Rejuvenate Roses with a Hard Annual Pruning. Prune to shape and clean out—dead wood and worn out branches, along with weak and spent canes. Spring is the time to correct problems with overall form, or reduce the height of roses that are outgrowing their space. Most roses bloom on new wood, and tend to have reduced bloom on old canes. Let the "Rule of Thumb" be your guide: New growth about the diameter of your thumb make the best canes. If the branch is bigger than your ordina
Six more weeks of winter? Ha. We're making plans for annual flowers! On Ground Hog’s Day, both Buckeye Chuck and Punxsutawney Phil saw their shadows. Both have predicted 6 more weeks of winter. However, MJ is thinking spring and making plans for annual flowers! Seasonal flower pots can be a great addition to any landscape, pots can add pops of color to any entry or patio. If you would like to have a seasonal flower arrangements in your contract, now is the time to make that c
If you have ornamental grasses in your landscaping, now is the time to start to cut them back. You want to cut back these grasses before the new spring growth begins. The grasses should be cut back as close to the ground as you can get or within a few inches. After cutting them down, use a stiff rake to try and remove as much of the old debris that falls into the base. Over time this material will break down and ultimately rot out the center of the grasses. When cutting back
Dandelion weeds in January, big fluctuations in temperatures, late-dropping leaves, and blooms in winter! How can we help maintain a healthy landscape? Some may not believe in global warming, but it sure feels like it with all the warm temperatures. At least we are getting lots of rain to make up for a dry 2016. It would be a difficult winter if it was cold, the snow volume would be unbelievable. With the changes in the climate, it is effecting our plants. I saw a dandelion w
Did you remember to get your landscape equipment serviced in the fall prior to putting it away for the winter? If not, this is a great time to get your mower or tiller services. We have used Rick Graham from Graham Small Engine Repair for the past 17 years to service all the M.J. Design equipment. If you are looking for trusted, quality service, Rick will be willing to work with you either at your home or arrange pickup/drop off with you. He will do anything from sharpening b
Everyone always asks what we do all winter. We are actually very busy preparing for organized maintenance contracts and a successful growing season! If we can help design a new landscape bed or your dream backyard, just let us know. Winter is a great time to plan this summer’s project. A lot of time during winter months is spent at schools—giving back and networking. Hiring and recruiting staff is always an important task. Molly, Kelly, and Sue are also changing over to a new
Many people feel that spring is the time to mulch their landscaping beds. It looks good and protects their plants from the extreme heat of the summer. But have you ever thought about mulching in the late fall or early winter? Mulching this time of year is actually very beneficial for your plants. Mulching in Ohio’s colder weather helps in three basic areas: Soil moisture retention Weed suppression Soil temperatures Mulching this time of year can also protect your plants from
Have you wondered what you could do with your containers and pots in the winter? How can you add some excitement to the entry of your house during the holidays and cold months? An easy answer is to transform your containers from summer annual flowers to winter greens. Evergreen cuttings can be found from plants around your yard—including spruce and pine trees. Evergreen shrubs like boxwood, yews and arborvitae make great fillers. Even the trimmings of your family holiday tree