Spring is just around the corner so now is the time to get your seasonal yard care into action. Many items you can easily take of yourself, however, it can be helpful to have a team of landscape maintenance and irrigation professionals take on the work.

Here are items you should address for a beautiful spring landscape:
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• Mowing your lawn
  Lawns should be mowed almost year-round but one of the differences between a healthy and damaged lawn is making sure your grass is cut at the appropriate height for each season. As the temperatures become more consistently warm, you'll start seeing your grass grow very quickly. This means it's time to start mowing weekly or bi-weekly, depending on the type and amount of grass you have for your lawn.
  
  
• Fertilizing your lawn and plants
  In case you missed doing this last month, it's not too late. Fertilizer helps your lawn stay healthy and lush, as well as promotes big, beautiful blooms for your plants. It's a simple step that makes a big difference. But, if you're not familiar with which fertilizer is best for your yard or plantings, bringing in an expert can save you time, money, and frustration.
  
  
• Checking your irrigation
  All winter long you've seen us write about the importance of winterization for your irrigation. But, now is the time to check and make sure your system is ready to fire up. Double-check your pipes, connections, heads, etc. and look for breakage, errant spray directions, and if there is enough output to reach all areas that need watering. If you're noticing any pooling of water or low pressure at the ends of your lines, you might have a leak. Knowing how your system is functioning now can save you from the headache and the expense of restoring/replacing dead lawns and plants later on.
  
  
• Thinning out and pruning your plants
  While a bit more tedious and time-consuming, thinning out and pruning your plants is an important part of keeping them healthy. Thinning and pruning plants helps promote growth and keeps them looking great. With this task, you want to look for thin, spindly branches with little to no leaves or blossoms, off-shoots growing from lower portions of the main stem, and any dead or diseased branches or buds. When you remove these portions from your plants, you help them put their energy into growing the healthy limbs and buds. But if the thought of doing this yourself makes you feel uneasy, it's much better to bring in the experts than damage your plants from over or incorrectly trimming and pruning.
  
  
• Cleaning your pavers, decks, and walkways
  It's not uncommon for hardscapes to feel a little neglected during the winter months. But, now is the time to make them shine! A little power washing and moss removal can make all the difference (and make those slippery surfaces safer). If manual labor is not your "thing" you can bring in your landscape maintenance team to the rescue. Not only do they have the tools to manage moss more effectively, they also have the treatments to help prevent unwanted future growth.

Taking this all on by yourself can be overwhelming and too much especially if you have any physical limitations. However, our maintenance and irrigation experts are here to help you prepare your yard for spring's beauty. Please give us a call at 541-729-8029 or email us.

While the temperatures outside might be cold, spring will be here before you know it. Is your yard ready? Here are a few tips to help you get things in tip-top shape, so you have a beautiful space to enjoy with family and friends.

Assess your lawn
Take a good look at your lawn and see if there are signs of disease, rot, or pests. Are there any bare areas or swampy areas? Now is an excellent time to start addressing those issues, so you have a good foundation for your spring lawn.

Check your plantings
With the cold temperatures, did any of your plantings sustain damage? Take this time to remove any dead plants and snip or trim off damaged limbs. If pruning is needed, this is a great time to get that done as well, plus it is easier to do without all of the leaves getting in your way.

Remove debris and overgrowth
Nothing quite feels like the freedom of a blank canvas. If your yard is buried beneath debris... extra pieces of lumber from last summer's projects, bricks from your old patio, play equipment the kids have outgrown, etc. OR if you can no longer see your yard because it is lost in overgrowth, this is a great time to clear that all away.

Remove moss on hardscapes
Winter brings a lot of wonderful things, but moss is not on that list. Give your pavers and other hardscape surfaces a good cleaning to make them safer (i.e., not slippery) and extend their lifespan. If you opt to powerwash this growth away, be extra careful not to destroy the material used in between blocks or stones that keep your surface stable.

If all of this sounds like a lot of work, or simply more than you care to do yourself, please give us a call at 541-729-8029 or email us. Our team of maintenance experts would be happy to help you prepare your yard for spring's beauty.

Whether you hired a professional to update your landscaping or you did the work yourself, one of the most important things you should do is plan for maintenance. Unfortunately, many homeowners overlook this necessary step resulting in projects getting overrun with weeds and unwanted growth, or shortened lifespans for any woodwork or hardscapes. So, what should you think about for maintaining your investment?

What needs to be done?
Before you start looking at maintenance services, take a good look at your property and do an honest assessment of what your yard contains. Do you have a wood deck or pergola? Do you have a water feature such as a pond or pool? What kinds of plantings do you have? In addition, think about how much work you are actually able and willing to do yourself. Many people have high aspirations of working in the yard to keep things beautiful but then life and/or work comes up and before you know it you have weeds three feet tall. Taking inventory, in this manner, can help you get a good sense of where you really need help. For instance, when was the last time you trimmed back your hedges or other plantings? Do you have woodwork that needs to be restained? How about your hardscapes, do they need to be resealed? Do you have loose stones or pavers? 

Once you have made your list, you're in a good position to bring in the experts. Talking with a maintenance professional, you can review your list and prioritize what needs immediate attention and what can be put off until later. He or she can also help you to determine if there are any underlying issues you might not be aware of or other items they see that you might have missed.

How often should you do maintenance?
In terms of frequency, everyone's property is a little different, and your needs may dictate a schedule that differs from that of your neighbors. However, working with a maintenance professional, you should be able to determine which items need weekly service (such as lawn care), what might be less frequent (such as fertilizing or pruning), and those items that might only be addressed every one to three years.

What will maintenance cost?
Costs for maintenance are driven by the scope of work to be performed and the frequency for which it is completed. Also taken into consideration is the level of difficulty or the amount of labor necessary for your maintenance services. Your maintenance professional can work with you to establish a scope of work, schedule, and budget that will meet your needs.

Are there any special considerations?
Sometimes we see customers who have access issues to their property, meaning there is very little egress for our crews to enter and do the work, especially with backyards. Pets are also to be considered so that you can take proper precautions for keeping them inside and away from our crew. We would hate for your pet to escape your yard or accidentally come in contact with any fertilizers, sealants, etc.

Communication
Lastly, make sure you establish the level of communication you would like to have with your maintenance professional. He or she wants nothing more than to make sure you are happy with the service you receive and so understanding ahead of time how often and in what way you'd like to be contacted is important.

Now that we are heading into winter, maintenance might not be at the top of your mind but we hope this information helps. Winter maintenance can make for a better spring lawn and blooms. Please let us know if we can be of service. Contact the Graham Landscape & Design team today at 541-729-8029.

As the fall months are in full swing, now is the perfect time to start planning what you would like to do with your landscape this coming spring. While that may seem months away, starting now gives you the necessary time to sketch out ideas, research costs and plan a budget, and find a professional to help you with the execution of your ideas. The following tips will help you get started.

Take measurements and map out your space.
Before you start sketching out your ideas it is important to have a good understanding of what you have to work with. As best as you can, measure the dimensions of your space and map out where critical items are located, such as irrigation lines, gas or power lines, and key structural items like retaining walls, support beams, etc. While some of these items can be moved or altered, how you work around them could have a significant impact on your budget. In addition, having accurate measurements of your space will help you determine the scale of items that will work in your space so you don’t plan for something you might later regret.

Decide on a style and research materials.
One of the fundamental principles of creating an enjoyable space is harmony between all elements. Mixing too many styles together can make a landscape feel disjointed and thrown together. However, when your landscape features and plantings complement your home’s structure and stay within a set palette or style, you can achieve that harmonious aim and create a space you will enjoy living in for years to come.
  
Determine your budget.
Oftentimes homeowners underestimate the cost of their landscaping projects. Many times we see wishlists from clients with all of the features they want included, sometimes with sample products and costs included, but more times than not, clients forget to add in budget for design, labor, electrical, irrigation, or any padding for contingency. There is no one set dollar amount for a wooden deck, new pool, landscape renovation, etc. as every property and homeowner’s wishes are unique. But, you can get a rough ballpark of what a project might cost by consulting with your bank if you’re taking out a loan or by looking online at annual survey publications that provide national averages.

Hire a professional.
We fully support the DIY movement but there are some things in life where hiring a professional just makes sense. Landscaping is more than trees and grass so having a team on your side who understands and can anticipate the different elements involved with your project will save you time and money. Plus, when you hire a professional landscaping company the work should come with a guarantee — something you likely won’t get if you do tackle the project yourself and things go wrong.

At Graham Landscape & Design, we have specialized teams of experts who can work with you through every step of your project, from the initial idea to the complete installation. We can even help you with ongoing maintenance so your project is as beautiful as it was on day one. Give us a call today to discuss your project. 541-729-8029

Well, we've got good news for you.

Graham Landscape & Design offers clean-up services for both residential and commercial properties. Clean-up service entails coming to your property and clearing out unwanted brush and debris or cleaning up your plantings and grounds, giving you essentially a blank slate or fresh start. Clean-ups are commonly used for seasonal purposes to clear the leaves, prune or trim trees and shrubs, remove moss and other unwanted invasive plants, etc. They can also be scheduled other times of the year, too, whenever your yard needs a reboot.

Most clean-ups are completed in one visit. Occasionally, larger jobs can take more time, but it's really dependent on what you'd like to do with your property. For example, if you just need some bushes cleared back so you can see your yard again, that's more than likely a one-day job. However, if you're looking at stripping things away to get a true blank canvas, that could take a few more days.

A member of our team will come to your property and walk through with you what you'd like to have done, ask questions, and offer suggestions so we can best accomplish what you'd like to achieve. This way, you'll get a more accurate estimate and timeline for completion. We can also provide an estimate for ongoing maintenance, so things don't get out of control again. Give our team a call today at 541-729-8029 to schedule an estimate.

There are several ways you can add curb appeal to your front yard. Everyone talks about the importance of curb appeal when you're trying to sell your home. While that's important, it's equally important to simply enjoy coming home to a beautiful front yard after a long day at work.

From simple plantings to elaborate construction projects, just about anything can be done to add curb appeal. Depending on your vision and budget, you can scale a concept up or down to meet your needs. Here are a few curb appeal ideas to get your imagination going.

Complement your home's style
A core concept in design is creating harmony between elements. Applying this concept to your landscape means thinking about the style of your home and choosing plants and landscape features to match. For instance, is your home modern in design or more traditional? Is there a regional influence, such as Spanish design or English Tudor? Look up traditional plantings and features for homes built in the same style or era as yours. This approach will create a harmonious feel between structure and landscape.

Consider the seasons
When flowers are bloom, every yard has curb appeal. But, what about the rest of the year when plants are not flowering? Consider upgrading the plantings in your yard with varieties that bloom during different seasons. Or, if not blooming, that have vibrant hues during otherwise gloomy times of the year. With this approach, you'll have visual interest year-round and a yard your neighbors will envy.

Consider your terrain
Not all homes are built on flat parcels. In fact, if your home is in the Willamette Valley, chances are your home is constructed on a grade. Knowing this, you can consider how best to work with a sloped yard. For example, if when it rains you get a river or a lake in your yard, you could install French drains or a dry creek bed. These are both beautiful and functional. Or, if you like working in your yard, you can consider installing retaining walls to terrace your yard, creating multiple flat sections for plantings or other uses. 

If you would like more ideas or a professional consultation to see the possibilities for your landscape, please contact us. We service homes in the Eugene/Springfield area, as well as other communities throughout the Willamette Valley. At Graham Landscape and Design, our team of professionals can help you design, install, and even maintain your landscape so you can enjoy it for years to come.

“Here Comes the Sun…”

You know that famous Beatles tune?  Here in the Pacific Northwest, you may not feel it’s always appropriate with those gray days of winter!  Anyway, in this post, we’re giving you landscape design suggestions to make the most of summer, with a few flowers and plants that thrive in the Willamette Valley summer sunshine.

Let’s start with a plant that will last from spring all the way through to late fall when other flowers fade. The Hosta (Plantain Lily) is native to Asia and thrives in the mild Oregon weather.  There are many varieties of the Hosta, so you can find one to your color preference and size. They can grow to up to 3 feet and some have a slight fragrance. 

Depending on the variety, this plant grows best in partial sun, so put it close to a nearby tree, although some enjoy full sun too.  If you’re just starting out, this plant is a sturdy one to try. You’ll have a beautiful plant without much work at all!

For a dramatic touch to your garden, add a “Masterpiece” lupine (Lupinus) with its bold red/purple color and tall spires about 2 feet tall.  Butterflies and hummingbirds will flock to these tall flowers. They are a stunning addition for late spring into early summer.

Following the early summer lupine, the late summer/early fall Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) adds its bright red hue as the seasons move towards a cooler temperature.  It can grow 2-4 feet tall and is deer- and rabbit-resistant, too!

Evening primrose (Oenothera biennis) is a lovely yellow flower that opens early evening into the morning, and from summer into fall. They attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees and are best used as a border or in a wildflower setting. 

The leaves and flowers are also edible, so you can try something a little different in your summer salad.

Another lovely and cheerful yellow flower, commonly known as the “Black-Eyed Susan” (Rudbeckia hirta) will thrive in the Pacific Northwest climate. They are resilient and can survive with less rain if it happens to be a drier summer than usual.  They stand 1-3 feet tall and are versatile. Plant them as border flower, in a pot, or as an accent plant in a larger area.  

There are a great many more plants and flowers that can accent your garden. For more ideas and help, contact us at Graham Landscape for all your landscape design needs in the Eugene, Springfield, Corvallis, Salem, and Roseburg areas of Oregon.

One of the best times of the year to introduce new plantings to your yard is the fall -- the soil is still warm, creating faster root growth and plants get a head start on next year’s growth. In addition, by next summer, your plants will have larger, more established root systems which will help them to be more drought tolerant and they’ll produce better flowers in their first year.

What to plant?
Perennials
If your summer annuals are looking tired or overgrown, there are a number of late-season bloomers that can really spruce up your yard. Consider asters, daisy-style plants, yarrow, and salvias. Because the middle of autumn has more mild temperatures, these plants do quite nicely. Something you might not know... the majority of cold hardy perennials thrive with fall plantings because their root systems grow all winter and emerge in the spring, ready to grow and blossom!
But, if you have poorly drained soil, you may want to wait until spring to plant your perennials that require good drainage, such as lavender.

If you’re into bulbs, it is time to get them in the ground! Daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, alliums, crocus, and many other varieties planted now will make for a great show next spring. If you want some color while you wait, you can plant pansies in your flower beds around where the bulbs will sprout.

Vegetables
If you enjoy vegetable gardening, September is a great month to start a fresh round of cool-season and overwintering crops. Varieties you can plant now include lettuce, spinach, other greens, broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, and onions.

Your Lawn
September is also a great month for renovating  your summer lawn. Dethatching is typically done this time of year, removing the dead matter underneath the growing grass. Doing this allows us to assess how full your lawn really is and if it needs to be reseeded, overseeded, or replaced with sod.

Trees, Shrubs and Fruit
While these items can be planted other times of the year, the fall is best when the soil is softer and easier to dig, and the temperatures are also cooler. But, beware of caterpillar damage as that can be high in the autumn.

If you’re not sure what to do with your yard or if this all just sounds like too much work, please let us know. The Graham Landscape & Design team of design and installation specialists can create for you a yard to enjoy all season long.

At Graham Landscape and Design, we hear from homeowners in Lane, Linn, and Douglas Counties who would love to create the landscape of their dreams, but just do not know where to begin.

The question often arises, "I know I need some landscape design help, but should I hire a landscape architect or a landscape contractor?"

The truth of the matter is that transforming a landscape can be an overwhelming proposition, in terms of process, emotions, and budgets. It is a tough decision for some to make a significant investment in an architectural landscape plan, knowing they then have to turn around and invest in the landscaping contractor to put the plan into action on the ground.

If this sounds like you, we're here to guide you in the process, and we've got a few tips for you to help you save a little dough.

Access Points
At some point in time, chances are you will need to bring machinery or work crews into your backyard, to grind a stump, perform a repair, etc. If you plan ahead for providing the necessary access, you can prevent uprooting your plantings or undoing your landscape design.

Focal Points
When you step out into your landscape, think about where you want your focus to be. If your yard is large, perhaps this could be a view or a sizable tree. If your yard is smaller, then maybe your focal point is a fountain or a special bench.

Consider Maintenance
Upkeep becomes one of the biggest challenges with designing your landscape. Many people love the designs they see in magazines or online but often don't realize the level of maintenance required. Be honest with yourself about the level of commitment you have for maintaining your landscape yourself, and if you don't plan to do the work yourself, consider budgeting for a regular maintenance service.

Movement & Curves
Every landscape should incorporate a sense of movement or flow -- how will you and your  guests move through the space? But, while this is an important element, be sure not to overdue it. Too many curves or movement can cause a sense of unrest and detract from your focal points.

Remember Your House
While you are totally free to choose a landscape design of any persuasion, the best designs are those that incorporate the architectural style and size of the house. Your landscape should be an extension of your living space, and each one should complement the other.

"Right Plant, Right Spot"
Make this your gardening mantra and live by it. When plantings are misplaced, you risk compromising the proper sunlight and air circulation which could lead to poor or excessive growth, fungal and insect problems. Also, keep in mind the full-grown size of every plant, so you space your plantings to accommodate their future growth.

Open Minds
Last but not least, survey your landscape as though you've never seen it before. Look at those items you perhaps thought of as obstacles (overgrown shrubs, sheds, etc.) and consider their removal. Likewise, keep an open mind about the features of your house and the surrounding space as you might find elements that can be featured vs. masked.

The Graham Landscape and Design team is well versed in each of these areas and can work with you to make the most of your space and maximize the use of your budget so you can have a result sure to bring you years of enjoyment. Contact us today to get started!

​How many times have you come home after a long day at work, only to think to yourself, “Ugh, I need to do something about my yard.” but only found yourself uninspired or simply too tired to do anything about it? If this is you, you’re not alone. Here are three great ways to add a little curb appeal to your landscape that won’t take a lot of time or break the bank.

​Add Bark
Adding bark to your landscape is quick and easy. You can spread it along your walkway plantings, in your planter beds, around the base of trees, and anywhere else where bare dirt is showing. Not only does bark look great, but many varieties also provide excellent weed control and hold in moisture thereby reducing the need to water as much. Bottom line, it adds beauty and makes your yard easier to maintain.

​Add Plantings
If you’re not a “go-getter” gardener, chances are some of your plants are starting to look a little haggard and tired. Limbs have become wispy, and maybe some of your plants don’t bloom the way they used to. Perhaps even some of your plants have become overgrown and unwieldy. A simple fix is to replace those old plantings with new ones. If you ask your local nursery for some hearty local plants, you should be able to get recommendations right for your landscape. At Graham Landscape & Design, we look for plantings that will have the level of required maintenance that matches your available time and skill. We also search for plants that when matured, will still complement each other and look aesthetically pleasing.

​Update A Hardscape
While this one might be a bit more involved, it can be easily accomplished over the course of a weekend, depending on the scope of your project. If you have a walkway, consider adding a complementary stone along the edge, or pavers in an accent color. You could even create beautiful planters with bricks or other stones. Maybe a flagstone path is right for your yard… or perhaps the addition of a few beautiful boulders strategically placed amongst your plantings.

These are just a few quick ideas to help you get started. If you would like more ideas or a professional consultation to see the possibilities for your landscape, please contact us. At Graham Landscape & Design, our team of professionals can help you design, install, and even maintain your landscape so you can enjoy it for years to come.