Author: csDevTeam

Citrus trees can thrive in your desert landscape, but you must take care of them to keep them alive and well. Know what kind of citrus you’re working with, plant and irrigate properly, and remember to fertilize and prune your trees. Read ahead and learn how to care for your new citrus trees.

Know Your Trees

A new citrus tree can be a lovely addition to your desert landscape. Different types of citrus trees may not fare the same way, however, so pay attention to the exact types of trees you’re working with. Limes and lemons are popular options, as are oranges and tangerines. Navel oranges tend to hold up during the winter, but they’re not necessarily the most reliable choice for the desert. Decide what kinds of fruit trees you’d like to plant and make sure they can handle the local climate before you start digging plots for them. The best time to plant trees is in early spring.

Plant and Irrigate

When you’re all set to plant your citrus trees, the hole you start with will probably be bigger than you think. Start by measuring the width of the plant’s container. The hole you’ll dig to house it should be at least three times bigger, and in some cases as many as five. The top of the root ball should be about an inch higher than the soil, and there shouldn’t be any amendments made. Leave enough space for your tree to grow by leaving about 20 feet of horizontal space. If you have a small space consider dwarf or semi-dwarf trees. Consider factors like soil and exposure to the elements when irrigating, and let your trees dry for a week or more during the winter and every few days during the summer.

Fertilize and Prune

You don’t have to fertilize your citrus for its first two years. After this point, add fertilizer in February before it blooms. Only prune your citrus trees to get rid of dead, dying, or dangerous branches.

27At Santa Rita Landscaping, landscape design in Tucson is what we do best. You can find out all about our services and our company by checking out our website or calling our offices at (520) 623-0421.

The known history of Japan goes back an unfathomable distance in time. Icons, fables, and events are constantly being reborn as part of the Japanese and Chinese cultures. The Rikugien Garden was built hundreds of years ago in northern Tokyo, once people started living there in the 17th century. The garden honors almost 100 elements from both Japanese and Chinese history and culture, so it’s always nice to come back

The known history of Japan goes back an unfathomable distance in time. Icons, fables, and events are constantly being reborn as part of the Japanese and Chinese cultures. The Rikugien Garden was built hundreds of years ago in northern Tokyo, once people started living there in the 17th century. The garden honors almost 100 elements from both Japanese and Chinese history and culture, so it’s always nice to come back to and see what you find. People are drawn to the pleasant atmosphere and beautiful sights in addition to the rich history. Read ahead and discover Rikugien Garden.

History of Rikugien Garden

Between the 1600s and the 1800s, feudal lords started building homes in Edo. What was once Edo is now Tokyo, but the Rikugien Garden remains. Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu began building the garden in 1688, completing it seven years later in 1695. Rikugien Garden pays homage to places, events, and cultural details that shaped Japan and China’s histories with 88 different spots named after them throughout the property.

What It’s Like There

If you want to have your breath taken away by culture and beauty without being distracted by the bustle of the city, you’ll love Rikugien Garden. Like our own Los Angeles or New York City, parts of Tokyo can be crowded and overwhelming. Fortunately, Rikugien Garden is situated in a residential area in the northern part of Tokyo. You’ll find flat, comfortable paths, as well as a mountain pass that will let you see the garden in all its glory.

to and see what you find. People are drawn to the pleasant atmosphere and beautiful sights in addition to the rich history. Read ahead and discover Rikugien Garden.

History of Rikugien Garden

Between the 1600s and the 1800s, feudal lords started building homes in Edo. What was once Edo is now Tokyo, but the Rikugien Garden remains. Yanagisawa Yoshiyasu began building the garden in 1688, completing it seven years later in 1695. Rikugien Garden pays homage to places, events, and cultural details that shaped Japan and China’s histories with 88 different spots named after them throughout the property.

What It’s Like There

If you want to have your breath taken away by culture and beauty without being distracted by the bustle of the city, you’ll love Rikugien Garden. Like our own Los Angeles or New York City, parts of Tokyo can be crowded and overwhelming. Fortunately, Rikugien Garden is situated in a residential area in the northern part of Tokyo. You’ll find flat, comfortable paths, as well as a mountain pass that will let you see the garden in all its glory.

Even after a wet monsoon season this year, it is important to conserve water in the American Southwest. However, reducing water usage doesn’t mean that you can’t design a beautiful backyard that features lush plant life. Following the trend of xeriscaping, you can limit water consumption while incorporating the beautiful colors and textures of local plant life into your landscape design. As you consider a xeriscape yard for your Tucson home, you should consult a professional to help you with the following important steps:

Choose the Right Plants

Xeriscaping focuses on water conservation, emphasizing plants that are drought-resistant. These may be native plants found in the Sonoran Desert, or they may be heat tolerant plants from other desert regions. Your landscaper can help you choose plants that don’t have high water demands but still offer beautiful blooms, shade, and other desirable features.

Plant in the Right Locations

Along with choosing the right types of plants, you will want to be sure that they are placed in areas where they will receive an appropriate amount of sun. If plants get too much direct sunlight, they may need more frequent watering to compensate for the overexposure. In addition, your irrigation layout will be essential to reducing unnecessary water use. Low-pressure drip irrigation systems concentrate water only around the root systems of plants, so water does not get wasted.

Incorporate Rainwater Harvesting

Though xeriscaping dramatically reduces water usage in landscape designs, you will still need to water your plants. Installing a rainwater harvesting system is one step your landscape company can take to help you recycle this natural resource in your yard.

For help planning a water-conscious yard in Tucson, call Santa Rita Landscaping at (520) 623-0421. Our professional team has decades of experience working in the unique climate of Southern Arizona, and we can help you explore the beautiful plants this region has to offer.

As you look for plants to include in your Tucson landscape, you may be surprised at the wide variety of plants that fare well in the harsh desert climate. However, not every heat-resistant plant choice is a good addition to your yard. The following plants are considered noxious weeds in Arizona, and they may take over your landscape or pose a risk to pets and wildlife in your yard. Therefore, you should work to keep these plants out of your yard after you settle on the right landscape design.

Silverleaf Nightshade

Nightshade is a notorious weed, as various types of nightshade have been used as poison. Silverleaf nightshade is one variety that grows in the Southwest, and it produces small green berries, which are poisonous if ingested.

Little Hogweed

Little hogweed features distinctly shiny and angled leaves of dark green with small yellow flowers. It is native to Europe, and it grows throughout the desert and mountain regions. This plant will grow along the surface of the ground, sprawling outward in vine-like formations.

Puncturevine

If you have ever felt a sharp poke in your foot walking around barefoot, you have probably encountered the seeds of the puncturevine. These sharp, goat-head shaped seeds are the defining feature of this plant, which also produces small flowers and thin, oval shaped leaves.

Desert Broomrape

Though the desert broomrape has a captivating deep purple color, they are actually parasitic, leaching off nearby shrubs due to their lack of chlorophyll. These plants are small, cone-shaped growths that have large root systems that are pale in color. You may see developments in clumps, which may reemerge if the roots are not fully removed.

For help choosing the right plants for your Tucson yard, work with Santa Rita Landscaping. You can schedule a landscape design consultation with our team by calling (520) 623-0421, or visit our website to see a portfolio of our work.

Though there is no shortage of Victorian mansions and gardens in the United Kingdom, the Biddulph Grange will provide a unique spectacle to those who make the trip to Staffordshire. The beautiful and extensive gardens are maintained by the National Trust, and they showcase several distinctive themes, including China and Ancient Egypt. Originally designed in 1840, the gardens of Biddulph Grange were the work of James Bateman, who inherited the land from his father. Utilizing his wealth from the coal and steel businesses, James Bateman utilized his horticultural skills to create what is now known as the garden of gardens.

A Tour of History

Adjacent to the residence at Biddulph Grange is a stunning example of a classic Victorian  garden, which has been restored to its former glory. In addition to this glimpse into history, visitors to the garden can explore a wide range of gardens that demonstrate unique historical gardening traditions. Amazingly, the gardens were entirely based on James Bateman’s original design, which utilized plants collected from around the world. In fact, Bateman spent 20 years collecting plants for his garden, sending hunters all over the globe in search of rare and distinctive plants to fit into each theme.

Unique, Secluded Spaces

Biddulph Grange will take you through China, Egypt, Italy, and many regions of England with each garden feeling like it is miles away from the last. Using walls, rocks, and hedges, each garden has been partitioned from the one next to it, creating an immersive and captivating experience for visitors.