Get matched with top landscapers in Greig, NY

The soil around your foundation should slope down and away from your home, not toward it. If the grading drops the farther you are from your home, you can enhance the slope by removing more soil. Mark off a few feet from your house and dig up some of this soil. Regrading around your fountain should encourage water to flow away from your home and not collect or “pond.”

The best time to plant is between spring and autumn. Springtime weather is typically mild and is when nurseries start to bloom. When the summer weather arrives and it’s hot out, it’s best to avoid planting bare-root plants, but you can still plant many in-container varieties. The first sign of fall is another great opportunity to plant biennials if you live in southern states, or a lovely vegetable garden up north.

Finding a reputable greenhouse or nursery should start online, where you can read through customer reviews to gauge the quality of the plants sold and the customer experience. Look out for customers complaining about plants dying shortly after purchase, and try to choose a greenhouse known for hiring employees who are able to explain how to care for the plants you purchase. It’s also a good idea to head to a few greenhouses to see the selection they offer and make sure they carry the plants or trees you’re looking for.

The best type of rock for landscaping depends on your specific project and needs, as different rocks are suited for different applications. For covering large areas or creating an affordable driveway, consider gravel, but note that it can wash away in flowing water. For water features, river rocks are a good option. Flagstone and cobblestone are ideal for aesthetically pleasing patios and walkways. If you are building a stone wall, fieldstone or small boulders are up to the task. Large boulders and landscape rocks work well as statement pieces, to fill empty space, or to indicate boundaries, but be mindful that they can overwhelm smaller gardens. The best approach is to first define your landscaping project and then select the rock type that best fits that purpose.