»  A 12 volt (low voltage) lighting system costs less to operate than a 120 volt system.
»  A good rule of thumb concerning landscape investment is 5 to 10 percent of the value of your home.
»  A nice, thick, healthy lawn can greatly reduce air temperatures because the grass transpires water to cool itself which also cools the air around it.
»  A well thought out landscape design greatly increases curb appeal and sets the stage for how people perceive your home's inside.
»  Be carefull not to over-fertilize your grass. Too much of a good thing can do damage over time.
»  Bermudagrass has great wear tolerance and heat tolerance; however, it does require regular maintenance in order to keep it out of shrub beds because of its aggresive nature.
»  Centipede, bermuda, and zoyzia are grasses that can be laid dormant during winter in our area (zone 8).
»  Centipedegrass can be establised by seeding, however it takes about 21 days to come up.
»  Do not feed your Koi when temperatures drop below 50 degrees. They go into a state of hibernation in which processing food becomes difficult.
»  Fall color in deciduous plants is caused by a lack of chlorophyll (what makes plants green) being produced which allows other colors to show.
»  Grass clippings add nutrients to your soil, it doesn't create thatch.
»  Hope deferred makes the heart sick.
»  In order to prevent nosy neighbors or intruders from peering into your windows, try planting thorny type shrubs under and around the windows.
»  Keeping your lawn healthy can add value to your property.
»  Koi are indigenous to Eastern Asia and China. This is where the earliest written records were found, not Japan. These records date back 2500 years.
»  Landscape lighting is to be used so that it enhances the landscape, thus not competing with Mother Nature.
»  Landscape lighting will persuade potential intruders to bypass your home.
»  Landscaping can provide a great return on your money when you practice regular maintenance and sound gardening techniques.
»  Landscaping should be tidy, simple, healthy, and installed in proportion with your home in order to add value.
»  Large trees, those such as red maples, oaks, and elms should be placed at least 20-25 feet away from your house so that the branches and roots do not interfere with your roof and foundation.
»  Light sets the mood. Mood begins with the quantity of light.
»  pH stands for potential hydrogen. The measure of acidity or alkalinity of soil. The pH has to be right in order for plants to take up nutrients.
»  Plants and trees provide passive cooling.
»  Plants cut down on pollution and give off oxygen.
»  Properly scheduled irrigation saves water and reduces runoff and erosion.
»  Putting rocks and gravel over the liner in your pond greatly reduces the amount of muck buildup in the bottom of the pond.
»  Red maples get their name from the red spike-like flowers (not fall foliage) produced in late winter usually mid February.
»  Sales is getting people to do what you want them to do to THEIR benefit.
»  Studies have shown that attractively landscaped and manicured yards can increase the value of your home.
»  Take care of your pennies and your dollars will take care of themselves.
»  The best time to water is early morning, just before sunrise. This reduces water evaporation due to heat and wind during daylight. Your grass doesn't set wet overnight which reduces fungus problems.
»  The correct use of large deciduous trees such as oaks can reduce heating and cooling costs. Place them on the south and west sides of your home to shade during summer and allow sun to come through in winter.
»  The proper placement of large evergreen plants can shield your home from the cold wind, thus reducing heating costs. Place them out from your home on the north and northwest sides. A tree such a leyland cypress which gets about 60 feet will protect an area up to 120 feet.
»  We don't always have the time or money to do things right the first time but somehow later we find the time and money to redo it.
»  Well designed and manicured landscaping is a value added feature that helps create a positive first impression to visitors and potential buyers.
»  When choosing and placing plants keep in mind the mature size of the plants. It will save you money and aggrevation.
»  When mowing grass try to never remove more than one third of the blade surface area at any one time.
»  When mowing, try and change your pattern every so often. This prevents turf and soil compaction.
»  When walking across your grass, if you can see your own footprints, you need to water.
»  Zoysiagrass is a tough, thick grass which is resistant to weeds and disease. It is slow to green-up in spring and browns out early in the fall. Overall it is a great grass for your lawn.