Ask the Landscape Guy
Carville Landscape Co. at the Maymont Flower and Garden Show this weekend!
by Tim Sanford on 02/11/12
Come visit us this weekend at the Maymont Flower and Garden show at the Richmond Convention Center. Check out the attached link for more information on the show.
We have a booth in the garden display area, featuring a beautiful landscape, patio, outdoor kitchen and fire pit. The perfect place to warm up on this cold, winter weekend!
Preparing Kings Dominion for the New Season
by Tim Sanford on 02/01/12
The guys are hard at work up at Kings Dominion prepaing for the new season! We are installing retaining walls and laying pavers for walkways around the Eiffel tower.

FYI: I got a sneak peak at the new dinosaur exhibit they are installing. It is very cool! The little ones will love it (and maybe some of the big ones too)!
Bring the Outdoors in when you Deck the Halls this Year!
by Tim Sanford on 12/14/11
It's time for holiday decorating, and the best way to deck your halls is to use fresh greenery from your garden! Every year my wife sends me out to the farm with my pruning shears, and I come back with fresh cuts of magnolia, evergreens, holly with berries and a little nandina for color. Then the decorating begins.
Be creative, you can use the cuttings from anything; evergreens (this smells wonderful), magnolia, holly trees, pine cones, twigs, dried flowers and pods, anything with great textures from your garden. Just remember you are pruning the trees when you take cuttings, so make sure you are not leaving bare spots on your shrubs.

Then take your bag full of fresh greenery and use them for garlands, wreaths, swags, fireplace mantel decorations, and for centerpieces or flower arrangements. You don't really need to have any flower arranging skills, just remember to try use cuttings with different textures and to make both sides look symmetrical. If you use a cutting on one side, put the same cutting on the other. Also incorporate candles, lights, ribbon and ornaments to add some additional holiday color and charm.
Here are a few pictures ways to use greenery for holiday decorations from the web. Happy Holidays from your friends at Carville Landscape Co.

Perfect Pool for a Small Space!
by Tim Sanford on 12/08/11
If you have a really small backyard, you can still fulfill your dream of installing a pool. Take a look at our latest pool installation in a row house backyard. The project turned out beautifully and was a great use of the small space.
We installed a rectangular pool with a lighted planting wall and three waterfalls. The pool deck is a three-piece concrete paver with pool coping to match. We also installed an outdoor kitchen and landscaping to complete the perfect backyard retreat. Enjoy!

Beautiful shot of the pool and waterfalls.

This is another view of the pool and shows how small the backyard really is.

How to Select the Right Landscape Contractor
by Tim Sanford on 11/17/11
When you are starting a landscape project, large or small, you are thinking of one thing, how great it will be when it is done. All the new, exciting elements you will have at your home - a new patio, gourmet outdoor kitchen, pool for relaxing or beautiful plantings. You are not always thinking about the most important element of your project – hiring the right landscape contractor.
Unfortunately in these times, everyone with a truck and shovel has become a landscaper. The cheapest price doesn't always mean you will receive the same quality and professional expertise. Here are some tips for items to think about when you choose the right landscape professionals to work at your home.
Experience - When selecting a contractor, verify the landscape contractors experience before hiring them. If you are hiring someone to design your landscape, make sure they have a degree in landscape design or architecture and the experience your project requires. When comparing contractors, determine how long the company has been in business, check references, ask to see photos of completed work and even ask for a site visit to a similar project. Make sure you hire someone with the experience required for your project; you don’t want your contractor to learn how to do something for the first time at your house.
Communication - One of the most important factors in selecting the right landscape contractor is communication. Make sure that your contractor communicates well with you and provides the service you expect. Look for professionals that return your phone calls promptly, keep appointments (and are on time) and most importantly make sure you both have the same understanding of your project. In some cases you may be working with this person for a few weeks or months, make sure you can be a good team.
Price - For many homeowners the lowest price is the key element, but it should not always be the deciding factor when choosing a contractor. Evaluate all the elements - experience, completion rate, insured, good team - before you make the finial decision on price. Confirm that you get quotes in writing and if you make changes have the contractor re-quote the project. Once you do decide to work with a contractor, sign a contract with that company and specifically state the scope of the project, timeframe for completion and payment details. Contracts can only help protect you. Remember, the lowest price doesn’t always mean the best quality or service; I hate to say you get what you pay for, but sometime...
Licensed and Insured - Always make sure that any contractor that works at your home is licensed in your state and carries the proper insurances. Many large construction jobs require a contractors license. Without proper insurances, if someone is hurt on the job or a piece of machinery bumps your house, your homeowners insurance will have to cover the damages to your house and for their employees. Don't hesitate to ask to see a copy of liability insurance and you can check for proper contractor licensing at your states licensing office (in Virginia that is www.dpor.virginia.gov).
Remember choosing the right landscape contractor can mean the difference between an exciting, hassle-free experience and a difficult, bitter disappointment. With a little homework you can have a safe and happy working relationship with your landscape contractor. Happy landscaping!
It is Time for Football and Outdoor Fires!
by Tim Sanford on 09/28/11
Here in Virginia we are getting our first real taste of fall - cool temperatures, football and outdoor fires! In honor of enjoying a nice cool, fall weekend by the fireplace, I thought I would share a few of my favorite fire features that we installed for customers.
Below are a few blogs and photos that I think can help get you started in planning your outdoor fire feature. Give us a call if we can help.
Helpful Fire feature blogs
- Outdoor Fireplaces - Some good tips if you are thinking about building a fireplace in your backyard.
- Outdoor Fire Pits - a good review of fire pits and the different types available.
- Looking to Extend your Homes Square Footage - a good review of the different hardscape opportunities for your outdoor entertaining
My favorite fire related projects

Stone outdoor fireplace with seating.
Stone, half-circle fire pit overlooking the Chesapeake Bay.
Stone outdoor fireplace with a side wood storage box.

Circluar block fire pit with bluestone cap on a raised patio.
Hurricane Damage Tips
by Tim Sanford on 09/09/11
The last few weeks have been nothing but hurricanes and non-stop rain. Now is a good time to assess all the damage the weather has done to your yard. Many of us have lost large trees or have newly formed ponds or drainage issues in our yards. With that in mind, I thought I would give a few quick tips on how to maximize the changes in your landscape.
Trees - Unfortunately losing large trees can be a big blow to any landscape, but it can give you an opportunity to look at the space in a whole new way. You can always replant a tree in the old trees place; and fall is the best time to plant trees. Or take this time to use the space in an alternative way, like creating an entirely new entertaining area or burning the trees wood in a new outdoor fireplace or fire pit. And all the fallen sticks are perfect for roasting marshmallows!
Drainage - All this rain has brought about new drainage problems. There may be a new pond in your yard that you never realized before or water entering your home or crawl space. This would be the time to think about having French drains or dry creek beds installed in your yard. Also this is a good time to install rain barrels to catch the water from your downspouts for later use, water new trees and lawns.
Lawn Renovation - As in our last blog, it is time for fall lawn renovation. Many landscapes have been damaged due to the hurricanes and it is time to start to put everything back together. You may have new vacant places in your yard that could use some grass. If you were able to get grass planted last week, then you are in luck, all this rain has really helped. Take a look at our earlier blog with step-by-step directions on how to renovate your lawn.
If you are thinking about a total landscape renovation or need some drainage help, give us a call, we are always available to help.
It's Time for your Fall Lawn Renovation
by Tim Sanford on 09/01/11
After a very hot and dry summer here in Virginia, your lawn is probably going to need a little renovation this fall. As the weather grows cooler (and VT football is back), it is the perfect time to overseed your lawn. Below is a play-by-play of how to overseed your lawn yourself or if you need a little help, just give us a call at Carville Landscape Co.
Start by raking the entire yard and removing any debris and leaves (after Hurricane Irene there may be plenty of leaves). Then use a dethatcher to scarify and cultivate the existing lawn. If you want to kill any weeds or grass first, start by spraying a herbicide a week before overseeding.
If needed, add some additional topsoil and rake it flat.
Once you have prepared the soil it is time to add the seed. Do one pass with the seed then another pass with the fertilizer. Use a slow release fertilizer, which will release nitrogen into the soil for up to a month providing valuable nutrients for the seed to grow.
Then place a layer of straw over the entire area to help retain moisture in the soil.
Then it is time to water, water and water. Keep the seed moist so that it will germinate. You should look at your own soil conditions, but watering once in the morning and once in the evening should keep it moist.
Permeable Pavers - Great, Eco-friendly Solution to Water Run-off
by Tim Sanford on 07/25/11
We have many clients asking for eco-friendly solutions to paving and hardscaping. Many municipalities are placing restrictions on paving (or offering rebates for eco-friendly paving) to reduce impenetrable surface areas in cities and in coastal towns. Permeable Pavers offer a great solution to reducing water run-off and pollution, while still allowing you to have a great looking hardscape.
The way the permeable paver system works is the base of the hardscape consists of a deep layer of large stone which will process the water, filtering out the pollutants and keeping them in the base and soil. The ground water is then released back into the main watershed. 
When we install a permeable paver patio, driveway or walkways we start by digging a 12" deep base (normally for a patio it would be 7" to 8" deep) and fill it with a larger stone for drainage. Then we use crushed stone instead of sand to set the pavers and sweep into the joints. The permeable pavers are made with a spacer to create a wider joint in between to allow the water to flow through to the stone. If the hardscaping is in a heavy water flow area, we can also install a drain into the sub-base that drains to a dry well.
If you are looking for an eco-friendly solution to your hardscaping problem, give us a call we will be happy to help!
Water, Water and More Water!
by Tim Sanford on 07/15/11
For many of us the hot summer days mark the beginning of irrigation season. We seem to be in a bit of a dry, hot spell. So it is time to water! Most plants only need one inch of water a week, preferably in the early morning before the hot sun is out. Remember not to drown your plants this summer, just keep the soil moist. Too much water can be as bad as too little water. Also, always water plants first, then the grass areas. Grass is much easier and cheaper to replant if it dies.
If you are looking for ways to be eco-friendly and conserve water this summer, check out our blog on rain barrels. Learn how to catch your rain water run-off and use it to water plants and even wash your car!
Severe Slope not a Deterrent to Backyard Project - Landscape Contractor Magazine
by Tim Sanford on 06/22/11
Landscape Contractor published an article in their June magazine covering a amazing project we completed in Fredericksburg, VA. The home had a severly sloping backyard and the family wanted to put in a pool and outdoor fireplace. The article details our process from landscape design to the tranformation from grassy hill to outdoor oaisis. We started with building a ten feet high retaining wall to stabilize the grade, then installed a pool, bluestone deck, paver steps and outdoor fireplace. It is an amazing transformation. Check out Landscape Contractor Magazine to read the full article!
Thanks to the homeowners that were great to work with and our landscape designer, Ian Miller and crew. A great job done by all.
Looking for a Little Shade this Summer - Here are Two Great Options
by Tim Sanford on 06/01/11
This weekend I sat at my farm under the shade of my Red Maple tree and thought about all the great times we have had under the shade of this tree. And to think over the years when I was growing up, I chopped this tree down many times, and it always came back. Now I am glad to have it shading my house and friends on hot, sunny summer days.
As the summer heat wears on, you may start to notice areas of your yard that could use some shade - an area where the children play or where you tend to gather with friends and family. There are two great options for shading those areas. If you need a quick fix build a pergola, but if you have a little time, plant a tree.
Pergolas can create a great shade structure for a sunny spot on a patio or porch.
They can be built quickly and will add to your enjoyment of your backyard. For more information on how to build your own pergola, take a look at our blog with step-by-step instructions on building a pergoala.
If you want to add natural beauty to your yard, trees are a great, inexpensive way to provide natural shade and color. Plant one of these great trees in Virginia:
Red Maple - 'Red Sunset' or 'October Glory'
The Red Maple tree is a deciduous tree that will often grow to between 40 and 60 feet tall. The leaves are shiny green and turn a beautiful deep red color in the fall (as the name would suggest).
Sugar Maple - 'Legacy'
The Sugar Maple is a deciduous tree reaching heights of 80 to 115 feet tall. The Sugar Maple produces spectacular fall color - ranging from bright yellow through orange to beautiful red-orange.
Ash - 'Summit'
The 'Summit' Ash is an upright tree reaching 45 feet in height by 25 feet in width. It produces glossy, dark green leaves and the foliage turns a striking shade of yellow in fall.
Golden Raintree
The Golden Raintree is a smaller deciduous tree reaching only 30 feet tall. The tree produces yellow flowers and green seed pods in the summer, then leaves turn a beautiful yellow in the fall.
Willow Oak
Is a medium-sized deciduous tree growing from 60 to 80 feet tall. This tree has long willow-like leaves that are green in the summer and turn yellow-orange in the fall. This tree produces acorns and is a great food producer for wildlife.
Pin Oak
This is another medium-sized oak that grows from 60 to 70 feet tall. The pin Oak also produces acorns and turns a beautiful orange-red in the fall.
Zelkova Serrata - 'Green Vase'
This is a medium sized deciduous tree usually growing to 60 feet tall. This tree has a short trunk dividing into many upright, spreading stems that form a broad, round topped head. The tree grows rapidly when it is young and slows as it matures. This is a great climbing tree.
If you need large shade trees for open spaces take a look at one of these: London Plane Tree or Sycamore, White Oak, or Tulip Poplar.
Swimming Pools - Enjoy your own Backyard Resort
by Tim Sanford on 05/16/11
With the hot weather and summer right around the corner, I thought it would be a great time to drift on a raft in a backyard swimming pool. There is no better place to getaway from life's little stresses than your own backyard. Travel time is minimal and the stay is free!
With so many new swimming pool products and landscape ideas available, there is no reason you can't create that special retreat at your own home. There are an array of new pool decking materials available, new filtration systems (salt water is in), waterfalls cascading into the pool and outdoor living rooms are all the rage! It is not just a pool anymore; it is your own backyard luxury resort.
Below are some of the new trends we have been seeing in swimming pool design and landscaping.
Swimming Pool Design - The best place to start with any major project is with a comprehensive design. Whether you plan to do things in stages or all at once, you will want to be certain you receive a complete design to ensure the entire yard blends together. Start by determining a few key points for the design - the size and shape of the swimming pool, how you intend to use the space (relaxation, exercise, sports) and any special design elements you would like incorporate that suit your lifestyle. Your imagination is your only limitation (well and possibly your budget).
Swimming Pool Decks - The new trend in pool decking is to throw out the stark white concrete and use more exciting, natural pool decking products. You can easily give an old pool new life by changing the decking. We are seeing homeowners use more natural products - brick and concrete pavers, bluestone, and travertine - that blend in with their overall landscaping and add a little bit of color to their pool.
Total Outdoor Living Spaces - The new rage in landscaping is to create outdoor living rooms, and this includes swimming pools. Incorporating a gourmet kitchen, outdoor fireplace or cabanas and pool houses into your pool area can provide a perfect place to gather and entertain friends and family.
Water Features - Whether it is water cascading from a rock waterfall or an intricate grotto located behind the falls, the new trend for pools is to add the relaxing element of falling water. Customers are incorporating water features into their pools - fountains that shoot bursts of water through the air, elaborate cascades that drop a sheet of water into the pool and intricate waterslides for the kids (and you too). You can create your own natural wonder of the world.
Salt Water Pools - The new trend in pool filtration systems is salt! Benefits of this natural cleaning process include: no chlorine smell, no red eyes, reduced cost (your just buying salt), and no pool "shocking" with chemicals. How does this system work, I am not an expert in the pool filtration field, so I will direct you to River Pools and Spas for more in depth information on how the system works.
Swimming Pool Landscaping - Remember to add color and beauty to your swimming pools landscape. Bring in lush plantings around the pool deck to soften the hardscape and a few evergreens to add some privacy. Also think about shade elements; will you be using carefully planted trees, umbrellas or awnings.
Swimming Pool Lighting - Don't forget the lighting, you may want to enjoy your pool well into the evening. You can use a mix of landscape lighting for pathways, trees and gardens, use fountain lights in the pool and add a few Tiki torches for the island resort experience. You can set any mood with the right lighting!
For some great ideas for pool design, decking and landscaping check out our swimming pool ideas at Carville Landscape Co.
Spring Landscape Tips
by Tim Sanford on 05/05/11
It has been a beautiful spring and we are heading into summertime. Your garden should be green and your plants popping with color. Here are a few quick tips to keep your yard ready for summer.
Mulching - Mulching plant beds will not only make your yard look clean and crisp, but will also help shrubs retain moisture and prevent weeds from sprouting this summer.
Mowing - When you are mowing your lawn this spring you want to keep your mower blade high, it helps keep the weeds from germinating and will keep the new grass from burning in the sun. You may need to mow every week, but it will keep your lawn healthy and green.
Pruning - At this point in the late spring you don't want to do any major pruning only cutting back stray growth to maintain the plants shape. Do remove spent flowers to promote re-blooming on roses and annuals for beautiful flowers all summer long.
Mosquito Control - Mosquitoes are coming. Unfortunately there is no way that I know of to get rid of mosquitoes completely, but there are a few ways to help reduce their breeding around your home. Look for areas of standing and pooling water around your home and remove it, especially after yesterday's heavy rain. Common areas to check for standing water are in - buckets and rain barrels, bottles and cans, empty plastic pots, uneven areas in lawns or gardens where irrigation water can collect, clogged rain gutters, birdbaths and water bowls for pets.
Add your new Patio, Pergola or Outdoor Kitchen - Now is the time to install the new patio, pergola or outdoor kitchen you have been thinking about all winter. If you are looking for a little shade this summer, install a pergola. Pergolas are a great way to keep the sun off a patio area. With spring already here, it is time to get new hardscaping installed so that it will be ready for the summer. Check out our website and blog for a few ideas on how to improve your outdoor living space.
As always we look forward to working with you on any of your landscape and hardscape needs - (804) 622-7477 or visit our website at www.CarvilleLandscape.com.
The age old debate - Paver Patio vs. Wood Deck
by Tim Sanford on 04/13/11
I was just quoting a job where we are demolishing an old deck and replacing it with a paver patio. I am running into that more and more these days, homeowners want low maintenance and are opting for patios over decks. We are able to install a 3 feet high or under patio with the landing and steps for less than the cost of a same height deck. Plus the patios just flow a little better for entertaining than a raised deck. So when you are pricing out your deck, take a second to price out a patio, you just might be surprised!
Here is a little list of my thoughts paver patios vs. wood decks.
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Below are a few photos of some patios to give you an idea of what you might be able to do in your backyard. Enjoy!
Tips for Reducing Stormwater Runoff - Help Clean-up the Bay
by Tim Sanford on 04/05/11
There is a great new initiative in Virginia to help clean-up the Chesapeake Bay from stormwater runoff. I know that you think because you don't live near the Bay this doesn't affect you, but it is actually the runoff from the cities that causes most of the pollutants in the Bay. All the fertilizer you put on your grass to keep it green; ends up in the Bay. So below are a few simple tips to help keep our Bay beautiful!
- Plant More Plants - A great campaign by the Chesapeake Bay Program that is teaching homeowners in the cities surrounding the Bay, simple landscape strategies to help keep the Bay healthy. Plant More Plants has a great website that offers information on why this is important, how to plant rain gardens (with four planting plans), provides a comprehensive list of native plants for Virginia and a blog with information on soil, stormwater, wildlife and more.
- Use of Rain Barrels - I have blogged about the use of rain barrels in the past, but the information is so important. A single rain barrel can save most homeowners about 1,300 gallons of water a year. This is 1,300 gallons of FREE water that you can use for watering plants, gardens and lawns or for even washing cars. That is 1,300 gallons of water that gets absorbed back into the ground slowly and never reaches the Bay.
- Use of Permeable Pavers - This is another subject that I have blogged about in the past, the use of permeable pavers in landscaping. Permeable pavers present a solid surface, but still allow storm water and pollutants (car oil, antifreeze, pesticides) to drain through a natural, ecological process. The permeable pavers come in a variety of designs and colors for all types of applications (driveways, patios, walkways). This is a product we use more and more in the northern neck of Virginia.
We all love to eat the blue crabs and oysters, so let's do our part to help keep the Bay clean and healthy!
Trends in Pool Deck Materials
by Tim Sanford on 03/24/11
- Concrete Pavers - One of the most economical pool decking materials is the paver. Pavers come in a variety of colors, sizes and can be laid in many different patterns (with matching coping). You will want to find something that compliments the style and color palate of your home and matches the other hardscaping you already present in your landscape. The best part about pavers is they don't crack!
- Brick - I think brick give a pool a very classy, old world look. Similar to the paver, brick comes in several colors, but only one size. These can be dry laid with sand in the joints or laid with mortar, whatever your preference. One caution when using brick - make sure you choose one with a smooth finish, some brick can be rough to the touch - not good for tender feet.
- Bluestone or Flagstone - One of my favorite natural materials to use around pools. Bluestone gives the pool a touch of elegance. I would use a random pattern with rectangular and square stones and use grout that will compliment the color hues of your home (tan or grey). Bluestone is also surprisingly cool to the touch too. I would stay away bluestones cousin, slate, it gets very hot under your feet and will be unbearable in the Virginia sun.
- Travetertine - Another natural stone that I am using more and more around pools. This is a great natural material that comes in several colors and sizes (with matching coping). You can dry lay an irregular pattern with this stone. One word of caution - be sure to get a travertine for outdoor use, this will make it less slippery around the pool edge. I know everyone thinks travertine can be slick, but it actually absorbs the water and makes the stone coarser so that you don't slip.
- Slab Paver - Slab pavers are similar to concrete pavers, but are much bigger and give the appearance of bluestone. They are still dry laid with swept sand in the joints, but they look more like bluestone than a paver. If you love the look of Bluestone, but don't like the price tag, this may be an option.
I also wanted to mention that if you have a concrete pool deck and are looking to jazz it up with another material, you can always overlay your existing pool deck with one of the materials listed above. You don't even have to pull up the concrete; it can go right over the top! An easy fix for a dated pool. Check out our earlier blog on how to create a new look for your pool.
Don't have Room for a Vegetable Garden, Plant it in the Flower Beds!
by Tim Sanford on 03/17/11
After spending the weekend at my family farm, I realized it is almost time for fresh vegetables from the garden. Last year, not wanting to manage a big garden, I planted a few peppers, tomatoes and herbs in the flower beds in our backyard. This year we are going to add a few more vegetables, lettuce and green beans (and the vegetables we don't have planted will come from the best vegetable stand in the Northern Neck, Garner's Produce).
If you want fresh vegetables, you don't have to work the fields to get them, just add a few plants in your backyard flower beds. Look for a sunny spot (with six or seven hours of sunlight a day), with good drainage and some room for the plants to grow. If you are working in a big space in your backyard, narrow beds work best so you can reach in to weed and harvest your bounty without walking on the soil.
Once you choose your location, start by preparing the soil. Dig and break up any compacted soil and remove all the debris and weeds. Then add any compost and natural fertilizers to the soil before you plant; just work it in the soil with a rake. Once your soil is ready you can decide what to grow! Think about what you love to eat (lettuce, tomatoes, corn, potatoes, peppers, squash). You can start your vegetables from seeds sown in the soil or buy seedlings from your local nursery. Grow Veg is a great guide on how to plant, how much space to allow and when to harvest (they even have a garden planning tool). Once you get your vegetables in the ground make sure you water consistently, soaker hoses work best to keep roots watered and leaves dry. Then sit back and wait for the fruits of your labor.
This summer it will be more fun to run to the backyard for dinner, instead of running to the grocery store! And remember to support your local farmer by purchasing the rest of your vegetables at local farm stands in your area.
Tips for Creating an Eco-Friendly Landscape
by Tim Sanford on 03/07/11
Time to think about ways to reduce your carbon footprint and do your part to create a healthy, sustainable environment. Here are some simple tips for reducing energy costs and waste in your little piece of the world.
Plant Trees and Shrubs to Reduce you Energy Needs - Plant trees around your house to provide shade in the summer and create wind protection in the winter. Plant deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your home where the sun’s rays can be the most intense and direct. In the summer these full trees will shade your home, and in the winter these trees will lose their leaves and allow the suns light to heat your home. To shield your home from the winter winds, plant shrubs and evergreens close to the house. Determine your dominant wind direction and plant on that side of your home.
Utilize Native Plants in your Landscape - Native plants are plants that have naturally adapted to growing in your area’s geographic conditions. This means these plants will naturally require less water, maintenance and are more resistant to disease and pests than other plants. Native plants also will attract local wildlife since these animals have relied on them for food, shelter and nesting in the wild. Try to incorporate native plants into your landscape. Visit this native plant site for a list of native plants by state and where to find them.
Compost - To help reduce waste and fertilize your plants organically start to compost! Food scraps, kitchen waste and grass clippings make great composting materials. Adding compost to soil before you plant will help plants thrive by improving the soils structure and fertility and allowing the soil to retain more water. Visit the EPA to learn more about how to compost.
Use Solar Powered Landscape Lighting - To cut down on your energy bills, use solar powered landscape lighting to light outdoor paths and driveways. Many of these lights are attractive, easy to install (no wires or electricians) and can be found at many home improvement stores.
Grow a Small Vegetable Garden - As we have talked about before on this blog, a great way to reduce spending and eat the freshest vegetables is to grow them yourself. Check out our earlier blog post on vegetable gardens.
Visit us at the Richmond Home and Garden Show this Weekend!
by Tim Sanford on 03/01/11
Stop by the Richmond Home Show, March 4-6 at the Richmond Raceway Complex. Our booth will be in the first building by the door to enter the rest of the show. You can't miss us! Check this link for more information on the Richmond Home and Garden Show.
Here are a few pictures from the show we did this Winter. A travertine patio with seat walls, a stone outdoor kitchen, landscaping, a fountain and a bench and table made by one of our designers! Our designers and installers are truly talented. Can't wait for this show!
A stone bench and table that Chris McClaning made from some extra material at the shop.
A stone outdoor kitchen with pizza oven/grill combo, a soap stone counter top and natural stone bar top.



















