching your lawn grass grow naturally, then a seed lawn is for you. Although you’ll probably finish sowing grass seeds in a couple of hours, seed lawns may take two years before you have a lush green lawn you can be proud of.

Effort

Sod lawns are almost as easy as installing a carpet in your living room. All that needs to be done is to hire a professional to roll the sod sheet in your yard. Then, the grass continues to grow after the roots take hold in a couple of days. On the other hand, the seed lawns require tending to and maintenance. After sowing the grass seeds, you have to water them constantly, fight weeds, ensure the seedlings have the right nutrients, and so on.

Cost

If you’re working with a budget, then a seed lawn is the way to go. Sowing grass seeds is cheaper than laying sods. There are also more options of grass seeds to grow in your yard. However, considering the amount of time and effort involved in cultivating a seed lawn, investing in a sod lawn may be more beneficial in the long run.

Whether you choose a sod lawn or seed lawn, you’ll eventually enjoy the benefits of a lush green yard. If you decide on a sod lawn, you can reach out to us at Levy’s Lawn & Landscaping to roll your sod lawn professionally and beautify your yard.

Best Plants to Plant in The Shade for Seattle, WA

Posted on May 4, 2021May 4, 2021 by levylawns

Not all plants can thrive in the shade of Seattle. As a gardener, knowing what plants fits where is the first step to cultivating a beautiful garden. So, if you’ve recently moved to Seattle or found it challenging to find plants that can thrive in the shady areas of your Seattle garden, this post is for you.

Top 5 Shade-Tolerant Plants For Your Seattle Garden

Whether a particular part of your garden is shaded for a couple of hours or does not get direct sunlight all day, these plants will bloom in the Seattle shade.

#1: Lenten Rose

The Lenten Rose is a low-growing perennial plant that blooms with beautiful tropical foliage. If you fancy a colorful garden, then you should definitely plant the Lenten rose. They come in various colors, and due to their dense nature, they can help control weed growth.

#2: Hostas

Hostas can thrive beautifully under shades. They even attract animals such as bumblebees, hummingbirds, and slugs. They can do well without much attention, but when in need of water, they start wilting. However, they don’t die quickly, and will regain their glow immediately they are watered.

#3: Bleeding Hearts

This plant thrives excellently in shades, and when summer comes, it goes dormant. Its flowers come majorly in three variations; white, red, and pink. Depending on your garden goals, the bleeding hearts can be a beautiful addition to your garden.

#4: Indian Plum

The Indian Plum is a deciduous plant. The female species have pendant-like white flowers that give off a faint fresh scent. During the fall, the leaves of the Indian Plum turn yellow. Having the Indian Plum means your property will be home to birds as they are attracted to the tiny plum fruits of this plant.

#5: Ferns

Unlike the previously discussed plants, ferns don’t have beautiful, colorful flowers. In fact, they have no flowers at all, and this can be discouraging for many gardeners. Nevertheless, ferns can be a great planting option for your shady garden as they are durable and can survive harsh weather conditions.

Need more suggestions or help planting beautiful plants in the shade of your Seattle garden? Contact us today at Levy’s Lawn & Landscaping!

Sun-Loving Plants For Seattle, WA

Posted on May 4, 2021 by levylawns

Many times, we’ve had people reach out to us asking what plants would thrive in the sunny and rainy Seattle climate. To put that question to a final rest, we’ve curated a list of some of the sun-loving plants for Seattle.

Top 5 Plants for Full Sun Gardens in Seattle

These plants will transform your yard into a beautiful garden with their colorful blooms radiating in the sunlight.

#1: Cranesbill

This is a blue-flowered geranium. It can thrive in partial or full sunlight. The great thing about the Cranesbill is that it is easy to grow and requires little to no maintenance. It is also quite resistant to most pests and diseases.

#2: Rock Rose

This is not exactly a rose flower, but it has the same appeal as one. The Rock Rose colorful flowers can transform your landscape into a stunning space. Typically, its flowers come in shades of white, yellow, orange, and pink. The plant thrives better in full sunlight. At maturity, it grows to 15cm-30cm in height.

#3: Russian Sage

The Russian Sage is a tall flowering plant that grows up to 60-90cm in height. It thrives in both full and partial sunshine and produces violet-colored flowers. The flower is aromatic and, when bruised, produces a sweet-smelling lemony scent.

#4: Catmint

This is a favorite for many gardeners in Seattle. The plant can survive several harsh conditions ranging from drought to poor soil and pests. The Catmint love full sun, and at maturity, they grow up to 90-120cm

#5: Painted Daisies

The Painted Daisies plant bears breathtaking flowers, and they thrive in full or partial sunshine. The flowers can be as wide as 7cm with a large golden center that contrasts with the petals’ colors. Furthermore, they produce chemicals that repel insects, so having them in your garden helps prevent pest invasions. The Painted Daisies grow to 60-90cm at maturity.

Need more suggestions or help planting sun-loving plants in your Seattle garden? Contact us today at Levy’s Lawn & Landscaping!

How to Improve Bad Soil

Posted on May 4, 2021 by levylawns

How well your garden thrives is highly dependent on your soil’s quality. Bad soil will lead to poor produce or little to no flowers, which is every gardener’s nightmare. Nevertheless, bad soil shouldn’t deter you from gardening.

4 Ways to Improve the Quality of Your Poor Garden Soil

Is bad soil preventing your garden from blooming? Bad soil can be improved, and here’s how:

1. Get a Soil Test

To properly diagnose the problem with your soil, you have to run a few tests. A basic soil test will reveal your soil chemistry, providing information about your soil’s pH, organic matter level, and nutrient content. This will enable you to determine and improve what’s in shortage or excess. Click here to find out how to turn your bad soil into a super soil.

2. Use More Organic Matter

Adding organic matter to your soil works wonders for the overall health of your soil. It can improve the water retention or draining ability of your soil. What’s more, it’s really easy to source. You can decompose common household materials to create compost manure for your garden.

3. Plant More Cover Crops

Cover crops, like winter peas, clovers and buckwheat, are a great planting option when dealing with bad soil. They can help improve soil quality by adding nutrients, aerating, and attracting beneficial organisms to the soil. Also, during the winter, cover crops can act as mulch, protecting the soil from the extreme temperatures.

4. Avoid Tilling

On a large farm, tilling can help break and aerate the soil. However, in your small garden, tilling can be quite harmful. To loosen the soil in your small garden, use a digging fork instead. A digging fork would achieve the same effects as tilling without destroying beneficial soil organisms and exposing your soil to erosion.

If you want your soil to yield better produce or flowers, you can improve your soil using these tips. Need more help improving your bad soil? Contact us today at Levy’s Lawn & Landscaping!

Where To Focus Pruning Efforts

Posted on February 22, 2021 by levylawns

So, the trees in your yard look like they’ve seen better days, and you’re considering pruning them. It’s a great idea. Pruning will help restore their structure and improve their health. It’ll also manage the direction of their growth and reduce the risk of causing damage to people or property. But where should you focus your pruning efforts? Read on to find out.

How To Decide Where To Focus Pruning Efforts

Two major factors determine how much you should prune your tree: the age and the health status of the tree.

Is the tree matured or young? You should prune a matured tree lightly, as its growth rate has slowed down. On the other hand, a young tree can withstand heavier pruning, as it will grow back its branches rapidly.
Is the tree healthy or diseased? If a tree is suffering from a severe disease, you’re likely to do more pruning than you would from a healthy tree. Branches that won’t be removed from a healthy tree would have to be cut because they are diseased.

Parts of The Tree To Prune

Sometimes, all you need to focus on is removing some twigs and overgrown branches. Other times, you would need to remove more. In any case, here are the several tree parts to focus your pruning efforts.

Diseased, dying or dead branches
Twigs sprouting at the trunk’s base
Branches growing across the tree’s center
Branches that cross and rub together or may rub in the future
Vertical branches that may grow into additional or secondary trunks
Overgrown foliage and branches affecting buildings, power lines or visibility.

How To Prune Your Tree

When pruning, you should cut back to a bud, twig or branch to encourage healthy new growth. However, you have to do it carefully, so you don’t cut into the trunk and remove or expose live tissues, as this will create an entry for insect pests and diseases that may damage the tree. You can avoid this by cutting branches just before the points where they spring from the trunk (i.e., the collar). You can find a more in-depth pruning guide here, or reach out to us at Levy’s Lawn and Landscaping for professional help.