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!

Spring Blooming

As we head into the month of May, you will notice more and more color popping up all around you.

You will notice magnolias in bloom

Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom right now as well

Hyacinth are in bloom and adding splashes of color throughout your yard.

Tulips come in a variety of warm spring colors, making for beautiful scenery.

This is also the time of year where seeds are planted for grass, and extensive cleanup is important. 

Make sure your yard is ready for all that Spring has to offer.

Our April Newsletter

Scenic & Tapestry have started sending out monthly newsletters. We are going to keep our clients in the know, about everything going on for that month. Whether it is horoscopes, sunrise and sunset times, to what's in bloom, you will learn it all in our fun new newsletter.

You can click here to see April's newsletter that was sent out on Friday.

If you are interested in being on our email list for future monthly updates, let us know!

What to Expect in the Month of April

 
We all know that "April showers bring May flowers," but what else is there to know about the month of April?

While the first day of Spring is March 21st, we first start noticing signs of spring in April. When it comes to taking care of your lawn, extra care is crucial at this time. It's important to make sure you are feeding everything, and monitoring the amount of water that is being absorbed.

Rainy season is always tricky. Due to weather, the timing of what should happen in April sometimes blends into May. Spray apples, peaches and pears that have been affected by canker problems, plant summer blooming shrubs and vines, and apply dormant spray to trees, shrubs and vines. Set out summer-flowering bulbs. And be sure to divide and replant spring perennials after bloom.

You will notice all of your pear trees, cherry trees, and plum trees are starting to bloom. As witch hazel is on its way out, there is so much that is about to bloom. Crocus, daffodils, pansies, early tulips, and other minor bulbs will be sprouting up. Hyacinth, many perennials, forsythia, azaleas, dogwoods, and redbuds will be blooming.

As cute as they are, rabbits are attracted to your bulbs this season and can stir up some trouble in your gardens. Due to the short and tender growth, new plantings will also attract different birds that are starting to migrate in; such as robins, a first sign of spring. Hummingbirds and butterflies and bees will start to come as the weather begins to get warmer.

Here's to hoping we see some of our warm-weathered flying friends soon!

Photo Highlights

This past Friday, Scenic got to go and see the Orchid Show at the Botanical Gardens for themselves.

Here are some photo highlights from the beautiful exhibit:

If you are in the NJ/NY area, make sure you find time to take a trip to see it for yourself. It was a beautiful day at the Botanical Gardens - a nice little escape from the ever-hectic city!