Get matched with top landscapers in Greig, NY

Buying plants from a nursery is one thing, but ensuring that they are properly planted is another. While you might not need to hire a landscaper for every plant that you buy from a nursery, it’s a great idea to have their expertise and experience to plant larger items, like burlapped trees or specialty plants like rose bushes. Even better, before making a trip to a nursery to buy new plants, consult a local landscaper to test your soil for pH levels, soil texture, and phosphorus and potassium levels to help determine the best plants for your area.

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.

Monkey grass makes a beautiful, low-maintenance ground cover, particularly in shadier areas where other grasses don’t receive enough sunlight to grow. It’s also excellent for edging walkways, bordering flower beds, and accenting rock gardens. You can grow it as a container plant, as well, which is a perfect solution for those who love its foliage but want to contain the spread.

The best place to plant a rose bush is where it will be happiest. Growing roses is difficult if the location varies much from what the plants like. Choose a location that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight during the growing season but not much more than that in hot-climate locations. If such a spot doesn't exist in your yard, consider planting your rose in a movable container to take advantage of portability.