Outdoor/Landscape

“Most people want a landscape they feel like they own and not a landscape that owns them,” says Charles Hodges of Charles Hodges, Ltd. Gardens, www.hodgesltdgardens.com. “They want a beautiful, enjoyable space without the hours of tedious maintenance.” While turning your yard into a showpiece won’t happen without some effort, low-maintenance results are possible. The key is to plan befor… Read more...

We Atlantans are blessed with more warm-weather months than cold, and it would be a crime to not take advantage of it. There’s something invigorating about relaxing in the fresh air, sunshine and sounds of summer—but it all starts with the space. Patios, porches and decks offer innumerable options for customizing your outdoor living area. Here are today’s top trends, just in time for some pr… Read more...

Whether in salads, side dishes or main entrees, nothing tastes better than fresh-from-the-garden vegetables. If you have already planted summer vegetables, that’s great! If not, you still have time to plow and plant. In fact, given that Georgia has two major growing seasons interspersed with one minor growing season, there’s no reason not to have fresh vegetables on your plate all year long.… Read more...

Springtime is here, and it’s time to fill your yard with flowers. Want to get a little more creative with this year’s landscaping? Consider combining some of the thousands of plants that thrive in Georgia to build a unique themed garden. “The important thing is to match the personality of your home, complement the natural terrain and choose a theme that is conducive to your lifestyle,” say… Read more...

Spending time outside is good for you. But not all homeowners have outdoor spaces they enjoy. Now is the time to change that. Outdoor living spaces are increasingly popular and help homeowners experience nature’s health benefits. Plus, outdoor improvements add value to your home and make it more enjoyable. Use the following planner to envision your dream landscape and develop a strategy for maki… Read more...

It may still be chilly outside right now, but warmer weather will be here before you know it! Winter is a great time to think about updating your pool so it will be ready to jump into when summer arrives. Whether you want to give your pool a visual makeover, make it more functional or cut down on time and money spent on maintenance, there are plenty of things you can do right now to ensure a fun a… Read more...

Homeowners spend roughly $45 billion on lawn and landscape services annually. But beyond the financial effects, it’s important to consider the environmental costs of using synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and large amounts of water when landscaping. To reduce environmental impacts and enjoy less maintenance, consider the benefits of xeriscaping, a landscaping method that promotes water conserva… Read more...

As the weather cools down, you may think it’s time to put your landscape on hold until spring. But gardening enthusiasts, take heart! There’s plenty you can do in the winter months, including planting new things. “Most all trees and shrubs benefit from planting in the late fall and winter months,” says Todd Guilmette, of Unique Environmental Landscapes, www.unique-environmental.com, in Mab… Read more...

November weather can be unpredictable; warm and sunny one week, cold and rain the next. Atlanta’s first frost is usually in mid-November, so enjoy the last of the warm-season annuals early in the month! November’s cooler weather makes this the best time of year to plant shrubs, trees and many perennials. Garden Maintenance ➤    Fertilize fescue lawns for a second time (and again in Febr… Read more...

As the outdoor living trend continues to rise and homeowners work to make their yard an extension of their home, lighting is an important factor. Here, we’ve compiled our favorite tips and trends for lighting your property. Rules of thumb Three rules of thumb for lighting your home’s exterior are:1.     Light what you paid for. Whether it is architecture, the home itself, statues or lands… Read more...