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Four Best Plants for a Water Feature

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in General.

Water features add a fantastic element to your landscape, breaking up the monotony of a constant lawn with unused space. You can even add aquatic plants to make your feature more economical and environmentally friendly.

As major contractors for landscape design services in Tucson, AZ, our Santa Rita Landscaping team can show you how to spice up your yard with low-maintenance plants for a self-sustaining space! Call 520-623-0421 to learn more about popular plants for a water feature in Arizona. 

Top Tips Before Choosing Your Pond Plants 

Beauty comes naturally with plants that are well-suited for the space you plant them. Note these common plant traits to keep your pond alive and healthy:

  • Check how large the plant can get at maturity
  • Consider how much space each plant will need
  • Review which zones the plant flourishes in the best
  • Recognize the type of plant you’re getting for soil purpose
  • Consider fresh or rainwater for your pond to allow the plants to flourish
  • Remember to have a functioning pump system in the pond for water flow

With these tips in mind, you can choose the best plants for a water feature that suits your aesthetic. You can find some plants from the list or informative newsletters or magazines, like Homes & Gardens.

1. Cardinal Flowers

Cardinal flowers are one of the best for DIYers with pale green thumbs because they are easy to grow. These bright red, low-maintenance perennials generally flourish as long as you keep their roots wet. 

Plant them in a submerged pot in full sun (at least six hours of sun exposure). They can attract hummingbirds and other popular pollinators to enhance the local environment.

2. Water Lettuce

These perennial evergreen floating plants can create a vibrant, verdant color to coat the pond. However, they require some wrangling, as they can quickly grow out of control if you leave them to propagate. They adapt to different lighting conditions but work best in part shade (three to six sunlight hours with midday protection).

3. Mosaic Plants

Mosaic plants, or water primroses, float on the surface of the water, starting green and flourishing out in red diamond-shaped leaves. As the name suggests, they look like painted mosaics, giving the yard vibrant color. They thrive in full sun with occasional shade and only grow in warm climates, like in Arizona.

4. Bladderwort

While it doesn’t have the prettiest name, these plants can reduce the chances of mosquitos making your water features their home. The top side produces a lovely orchid-like flower, and the bottom half uses trigger hairs to identify and trap insects. This submersible plant grows in most conditions with full sun and occasional shade and thrives in shallower water features.

Want More Water Plant Suggestions?

At Santa Rita Landscaping LLC, we serve the Tucson, AZ, area with top-quality landscaping and yard installations. Adding a water feature in your backyard has never been easier, and we can either suggest or install your favorite pond plants. Call 520-623-0421 (Tucson) or 602-686-0292 (Phoenix) when you want healthy plants for a water feature in your yard.

How to Landscape Around an Above-Ground Pool

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Blog, Landscaping.

Are you excited to finally have a gorgeous above-ground pool in your backyard and want to create the perfect warm weather relaxation retreat? In this short guide, we’ll explain how to landscape around an above-ground pool to maximize the function and style of your space.

Santa Rita Landscaping provides custom residential landscape design in Tucson, AZ, and can craft a perfect outdoor pool area you’ll love. Consider these outstanding landscaping ideas for above-ground pools, then reach out to our team for a consultation.

Create a Beautiful Border

Bordering is a popular above-ground pool idea because it’s one of the easiest ways to make the area appear neat, tidy, and beautiful. While some people border their pool with mulch, trees, and plants, it’s important to give your pool equipment and walls enough room.

Natural stone and rocks look stunning, and you don’t typically have to worry about them moving around. When you have mulch and plants, it can sometimes kick up into the grass or pool area. 

Consider Walkways and Paths

Walkways look fantastic, and they designate a clear way to travel to and from your pool area. It’s much better to walk across stone and keep the space orderly than to drop dirt and grass into the water. Place patio stones with plants and mulch on either side for a gorgeous appearance. Patio pavers and concrete, in particular, are favored choices for pathways. 

Plan for Flowers and Plants

You’ll find plenty of design ideas for how to landscape around an above-ground pool, but you should consider your location first. The ideal trees and plants for a cooler area differs greatly depending on where you live.

Consider what upkeep you’re willing to perform regularly. If you’d prefer minimal maintenance, why not artfully place planters around the borders of your pool? You’ll still get the greenery you want without the worry of root collision. Maybe you’ll add a stunning water feature as the focal point and enjoy the calming sounds.

You can also add alternating colors of flowers, like red and yellow for a cheery design. Keep in mind that you must trim your trees and bushes periodically, so consider how much maintenance you’re willing to do. We can help you find easy-to-care-for greenery and beautiful plants. 

Add Lighting or a Deck

Although it is not necessary, lighting can add the perfect touch to your backyard spot. Lights that shine upwards to your pool wall set the mood and add an inviting ambiance. Solar lights are inexpensive and can help achieve your desired look. 

Learn More About Landscaping in AZ

Now that you know how to landscape around an above-ground pool, the world is your oyster! Get creative and make the beautiful at-home vacation area that you, your friends, and your family can all enjoy. You can also spice up your yard with the perfect soil for raised garden beds.

Santa Rita Landscaping can help you achieve your dream outdoor space in Tucson and Phoenix, AZ. Give us a call today at (520) 623-0421 (Tucson) or (602) 686-0292 (Phoenix)!

What Soil to Use for Raised Garden Beds

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Blog.

Planting a garden is a fulfilling activity that yields beautiful flowers, herbs, and vegetables. However, amateur gardeners should understand what soil to use for raised garden beds to get the most successful growth. 

In this guide, our landscapers at Santa Rita Landscaping share helpful soil tips for your garden to flourish. Call us at (520) 623-0421 to take your outdoor garden to the next level with professional landscape design in Tucson, AZ.

The Importance of Soil in Raised Garden Beds

The soil you choose for your raised garden bed can mean the difference between plentiful harvests and seeds that struggle to sprout. Along with adequate sunlight and water, your soil is essential for healthy plant growth.

It may not look like much on the outside, but soil functions as its own ecosystem that sustains other forms of life. Healthy soil in raised garden beds helps control water, sustain plant and animal life, cycle nutrients, filter pollutants, and provide physical stability. 

Building raised garden beds gives you the benefit of convenience with your gardening. However, it’s important to fill your beds with enough healthy soil to promote the best chance of success. 

Types of Soil

Native soil is dirt already in your landscape. Native soil differs by region and supports the growth of any trees or bushes on your property. While native plants adapt well to native soil, plants you wish to put in your garden won’t fare so well. 

Topsoil, as its name implies, is the top layer of soil. Topsoil is rich in nutrients and permeable, making it a crucial consideration when asking yourself what soil to use for your raised garden beds. You’ll likely need to buy a topsoil mix to fill your beds instead of digging up all the topsoil in your yard, especially if you have sprayed it with chemicals and pesticides. 

Potting soil helps potted plants grow. Although it consists of organic materials, potting soil lacks the support that strong roots need. Leave this option for plants in pots rather than your raised garden bed. 

What Soil to Use for Raised Garden Beds

Compost-rich topsoil is your best bet for a successful harvest. It has good moisture retention and is packed with rich nutrients that plants need to thrive. Opt for a mix that features half topsoil and half compost. 

Incorporating compost adds more nutrients to the soil and retains more water. You can achieve a better garden with composted materials in your soil. You can buy specialty compost mix at landscaping retailers or supplement your garden with compost from vegetable trimmings and eggshells.

Add organic material to your soil each year for optimal plant growth. This can be as easy as spreading chopped leaves over your raised garden bed to break down over the winter. When it’s time for spring planting, your soil will be primed for the best plant growth. 

Get Professional Landscaping Design Help

From knowing what soil to use for raised garden beds to choosing the right plants, Santa Rita Landscaping can help you create an outdoor oasis. Call Tucson’s landscaping experts at (520) 623-0421.

How to Keep Grass and Weeds from Growing Around Trees

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Blog.

Trees not only improve your home and yard’s curb appeal but neatly maintained vegetation can increase property values. However, tending to grass and weeds near the base of your trees can be tricky, so most homeowners want to get rid of them entirely. With that in mind, the team at Santa Rita Landscaping is here with some tips on how to keep grass and weeds from growing around trees. 

We offer the best of Tucson’s professional land design. Call us today!

Why Remove Grass and Weeds Around Trees?

Grass requires a certain amount of sunlight to grow, so shade from trees can stunt its growth, causing it to look patchy and rough. Additionally, grass and weeds near the base of the tree can interfere with its roots and steal nutrients from the tree, stunting its growth and development. As such, completely removing grass or weed underneath your mature trees is usually the best idea. 

Removing Grass and Weeds From Around Trees

Fortunately, there are several simple methods how to keep grass and weeds from growing around trees, but you need to be wary of damaging the roots. 

Apply A Layer of Mulch 

Adding a layer of organic mulch is another way to keep weeds and grass from under your tree. First, place a layer of weed barrier fabric around the tree in a radius of about one to two feet, depending on the size of the tree. Next, lay down three to four layers of wet newspaper. The newspaper will block sunlight from the grass and weed seeds but allows the roots to access nutrients and water. After, lay down two to four inches of mulch over the newspaper. 

Dig It Up

The simplest and most straightforward way to keep grass and weeds away from trees is to dig it up. Using a shovel, you can dig up the first inch or two of dirt to remove grass and weeds from the root, preventing them from growing back. We recommend only using a shovel to dig up vegetation so you don’t accidentally damage the roots and kill the trees. If you expose roots, cover them with an inch of dirt to prevent damage. 

Use Herbicide

One final method is using herbicide. Herbicide can be tricky because too much can harm your tree, so make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. When applying the herbicide, place a layer of cardboard around the base of the tree so the herbicide doesn’t get on the tree trunk. Try to spread herbicide on a non-windy day so it doesn’t spread around your yard.

Professional Landscaping in Phoenix & Tucson

The trick to how to keep grass and weeds from growing around trees is vigilance and routine lawn maintenance, such as using pre-emergent spray for weed control. With over 35 years of experience, Santa Rita Landscaping can handle all of your residential or commercial landscaping construction and maintenance needs. Contact us online or give us a call today at (602) 686-0292 to schedule a landscaping appointment!

6 Fragrant Shade Plants for Your Yard

Written by csDevTeam on . Posted in Landscaping.

Fragrant shade plants can be an invaluable part of any landscaper’s toolkit because they accomplish multiple aesthetic effects at once. They allow designers to shape sight, sound, fragrance, temperature, and use of space. Tucson’s professional landscape design specialists at Santa Rita Landscaping use these shade plants, among others, because they grow well in a wide range of climates, look attractive, and have structural features that catch the eye and make effective use of three-dimensional space.

Plant #1: Abelia

Abelia plants are subtle evergreen shrubs with white or pink flowers and an alluring fragrance that grows well in Tucson as well as temperate climates. Abelia blooms attract butterflies, adding a natural source of color and movement to the landscape. They reach heights up to six feet, making them suitable for creating boundaries and shade for benches.

Plant #2: Catmint

To add a burst of color and the odor of mint to your garden, try one of the varieties of catmint that grow in Tucson soil. They can grow in the shade of taller plants or walls up to about two feet, so they work well in multi-level landscape designs. Plant catmint plants in early spring and allow them to grow in the sun or partial shade.

Plant #3: Evergreen Clematis

An arbor covered in evergreen clematis is an excellent source of decoration and shade. They bloom in late spring and can reach impressive heights when they climb walls, pergolas, and other structures. Like Abelia, they produce pretty white flowers that emit a fragrance reminiscent of vanilla. 

Plant #4: Foamflower

The bright pinkish-white blooms of the foamflower have an eye-catching spiky shape and grow between one and three feet tall. As long as the soil has a moderate amount of moisture and fertilizer, these fragrant shade plants should grow well in relatively cool climates.

Plant #5: Jacob’s Ladder

Jacob’s Ladder grows to a similar height to catmint. The coloration of its blooms, either deep blue or white, goes well with other white, violet, or blue shade plants. Jacob’s ladder plants grow well in full sun or partial shade in temperate climates. Their sweet scent attracts insects that support your garden ecosystem. 

Plant #6: Lily-of-the-Valley

If you live in a more temperate area and are looking for fragrant plants that will grow in the late summer, lilies-of-the-valley are one option. Their pleasant flowers and sweet smell like jasmine are reasons why they are popular fragrant shade plants. If you grow lilies of the valley on your property, take care not to let pets or children consume the berries because they can cause serious illness.

Landscaping with Fragrant Shade Plants from Santa Rita Landscaping 

If you need assistance choosing the perfect plants for landscaping in shade gardens, let the experts at Santa Rita Landscaping help. Learn more about how to select, plant, prune, and care for a variety of breathtaking fragrant shade plants. Call 520-623-0421 to reach our Tucson location and speak with a landscape designer about your plans for your shade gardening project.