Pakpas

You want your lawn to look good at all times yet do not have the time to get down and dirty in the soil? Why not get experts to manage it for you? As life gets more hectic, people are opting for ground management experts to give the best possible care to their lawn.
The task of ground management involves everything from coordinating the staff needed to maintain a landscaped property to enhancing its looks with trees and flowering shrubs. It also involves knowing what fertilizer to use and when, what the length of the blades should be while mowing, what is the best way to maintain lawn equipment.
A lawn needs the best possible care involving a number of different maintenance routines. In the late summer or early fall months, top-dressing the lawn with a thin layer of compost or good garden soil works wonders for its nourishment. Adding grass seed in the appropriate manner as per the soil condition infuses new life in it and takes care of thinned-out areas. Even before top-dressing or fertilizing, it is good to aerate the soil so that air and water can reach the roots, thus keeping your plants healthy. Mowing promotes the health of the grass. While mowing, care should be taken to mow to only 7-8 cm. This helps the roots to grow better, thus helping the plants breathe better. The ground manager can perform all these services to ensure your lawn looks good always.
It is also the ground manager’s task to maintain the different pieces of professional equipment necessary to maintain the lawn. In case there is any disease affecting your plants, ground management experts can diagnose symptoms and provide the appropriate remedy for the needs of your lawn.
Richmond has several companies providing good ground management services. These companies offer an array of services including mowing lawns, edging walks, mulching, fertilizing, and cleaning the lawn of rubbish. In addition, for a fee, they perform services such as weed management, pest control, and trimming. Ground management companies also offer seasonal services such as spring and fall cleanup.
If you are looking for experts in ground management, Richmond VA has several companies doing this. Stockner’s Nursery offers different services that include mowing, edging, weed and leaf removal, fertilization, and pruning. Every client is assigned an Accounts Manager to provide expert advice and supervision on any problem related to the soil that might arise.

Phoenix, Ariz. (Vocus) January 12, 2010 — With snow storms hitting in full-force this new year, Shell Vacations Hospitality (http://www.shellhospitality.com/?chebs=svhwintersalepr_2010) launches a winter sale to lure penny-pinchers everywhere to the West Coast and Mexico sunshine: You Take Off the Scarf, We Take Off Up to 45% (http://shellhospitality.com/wintersale.html/?chebs=svhwintersalepr_2010) offers all-time low prices on eight family friendly resorts in Mexico, Texas and across the West Coast—sunshine included in daily rates. Beginning today, travelers can book their escapes from the snow for rates as low as $50 per night.

The winter sale, offering up to 45% off, will begin on Monday, January 11, and end Wednesday, March 31, and is valid for stay dates now through March 31, 2010. Participating Resorts include Puerto Vallarta, Mexico’s Plaza Pelicanos, the Legacy Golf Resort in Phoenix, Ariz. and San Francisco’s Donatello Resort, among others.

•    Plaza Pelicanos—Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Discounts up to 45%, Rates starting at $144/night for a single or double bedded suite

Put down those mittens and turn off the heater, you won’t need them in beautiful Puerto Vallarta where the current temperature is 77 degrees. Warm up with endless sunshine, dive into the crystal clear waters and plan an adventure like scuba diving or kayaking. Plus, kids eat free during your stay. ?Viva Mexico!

•    Legacy Golf Resort—Phoenix, Arizona Discounts up to 15% with four-night stay, Rates starting at $95/night for a studio condo-style suite

What better way to fight-off frostbite than with a visit to lush green golf courses, premiere dining and shopping, and outdoor activities for every member of the family—all at your fingertips. Phoenix boasts 70 degree weather all-winter long, and a championship 18-hole golf course.

•    Donatello Resort—San Francisco, California Discounts up to 15% with three-night stay, Rates starting at $107/night

Enjoy the hustle and bustle of the Golden Gate city on a dime. With Union Square at your doorstep, this warm-weather destination will keep you on-the-go with the entire family. Enjoy this charming, modern hotel with money left over for the award-winning cuisine, endless family activities and bustling nightlife.

You Take Off the Scarf, We Take Off Up to 45% includes all of the following warm-weather destination deals:

•    Donatello Resort , San Francisco – Stay 3 nights and get 15% off

•    Vino Bello Resort, Napa Valley– Stay 3 nights and get $75 resort credit

•    Legacy Golf Resort, Phoenix– Stay 4 nights, get 15% off

•    Desert Rose Resort, Las Vegas – Discounted rate when you Stay 3 nights or more plus $20 credit at Pampas Brazilian Grille; advance purchase

•    Plaza Pelicanos Grand Beach Resort – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – Get 45% off at this all-inclusive resort. Plus KIDS EAT FREE!

•    Hill Country Inn & Suites, San Antonio– Go Green & Save! Rates from $50/nt

•    Peacock Suites, Anaheim – Stay 3 and get 1 free

•    Harbor Vacations Club, San Diego – Pre-pay & save up to 20% off

“Winter is always a difficult time for those who withstand frigid temperatures and the constant storm watch,” says Karen Johnson, vice president of sales and marketing for Shell Vacations Hospitality. “Our You Take Off the Scarf, We Take Off Up to 45% sale is designed to give relief to those who are dreaming about sunshine but might not have much left in their budgets to take a week-long break from the cold weather that we’re seeing throughout the U.S. so far. With these bottom-out deals, traveling fits into everybody’s budget.”

For more information about Shell Hospitality’s You Take Off the Scarf, We Take Off Up to 45% sale, visit http://www.shellhospitality.com/wintersale.

About Shell Vacations Hospitality:

Shell Vacations Hospitality (http://www.shellhospitality.com/?chebs=svhwintersalepr_2010) offers a collection of 26 resorts, hotels and lodges ideal for family vacations, romantic getaways, retreats, reunions and business trips. Visitors may stay at hotels and resorts in popular destinations in the U.S., Mexico and Canada from San Francisco to Whistler. Shell Vacations Hospitality is a subsidiary of Shell Vacations LLC, a premier developer of upscale vacation ownership resorts. For more information, please visit www.ShellHospitality.com.

Ranching is an important part of Arizona’s history. Due to its consistently mild climate and rolling grasslands, Arizona has attracted many ranchers over the years. However, ranching has become a long-forgotten way of life for many Arizonians and as time passes, you hear less and less about people being raised on ranches. Despite the fact that it is becoming less commonplace, ranching forms an important part of Arizonian identity. Many of the ranches found in Arizona today are guest ranches where cattle and horses are grazed. Guests at these ranches can enjoy outdoor activities like horseback riding, birding, and hiking.
Why Arizona?
Much of Arizona is arid and while it’s true that droughts have made ranching difficult for many, Arizona is a desirable ranching spot because of its great grass coverage and favorable climate. Grass protects the pastures because it allows them to hold moisture well, keeping the soil rich. Rich soil leads to further growth of grass. Grass cover also saves ranchers money because it eliminates the need for having to feed livestock by other means. However, due to the aridness of Arizona’s landscape, there is a limit to the number of livestock it can support.
The History or Stock Raising in Arizona
In around 1690, people began raising stock in Arizona. Spanish ranchers settled in the headwaters of the Santa Cruz River in the Huachuca Mountains. Around the same time, Jesuit missionaries gave the O’odham Indians livestock after they agreed to live in mission communities.
Ranching began in earnest in the 1730s around the time of the mining boom and revival of Jesuit missions. Ranching became more common in the Santa Cruz Valley as the demand for beef grew along with the population. For several years, Apache Indians had prevented ranchers from settling outside of the Santa Cruz Valley.
At the end of the American Civil War in 1865, large scale ranching began to take place in Arizona. Due to disruptions from the Civil War, cattle had overgrazed the pastures of Texas and many ranchers moved to north and west into Arizona. Cattle numbers in Arizona grew exponentially as a result. By the 1890s, there were about 1.5 million cattle in Arizona. Once a windmill that pumped groundwater into storage ponds and two transcontinental railroads were introduced, an increasing number of businessmen began investing in Arizona ranches.
The vast Arizonian countryside was converted into a large livestock ranch in a short amount of time. The climate was favorable, enabling plenty of forage to grow. However, ranchers overgrazed the pastures in a period of 20 years. After a drought took place, around 50 to 75 percent of the cattle population in southern Arizona perished. Ranchers in Arizona learned their lesson after this fiasco. While in the past they had as many as one cow per five acres, nowadays they only have around one full grown cow per 65 acres in order to protect the landscape from being degraded again. Furthermore, many ranchers ensure that the livestock only consume around 60 percent of the forage in case of drought.

Peter Gooding has been developing sustainable Arizona ranches for sale for over 15 years. He specializes in developing the finest Prescott AZ real estate, including his current project, Las Vegas Ranch Estates, which is comprised of horse property in Arizona. For more visit http://www.lvranchestates.com and http://www.lvranchestates.com/ranchestates

“Avid gardeners would definitely make most of their resources to give their garden a perfect treat! One of the most given priority to is the lawn, that’s why a lot of Florida landscaping services, tree trimming Florida, and Florida lawn mowing are there to the rescue.
How wonderful a garden is with a healthy lawn and blooming flowers? But–lawn services FL and maintenance requires large amount of budget to be able to achieve an overall appeal to your garden. Florida landscape service is labor extensive and costly. If you don’t want to get headache out of these expensive and tedious landscape services, here are some ideas that will save you from overspending.
Having lawn grasses in your yard is over used. A growing concern has been brought out by landscapers to abolish the use of lawn grass. Issues revolving around this concern are the pollution caused by lawn mowing or maintenance such as pesticides, herbicides and chemical fertilizers. In response to alarming environmental effects of lawn grass and mowing, immediate replacement to lawn grass was introduced.
Do you know that there are some alternatives to lawn grasses that are cost efficient and unique?
First alternative is the use of ornamental grass. This grass is functional for it forms a uniform surface on which to walk when we’re out in the yard. They are used primarily to beautify landscape design, often complement with flowers, shrubs, and trees. Ornamental grasses are also used to fill planting beds, creating diversity in terms of form and texture. Ornamental grasses include purple fountain grass, yellow pampas grass, Mexican feather grass and blue oat grass.
Using mulch and ornamental grass as an alternative to lawn grass would reduce yard maintenance requirements. But, this can’t be possible to large lands and can be only applied to small plots of land. By sticking to this option, imagine how much you could save from mowing and landscape maintenance.
Another option would be replacing clover instead of lawn grass. Since 1950s, clover has been included in lawn seed mixes. It may be considered an attractive, low-maintenance ground cover that is soft to walk on, mows well and will fill in thin spots in a yard.
Clover is also regarded as more advantageous than using lawn grass. Clovers can attract honeybees, and they don’t need mowing as often as lawn grass does. Clover produces out a mildly attractive flower, that draws bees and other beneficial insects to your landscape. You can also save from fertilizer by clover’s natural nitrogen-fixing bacteria living in nodes along the roots — all at no cost to you, in terms either of money or of maintenance.
Third option is the xericape landscaping. Xeriscape landscaping is the grouping of plants with similar watering requirements together on the landscape for more efficient watering.
The purpose of xeriscape landscaping is to eliminate turf grass. This not actually removing the lawn but the process is switching to types of lawn grass that demand less water. The advantage brought about by xeriscape landscaping is reducing the threat of drought.
Through xeriscape, you don’t need to watch your lawn die helplessly each summer, and you don’t need to spend money for the irrigation system. Also, if you don’t have spacious lawn, you can utilize your lawn space by grouping plants that can be incorporated into a xeriscape landscape design. ”
For more information, check out this site on http://www.coronadolawnservice.com

Andrew Beene is a web copywriter associated with http://www.coronadolawnservice.com

Las Vegas, NV (PRWEB) December 25, 2009 — Traveling with friends has never been more fun or affordable. The JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa introduces the “2010 How Suite It Is Package,” available January 1 through December 31, 2010, based on availability. What makes this Las Vegas resort package (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lasjw-jw-marriott-las-vegas-resort-and-spa/) so unique is that the accommodations are over-the-top deluxe and free! Elements include:

• Two-Night Complimentary (yes, complimentary) Stay in Two Bedroom Vista Suite, one of the finest hotel suites in Las Vegas (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lasjw-jw-marriott-las-vegas-resort-and-spa/)

•Choice of Welcome Amenity:

– Beer and Snacks

– Wine and Cheese

-Champagne and Chocolate Dipped Strawberries

•    Breakfast Daily

•    One 50-Minute Spa Treatment Each at the World-Class Aquae Sulis Spa (Choice of Sampler Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Aromatherapy Massage or Desert Hydrating Facial)

•    Foursome of Golf or Lesson at Famed TPC Las Vegas

•    One Dinner at J.C. Wooloughan Irish Pub or Ceres Restaurant

“We wanted to create a resort package for the new year that offers exceptional value to our guests and gives them an opportunity to enjoy all of our facilities and services while showcasing our expansive suite accommodations,” said General Manager of the JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa, Jim Rose. “The spacious living and dining areas, King bedrooms with connecting deluxe bathrooms, rich furnishings, marble flooring and large balconies with breathtaking views provide an inviting backdrop for that special getaway with friends.”

The “2010 How Suite It Is Package” is priced from $1,290.65 inclusive of tax and gratuity with a savings of over $800 (if purchasing the Las Vegas vacation package elements à la carte, the cost would be $2,165.47)! For more information or to book this Las Vegas resort package, (http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lasjw-jw-marriott-las-vegas-resort-and-spa/) please call Therese Sam at 702-869-7717.

JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa features 548 oversized guestrooms set amid 54 acres of lush gardens in an atmosphere that is truly unique among Las Vegas resorts. Located in Summerlin, 20 minutes northwest of the famous Las Vegas Strip, the resort is close enough to indulge in the city’s amenities, but far enough away to enjoy golfing on one of the courses surrounding the resort or explore beautiful Red Rock Canyon. Indulge yourself at JW Marriott’s luxurious Aquae Sulis Spa or lounge by the grass-edged pool. Plus, the resort features a wide selection of dining and entertainment options, from casual to elegant. All services and amenities synonymous with JW Marriott are at your fingertips when you visit. For more information about this Las Vegas resort, please visit: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lasjw-jw-marriott-las-vegas-resort-and-spa/.

JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa: 221 N. Rampart Blvd., Toll Free: 877-869-8777, http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/lasjw-jw-marriott-las-vegas-resort-and-spa/.

Alive and Thriving

A regular, well-thought-out landscape maintenance plan is the best way to protect your outdoor investment

A beautiful yard says something about the homeowners. Whether subtle or dramatic, a well-kept, well-loved yard sends a special message. Just as importantýfrom the street, a lovely landscape can make a house stand out, which is important when it comes time to sell it.

After spending a lot of money on your residential landscape installation, it only makes sense to protect it and make sure it develops as designed. And thatýs where a landscape maintenance program comes in.

Landscaping Maintenance begins with the Green, Green Grass of Home

Landscape maintenance begins with the lawn service. In Houston, lawns typically need trimming weekly through the summer and bi-weekly in the winter months. Additionally, most Houston lawns need aeration twice per year, but since you really canýt aerate enough, the more often the better.

Winter rye is a great addition to a landscaping maintenance plan by keeping your lawn beautiful throughout the winter. The local temperature range normally dictates that winter rye seed can be spread in early to late October. It is important to know, however, that rye grass has some real disadvantages. For example, the rye grass can compete with the St. Augustine grass (typically planted in Houston) for space and nutrition, which makes it very difficult on the St. Augustine in the spring. This struggle is particularly apparent in shaded area where grass already has a hard time growing.

Other Key Components of a Residential Landscape Maintenance Program

ý Shrubs, Ground Cover and Vines. As part of a thorough landscape maintenance program, hedges as well as other shrubs and bushes should be trimmed regularly to maintain the desired contours. Ground cover and vines should be edged to maintain a neat appearance. This regularly-scheduled attention will ensure that all elements conform to the overall plan of the landscape design.

ý Tree Maintenance. All small trees should be pruned as necessary. It is also a good practice in your landscape maintenance scheduling to do a deep root fertilization of these trees annually.

ý Flower Bed Maintenance. Flower beds need to be weeded weekly. It is also a good idea to turn the mulch every two weeks so that you keep the exchange of air and water flowing into and out of the soil. To optimize the growth and bloom cycles of seasonal flowers, they need to be regularly pruned and fertilized.

Feeding and Protecting

Fertilization and chemical treatments are the next important step in a residential landscape maintenance program as they provide a boost to healthy plants and prevent diseases and infestations common to the Houston area.

Optimally, lawns need to be fertilized four times per year. All shrubs, ground covers and vines should be on a similar schedule. Azaleas and gardenias need to be fertilized in April and May, and acidified in February. Roses require fertilization in the spring, which needs to be continued every four to six weeks during the growing season.

One of the most common diseases for lawns in the Houston area is brown patch, or ýRhizoctonia solani,ý which a basic landscape maintenance program needs to address. Routine fungicide treatment is the usual solution. Of particular note regarding rose maintenance; roses need to be sprayed for black spot disease, the major enemy of Houston roses. Finally, your plants need to be treated chemically to protect against various insect infestations.

Jack Frost Can Do Harm

Even in Houston, Texas, it can get cold enough to require covering your outdoor plants. Jeff Halper with Exterior World encourages his clients to be proactive when the thermometer starts dropping. ýWhen the temperatures get below 32 degrees for an extended period of time, you need to cover your delicate plants and tropicals,ý he says. ýRemember not to use plastic. Instead use proper freeze cloth, which allows light, oxygen and water to pass through so that you can leave the plants covered for a few days without suffocating them.ý

How Does Your Residential Landscape Maintenance Program Stack Up?

The services listed above are part of a good landscape maintenance service contract. But in addition to these basics, the really professional outfits provide extras, which include everything from identifying unexpected diseases and providing an estimate for treatment to treating all landscape elements, such as sculptures and statues, irrigation systems or landscape lighting, with particular respect.

They will also be mindful of surface maintenance: walkways, driveways, patios and outdoor kitchens should be blown or raked free of debris during the landscape maintenance service. Swimming pools, ponds or outdoor water fountains that accumulate debris during trimming of shrubs or lawn should be cleaned as well.

Jeff Halper is passionate for Landscaping and wants to share infomation about that passion. At Exterior Worlds you can read more about landscape maintenance

Cortaderia selloana, otherwise known as pampas grass, is one of more than 20 species of tall, reed-like grasses comprised in the genus cortaderia. Pampas grass is a distinctive ornamental grass that can be grown throughout the states even in northern climates, however they are more apt to thrive and grow larger in southern climates. The flowering stalks of the plant are typically white or silvery. Female plants sprout plume-like flower clusters about 1 to 3 feet tall. Native to Brazil, Argentia and Chile, these plants have proliferated quite nicely to the states. The most common form of pampas grass is quite large typically grown in large clumps that can get as much as eight to ten feet tall. The silvery tufts of the plant typically blossom in late summer adding an extra dimension to the plant that can reach as high as 12 feet. If the sheer girth of the plant is a hamper, no worries, as there is a dwarf form of this plant also available. There are many variations in preparing a place for pampas grass. Not only do they look awesome planted as a center focal piece in a yard, but they also make wonderful windbreaks or landscaping borders in place of fencing. They are a very functional plant when planted appropriately. Take precaution though, you would not want to plant this ornamental grass next to a house or pathway. They do grow rapidly once established in warmer climates and can take over the appearance of the house if planted to close, not to mention having sharp leaves that can cut your skin if accidentally grazed while walking down a path. Pampas grass is a hardy plant that can be planted in full sun. Soil type is irrelevant as it will grow in most all soils. It even works well along coastlines as it is quite salt-tolerant, would be an excellent choice for someone living in a bay-area. If pampas grass is grown in shady areas, it will grow much slower and will generally not produce those wonderful plumes. Once the plant is established, it’s virtually worry-free without any needs for spraying for insects. The only real maintenance that would be needed would be a quarterly fertilizing from a complete fertilizer.

Chris Copeland is an avid gardener and simply enjoys all the natural wonders of landscaping and being outside. For more information and how to plant, grow and cultivate, feel free to drop by pampas grass.

I have been travelling to Myrtle Beach since 1990 for great golf vacations and for the last four years with my golf buddies, Ferd, Fred, Tim, Dennis, Richard, Peter, and Mike F. on our annual golf trip. Since this was to be our 5th year we decided to try a new venue. After careful review of a number of alternate locations we arrived at Scottsdale, Arizona as this years golf destination. It turned out to be an excellent choice and we reserved our time there from March 18th to the 22nd. We were hoping for reasonable weather as the week before we arrived the temperatures were in the high 70′s, which is perfect for golf. When we arrived the temperature rose into the high 80′s and low 90′s, which is hot but still playable. It is a drier climate so the heat was not as formidable as in the north or southeast where the humidity will make it feel much warmer than it is.

The courses we played were TPC of Scottsdale, Las Sendas, Gold Canyon – Dinosaur, Whirlwind – Devil’s Claw and and We-Ko-Pa – Cholla, my personal favorite. The rates at that time of the year were a little pricey but well worth the cost in the long run. The last three golf resorts had 36 holes each and we were able to replay another 18 holes on their alternate course, which was most enjoyable and convenient. I have played desert golf previously in Las Vegas in 2002, as I vacationed there with my significant other that year to celebrate my 50th birthday, but this was different. The red rock mountains and varied rock and cactus formations and shapes, respectively, were incredible. The green fairway grass against the colorful mountain backdrops were breathtaking and I enjoyed every minute of the trip. We stayed at the Xona Resort Suites, which was centrally located and had excellent accommodations for a reasonable price.

The elevation changes on Gold Canyon’s Dinosaur course were the most incredible and the views from some of the higher altitudes were magnificent. After golf each day the restaurant and night life scene was hopping. We enjoyed Maggio’s family style restaurant, which offered so many pasta, fish and meat specialties that it was hard to choose and at all you can eat prices. We also enjoyed Capital Grill another one of my favorites there. The only downside to this trip was the time of the flight from Newark, N.J. which was over five hours and I was seated against the fuselage with no window. I always request a window seat when I travel because I enjoy taking pictures of the aerial views of the mountains, lakes, canyons, river, the beautiful sunrise, sunsets and sometimes even the cloud formations so this seating arrangement was claustraphobic to say the least.

We normally go with a group of eight golfers, but this trip one of my good friends, Ferd, decided to invite a few acquaintances from San Francisco, Chris, Frank, and Dave. We also asked another associate from Philadelphia area, Richard, to join us and round out the third foursome. There was some interesting golf banter and comraderie between the new invitees and the former two groups of foursomes. Everyone got along great and the golf, good food and good times was par for the course. As terrific a time that was had by all I will still opt for Myrtle Beach as my first choice of golf venues but Scottsdale, Arizona is definitely a close second. If you are planning a golf trip or vacation, you cannot go wrong with either location. The amount of choices for excellent golf and accommodations at either venue is unlimited and include many options for after hours entertainment. For more information you can check on line at either myrtlebeachgolf.com or scottsdalegolf.com to find some information to help you start planning your golf trip. Have lots of fun, enjoy your trip and Happy Golfing to All !

My name is Mike D’Auria and I grew up in the Canarsie section of Brooklyn. I started playing golf when I sustained a severe hamstring injury playing softball about 30 years ago and have never looked back. It is a great game and I enjoy it immensely. For more golf tips and valuable information visit http://guideforbeginninggolfers.com

The latest studies show that in the U.S. there are more than 30 million acres of lawn, making grass our #1 irrigated crop. In these days when conservationýof natural resources and your personal resourcesýis all the rage, now is a good time to consider some alternatives that will save time, money and energy. A landscape with a design for low maintenance can easily be yours. And it doesnýt have to come at the cost of a bland, boring yard. All it takes is some knowledge about the right plants and techniques.

ýWith a design for low maintenance, the goals are basically the same as for any other landscape design, except we focus on using materials that reduce the Big Four of ongoing maintenance: watering, trimming, weeding and mulching,ý says Jeff Halper, landscape design specialist with Exterior Worlds.

Design for Low Maintenance: Actions and Choices

ý Choose drought-resistant plants, like pampas grass, Plumbago, and Lantana. You might even choose older rose varieties, which are hardier than modern large-flowered hybrids.

ý Avoid plants that need continuous pruning, like boxwood and dwarf yaupons (often used in hedges).

ý Stay away from plants, such as azaleas, that are susceptible to diseases or insect problems.

ý Mulching can be eliminated by using gravel, which rarely needs to be replaced.

ý The use of gravel instead of mulch also cuts down on weeds and helps retains soil.

ý Use ground covers that donýt need regular pruning and will cover the ground so that weeds are controlled. This type of ground cover is another choice that eliminates or reduces mulching.

ý Maximize your seasonal color by installing flowers in planters, urns or bowls to lower the costly replacements season to season.

Design for Low Maintenance:

Develop Other Focal Points

Consider using non-plant material as focal points. Get creative with:

Pathways. Functionally, pathways are the way into the space, and visually, they lead the eye in, through, across and around the landscape design. Pathways can have a big impact on the landscape and your experience as you transition from the street to the home. As an approach to a home, pathways tend to be the first insight into the homeownerýs personality.

Landscape lighting. The right landscape lighting allows you to showcase beautiful trees and garden elements, but, at the same time, lets you control what you donýt want people to see by leaving some things dark. From a practical standpoint, it provides security and safe access and is often recommended as a relatively inexpensive way to increase your property value.

Outdoor water fountains. Outdoor water fountains make a graceful statement about a home by creating a pleasing and welcoming ambiance. They can be used to enhance the architectural style of a house. Outdoor water fountains are especially beneficial in these technological times, serving as camouflage for traffic noise, humming air-conditioning units and thrashing lawn mowers.

Design for Low Maintenance: Other Ideas

A common mistake is to choose plants that look perfect the day you plant them, but then they take over the space. Thus you create an ongoing maintenance task. A professional Houston landscape designer will help you with this issue.

Even if plants require only minimal maintenance, water is still essential. An irrigation system on a timer eliminates the need to move sprinklers around and rush around to water at just the right time. Since a little water for a long time is healthiest for plants, you might consider investing in a drip irrigation system.

Jeff Halper is passionate for Landscape design and wants to share infomation about that passion. At Exterior Worlds you can read more about Low maintenance Landscape Designs

South America is one of the most fascinating continents in the world. Geographically diverse, culturally rich and historically intriguing, this continent is a great destination for travelling, with South America adventure holidays being popular. Here are some of the best places to visit on South America holidays. You can choose one or combine several for extended South America tours.

Argentina

Should your South America holiday take you to Argentina, you will be in for a cultural and exciting experience. You can explore the tropical forests, walk over the red deserts and stroll across the open pampas. Glaciers await you in Argentina’s southern most region, and the Ibera wetlands are a different landscape again.

South America tours in this region will very likely include a trip to the Iguazu Falls, where 275 waterfalls thunder over the rocks. A thrilling way to experience this phenomenal site is to walk over the Devil’s Throat, the largest of the Iguazu Falls. You can walk over a 1 km bridge suspended over the falls, and experience this incredible, thundering phenomenon from up close, making for an exhilarating adventure on holiday in South America.

Chile

This long, thin country is ideal for South America tours. From the dry desert plains in the north to the fjords, glaciers and lakes in the Lake District, this diverse country makes for some great adventure holidays in South America.

The lake district is one of the world’s most interesting and beautiful regions, with lakes, snow-capped volcanoes and thermal springs just waiting to be explored. If you want a few days of tranquillity on your South America holiday, Chile has some pretty fishing towns and good beaches making for a peaceful holiday. For some superb wine, Santiago is the place to go. With the perfect climate for wine production, you can enjoy sampling some of the finest Chilean wines on your South America holiday.

Peru

If you travel to Peru on a South America holiday, seeing the Lost City of the Incas is a must. Many South America tours will include a visit to the ancient site of Machu Picchu, one of the world’s most archeologically fascinating sites. Steeped in culture and spiritualism, this ancient site is breathtaking to behold. Trek along the Inca Trail high into the mountains, where the ancient city awaits you. Many deem their experiences on this sacred site as spiritually enlightening, and feel a sense of peace and tranquillity as they wander through this region.

To add a little mystery to your South America holiday, pay a visit to the Nazca Lines. These much-debated lines are great to see on a South America tour, and you can discover the different theories and stories about the lines from local guides.

Galapagos Islands

For avid wildlife enthusiasts, a stay in the Galapagos Islands on a South America holiday is ideal. These unique islands play host to fascinating and diverse wildlife, with blue-footed boobies, penguins, iguanas, giant tortoises and pink flamingos roaming the shores and hammer-head sharks, manta rays and sea lions populating the waters.

South America tours to Isabela Island make for great adventures, with the island being geographically fascinating. Home to five active volcanoes and one of the most enormous volcanic craters in the world, this island is ideal to be explored on walking tours in South America.

Louise Mumford is a holiday specialist at South American Experience, a company that specialises in tailor-made arrangements for South America holiday s. Our dedicated team has two decades of first-hand experience in the Latin America region.