Landscape Contractor published an article in their June magazine covering a amazing project we completed in Fredericksburg, VA.  The home had a severly sloping backyard and the family wanted to put in a pool and outdoor fireplace.  The article details our process from landscape design to the tranformation from grassy hill to outdoor oaisis.  We started with building a ten feet high retaining wall to stabilize the grade, then installed a pool, bluestone deck, paver steps and outdoor fireplace.  It is an amazing transformation.  Check out Landscape Contractor Magazine to read the full article!   

Thanks to the homeowners that were great to work with and our landscape designer, Ian Miller and crew.  A great job done by all.   

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This weekend I sat at my farm under the shade of my Red Maple tree and thought about all the great times we have had under the shade of this tree.  And to think over the years when I was growing up, I chopped this tree down many times, and it always came back.  Now I am glad to have it shading my house and friends on hot, sunny summer days.   

As the summer heat wears on, you may start to notice areas of your yard that could use some shade - an area where the children play or where you tend to gather with friends and family.  There are two great options for shading those areas.  If you need a quick fix build a pergola, but if you have a little time, plant a tree. 

Pergolas can create a great shade structure for a sunny spot on a patio or porch.  They can be built quickly and will add to your enjoyment of your backyard.  For more information on how to build your own pergola, take a look at our blog with step-by-step instructions on building a pergoala.

If you want to add natural beauty to your yard, trees are a great, inexpensive way to provide natural shade and color.  Plant one of these great trees in Virginia:

Red Maple - 'Red Sunset' or 'October Glory'

The Red Maple tree is a deciduous tree that will often grow to between 40 and 60 feet tall. The leaves are shiny green and turn a beautiful deep red color in the fall (as the name would suggest). 

Sugar Maple - 'Legacy'

The Sugar Maple is a deciduous tree reaching heights of 80 to 115 feet tall.  The Sugar Maple produces spectacular fall color - ranging from bright yellow through orange to beautiful red-orange.

Ash - 'Summit'

The 'Summit' Ash is an upright tree reaching 45 feet in height by 25 feet in width. It produces glossy, dark green leaves and the foliage turns a striking shade of yellow in fall.

Golden Raintree

The Golden Raintree is a smaller deciduous tree reaching only 30 feet tall.  The tree produces yellow flowers and green seed pods in the summer, then leaves turn a beautiful yellow in the fall.

Willow Oak

Is a medium-sized deciduous tree growing from 60 to 80 feet tall.  This tree has long willow-like leaves that are green in the summer and turn yellow-orange in the fall.  This tree produces acorns and is a great food producer for wildlife. 

Pin Oak

This is another medium-sized oak that grows from 60 to 70 feet tall.  The pin Oak also produces acorns and turns a beautiful orange-red in the fall.

Zelkova Serrata - 'Green Vase' 

This is a medium sized deciduous tree usually growing to 60 feet tall. This tree has a short trunk dividing into many upright, spreading stems that form a broad, round topped head. The tree grows rapidly when it is young and slows as it matures.  This is a great climbing tree.

If you need large shade trees for open spaces take a look at one of these: London Plane Tree or Sycamore, White Oak, or Tulip Poplar.

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With the hot weather and summer right around the corner, I thought it would be a great time to drift on a raft in a backyard swimming pool.  There is no better place to getaway from life's little stresses than your own backyard.  Travel time is minimal and the stay is free! 

With so many new swimming pool products and landscape ideas available, there is no reason you can't create that special retreat at your own home.  There are an array of new pool decking materials available, new filtration systems (salt water is in), waterfalls cascading into the pool and outdoor living rooms are all the rage!  It is not just a pool anymore; it is your own backyard luxury resort.

Below are some of the new trends we have been seeing in swimming pool design and landscaping.

Swimming Pool Design - The best place to start with any major project is with a comprehensive design.  Whether you plan to do things in stages or all at once, you will want to be certain you receive a complete design to ensure the entire yard blends together.  Start by determining a few key points for the design - the size and shape of the swimming pool, how you intend to use the space (relaxation, exercise, sports) and any special design elements you would like incorporate that suit your lifestyle.  Your imagination is your only limitation (well and possibly your budget).       

Swimming Pool Decks - The new trend in pool decking is to throw out the stark white concrete and use more exciting, natural pool decking products.  You can easily give an old pool new life by changing the decking.  We are seeing homeowners use more natural products - brick and concrete pavers, bluestone, and travertine - that blend in with their overall landscaping and add a little bit of color to their pool.  

Total Outdoor Living Spaces - The new rage in landscaping is to create outdoor living rooms, and this includes swimming pools.  Incorporating a gourmet kitchen, outdoor fireplace or cabanas and pool houses into your pool area can provide a perfect place to gather and entertain friends and family. 

Water Features - Whether it is water cascading from a rock waterfall or an intricate grotto located behind the falls, the new trend for pools is to add the relaxing element of falling water.  Customers are incorporating water features into their pools - fountains that shoot bursts of water through the air, elaborate cascades that drop a sheet of water into the pool and intricate waterslides for the kids (and you too).  You can create your own natural wonder of the world.   

Salt Water Pools - The new trend in pool filtration systems is salt!  Benefits of this natural cleaning process include: no chlorine smell, no red eyes, reduced cost (your just buying salt), and no pool "shocking" with chemicals.  How does this system work, I am not an expert in the pool filtration field, so I will direct you to River Pools and Spas for more in depth information on how the system works.  

Swimming Pool Landscaping - Remember to add color and beauty to your swimming pools landscape.  Bring in lush plantings around the pool deck to soften the hardscape and a few evergreens to add some privacy.  Also think about shade elements; will you be using carefully planted trees, umbrellas or awnings. 

Swimming Pool Lighting - Don't forget the lighting, you may want to enjoy your pool well into the evening.  You can use a mix of landscape lighting for pathways, trees and gardens, use fountain lights in the pool and add a few Tiki torches for the island resort experience.  You can set any mood with the right lighting!

For some great ideas for pool design, decking and landscaping check out our swimming pool ideas at Carville Landscape Co.

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It has been a beautiful spring and we are heading into summertime.  Your garden should be green and your plants popping with color.  Here are a few quick tips to keep your yard ready for summer. 

Mulching - Mulching plant beds will not only make your yard look clean and crisp, but will also help shrubs retain moisture and prevent weeds from sprouting this summer. 

Mowing - When you are mowing your lawn this spring you want to keep your mower blade high, it helps keep the weeds from germinating and will keep the new grass from burning in the sun.  You may need to mow every week, but it will keep your lawn healthy and green. 

Pruning - At this point in the late spring you don't want to do any major pruning only cutting back stray growth to maintain the plants shape.  Do remove spent flowers to promote re-blooming on roses and annuals for beautiful flowers all summer long.

Mosquito Control - Mosquitoes are coming.  Unfortunately there is no way that I know of to get rid of mosquitoes completely, but there are a few ways to help reduce their breeding around your home.  Look for areas of standing and pooling water around your home and remove it, especially after yesterday's heavy rain.  Common areas to check for standing water are in - buckets and rain barrels, bottles and cans, empty plastic pots, uneven areas in lawns or gardens where irrigation water can collect, clogged rain gutters, birdbaths and water bowls for pets.

Add your new Patio, Pergola or Outdoor Kitchen - Now is the time to install the new patio, pergola or outdoor kitchen you have been thinking about all winter.  If you are looking for a little shade this summer, install a pergola.  Pergolas are a great way to keep the sun off a patio area.  With spring already here, it is time to get new hardscaping installed so that it will be ready for the summer.  Check out our website and blog for a few ideas on how to improve your outdoor living space.    

As always we look forward to working with you on any of your landscape and hardscape needs - (804) 622-7477 or visit our website at www.CarvilleLandscape.com.

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I was just quoting a job where we are demolishing an old deck and replacing it with a paver patio.  I am running into that more and more these days, homeowners want low maintenance and are opting for patios over decks.  We are able to install a 3 feet high or under patio with the landing and steps for less than the cost of a same height deck.  Plus the patios just flow a little better for entertaining than a raised deck.  So when you are pricing out your deck, take a second to price out a patio, you just might be surprised!    

 Here is a little list of my thoughts paver patios vs. wood decks.    

Below are a few photos of some patios to give you an idea of what you might be able to do in your backyard.  Enjoy!

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There is a great new initiative in Virginia to help clean-up the Chesapeake Bay from stormwater runoff.  I know that you think because you don't live near the Bay this doesn't affect you, but it is actually the runoff from the cities that causes most of the pollutants in the Bay.  All the fertilizer you put on your grass to keep it green; ends up in the Bay.  So below are a few simple tips to help keep our Bay beautiful!

•  Plant More Plants - A great campaign by the Chesapeake Bay Program that is teaching homeowners in the cities surrounding the Bay, simple landscape strategies to help keep the Bay healthy.  Plant More Plants has a great website that offers information on why this is important, how to plant rain gardens (with four planting plans), provides a comprehensive list of native plants for Virginia and a blog with information on soil, stormwater, wildlife and more. 

Basic Rain Barrel from Plow and Hearth

• Use of Rain Barrels - I have blogged about the use of rain barrels in the past, but the information is so important.  A single rain barrel can save most homeowners about 1,300 gallons of water a year.  This is 1,300 gallons of FREE water that you can use for watering plants, gardens and lawns or for even washing cars.  That is 1,300 gallons of water that gets absorbed back into the ground slowly and never reaches the Bay.

• Use of Permeable Pavers - This is another subject that I have blogged about in the past, the use of permeable pavers in landscaping.  Permeable pavers present a solid surface, but still allow storm water and pollutants (car oil, antifreeze, pesticides) to drain through a natural, ecological process.  The permeable pavers come in a variety of designs and colors for all types of applications (driveways, patios, walkways).   This is a product we use more and more in the northern neck of Virginia.

 We all love to eat the blue crabs and oysters, so let's do our part to help keep the Bay clean and healthy!

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•  Concrete Pavers - One of the most economical pool decking materials is the paver.  Pavers come in a variety of colors, sizes and can be laid in many different patterns (with matching coping).  You will want to find something that compliments the style and color palate of your home and matches the other hardscaping you already present in your landscape.  The best part about pavers is they don't crack!

• Brick - I think brick give a pool a very classy, old world look.  Similar to the paver, brick comes in several colors, but only one size.  These can be dry laid with sand in the joints or laid with mortar, whatever your preference.  One caution when using brick - make sure you choose one with a smooth finish, some brick can be rough to the touch - not good for tender feet.

• Bluestone or Flagstone - One of my favorite natural materials to use around pools.  Bluestone gives the pool a touch of elegance.  I would use a random pattern with rectangular and square stones and use grout that will compliment the color hues of your home (tan or grey).  Bluestone is also surprisingly cool to the touch too.   I would stay away bluestones cousin, slate, it gets very hot under your feet and will be unbearable in the Virginia sun.   

• Travetertine - Another natural stone that I am using more and more around pools.  This is a great natural material that comes in several colors and sizes (with matching coping).  You can dry lay an irregular pattern with this stone.  One word of caution - be sure to get a travertine for outdoor use, this will make it less slippery around the pool edge.  I know everyone thinks travertine can be slick, but it actually absorbs the water and makes the stone coarser so that you don't slip.

• Slab Paver - Slab pavers are similar to concrete pavers, but are much bigger and give the appearance of bluestone.  They are still dry laid with swept sand in the joints, but they look more like bluestone than a paver.  If you love the look of Bluestone, but don't like the price tag, this may be an option.    

I also wanted to mention that if you have a concrete pool deck and are looking to jazz it up with another material, you can always overlay your existing pool deck with one of the materials listed above.  You don't even have to pull up the concrete; it can go right over the top!  An easy fix for a dated pool.  Check out our earlier blog on how to create a new look for your pool.

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After spending the weekend at my family farm, I realized it is almost time for fresh vegetables from the garden.  Last year, not wanting to manage a big garden, I planted a few peppers, tomatoes and herbs in the flower beds in our backyard.  This year we are going to add a few more vegetables, lettuce and green beans (and the vegetables we don't have planted will come from the best vegetable stand in the Northern Neck, Garner's Produce). 

If you want fresh vegetables, you don't have to work the fields to get them, just add a few plants in your backyard flower beds.  Look for a sunny spot (with six or seven hours of sunlight a day), with good drainage and some room for the plants to grow.  If you are working in a big space in your backyard, narrow beds work best so you can reach in to weed and harvest your bounty without walking on the soil.

Once you choose your location, start by preparing the soil.   Dig and break up any compacted soil and remove all the debris and weeds.  Then add any compost and natural fertilizers to the soil before you plant; just work it in the soil with a rake.  Once your soil is ready you can decide what to grow!  Think about what you love to eat (lettuce, tomatoes, corn, potatoes, peppers, squash).  You can start your vegetables from seeds sown in the soil or buy seedlings from your local nursery.  Grow Veg is a great guide on how to plant, how much space to allow and when to harvest (they even have a garden planning tool).  Once you get your vegetables in the ground make sure you water consistently, soaker hoses work best to keep roots watered and leaves dry.  Then sit back and wait for the fruits of your labor.

This summer it will be more fun to run to the backyard for dinner, instead of running to the grocery store!  And remember to support your local farmer by purchasing the rest of your vegetables at local farm stands in your area.

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Time to think about ways to reduce your carbon footprint and do your part to create a healthy, sustainable environment.  Here are some simple tips for reducing energy costs and waste in your little piece of the world. 

Plant Trees and Shrubs to Reduce you Energy Needs - Plant trees around your house to provide shade in the summer and create wind protection in the winter.  Plant deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your home where the sun’s rays can be the most intense and direct.  In the summer these full trees will shade your home, and in the winter these trees will lose their leaves and allow the suns light to heat your home.  To shield your home from the winter winds, plant shrubs and evergreens close to the house.  Determine your dominant wind direction and plant on that side of your home. 

 Utilize Native Plants in your Landscape - Native plants are plants that have naturally adapted to growing in your area’s geographic conditions.  This means these plants will naturally require less water, maintenance and are more resistant to disease and pests than other plants.  Native plants also will attract local wildlife since these animals have relied on them for food, shelter and nesting in the wild.  Try to incorporate native plants into your landscape.  Visit this native plant site for a list of native plants by state and where to find them.

Compost - To help reduce waste and fertilize your plants organically start to compost!  Food scraps, kitchen waste and grass clippings make great composting materials.  Adding compost to soil before you plant will help plants thrive by improving the soils structure and fertility and allowing the soil to retain more water.  Visit the EPA to learn more about how to compost.

Use Solar Powered Landscape Lighting - To cut down on your energy bills, use solar powered landscape lighting to light outdoor paths and driveways.  Many of these lights are attractive, easy to install (no wires or electricians) and can be found at many home improvement stores.    

Grow a Small Vegetable Garden - As we have talked about before on this blog, a great way to reduce spending and eat the freshest vegetables is to grow them yourself.  Check out our earlier blog post on vegetable gardens.

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Stop by the Richmond Home Show, March 4-6 at the Richmond Raceway Complex.  Our booth will be in the first building by the door to enter the rest of the show.  You can't miss us!  Check this link for more information on the Richmond Home and Garden Show. 

 Here are a few pictures from the show we did this Winter.  A travertine patio with seat walls, a stone outdoor kitchen, landscaping, a fountain and a bench and table made by one of our designers!  Our designers and installers are truly talented.  Can't wait for this show!

A stone bench and table that Chris McClaning made from some extra material at the shop.  

 A stone outdoor kitchen with pizza oven/grill combo, a soap stone counter top and natural stone bar top.   

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As our first warm, summer like days are here in Virginia, it is time to start thinking about preparing your yard for spring.  After a cold, snowy winter your plants may be looking a bit drab and dreary.   Here are a few useful tips to help get your yard ready to enjoy on those beautiful spring days. 

Winter Snow Damage -Take a survey of your trees and shrubs to see if they have snow damage, broken limbs or branches.  If you have shrubs with broken limbs, remove them by making a clean cut just above the stem node or branch collar.  Then fertilize the plants with a slow release fertilizer for a new flush of growth this spring.  

Aeration and Fertilization - Spring is the time to aerate and fertilize the lawn to keep it green all summer long.  You want to use a slow release fertilizer with the lowest possible phosphorus level.  In this region we have very phosphorus rich soil, adding more will just create dangerous run-off for our waterways.  Remember to fertilize the plants and shrubs as well - and you can use the same fertilizer for the entire yard.   

When you are mowing your yard this spring you want to keep your mower blade high, it helps keep the weeds from germinating and will keep the new grass from burning in the sun.

Knock-Out Roses - If you haven’t cut your roses back, it is time.  Make sure there is no new growth, and then take them back to 12” to 18” tall.  Don’t be afraid to cut them back that much, they will grow bigger each year. 

Add your new Hardscaping for Summer - Fireplaces are the new outdoor trend.  We have already installed three since the beginning of 2013.  Install an outdoor fireplace now and use it on those cool spring nights.  This is also the time to start thinking about installing a pool for summer.  Believe it or not we are working on our fifth pool project of this year.  With spring on its way, it is time to get new hardscaping installed so that it will be ready for the summer.  Check out more of our blog posts for tips on swimming pools and outdoor fireplaces. 

As always please feel free to call us for any of your design, landscaping and hardscaping needs 804-622-7477 or visit us on the web at www.carvillelandscape.com.

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We had a fun client a few weeks ago that chronicled his patio construction on Facebook.  He called it the "Carville Landscape Big Dig!"  I thought it would be a good opportunity to use the pictures to show future clients and do-it-yourselfers what to expect with the construction of a patio. 

The Project:  A raised patio with corner fire pit and retaining walls.

Day 1 - Let the digging begin!

Digging out the retaining wall footings.

Day 2 - Building the retaining walls.

Day 3 - Inserting drain pipes, compacting the stone base.

Day 4 - Ready for the sand and the brick!

Day 5 - With the patio down, now it is time for some finishing touches: the polymeric sand, decorative wall and wall caps. Here is the finished project!

We are ready for the marshmallows!

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We had a great project in November that we are just finishing up and I thought I would share it here.  We were working with a great client that wanted to bring a little piece of Italy to their backyard.  So we installed a pool with a beautiful travertine pool deck.  And gave them an outdoor kitchen complete with granite counter and wood fired pizza oven - direct from Italy.   So I thought I would take you through a few pictures of the exciting project.

To start here is the clients backyard before we started.  A great level lot without anything exciting.  We started with a great plan from our designer, Ian Miller. 

Then the work began, getting the pool in, picking great materials to use, and the Client helped source a wood fired pizza oven from Italy!  The whole team was excited to do this project - it was our first pizza oven!  So here are a few shots as we are in the process of installing the pizza oven. 

The oven came in five pieces and weighed about 1500 pounds.  It took four people to lift it and piece it together!

Then came the stucco to cover the oven and the base.  We completed it with a granite counter top!

Here is a picture of the completed outdoor kitchen and pizza oven. 

Here is the final project with the beautiful travertine pool and the pizza oven, ready for a fun weekend.   Enjoy!

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Half of the appointments I had last week have been with customers that want pools for summer.  Hard to believe people are thinking about pools when it is snowing outside, but it is that time!  So...I thought I would wrtie a quick blog on pools and the new thing that everyone is talking about, salt water chlorine generators. 

Everyone wants a pool and nobody wants to clean and maintain it.  I am with you on that one.  Pool maintenance can be a bit of a pain, but with the new salt water system, the maintenance is cut down substantially. 

I would go into all the differences in pool types and chlorine vs. salt, but we often partner with River Pools and Spas on many projects and they have a GREAT blog for everything pool!  I am just going to point you to a few blogs they have posted on the differences in pools, honest costs and maintenance, and then show you a few pictures to get you motivated.  Happy swimming!

Salt Water pools - how it works, benefits, drawbacks  

How much will the pool really cost - honest information regarding the costs of a fiberglass pool

Fiberglass pool vs. concrete pool vs. liner pool - a great link showing the honest differences between the three. 

To get some great ideas for your back yard, check out the pool pictures in our photo gallery.  Let us know how we can help you. 

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As I sit in my office and wait for the weather report on the latest snow storm, I am thinking about outdoor fire pits.  All our clients are asking for outdoor fire pits and fireplaces.  We have installed more outdoor fire pits and fireplaces last year than anything else.   And they keep on coming!  Outdoor fire pits are the hottest trend in landscaping this year (no pun intended, well maybe).

There are so many options when it comes to outdoor fire pits.  You can buy a portable fire pit from your local home improvement store or create something as elaborate as a dancing flame on the sand!  Whatever you desire it can be done.  Here are a few suggestions of ways to bring a little fire into your backyard landscape. 

Portable Fire Pits and Chimeneas - If you are looking for something wood burning and quick to purchase, look no further than your local home improvement store.  They have an array of cooper and wrought iron fire pits, as well as terra-cotta chimeneas to add a little warmth to your backyard.  Make sure when using these items that you keep them a safe distance from the house and use a spark screen to keep embers from flying near your home.

Wood-Burning Fire Pits - A permanent wood-burning fire pit can make a great addition to your outdoor living room and are perfect for roasting marshmallows on cool autumn nights.  These fire pits can be as simple as a hole dug in the ground with a rock border or as elaborate as a stone mortared pit.  With permanent fire pits you can make them as custom as your imagination; just about any shape or size and use a variety of materials - paver, brick, stone, even blue stone.  Check your local zoning to determine any burning restrictions and if you need any permits to build.     

Gas and Propane Fire Pits - If you are tired of chopping wood and want to make your fire pit easier to use, install natural gas or propane as your fuel source.  You can add gas to many fire pit structures and light it with a flip of the switch.   If you are really looking to make a big statement in your landscape, install a dancing flame as a focal point.  You can make the flame dance over sand, colored glass or rock.  Again you will want to keep any flame away from your house, but with a gas source, you will have fewer restrictions.

Whatever type fire pit you decide to use this summer, remember to keep it safe.  Never leave fire unattended and keep flames a good distance from your home.  And ALWAYS keep marshmallows on hand!

For more inspiration, check out the fire pits and fireplaces on our photo gallery.

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When you are starting a landscape project, large or small, you are thinking of one thing, how great your yard will be when it is done.  All the new, exciting elements you will have at your home - a new patio, gourmet outdoor kitchen, pool for relaxing or beautiful plantings.  You are not always thinking about the most important element of your project - hiring the right landscape contractor.  

Here are some tips for items to think about when you choose the right landscape professionals to work at your home. 

Experience - When selecting a contractor, verify the landscape contractors experience before hiring them.  If you are hiring someone to design your landscape, make sure they have a degree in landscape design or architecture and the experience your project requires.  When comparing contractors, determine how long the company has been in business, check references, ask to see photos of completed work and even ask for a site visit to an actual project similar to yours.  Make sure you hire someone with the experience required for your project; you don’t want to be a learning project for your contractor.

Communication - One of the most important factors in selecting the right landscape contractor is communication.  Make sure that your contractor communicates well with you and provides the service you expect.  Look for professionals that return your phone calls promptly, keep appointments (and are on time) and most importantly make sure you both have the same understanding of your project.  In some cases you may be working with this person for a few months, make sure you can be a good team.  

Price - For many homeowners the lowest price is the key element, but it should not always be the deciding factor when choosing a contractor.  Make sure that you get quotes in writing and if you make changes have the contractor re-quote the project.  Once you do decide to work with a contractor, sign a contract with that company and specifically state the scope of the project, timeframe for completion and payment details.  Contracts can only help protect you.  Remember, the lowest price doesn't always mean the best quality or service; I hate to say you get what you pay for, but sometime...

Licensed and Insured - Always make sure that any contractor that works at your home is licensed in your state and carries the proper insurances.  Without proper insurances (liability and workmens compensation), if someone is hurt on the job or a piece of machinery bumps your house, your homeowners insurance would have to cover the damages.  You can check for proper contractor licensing at your states licensing office (in Virginia that is www.dpor.virginia.gov).  Don't be afraid to ask to see a copy of the contractors insurance certificates too.

Remember choosing the right landscape contractor can mean the difference between an exciting, hassle-free experience and a difficult, bitter disappointment. With a little homework you can have a safe and happy working relationship with your landscape contractor.  Happy landscaping!

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In November we finished a great pool project in Fredericksburg, VA.  Our great landscape designer, Ian Miller, brought this tough backyard from sloping hills of green grass to spectacular pool views!  We added a pool and hot tub, bluestone patios, a stone fireplace, steps and a retaining wall to keep everything in place on this sloping lot.  The results are spectacular!  Take a look at some of the before and after pictures below.

This is the backyard before transformation, sloping hills with nothing but grass.

When we were finished it was a beautiful two tiered pool with bluestone patios and fireplace.

We added this great stone fireplace and seating area.

A cloes up of the pool and bluestone surround. 

We added a flight of stairs, complete with lighting, so that the homeowners could get down to the pool from the upper decks. 

We added a big retaining wall to level the backyard for the pool and fireplace.  It was a great project, with great homeowners.  Let us know if we can help you transform your backyard!

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We have a landscape/hardscape display booth at the Virginia Home and Garden Show this weekend.  The show is January 14-16 at the Meadow Event Park (near Kings Dominion).  You can't miss us, we are the first booth to the left when you walk in the door.  Come out to see us and start planning for SUMMER! 

For all the details check the Virginia Home and Garden Show website.

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It is that time of year again when we all sit in front of the television and wait for the weather report.  Will it snow?   It looks like the country is bracing for more snow storms in the next few days.  I thought I would take this opportunity to advise people on how to get rid of the snow and ice from their walkways, driveways and hardscapes in the months to come. 

The best snow removal option is to shovel the snow before it gets to deep.  If you don't like to shovel snow or just need to melt the ice, then you can use salt as a solution.  Most home improvement stores sell an ice melt calcium or sodium chloride based product.  If your walkway or driveway is concrete, bluestone or concrete paver then the home improvement store product is a fine option.  If your walkway or driveway is CLAY brick or paver than make sure to use a Magnesium Chloride only option.  If you use Calcium or Sodium on your clay pavers it will make the pavers effervesce, which will cause a white film to form on your pavers.   You can clean the pavers with an effervescence cleaner if the film has already formed or you can allow the film to wear off over time (it eventually will). 

Remember to always shovel snow off the area first and only treat stubborn areas of ice with salt.   Also keep the chemicals away from your plant life, repeated use of chemicals can be toxic to your plants. 

Good luck and be safe in the winter ahead!

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Every year before the holidays, my wife sets out on an afternoon walk with her trash bag and clippers.  She wanders through our backyard (and a few of the neighborhood businesses) in search of trimmings to decorate the fireplace mantel and holiday table.  She comes back with a bag full of evergreen, pine, nandina, holly with red berries, and her favorite magnolia clippings.  There are so many different textures and colors in foliage this time of year holiday decorating becomes easy.  

Once she has all her clippings (or store-bought garland if you prefer), she pulls out the candles, ribbon and lights to put together beautiful, natural holiday decorations.  The clippings will stay vibrant through the holiday and your house will smell wonderful!  To help you find some inspiration for your holiday decorating, take a look at HGTV.com.  They have wonderful pictures (the ones used in the post) to help get you started on your way.

Carville Landscape Co. would like to wish everyone a happy holiday and prosperous new year!

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