Mint Landscapes, LLC

Native PNW Plant Watering

Levi Woods — Tue, 01 Aug 2023 22:04:17 +0000

Watering PNW Plants, Trees, & Shrubs

Proper Watering for Flowers and Shrubs in the Pacific Northwest: Nurturing Native Beauty

The Pacific Northwest is renowned for its lush green landscapes and diverse flora, making it a paradise for gardening enthusiasts. With its mild, maritime climate, this region is home to an array of native flowers and shrubs that thrive in this unique environment. However, to maintain the health and beauty of these decorative plants in landscaping and garden beds, proper watering practices are essential.

Understanding the Pacific Northwest Climate: The Pacific Northwest is characterized by its mild, wet winters and relatively dry summers. The climate is heavily influenced by the Pacific Ocean, which moderates temperatures and brings frequent rainfall. However, despite the ample rainfall, the summer months often experience a period of drought, making it necessary to provide supplemental watering for certain plants.

Choosing Native Plants: When planning your garden or landscaping project in the Pacific Northwest, opt for native plant species. Native plants are well-adapted to the region's climate, soil, and wildlife, making them hardier and more likely to flourish with minimal maintenance. Some popular native flowers and shrubs used for decoration include:

Rhododendrons (Rhododendron spp.): Known for their stunning blooms, rhododendrons are a staple in Pacific Northwest gardens. These plants thrive in well-draining soil and prefer consistent moisture during the growing season.
Oregon Grape (Mahonia aquifolium): With its holly-like leaves and bright yellow flowers, the Oregon grape adds a unique touch to any landscape. This drought-tolerant shrub requires minimal watering once established.
Salal (Gaultheria shallon): A versatile ground cover, salal features leathery, evergreen leaves and delicate bell-shaped flowers. It is highly tolerant of both sun and shade and can endure drought conditions.
Sword Fern (Polystichum munitum): As an iconic Pacific Northwest fern, the sword fern adds a touch of elegance to shady areas. It prefers regular watering and thrives in moist, well-drained soil.

Proper Watering Techniques: To ensure the success of your native plants, follow these watering guidelines:

Water Deeply and Infrequently: For most established native plants, it's better to water deeply but less often. This encourages deeper root growth, making plants more resilient during dry periods. Watering once or twice a week is usually sufficient during the growing season.
Morning Watering is Best: Water your plants in the early morning to reduce water loss due to evaporation. Avoid watering in the evening, as prolonged moisture on leaves can promote fungal diseases.
Use Mulch: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or shredded leaves, around the base of your plants. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulates temperature, and suppresses weeds.
Check Soil Moisture: Before watering, check the soil moisture by sticking your finger about an inch deep into the soil. If it feels dry at this depth, it's time to water.
Rainwater Harvesting: Take advantage of the abundant rainfall in the Pacific Northwest by collecting rainwater in barrels. Use this natural resource for watering during dry periods. Be sure to check with your local municipalities to make sure rainwater harvesting is legal in your area, as well as any HOA or other organization that might govern this practice.

By following these watering tips and selecting native plants, you can create a thriving and beautiful garden or landscape that harmonizes with the unique climate of the Pacific Northwest. Properly cared for, these plants will reward you with their vibrant colors and lush foliage, bringing joy to both gardeners and passersby alike. Remember, maintaining the natural beauty of the region's flora is not only visually appealing but also plays a crucial role in supporting local ecosystems and wildlife. Happy gardening!

Landscape Design

We offer 3D project design services for medium to large landscape projects. If you have an idea, we can produce accurate models of the completed work, including lawn areas, beds and gardens, masonry, retaining walls and fences, decks, patios, stonework, fire pits, and more.

Proudly Serving Thurston County Since 2012

We'll keep your yard clean and green.

"Imagine having the beautiful yard that you've always dreamed of. . .
We can make that dream come true."

-Josh McCarty, Owner

Need help with a project?

Mint Landscapes LLC

Serving Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, & Thurston County

Washington State Contractor License No.: MINTLLL854B9

The post Native PNW Plant Watering appeared first on Mint Landscapes, LLC.

Landscape Design… What’s the Deal?

Levi Woods — Tue, 13 Jun 2023 19:16:03 +0000

Mint Landscapes Blog

Landscape Design... What's the Deal?

Residential landscape design and architecture can make or break the look, feel, cost, and even the longevity of your project. The cost associated with professional services can often limit accessibility to these valuable resources, which is why we offer this service for free with qualifying installation projects.

There are some very real benefits that extend beyond just the visual aspects of hardscape and softscape design, such as:

Creating Personalized Outdoor Retreats:
Every homeowner deserves to have a personalized outdoor space that reflects their lifestyle and preferences. Our free residential landscape design and architecture services help our clients visualize the transformation of their yards into beautiful, functional, and personalized retreats, and ensure satisfaction.

Increasing Property Value:
Well-designed landscapes enhance the curb appeal and overall value of residential properties. Incorporating free landscape design and architecture services in new contracts enables homeowners to improve their property's aesthetics and functionality without incurring additional costs. By investing in professional guidance, homeowners can maximize their property's value, making it a wise long-term investment.

Enhancing Outdoor Living Experience:
A well-designed residential landscape provides you with an extended living space that promotes relaxation, recreation, and socialization. By offering free landscape design and architecture services in new contracts, we've helped hundreds of homeowners just like you transform their outdoor areas into beautiful, functional, and inviting spaces with features such as outdoor kitchens, seating areas, fire pits, patios, and gardens, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living.

If you are interested in learning more about our free landscape design program, give us a call at (360) 507-8616 or fill out the form below to get started.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Landscape Design

Proudly Serving Thurston County Since 2012

We'll keep your yard clean and green.

"Imagine having the beautiful yard that you've always dreamed of. . .
We can make that dream come true."

-Josh McCarty, Owner

Need help with a project?

Mint Landscapes LLC

Serving Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, & Thurston County

Washington State Contractor License No.: MINTLLL854B9

The post Landscape Design… What’s the Deal? appeared first on Mint Landscapes, LLC.

Dormant Lawn Restoration

Levi Woods — Tue, 28 Feb 2023 00:00:42 +0000

Lawn Restoration

Restoring lawns when they go dormant

Restoring a lawn after wintertime is an essential part of maintaining a lush and healthy lawn. The first step is to assess the damage and determine the extent of any winter damage. Winter can cause a range of problems for lawns, including thinning, dead spots, and weed growth. To address these issues, you'll need to take a multi-step approach.

The first step in restoring your lawn after wintertime is to remove any debris that may have accumulated on your lawn over the winter months, such as leaves, branches, and twigs. These items can block sunlight and air circulation, preventing the grass from receiving the nutrients it needs to thrive. Once you've cleared the debris, you'll need to dethatch your lawn. Thatch is a layer of dead grass and other organic material that accumulates on the soil's surface over time, and it can prevent water and nutrients from reaching the grass roots.

After you've cleared away debris and dethatched your lawn, you'll need to aerate the soil. Aerating your lawn involves punching small holes in the soil to improve air circulation and water drainage. This process also allows the grass roots to penetrate deeper into the soil, promoting healthier growth. Once you've aerated your lawn, you can fertilize it with a slow-release fertilizer. This type of fertilizer will provide your lawn with the nutrients it needs to grow strong and healthy throughout the spring and summer months.

Finally, you'll need to water your lawn regularly, especially during the first few weeks after restoring it. This will help the grass roots to establish themselves and encourage healthy growth. Overall, restoring your lawn after wintertime requires a bit of effort, but the results are worth it. By following these steps, you'll have a lush, healthy lawn that you can enjoy all season long.

Summertime restoration

Restoring a lawn after it has gone dormant in the summertime requires a slightly different approach than restoring a lawn after wintertime. When a lawn goes dormant in the summer, it means that the grass has stopped growing and has turned brown or yellow due to lack of water and heat stress. Restoring your lawn after summer dormancy involves rehydrating the soil, providing nutrients, and encouraging new growth.

The first step in restoring your lawn after summer dormancy is to water it deeply and thoroughly. This will rehydrate the soil and encourage the grass roots to start growing again. It's essential to water your lawn deeply, as shallow watering can lead to shallow root growth, which makes your lawn more susceptible to drought stress. You should aim to water your lawn at least once a week, providing it with one inch of water.

Next, you'll need to fertilize your lawn with a high-nitrogen fertilizer. Nitrogen is essential for promoting new growth, and a high-nitrogen fertilizer will provide your lawn with the nutrients it needs to recover from summer dormancy. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when applying fertilizer to your lawn, as over-fertilizing can damage your grass.

After fertilizing your lawn, you'll need to mow it regularly. This will help to encourage new growth and keep your lawn looking neat and tidy. When mowing your lawn, be sure to cut no more than one-third of the grass blade length at a time. Cutting more than this can cause stress on the grass and make it more susceptible to disease and pests.

Finally, it's important to keep an eye out for weeds and pests, as they can quickly take over a weakened lawn. You can control weeds by applying an herbicide, and you can control pests by using an insecticide. However, it's important to use these products sparingly and only when necessary, as they can also harm beneficial insects and pollinators.

In summary, restoring a lawn after it has gone dormant in the summertime requires rehydration, fertilization, regular mowing, and pest and weed control. By following these steps, you can encourage new growth and restore your lawn to its healthy, lush state.

Restoring a lawn after wintertime:

Clear debris and dethatch the lawn.
Aerate the soil to improve air circulation and water drainage.
Fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer to provide nutrients.
Water regularly to encourage healthy growth.

Restoring a lawn after summertime dormancy:

Water deeply and thoroughly to rehydrate the soil.
Fertilize with a high-nitrogen fertilizer to promote new growth.
Mow regularly to encourage growth and maintain neatness.
Watch for pests and weeds and use control products sparingly if necessary.

My yard look great thanks to Mint. I couldn't get my lawn to grow even and I had a terrible weed problem. Mint took care of the weeds and fertilized, aerated, and thatched. Now my yard is the best looking in my neighborhood.

A. Quentin

Lacey, WA

Landscape Design

Proudly Serving Thurston County Since 2012

We'll keep your yard clean and green.

"Imagine having the beautiful yard that you've always dreamed of. . .
We can make that dream come true."

-Josh McCarty, Owner

Need help with a project?

Mint Landscapes LLC

Serving Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, & Thurston County

Washington State Contractor License No.: MINTLLL854B9

The post Dormant Lawn Restoration appeared first on Mint Landscapes, LLC.

Springtime Lawn & Garden Tips

Levi Woods — Mon, 27 Feb 2023 18:24:19 +0000

Springtime Lawn & Garden Tips

Springtime is a crucial period to prepare your lawn and garden for the upcoming growing season in the Pacific Northwest.

Winters in the PNW can be harsh on your garden, with debris, dead leaves, and branches that may have accumulated on your lawn and garden beds. If not cleared, they can inhibit the growth of new plants and grass. Hence, the first step in preparing your lawn and garden is to clean up debris. Rake up any dead leaves, branches, or other debris that may have fallen on your lawn or in your garden beds.

Along with cleaning up debris, aeration is also recommended in the springtime to help promote healthy root growth and improve the drainage of your lawn. When the soil is compacted, it can prevent water, air, and nutrients from reaching the roots of your grass, leading to stunted growth. Aeration will loosen the soil, enabling water and nutrients to penetrate deep into the roots of your lawn, promoting healthy growth.

Here are a few steps you can take to get your residential lawn and garden ready for the springtime:

Clean up debris: Start by cleaning up any debris that has accumulated over the winter. This includes removing any dead leaves, branches, or other debris that may have fallen on your lawn or in your garden beds.

Rake and aerate the lawn: Raking the lawn will help remove any dead grass or thatch that has built up over the winter, and will also help to loosen the soil. Aeration is also recommended in the springtime to help promote healthy root growth and to improve the drainage of your lawn. If aerating seems like too-big or complicated of a task, we offer quality aeration services with fast response times, and are usually able to get most projects completed within a week of scheduling.

Add compost: Adding compost to your lawn and garden beds is a great way to improve the soil's health and fertility. Compost can be added to your lawn by spreading a thin layer over the top and then raking it in. For garden beds, you can add compost to the topsoil and mix it in thoroughly.

Plant seeds: Spring is a great time to plant seeds for vegetables and flowers. In the Pacific Northwest, popular vegetable seeds to plant in the spring include peas, lettuce, and spinach. For flowers, you can plant bulbs like tulips and daffodils.

Mulch garden beds: Mulching garden beds is a great way to help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds. You can use a variety of materials for mulch, including straw, wood chips, and shredded leaves.

Prune shrubs and trees: Spring is also a good time to prune any shrubs or trees that may have overgrown during the winter. Pruning will help to promote healthy growth and improve the appearance of your landscaping.

I love working with Mint! I have used Mint for 3 projects over the last 8 months: lawn rehab, turf removal and flower bed installation, and sprinkler installation. Josh and all his crew members are great to work with. Super timely, excellent attention to detail, and very patient with all my questions. Plus, you barely know his team is around and it is not disruptive to your life to have them doing work.
I will use them for all my landscaping needs and highly recommend them.

J. Riz

Olympia. WA

Josh and the guys from Mint were great to work with! Anytime we had a question, they were happy to answer and came across as extremely knowledgeable. They are professional and pleasant. We are very pleased with the work done by Mint and would not hesitate to refer them to others. By the way, our pavers, sprinklers and new yard look amazing.

Charles Southerland

Lacey, WA

Landscape Design

We'll keep your yard clean and green.

"Imagine having the beautiful yard that you've always dreamed of. . .
We can make that dream come true."

-Josh McCarty, Owner

Need help with a project?

Mint Landscapes LLC

Serving Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, & Thurston County

Washington State Contractor License No.: MINTLLL854B9

The post Springtime Lawn & Garden Tips appeared first on Mint Landscapes, LLC.