If you've followed our blog for a while you probably know we're big fans of mulch. And if you don't have mulch in your yard, now is the perfect time to get some down before the cold of winter really sets in. There are many reasons for why mulch is great, including the fact that it helps protect your plant beddings, any newly planted bulbs, shallow root plants, and young trees.

Mulch comes in a variety of colors and textures so you're likely to find one that meets your preferences. You can get deep browns, warm reds, and soft golden tones in both coarse and fine blends. If you're not sure which one is right for your yard, let our experts help.

Here are five reasons why you should add mulch to your yard:

1. Mulch helps to control weeds
   Mulch can limit the amount of weeds that spring up in the open spaces of your garden. It acts as a barrier, limiting the amount of sunlight that can find its way to the weeds.
   
   
2. Mulch helps prevent soil erosion
   Mulching not only keeps existing water trapped in the soil, it also keeps rain water from washing away your soil. In our rainy neck of the woods, this is really important. Mulch does this by breaking the fall of the water and therefore lessening the force when the water impacts the ground.
   
   
3. Mulch helps provide insulation
   Mulch also acts as a thermal blanket over your planted areas, providing an extra layer of protection from extremely cold temperatures.
   
   
4. Mulch helps maintain soil nutrients
   Not only does mulch keep soil nutrients from being washed away with the rain, it also can release nutrients into the soil if you are using an organic material. This happens as the organic material slowly decomposes on top of the soil.
   
   
5. Mulch helps control pests
   Using certain types of mulch, such as cedar bark, can deter some pests due to the fact that the cedar bark has natural oils that act as insect repellant. To reap the full benefits, be sure to find a mulch that is very fragrant, as it will have the greatest effect on insects.

As a general rule of thumb, it is best to lay down mulch somewhere between 2-4" deep, and you'll want to avoid touching trunks of trees or stems of plants so you don't get any rot or disease issues.

Now is the perfect time to have our team help get your yard winter ready. Give us a call today at 541-729-8029.

You may not have the space, soil, or patience to become a master gardener, but just about anyone can master container gardening. All you need is a container (there are so many options), potting soil, some plants, and you’ll be set. Container gardening ideas are limitless so your imagination can run wild. To get you started in the right direction, we've listed a few helpful pointers.

Working in Pairs
Potted plants are incredibly versatile. You can use them as props, helping to offset or highlight other focal points in your landscape. For instance, potted plants can be used in pairs to help frame things like a walkway, a set of stairs, or the entrance to a path. You can even use potted plants as the base for climbing roses or morning glory next to a pergola or trellis.

Sculpture or Focal Points
Try copying the Chinese and Japanese and use a few beautiful, shapely plants to create an eye-catching picture. You can do this easily with larger pots and interesting plants like Japanese Maple or other topiary plants. 

Rhythm and Order
Repeat planting—and that applies to both containers and plants—has many advantages. It creates a formal, organized look, especially with topiary cubes and balls, and lends itself to an overall sense of harmony. Repeat planting can also draw the eye in a certain direction, either drawing attention to a display like a water feature or diverting the focus away from eyesores.

Scale and Proportion
Placing potted plant combinations within a context can accentuate the overall look and feel of your space. For example, if you have a yellow wall, try creating a mix of yellow and white blooming plants. The green leaves will create contrast while the petals will create consistency.

Mix Hues
If you want to create a sense of drama, consider mixing hues. For instance, if you have a lot of green non-blooming plants and green lawn, create a splash with fiery red containers.

Vary Heights
When grouping potted plants, consider using like materials but of various heights. Groupings in odd numbers like 3 or 5 works best for this effect.

One of the other benefits of landscaping with potted plants is the flexibility you'll experience. You can move plants around until you have an arrangement you like, or you can regularly rearrange to create new spaces.

If you would like some help on how to get started, or if you'd like to work with one of our designers to create a  container landscape, please contact us. We work with homeowners and commercial properties throughout Eugene, Springfield, and communities in the Willamette Valley.

Deciding to add ground cover plants to your landscape offers many different benefits. You will have to decide on which benefits you want, and then choose a ground cover that can provide what you are looking for. Maybe you are looking for a way to fill in space, control erosion, or to create a landscape that requires less maintenance than a purely grass lawn. This article aims to serve as a starting point in your search for the perfect ground cover plants. Here are some ground cover plants that will thrive in the Pacific Northwest.

Inside-Out Flower (Vancouveria hexandra)
When not flowering, this plant is similar in look to ivy. While this plant grows slowly, it establishes itself with a thick matting which can help to prevent weeds in your landscape. The inside-out flower craves partial to full shade and moist soil, however, one benefit of this ground cover option is its ability to withstand periods of drought. During the late spring and early summer, this plant will provide flowering stems that rise above the lower evergreen leaves. 

This is by no means an exhaustive list of ground cover options. Call today, and the Graham Landscape & Design team can help you choose the best option for your landscape! 541-729-8029

Graham Landscape & Design in Eugene, Oregon works with homeowners on choosing the right plantings for their landscapes. Oftentimes it is best to choose younger plants so that they can grow into the landscape and create interest over time.

And while you Game of Thrones fans know what that means, for us at Graham Landscape & Design, it means it's time to start planning for how you are going to protect your plant beddings. One of the best things you can do to protect your newly planted bulbs, shallow root plants, and young trees, is to cover the soil around those items with a rich layer of mulch.

It's important to note that the ideal time to lay down mulch is November-December after your trees have dropped their leaves, but we want to give you the information you need, now, so you can start planning and schedule service if you would like assistance.

Mulch comes in a variety of colors and textures so you're likely to find one that meets your aesthetic requirements. You can get deep browns, warm reds, and soft golden tones in both coarse and fine blends. If you're not sure which one is right for your yard, let our experts help.

Beyond the beauty a fresh layer of mulch adds to your curb appeal, mulch also has a number of other benefits.

Controlling Weeds
Mulch can limit the amount of weeds that spring up in the open spaces of your garden. It acts as a barrier, limiting the amount of sunlight that can find its way to the weeds.

Retaining Moisture
Organic mulches also absorb water. Organic and non-organic varieties both cover the soil and limit evaporation. Retaining moisture, especially during hot, dry seasons help out your plants and reduces your water bill.

Preventing Soil Erosion
Mulching not only keeps existing water trapped in the soil, it also keeps rain water from washing away your soil. In our rainy neck of the woods, this is really important. Mulch does this by breaking the fall of the water and therefore lessening the force when the water impacts the ground.

Providing Insulation
Mulch also acts as a thermal blanket over your planted areas, providing an extra layer of protection from extremely cold temperatures.

Maintaining Soil Nutrients
Not only does mulch keep soil nutrients from being washed away with the rain, it also can release nutrients into the soil if you are using an organic material. This happens as the organic material slowly decomposes on top of the soil.

Controlling Pests
Using certain types of mulch, such as cedar bark, can deter some pests due to the fact that the cedar bark has natural oils that act as insect repellant. To reap the full benefits, be sure to find a mulch that is very fragrant, as it will have the greatest effect on insects.

Attracting Earthworms
Using organic material for mulching can encourage earthworms to occupy your garden soil. And as any good gardener will tell you, earthworms help improve soil structure and nutrient cycling.

Now that we've shown you how wonderful mulch can be, the next question is how does it need to be applied? As a general rule of thumb, it is best to lay down mulch somewhere between 2-4" deep, avoiding touching trunks of trees or stems of plants so you will avoid any rot or disease issues.

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. Our team of experts can help you protect your yard for the cold season.

​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.