Pool Planning Process

There is so much that goes into the addition of a pool to your yard, that at times it can seem like a very overwhelming process. There are many important factors to consider, tons of detailed decisions to be made, and the whole idea can seem grueling at times.

The place to start your planning process is to consider the type of pool that would best suit your lifestyle. Are you looking for a pool to look natural and relaxing? One to entertain guests with a bar and lots of seating? A fun family backyard with a slide or diving rock and fence around it for safety?

Inground swimming pools can be customized to each client’s individual needs and creative visions. They can serve to be more than just a backyard addition, but rather a new lifestyle for the summers. Trips to the beach or a town lake start to become obsolete as a new escape is right outside of your own doors.

Tiles, various stones, coping finishes and the colors you want to be incorporated into your yard and for your swimming pool are another big decision that has to be made. While it can seem overwhelming to due to the infinite amount of combinations, this decision can also be a fun part. The tiles or patterns you choose help to bring the feel of the pool to life, add your own personal touch, and the water color will be something that you will admire all season long.

Poolside additions are another factor in planning your backyard. Spas are a popular addition, and can be enjoyed all year round. They offer many health and relaxation benefits. Benches can be built into the inner walls, for places to sit in the water. Diving rocks and slides are fun playful additions, and waterfalls add a nice relaxing, luxury feel to it as well.

The area around your new pool addition is another important factor. Your pool and your backyard need to be tied together with a patio, and the appropriate surrounding landscaping. A patio provides a way to tie everything together to the house, without ruining your grass. It provides the area to allow seating, lounging and entertaining.

Bars and outdoor kitchens are popular when looking to turn your backyard and new pool area into an entire outdoor living space. Being able to cook dinner outside and enjoy a nighttime swim are wonderful family perks to enjoy in the summertime.

There are many decisions to be made, and the entire planning process can be made fun. Consider your lifestyle and what factors are most important to you and your family.

For more ideas and assistance in planning a new pool for your home, visit Tranquility Pools at www.tranquilitypoolsnj.com

September News

What's Happening in September:

First and foremost we hope that everyone is safe from Hurricane Irene. It has been a crazy week with an earthquake, hurricane and tornado warnings.

The power of Mother Nature can prove to be devastating during these times. We hope everyone and your loved ones, as well as your homes and yards are safe and starting to get back to normal.

Whether we are ready for it or not, Fall is approaching.  

It's time to get ready for back to school schedules, cooler temperatures, earlier nightfall, and new colors in our landscape and trees.  As this month progresses, and the temperatures start to drop, we will gradually see the effects of Fall and the changes that are starting to begin. This is also the time to place your mum orders to be planted. Please contact us to schedule your mums now!

What's in Bloom

September is a beautiful season. The color changes in the leaves every year are breathtaking. It is such a short, fleeting season. Take the time to appreciate it. September is a transitional time for trying to coax summer successes to hold on for just a little longer, and at the same time batten gardens down to survive the winter and plant bulbs for the spring.

You will see black-eyed Susan’s out now, as well as a second generation of knockout roses and carpet roses.  The burning bush plants are turning red in color, and pansies and kale are being planted now to last through early winter.  

 

What Wildlife it Attracts

Due to the dew that is slowly beginning to arrive, and the change in temperatures in your soil, Grubs will start to become prevalent. If you start noticing brown patches in your lawn, it is possible that it is due to Grubs. Grubs - the Japanese Beetle, burrow in the ground and lay eggs this time of year. It becomes a vicious cycle that you will need to maintain.

What Should Be Done 

As a state motto, Fall is for Planting! By this time all the pruning  for your yard should be close to being completed. Once the pruning has been accomplished, it is time to start mapping out your mums and planning your yard for the Fall. A good rule of thumb to remember is once Football Season begins, it is time to plant your mums.   

 It's always beneficial to stay a few weeks ahead of schedule. This is also key when it comes to booking time with your landscape company. Mums are the top priorities now so do not hesitate to call. It's important to schedule the time now before their days become too busy and limited.   

Scenic also offers Fall Display Services. We use mums, pumpkins, straw, and various seasonal items to create fall displays in your front yard. Please feel free to call for more information or to set up an appointment! 

Perennials to Plant in the Fall

The fall season is really the prime time to be planting in your yard. 

As the evening temperatures are starting to cool down, many changes are taking place in your yard. Soil temperatures are dropping, leaves on the trees are slowly changing colors, dew is forming on the lawn, and the dynamics of your gardens are all starting to change. 

This time of year is ideal for both planning and planting. Anything that gets planted in the fall will establish a deeper route system and will experience minimal exterior growth. Natural dew forms on your yard from the warm days turning into cooler evening. Dew will produce on the grass, which promotes natural plant and tree growth, and will be especially beneficial to your lawn. This will allow specimens to flourish for the following season. This is the time of year to prepare your yard for it to be at its fullest potential.

Some perennials that thrive in the fall:

• Lilies - They like to get their start in the fall. Cooler temperatures reduce the stress on these fragile flowers.
• Hostas - They enjoy the shade and cooler temperatures. When planted in the fall they will bloom in the springtime
• Peonies - They need less water and enjoy the rich soil
• Irises - With the help of fall and winter sunshine they are ready to emerge by springtime in full bloom
• Ferns - Do very well in the shade, and are much stronger than they appear
• Ornamental Grasses - this is the time of year for ornamental grasses. They are extremely low maintenance and thrive during this season.

Scenic Landscaping has Gone Solar!

Scenic Landscaping in Haskell, New Jersey is now fully running on solar power. The trend of major companies now looking to turn green is becoming widely popular throughout North Jersey.

Scenic Landscaping based in Northern New Jersey has officially gone solar. Scenic Landscaping worked with Amberjack Solar Energy, also based in Northern New Jersey, to turn themselves into a solar powered company. 

The choice to go solar makes sense for all companies, regardless of whether or not they are in the green industry. Within the past few years, many widely respected companies have opted to go solar. The ability to generate your own electricity is beneficial to both the environment and to the company. It is a long term investment that will allow company owners to put the funds back into their pockets by eliminating the major expense of monthly electric bills. 

 Scenic Landscaping owner, Mitchell Knapp, explains why it was important for him to go green. “The decision was easy. We are in the business of working closely with everything that nature has to offer.  The sun is our resource where we should be absorbing power. This decision will not only make us money, but it will also hopefully encourage other companies to follow in our footsteps and do the same.”

With the installation of their new solar panel system, Scenic Landscaping has eliminated all of their electric bills, which is a huge expense for a company of their size. Through the installation of solar panels, Scenic not only increased their savings and earnings, but were able to show their strong commitment to the environment. Being able to produce electricity from a free, clean, and natural resource is such an important way to give back to current state of our atmosphere.  

Scenic Landscaping for over 36 years has been providing award-winning service with an unparalleled team of over 100 landscape architects, designers, project managers, masons, and horticulturists. Scenic Landscaping is a full design and build firm that specialize in everything from maintenance to architecture. 

For more information please visit www.sceniclandscaping.com .

How to Beat the Summer Heat!

With temperatures scorching and breaking records, the heat is almost unbearable! It seems like it went from a cold spring into a hot, humid summer overnight.

It's important to stay hydrated. That is the number 1 rule. WATER, WATER, WATER. Do not just wait until you are thirsty, stay hydrated all day long. Our crews who are out in this heat working have learned how to stay hydrated all day in order to be physically active. It's important to take rests too, do not over exert yourself in this heat, fainting, nausea, and even deaths can occur.

Wearing lighter cotton materials, and eating fruits and vegetables are another way to help fight against the heat. Fruits and vegetables that are water based will help keep you hydrated as well.

If you can, plan your outdoor activities and exercise schedule either earlier in the day, or later in the evening, in order to avoid the prime temperatures of the afternoon sun.

Your garden will need special attention during these extreme heat weeks. As much water as you need, your plants and flowers do too. Make sure they are getting an adequate amount of water, and that your sprinklers are turned ON to take care of your lawn as well.

Stay Safe!

May Newsletter

Our newsletter for May contained lots of information about what plants are in bloom and what to expect in the weeks to come.

If you didn't get to view it click here for a preview

Let us know if you would like to be on our monthly newsletters!

Weekend Flowers

This was a perfect weekend to walk around outdoors, and notice everything that was in bloom. There are so many beautiful flowers that are blooming, Spring is finally making a statement.

It's important to take the time to appreciate the beauty that is around you. It's easy to be so caught up with everything else going on, that you miss out on seeing the first signs of spring. The May flowers.

Soon enough, it will be time for entertaining outdoors. Barbeques, drinks by the pool. Music on, and relaxing. Watching the sunset over your garden.

Though it was a cool April, you will start to notice more and more flowers and trees blooming as May progresses. Pay attention to your garden. Its a crucial time of year for cleanup and pruning.

Enjoy this beautiful time of year!