This February, despite the snow and cold, there are still a few things that need to be done in your garden.

1. Prune back any grasses that have browned out.

2. Cut back any perennials that have died back.

3. Prune you trees. You only need to prune out dead, crossing branches, and perhaps do some thinning. You do NOT need to prune your crape myrtles any more than your other trees.

4. Fertilize all your trees and shrubs at the end of February or in the beginning of March.

These are the staples. If you have questions or concerns give us a call.

SALE * SALE * SALE
Once the snow has melted you can still plant trees, better to get them in early so they will be better able to cope with the heat this summer. We have a sale running through March 15. Buy 1 tree and get 35% off the 2nd tree and 50% off the 3rd tree.

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Looking for a Growth Investment? During these trying times many wonder "What is a good investment?". Many North Carolinian homeowners have begun to focus on building equity in their home. Landscaping is one of the best ways you can add value (15% equity ¹) to your house while enhancing your atmosphere. There are many ways to spruce up your outdoor living space at an affordable price, adding equity and charm to the biggest investment in your life, your home. Below are 7 ideas on how to add value to your landscaping. We can help you do it yourself or we can do all the heavy lifting!

1. Enhancing the entryway to your home. Simply enhancing an existing walkway, incorporating a stone stairway, or adding a flagstone path from existing sidewalks to the entry way of your house can truly augment your curb appeal and ensure your entryway is inviting. You can plant small ground cover between the stones and add a flowers bed along one edge for a spectacular finish.

2. Water Conservation. A Xeriscape Landscape in your front or back yard that is a low water option that can prove beneficial, by conserving water and lowering your water bills. Choosing site appropriate plants, having a professionally installed irrigation system and appropriate mulching can significantly reduce water consumption.

3. Incorporate and Utilize Stone as focal points. Build rock gardens over your existing lawn and fill them in with ground cover and perennials for year round color, or place a few strategic boulders to add texture and variety.

4. Reduce Energy Costs. Shade trees planted on the south/west side of your home to create natural shade for your house can aid in cooling your home in summer months. Evergreens planted on the North provide effective barriers from the cold winter winds.

5. Expand and Enhance existing plantings. Build-up and extend the beds around existing tree & shrubs to add more interest, cut down on grass, provide place for more color and help contain moisture in your beds during dryer seasons.
6. Water is Wonderful. Ponds and pond-less waterfall features are wonderful ways to add a focal point outside a window or in the corner of your front or back yard. They do not require lots of water. Koi ponds are wonderful for the whole family and will provide hours of enjoyment. You will notice more wildlife when you add a water feature to your landscape.

7. Turning landscape liabilities into dreamscapes. Dealing with an unsightly hillside can be very overwhelming. Stairways and terracing can create a very functional way to add beauty and planting areas on your ugly hill can go to esthetically pleasing addition. Runoff and drainage issues and wet areas can be management with dry stream beds or other functional and attractive solutions.

¹In fact, a recent "SmartMoney"article stated that landscaping could add up to 15 percent to a home's value. National Association of Realtors President-Elect, Walt McDonald, was quoted in the article as saying, "When people ask me how they can get strong interest in their property, I always tell them to fix up their landscaping."