Page 9 - Home Lawn and Garden Trilakes

TRILAKES EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRATGAZETTE • HOME, LAWN & GARDEN
SUNDAY, APRIL 19, 2015 9TT
GIVE YOUR
LANDSCAPING
A NO-MAINTENANCE MAKEOVER
Low- and no-maintenance features top the list when making over outdoor liv- ing spaces because less time maintaining
means more time enjoying. Low-maintenance landscaping outranks
native plantings, water features and food/ vegetable gardens, according to the Amer- ican Society of Landscape Architects 2014 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends survey. Landscape professionals love to share their secrets and show off their craft when redesigning outdoor spaces for low or no maintenance. Armed with know-how and using sweat equity, do-it-yourselfers can al- so employ tips that professionals use for a no-maintenance landscape makeover.
LANDSCAPING WITH HARDSCAPES
Landscape professionals use retaining-wall systems for a variety of landscaping solutions. Segmental retaining walls are commonly used to transition elevations, shore up slopes along foundations and define spaces, such as cre- ating planters, tree rings and other features.
Hardscape products like retaining walls and pavers are important tools for both landscapers and do-it-yourselfers in creating low-maintenance landscapes. With just the standard retaining-wall unit, homeowners can easily create seat walls, curved couches, columns and other features.
Retaining-wall systems combined with concrete pavers can be used to create beauti- ful raised patios, replacing high-maintenance wooden decks. In addition to being as cost effective as a wooden deck, a raised patio offers several advantages.
A deck railing can be replaced with wrought-iron fencing or a low seat wall so the view is unobstructed. Raised patios also look great with a contrasting paver course or rock barrier for potted plants, and steps to the ground can be created with retain- ing-wall units.
Retaining-wall units and interlocking concrete pavers come in a variety of col- ors, shapes and textures to complement any landscape design and are often used to create design continuity in outdoor spaces. Tree rings can be coordinated or color-contrasted
with raised patios, retaining walls and other hardscapes.
Permeable pavers are an environmen- tally sound and low-maintenance solution where impervious surface limits, stormwater management, water quality and water con- servation are issues. Permeable pavers are a best practice for stormwater management and quality issues because the pavers prevent runoff and let rainwater infiltrate in place naturally. Permeable pavers reduce the need for irrigation in drought-prone areas, unlike poured concrete or asphalt. It’s best to con- sult a landscape professional who is experi- enced in installing permeable paving systems so that they work properly and consistently.
LOW-MAINTENANCE
LANDSCAPING PRACTICES
Landscaping practices can make it easi- er to control weeds and manage lawn care as well. The use of rock mulch and natural rock in gardens and beds, as walkways and as stepping stones offers an attractive solution to weed control and also lessens the need for irrigation. At least 3 inches of rock mulch or 4 inches of natural mulch will prevent weeds. A landscape fabric under stepping stones and rock mulch offers even more insurance against weeds. A simple way to cut down on trimming is to add a course of pavers along the bottom of a retaining wall, tree ring or planter so the mower can get close to the wall.
MAINTENANCE-FREE
OUTDOOR ACCESSORIES
Selecting maintenance-free outdoor fur- niture and accessories is an easy way to make over a space. Outdoor furniture made of re- cycled high-density polyethylene requires no storage or maintenance, other than cleanup with soap and water. Unlike wood, HDPE furniture won’t chip, splint, crack or rot, and never needs painting.
Hardscape kits — containing every- thing needed to create a fireplace, fire pit, water feature or grill island — are popular low-maintenance landscaping products.
— Courtesy of Brandpoint
Using natural rock as walkways and stepping stones offers an attractive solution to weed control in a landscaping scheme.
ARKANSAS'LARGEST SELECTION OFOUTDOORFURNITURE&GRILLS
19650 I-30 Benton, AR 1-(800)-421- 4447 • Mon - Sat 8-6 www.congofp.com
LARGEST SELECTION IN THE MID-SOUTH