Fall Yard and Patio Maintenance
With fall fast approaching, we’re thinking about mums, apples, and bonfires! Along with all the exciting fall foods and activities, there are a few worthwhile seasonal maintenance tasks that you might want to consider as the colder temps settle in and we brace for another Minnesota winter. Checking the condition of your sidewalks, patio pavers, and other hardscapes during the fall could help prevent damaged areas from becoming worse as temps fluctuate, and water seeps in. While we hope that your paver patio or sidewalk never moves and...
read moreOutdoor Stoves and Fireplaces
As summer draws to a close, many of us will find ourselves searching for ways to extend the season by a few weeks. And what better way to do that than to create a cozy, warm, outdoor nook where you can gather with friends or nestle up with family this fall?! A centerpiece to your patio area and the perfect place to congregate over a nice meal and hot ciders as you ring in the changing of the seasons, outdoor stoves and fireplaces are showpieces in and of themselves. The beautiful thing about them is that they are functional as well as...
read moreRenewing Your Porches and Decks
Over the years, pets, kids, and the elements can take a toll on our decks and porches. While we’re still in the summer season, considering a deck rejuvenation could save you money and give your deck or porch a facelift- improving the overall look of your property. Here are a few steps to lengthen the life of your investment so that you don’t have to prematurely replace it. 1. Check for Needed Repairs Particularly areas like posts or joists that make contact with the ground. These will naturally age more quickly and may need some...
read moreHiding your Utility Box with Landscaping
Utility boxes are a part of life, despite their aesthetic. Fortunately, there are a few clever (and pretty) ways to hide them- or at least draw attention away from them so that your yard focuses on the intentional detail, not the unsightly but necessary metal boxes. If the box itself is lacking safety information, it is a good idea to check in with your utility company before starting any landscaping activities around your utility box. Some have underground wires, some need airflow you wouldn’t want to obstruct, and some have a minimum...
read moreLandscaping 101
Do you think your yard or patio area could use a little makeover but you don’t know where to start? We’ll go over a few landscaping basics to help you get the wheels in motion to transform your outdoor space into one where you will be eager to show it off! Your wishlist and budget are connected so think about the non-negotiables but also have some flexibility. How often will you use the area? Do you have pets or children who will need some space to run? Do you want a vegetable garden and/or fruit trees? Will your seating area be covered...
read moreEnhance Your Yard With a Water Feature
No matter the size of your yard or patio area, a water feature is something you can add that will provide a focal point, soothing sounds, and gentle movement in your overall aesthetic. Ranging from as simple as a potted bubbler to as dramatic as a cascading waterfall, the choice is yours in how you would like to incorporate this lovely element into your outdoor decor. We’ll go over several options to hopefully help guide you in your decision-making! Fountains Fountains are not only calming for us humans- but they also offer a reprieve for...
read moreBeating the Heat
July is notoriously one of the hottest months of the year here in Minnesota. It is essential to take a few steps to stay ahead of the heat, which will ultimately benefit your lawn, your trees, and your flowerbeds. We’re here to help you beat the heat and keep your plants vibrant! Inspecting your irrigation system to ensure it’s in prime functioning condition will save you unnecessary anxiety as the high temperatures set in. Try to water before 9 a.m. as this is the best time of day to limit evaporation and to make sure that your grass takes...
read morePetscaping
When you’re a dog owner, there are certain measures you may want to consider with regards to your landscaping that will help to ensure an aesthetically pleasing yard for you and a safe, functional spot for Fido. Petscaping can take a little extra foresight but the result will be well worth the effort! Dogs love grass, but they also contribute to its destruction. They are territorial, and will instinctively create paths or borders around the perimeter of your property. They may choose to dig holes near your fences, and of course, there’s...
read moreOutdoor Dining
It’s finally here! Outdoor dining season! Being able to utilize your outdoor dining areas as an extension of your house is such a great investment and we pride ourselves on being a resource for folks looking to up their patio game with tasteful, classic hard and softscapes. Entertaining outside during our brief but beautiful Minnesota summers is one of the many reasons we live here after all! Whether you’re looking to create an expansive, grand area for large gatherings or a quaint, intimate nook for your alfresco time, we know how important...
read moreThe “Dirt” on Dirt
This spring undoubtedly has many of us feeling like we live in Seattle, not the Twin Cities. With the rain and cool temps, we’ve had to postpone plantings, bundle up for what little lawn work we can get out and tackle, and rather than Prosecco under a porch fan, we’ve been sipping hot cocoa by a bonfire! These relentless cold temps and rains can be detrimental to our soil if we don’t take a few precautionary measures. Making sure to avoid soil compaction is paramount. Soil is at its best when it is composed of predominantly minerals,...
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