The pressure is on . . .

Reba said:
I don't use any lawn care chemical services. I notice that the neighbors who do use the services have "rusty" stained sidewalks from the chemical run off.

It's not hard to do your own fertilizer and weed control. We do our own insect control, too.

Part of my personal philosophy is reduce the amount of "lawn." I'm not crazy about large manicured "perfect" lawns. I like just enough lawn for a game of croquet, and to "outline" my flower beds and hardscapes. Hardscapes are wooden decks, brick patios, driveways, porches, flagstone paths, etc. More hardscape equals less lawn equals less maintenance equals less chemicals and water. Also, drought doesn't bother hardscapes.

Someday, I want to replace at least part of my driveway concrete and sidewalk with Lowcountry tabby. It looks so much better than plain concrete. (Tabby is a mix of cement with pieces of seashell, mostly local oyster shells.)
Pavers, Bluestone, Edging, Oyster Shell, Tabby, Masonry, Stucco, Sand, Stucco, CAROLINA SUPPLIES

I like dimension in my yard. That means, not everything is viewable from one perspective. There are hidden treasures viewable from different angles.

I also design for the critters (mostly in the back yard). I provide them with feeders, water containers, perches, shade, housing and habitat.

Your irrigation system is a great idea. We don't have a real system but we've done some by ourselves. It does make life easier, for sure. :P

One problem with watering is the water itself. I notice that during the weeks that I water the yard, the grass and plants stay alive but they seem "pale" and weak to me. I think the chemicals in the water are not best for plant life. One night of good natural rain is worth one week of watering. But sometimes the weather doesn't cooperate, huh?

Of course, everyone's water source is different, so it all depends on the area.

I also try to use more native plants, or at least plants (and trees) that are appropriate for my climate zone. I refuse to get any kind of shrub or tree that needs to be covered with a blanket during the winter! If it can't survive in my yard without pampering, then bye-bye.
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Yup I use paver stones for my patio and walls. I will try get the pix on my next posting.

Yes I agree about using city water for grass. It's a Chlorine in it. Here in KS, we have a moderate level of chlorine that won't hurt anyone but can eat away rubber stop for faucet valve (under the sink) and some plastics over the years. Grass are okay with it. I have tall fescue which is more sturdy than Kentucky Blue grass. KBG become yellow as soon as temp reaches 95 degree all week. It demands lot of water while Tall fescue have tolerant on drought but can be watered once in every 2 or 3 days to keep it alive. I learned that we should not water lawn in the evening becasue over the night, it'll develop mildew that kills grass. They recommended us to water in the morning and afternoon.

As for chemicals for grass. Yup good point. I know nothing about organic fertilizer ect. I would love to learn about it and it's effectivness.



I will post pix soon.

Thanks
 
This is my patio pix. I designed and renovate the patio last year. It was dirt under deck before and now it's beautiful. IT was raining this morning and patio are drying up LOL. You probably see my BBQ grill under cover and some weeds grew along the cracks of patio floor. Will clean it up anyway.

Catty
 

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purplecatty said:
This is my patio pix. I designed and renovate the patio last year. It was dirt under deck before and now it's beautiful. IT was raining this morning and patio are drying up LOL. You probably see my BBQ grill under cover and some weeds grew along the cracks of patio floor. Will clean it up anyway.

Catty
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Very nice! :P
 
wow beautiful pictures of garden...

Update more pictures to add here... :thumb:
 
shel90 said:
My best friend who lives in PA (she and I grew up together in Phx, AZ) planted cactus in her front yard and they are growing nicely. The neigbors complain about them. Oooops
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wow, I love cactus to put outside like your best friend did but those cactus stay outside is not agree with German weather... :( I have plenty of cactus in my house. :D

Why neighbors complaint for? It's your best friend's property, she can do what she want with her own property don't she?
 
I just bought Peat Moss and Potting Soil and mix em up (They're now 4 inches deep) and put it in my new flowerbed under the patio. I also bought 6 new Caladuim plants at Lowes for 75 cents!! Cheap!! Just planted and hope it'll grow well. I am replacing Caladuim that didn't grow 3 months ago. We had an unusual early spring cold snap w/ snow. Also I planted it wrong too cuz of clay soils. I thought I had top soil in place but didn't.

I bet it'll become beautiful this summer and great place to sit and relax in patio w/ beautiful view.

Catty
 
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