Money Can Grow On Trees With Edible Landscaping

Posted on August 19, 2015 by greatgoatslandscaping

Edible landscaping

Money might not grow on trees, but that doesn’t mean your trees and yard can’t save you money! Incorporating edible landscaping into all or part of your yard can give you the best of both worlds – a beautiful yard that also produces vegges or herbs for your kitchen.

Edible landscaping with vegetables

Using vegetables to create edible landscaping in your yard can be as beautiful as it is practical. Don’t believe me? Take a look at some pictures of historic European gardens. There is no denying they know what they are doing when it comes to efficiently using space while still creating an elegant yard.

Vegetables are a great way to add an unexpected pop of color and unusual texture to your flower beds and yard. Pole beans have lovely heart shaped leaves and will climb just about anything. Hot peppers ripen into bold, rich colors that complement many annual flowers.

Leafy greens and all the many colored plants that are perfect for salads are easy to slip in with the rest of your landscaping. Lettuces, for example, come in so many different colors and do well in window boxes. They can also be added to flower beds as edging plants. Some mustard greens and kale have beautiful colors in the fall and are a great way to add color late in the year.

If you’re still not sure about adding veggies to your flower beds, why not add edible flowers? Nasturtiums and violas are both edible and are a pretty addition to salads.

Edible landscaping with fruit trees and shrubs

With so many delicious fruits that are easy to grow, why not add a few to your yard?

Blueberries, currant bushes and raspberries are all fairly easy to grow and are pretty enough to be used decoratively.

Strawberries make excellent edging plants and provide good ground cover. They can be planted in long rows along the edges of flower beds or in a sunny area where you need ground cover. In the spring, they are covered in white flowers and in the fall, their leaves turn a rich russet color.

If you don’t have room for a full sized fruit tree in your yard, check out the new miniature and dwarf varieties that are now available. Some grow to be only four to five feet tall and can easily be grown in a large pot or barrel.

Edible landscaping with herbs

There is nothing like having fresh herbs on hand to add a little something extra to your cooking. It’s even better when those herbs are just out your front door.

Many herbs are versatile and can be grown successfully in pots or among other plants. Rosemary is one of the most decorative herbs. It can be shaped into clever topiaries and can be grown in pots or directly in the ground. Basil, tarragon, sage, chives and many other can all be mixed together in indoor or outdoor plantings.

Herbs like mint, oregano, and prostrate rosemary and chamomile all make excellent ground cover. Keep an eye on them though so they don’t get out of hand and take over the rest of your yard. Thyme is also an excellent groundcover for hot, sunny, dry areas. It forms a dense mat of foliage and does well among pavers or flagstones.

Keep Your Lawn Look Great With These Summer Lawn Care Tips

Posted on August 11, 2015 by greatgoatslandscaping

If spring is all about getting your lawn lush and healthy, summer is about keeping it that way as temperatures soar and rain becomes a distant memory. Plus, with all the time you’ve been spending outside, I bet your lawn is starting to show signs of wear in high-traffic areas.

Summer Lawn Care Tips

Summer lawn care doesn’t have to be a big chore. While you might not have much luck growing new grass in the middle of the summer, but you can take some simple steps to care for the lawn that you have. Here are some tips for keeping your lawn looking it’s best through the summer months without relying on harmful chemicals or abundant watering.

Smart grass selection

The first step in summer lawn care is choosing the right grass for your lawn. If you’re replacing or reseeding your lawn, first do a little research to make sure the grass you plant will do well in your yard. Consider your area’s natural average rainfall and the amount of sunlight your yard receives. You’ll also want to choose a type of grass that will thrive in your soil.

Wise watering

No matter where you are or how much rain you’re receiving, it’s always wise to water as little as possible. The amount of water lawns need varies by the type of grass you have and how hot it is. To keep track of how much water your lawn has been receiving, keep a rain gauge out to measure water received from rainfalls.

If your lawn needs to be water, water deeply and less frequently to encourage drought-tolerant roots. Early and late in the day are ideal times to water because you’ll lose less to evaporation.

Also, consider adding a rain barrel to your yard. Rain barrels capture roof rainwater that can be used for watering lawns and flowers.

Proper mowing

It seems people either love or hate mowing the lawn. No matter how you feel about it, when you mow, you should be doing it in the way that is healthiest for your grass. Raise your mower blades to keep your grass drought-tolerant. Longer grass also develops deeper roots and provides shade to prevent weed seeds from germinating.

Instead of bagging your lawn clippings, leaving them on the lawn to keep moisture levels steady.

Keep your blades sharp so that they cut the grass instead of tearing it, and mow regularly to prevent cutting more than a 1/3 of the grass at one time.

Protect high-traffic areas

If you’re starting to develop paths in your lawn in high-traffic areas, consider installing stepping stones or a sidewalk to reduce damage to your grass.

Control those weeds!

Summer is the time that weeds love to start blooming. Keep them under control and do you future-self a favor by removing them before they have a chance to disperse next year’s seeds. As tempting as it is to use chemicals on weeds, in the hotter months, chemicals can be damaging to already stressed lawns, and it’s better to pull any weeds that pop up.

Finally…Your Dream Fire Pit Done in 2015!

Posted on July 30, 2015 by greatgoatslandscaping

Adding a fire pit to your yard gives you a great place to gather with friends and family.

What are some of your favorite summer memories from your childhood? Family road trips? Long warm days with no textbooks in sight? Lazy afternoons out at the lake?

It seems like no matter what your favorite part of summer is, everyone’s memories of summer include evenings spent roasting hot dogs and s’mores over the campfire. Sure, they can be a great way to end a day of camping, but they’re even more fun if the fire pit is in your backyard.

Fire pits and evening bonfires are a great excuse for family and friends to spend an evening together.

Today, backyard fire pits are a little fancier than a hole in the ground surrounded by a circle of rocks. Fire pits can easily be incorporated into your landscape design and be a beautiful feature of your yard.

Know your fire pit options

If you’re thinking about adding a fire pit to your yard, there are a couple options for you to consider:

Free-standing fire pits
Free-standing fire pits are easy to install and typically are placed on a solid area, like a brick patio. They are not anchored to anything and are a snap to move or put away if you don’t want the fire pit in your yard all the time.

Built-in fire pits
Built-in fire pits are typically made of brick or stone. They are much more secure and durable than free-standing fire pits. With built-in fire pits, you have a lot of design options to showcase your personality and complement the landscape design of the rest of your yard.

With either option, it’s easy to add complementary seating to finish your fire pit area and make sure you’re ready for a summer filled with evenings around a bonfire. All you’ll need to do is pull out the marshmallows and invite the neighbors over.

Pollinator Gardens – What’s All The Buzz About?

Posted on July 8, 2015 by greatgoatslandscaping

Pollinator gardens

Pollinator gardens that are full of native plants are a lovely way to attract pollinators to your yard. Butterflies, bees, moths, and birds, to name a few, not only love the nectar and pollen from those plants, they need it to survive.

Pollinators like bees and butterflies play huge role in how our plants grow. Some scientists have estimated that one out of every three bits of food that you eat exists because of pollinators. Unfortunately, there has been an increasing decline in many pollinator species due to habitat loss, disease, parasite, pesticides and environmental contaminates.

Here are some tips on adding a pollinator garden in your yard.

Plant native wildflowers

Native plants are most likely to thrive well in your area. They are low maintenance and are adapted to the local conditions. Native wildflowers will also provide the food that pollinators are looking for. Many common garden flowers have been bred by human to exhibit traits they didn’t originally have. Extra petals or different colors are two of the most common traits that are bred into flowers. Unfortunately, those flowers often lack the nectar or pollen needed to attract butterflies.

Top Minnesota native plants for pollinator gardens

Milkweeds – Minnesota’s state insect, the Monarch butterfly, loves milkweed. Plus, monarch butterfly caterpillars will only eat milkweed. The plant is also a great nectar source for other pollinators.
Purple Coneflowers – Everything seems to love purple coneflowers! They are bright pink and drought tolerant, which means even if you forget to water them for a while, they should be just fine.
Black-eyed Susan – The bright yellow flowers of the black-eyed susan are a great nectar and pollen source for many insects. They are also drought tolerant.
Meadow Blazingstar – Butterflies and hummingbirds love the meadow blazingstar. It is tall and rich in nectar and is also a great way to attract monarch butterflies in the late summer and early fall as they migrate back to Mexico for the winter.
New England Aster – Crescent butterflies use the New England aster as a host plant for the caterpillars. It’s bright purple flowers make it one of the most striking plants in the fall.

Avoid pesticides

There has been a lot in the news in recent years about the effect that pesticides have been having on the pollinator populations – especially the bees. Pesticides can be absorbed into plants and kill pollinators months after they have been applied. Use organic methods to keep your yard and garden safe for you and for any pollinators that might be stopping by for a visit.

If Your Grass Could Talk… Organic Lawn Care – A Natural Way Lusher Lawn!

Posted on June 24, 2015 by greatgoatslandscaping

With organic lawn care, your grass will be signing your praises.

What would your grass say if it could talk? If you’re like most homeowners, your grass would be begging you to lay off the chemical fertilizers and pesticides and start taking care of it a little more naturally. Organic lawn care is gaining popularity, and it’s easy to see why.

A lot of homeowners assume that if they give up their standard lawn care products, they’re going to have to spend at lot more time working in their yard and still won’t be able to get the results they want.

That simply isn’t true. With natural, organic lawn care, homeowners can grow a lawn that doesn’t rely on chemicals and is much more sustainable in the long run.

Why bother?

With the amount of time your children and pets spend playing outside in your lawn, you want it to be a safe place for them. Chemical based fertilizers and pesticides might show quicker results, but with the harm they can cause to people, pets and the environment, many homeowners are moving to natural lawn care. By going organic with your lawn care, you can create a healthy, lush lawn that is more sustainable over the long term.

Make your lawn sing your praises using organic lawn care

Do a soil test
A quick soil test will tell you what nutrients your soil is missing and which organic microorganisms you should add.
Start composting
Spreading a thin layer of compost over your lawn will have a huge impact on the quality of your soil and the health of your grass. Use either store bought compost or compost you’ve developed from kitchen and yard scraps. If you add a layer of compost to your lawn every year, your grass will be singing your praises from now until fall – promise!
Look for a better grass
All grasses are not created. If you’re replacing your lawn or interested in overseeding, choose a native or organic grass seed that will thrive in your area. Chat with your local extension office or with the staff at your local garden store to see what they would recommend for your area and soil conditions.
Managing weeds
I hate to admit it, but switching to organic lawn care might cause an increase in weeds the first year or two until your grass gets strong enough to fight them off itself. In the mean time, try spreading corn gluten meal over your lawn in the spring for organic weed prevention, or if you just have a few isolated weeds popping up, get rid of them quickly by pulling them by hand.
Care and maintenance
When it comes to mowing, know what length your type of grass prefers and resist the temptation to cut it shorter. If it’s too short, it won’t be able to develop the strong, healthy roots needed to fight off weeds and disease. When it comes to water, water infrequently and deeply to encourage root development.

No Lilies for Kitties!

Posted on June 16, 2015 by greatgoatslandscaping

Lilies and cats don’t mix! Lilies can be deadly to your kitty.

Lilies are a popular choice for yards and gardens, especially during the Easter and spring season. And it’s no surprise! Lily flowers are beautiful outside in gardens and inside in bouquets. But as lovely as a lily is, they are dangerous to your kitty and can even be deadly. Lilies are not harmful to dogs or people, but if you have a cat in your home, help keep them safe by avoiding lilies and choosing other flowers to brighten up your space.

Lilies and cats don’t mix!

The Lilium species or “true lilies” such as Easter, tiger, Asiatic, Oriental, and daylilies (hermerocallis), ect. are considered moderately to severely toxic when ingested by cats. If a cat ingests the petals, leaves, pollen, or even water from a vase that is holding lilies, the cat can suffer from kidney failure that can lead to death.

Other lily varieties, such as peace, Peruvian, and calla, are less dangerous to cats and when eaten usually cause only minor symptoms, such as irritation to the mouth, tongue, pharynx, and esophagus. These milder lilies may cause your cat to drool a bit, but your feline friend should be just fine if she eats some of these lily plants.

What to do if your cat eats a harmful lily

If you think your cat has eaten part of a lily, look for the following symptoms: lack of appetite, lethargy, hiding, vomiting, diarrhea, halitosis, dehydration, inappropriate urination or thirst, and seizures.

If you see your cat eating any part of a lily or if your cat is showing symptoms and you suspect he may have eaten part of a lily plant, bring your cat and the plant, if possible, immediately to your vet for care. The sooner your cat is treated, the more effective treatment will be.

Safer flower choices

Roses, sunflowers, tulips, irises, carnations, mums, baby’s breath, hyacinth and daffodils are all better options for your kitty

Fortunately, there are so many other options that are just as beautiful in the garden and are much safer than lilies for you cats. Roses, sunflowers, tulips, irises, carnations, mums, baby’s breath, hyacinth and daffodils are all good options for your kitty. While those plants may also induce symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea, they are not considered life threatening.

13 Plants Are Natural Mosquito Deterrents

Posted on June 2, 2015 by greatgoatslandscaping

Marigolds are a natural mosquito deterrents. Plus they can add a bright pop of color to your yard or garden.

Minnesota might be known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes by the rest of the country, but here, we know the truth. It’s the land of 10,000 lakes and 100,000 mosquitoes. At any hardware store you can find an aisle full of products that will help keep those little bloodsuckers away, but did you know that some plants act as natural mosquito deterrents while adding beauty to your yard?

Here are 13 common plants that will thrive in your yard and help keep it mosquito free.

1. Lemongrass

Lemongrass won’t withstand our harsh winters here in Minnesota, but it will thrive over the summer months. It is an easy grass to grow that likes good drainage and full sun.

2. Catnip

Catnip is considered both a perennial and an annual depending on your climate. It can become invasive if it isn’t kept in check, but it is 10 times more effective than DEET for repelling mosquitoes. That makes the extra work of pruning it back more than worth the effort!

3. Marigold

Not only are marigolds natural mosquito deterrents, they also repel aphids, another pesky insect that would love to munch on your garden plants. Marigolds are easy to maintain and are good border plants for vegetable gardens. It is also easy to collect the marigold seeds in the fall for replanting the following year.

4. Rosemary

This herb is commonly used in cooking and is also ideal for repelling mosquitoes. It is an attractive plant for container gardens and requires little water. Plus, it is delicious in soups, and egg and meat dishes.

5. Wormwood

Wormwood is a perennial that has a silvery foliage and can be grown in full sun. It serves well as a border plant and has a strong smell to deter mosquitoes.

6. Mint

Mint is another plant that can easily get out of hand if it isn’t kept under control. However, it is a hardy plant that also does well in containers and also has many uses in the kitchen.

7. Floss Flower

Not only will the floss flower repel mosquitoes, but it also attract butterflies. It is an annual that grows to be about 6 to 12 inches and needs partial shade to full sun to thrive.

8. Cadaga Tree

The cadaga tree requires full sun to grow and while it repels mosquitoes, it will also attract other wildlife. If you worried about extra wildlife visitors wandering in your yard, you might need a fence for your garden if you plant this tree.

9. Catmint

Catmint is another butterfly nectar plant. It grows to about 2 to 3 feet and is an excellent mosquito repellant.

10. Citronella Grass

Citronella grass is a popular plant that does well in all of the USDA zones. It requires partial shade to full sun and the oil from citronella grass is used to make mosquito repellent candles and other products.

11. Clove Tree

The clove tree is a shorter, flowering tree that produces clove spice, another common cooking spice. It needs partial shade to full sun.

12. Lavender

It’s hard to believe that lavender plants could repel anyone, but they do just that to mosquitoes. Lavender also produces nectar for butterflies and its flowers can be dried and kept in the garden to further deter mosquitoes.

13. Lemon Balm

Another perennial, lemon balm leaves can be used to flavor iced and hot tea and as a substitute for lemon peel. This plant requires partial shade to full sun to thrive.

By adding a few of these popular natural mosquito deterrents to your yard or garden, the time you spend outside will be so much more enjoyable.

Lawn Composting…The Ultimate Diet For Your Grass!

Posted on May 22, 2015 by greatgoatslandscaping

Lawn compost keeps your grass healthy and strong.

One of the easiest ways to keep your lawn lush and healthy is by composting two to three times a year. Many people prefer fertilizing their lawns with compost because it is organic and safe for pets and children. Instead of adding potentially dangerous chemicals your lawn, consider using organic compost to get the same benefits without any of the harmful effects of chemical fertilizers.

Benefits of Lawn Composting

In addition to being a safe and natural alternative, lawn composting has additional benefits.

Compost doesn’t burn your grass if you accidentally apply too much.
Compost doesn’t stain concrete or walkways
Unlike manure-based fertilizers, compost isn’t smelly and has little to no odor.
Compost is fast acting; within a week you should be able to see an improvement.

How to Lawn Compost

Use the right compost
Fine-textured compost is ideal for lawn composting. You can find bagged, high-quality, Fine-textured compost at most garden centers or even use your own if you have some on hand. If you are using your own compost, make sure it is fine enough that it can easily be raked into your grass without leaving clumps.
Spread the compost
Using a shovel or just your hands, spread the compost across your lawn.
Rake the compost evenly
Spread the compost evenly over your lawn with a flexible garden rake. You want the compost layer to be fairly thin, about a ¼ of an inch thick. Don’t be tempted into thinking more is better. A thin layer will be able to break down quickly and release the nutrients into your soil while a thicker layer might cause problems, like smothering your grass. If you aren’t sure how much compost to use, a good rule of thumb is that when the compost is raked over your lawn, you should barely be able to see it through the blades of grass.
Water it and leave it
Once you have a nice even layer, water your lawn thoroughly for 15 to 20 minutes. For the next week, take care of your lawn like you normally would, but do not mow it for at least a week. During those seven days, the compost will break down and release its nutrients. After a week, take care of your lawn as you normally would.

Enjoy your healthy lawn

That’s it! Compost should be added to your lawn two to three times a year to keep it healthy and lush. By using organic compost, you should be able to give up regular chemicals for good.

5 Tips For A Lush, Thick Lawn… Naturally!

Posted on May 5, 2015 by greatgoatslandscaping

Every homeowner envisions their home with a perfectly healthy and thick lawn to go along with it. Unfortunately, to make that dream a reality, many homeowners rely on harmful chemicals that can have negative effects on children and pets, and can seep into the local water supply.

There are, however, numerous ways to improve grass quality and thickness without resorting to chemicals.

It’s possible to have a healthy, thick lawn without resorting to chemicals.

Eco-Friendly Steps to Getting a Thick Lawn

Fertilize
Each lawn is a little bit different. The pH levels of the soil surrounding your house and the type of grass you have will determine the amount and type of fertilizer that will be most beneficial to your lawn. When choosing a fertilizers, look for a slow-release, organic fertilizer. A slow-release fertilizer will provide long-term nutrition while improving soil quality.

Add organic matter
Whether it’s your own or bought at a store, a little extra compost spread over your lawn will help your grass thrive early in the season. Lay down a ½-inch layer and rake it into the grass. If using your own compost, be sure it isn’t steaming when you apply it. Steam indicates the compost material isn’t fully decomposed yet.

Pull Those Weeds
New weeds that pop up in your lawn should be pulled right away, before they have time to establish a strong root system or go to seed. The more weeds there are in a lawn, the less nutrients there are available for the grass. Removing weeds quickly and regularly helps ensure the grass isn’t competing for nutrients and space.

Tune-Up Your Mower
Dull lawn mower blades tend to tear grass and leave jagged edges which in turn will leave your grass susceptible to disease. Sharpening your lawn mower blades will help ensure the blades of grass are cut cleanly. Most manufacturer’s instructions outline the proper way to sharpen the blades or blades can be brought to a professional for sharpening. It is recommended that blades be resharpened after 10 hours of use.

Aerate your lawn
In addition to water and light, roots need oxygen to grow. Aerating – the process of taking out small plugs of the soil – increases the amount of air in the soil, reduces compaction, and allows water and fertilizer to be absorbed more easily into the soil. Aeration can be done in the spring, but it is most beneficial in the fall when weeds are less of a concern.

Top 5 Backyard Improvements For 2015!

Posted on April 14, 2015 by greatgoatslandscaping

outdoor fireplace

Finally! I think it’s safe to say winter is over! We survived another season of cold and snow and as our reward, we have three whole months of warmth and sunshine in front of us. That means it’s time to start thinking about backyard improvements.

Summer’s here, and that means it’s time for a few backyard improvements.

Top 5 backyard improvements

Patios
Stone or brick patios allow homeowners to add a bit of design to their backyard without having to go the route of modern art (am I the only one that never understands what those statues are trying to say?). Beautiful and interesting designs can be made with whatever pavers you choose and are great conversation starters over cocktails and appetizers.

Fire Pits
The smell of summer always seems to be lightly lined with wood smoke and burnt marshmallows. Why travel out to a campground when you could have your own fire pit in your backyard? Whether you go with a free-standing or built-in option, fire pits are the perfect excuse to invite friends and family over for an evening of yard games and roasted hot dogs.

Cutting Gardens
Having a separate flower garden for cutting bouquet flowers might sound a little frivolous or like you’re just asking for more work, but it doesn’t have to be! Cutting gardens are a great way to be able to bring flowers into your home without taking them from your flower garden. By planting a variety of flowers that will bloom through the season, you’ll always have flowers waiting to be brought into your home.

Play Areas
It wouldn’t be summer for the kids without an area for them to play outside. Jungle gyms are just as popular as they have ever been and are the perfect place for kids to let their imaginations run wild with pirate chases or lakes full of alligators . . . what? You didn’t have those in your backyard as a kid? Weird.

Decks
Decks always seem to conjure up images of summer afternoons spent with family and friends and good food. Multilayer designs are a great way to add “sections” to your deck and to help the deck match the design of your house. Another great option for decks are built-in benches, tables, food serving areas, and grilling stations.