Entries by Dan Craddock

Summer Lovin’: Drought Hardy Gardening!

It may often feel like the only thing you can grow in the sweltering Virginia heat are cacti. However, there is a bevy of beautiful, ornamental trees, shrubs, annuals, and perennials that you can grow here! Here is the master list of drought-friendly, heat tolerant plants to bring your summer garden to the next level: […]

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UH OH! Repairing “Fun” Damage

It’s time for ALL the Summer Fun! BBQ’s, sparklers, cookouts…That also means there will be inflatable pools, slip n’ slides, sprinklers, and tons of extra foot traffic! There’s nothing worse than not only having an event hangover, but also looking out on your lawn the day after and seeing all the crushed grass, new muddy […]

For Dad: 4 Activities for Father’s Day

Your Dad is worth an out-of-the-box activity on his special day! We’ve put together a small, fun list with relevant links to get what you need for your favorite fellah. Show him a great time with this fun, short list! Movie Marathon on the Lawn: There’s nothing that says “I love you” like letting your […]

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A Cut Above

“How Short Should I Cut My Grass In The Spring?” In the very late winter and early spring, it is recommended that one cuts their grass extremely close (approximately 1”) in order to dethatch and remove dead layers of grass and debris. This is so the young grass shoots and new seed can find purchase […]

May: I fertilize?

The short answer is yes! You can fertilize your lawn in early May before the temperature starts to rise. Ideally, the best time to fertilize is between February and April, but May is still acceptable. The best time to fertilize your grass? Your best tool to know when the time is right is your eyes! […]

Spring Garden Checklist

Spring Garden Checklist It’s Spring! With this glorious season starting, there are a lot of things you need to do in order to get your lawn and garden ready for the upcoming warmer months. Feel free to print this out as a handy Spring preparation guide.  Clear your plant beds. Time to remove dried winter […]

Outdoor Adventure: Birdwatching

     As Spring rolls her shoulders, shrugging off the last of the Winter frost, we can expect the return of birdsong in Virginia! The migration of birds heralds Spring’s arrival and after such a long, brutal Winter, they are most welcome. It’s time to get outside with your notepad and pen to see all […]

The Scoop On Hardscapes

What the heck are hardscapes? As opposed to “landscapes” which are considered organic matter based, hardscapes are intended to create new living space outside of your home. There are some very important things to consider when planning and placing your hardscapes. We’re going to explore the how’s, why’s, and what’s of hardscapes in this blog! […]