A lush green lawn is a beauty to behold and sufficient moisture is one of the essential requirements. If you have a modern irrigation system installed, your irrigation specialist will program it to automatically water at the optimal time.

If you’re still watering by hand, there’s one very important aspect with which you should be concerned. Evaporation in its many forms is the enemy of lawn watering. Water can evaporate through the effects of sun, wind, high temperatures, and low humidity levels.

Daytime isn’t the best time to water the lawn. Late at night or early in the morning when air temperatures are cooler and the dew has fallen is preferable to minimize evaporation. Never water during the hottest part of the day. It’s a waste of water and can actually dehydrate the lawn and stress the grass.

Watering on windy days is also a waste of time, money and water. A light breeze isn’t a problem, but a strong wind will result in much of the water evaporating before it has time to soak into the lawn where it needs to be.

Most lawns require anywhere from 1 to 1.5 inches of water each week if you don’t receive sufficient rain. A rain gauge can be a valuable tool for monitoring how much rain has fallen and if your lawn is still thirsty. Most experts recommend watering until the moisture has penetrated six inches below the surface.

One of the reasons it’s a good idea to have an irrigation system installed by a professional is that the high-tech systems available now can be programmed to water at the proper time and they can even detect the amount of rainfall so lawns aren’t overwatered. They take the guesswork out of the best time of day to water the yard.

RCH Landscaping is a full service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install, and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians have an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

Most people automatically think of plants when they hear the word landscape, but it also encompasses a wide variety of other features that enhance, beautify, and add interest and value to properties. Within landscapes, there are ample opportunities to incorporate hardscapes.

Hardscapes can include paved paths and driveways, fountains, waterfalls, and pools, along with statuary, patios, fire pits and retaining walls. It can embrace decks, gazebos, pergolas, and stairways. Hardscape features are those made of materials such as metal, stone, brick, concrete and wood – the non-living elements within a landscape.

A hardscape can be decorative, practical or both. It can be as simple as adding a bench or something more complicated such as installing fencing. The elements work together to complement current or future landscaping, the architectural style of a home or business, improve functionality of the outdoor space, and meet the needs of the property owner.

Hardscaping is also an efficient and effective way to create a sense of dimension or emphasize boundaries between properties or other elements in the landscape. Fences and water hardscapes are particularly beneficial for masking traffic noise and water hardscapes are desirable for relaxing and entertaining.

In the past, the practice was typically to utilize one type of hardscaping to the exclusion of another. Today, the trend in cutting edge landscape design is to combine features for a more well-rounded approach or create ‘zones.’

Other trends include sleek and modern that utilizes linear and contemporary design with modern materials such as porcelain, that’re easy to clean and maintain. Another trend features multipurpose walls that double as benches, raised planters, or garden beds in which to grow a kitchen garden. Adding state-of-the-art lighting is also popular and contributes to safety and security.

No matter what type of hardscapes you may have envisioned, your landscape designer is sure to have ideas and concepts you may never have even considered. A landscape professional can introduce you to a wide variety of hardscape options and assist you in deciding what will work best on your property.

RCH Landscaping is a full service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install, and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians have an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

Every property has them – areas of shade where nothing ever seems to want to grow. To fill in shady spots in the garden or landscape, it’s essential that the greenery that’s planted is shade-loving or shade-tolerant at the very least.

It’s possible to fill in those less well-lit areas with distinctly colored and patterned foliage. There are even plants that will bloom in those conditions for a burst of color in an unexpected location. There are annuals for those that like to change up their look each year, or the ever popular plant-them-and-forget-them perennials. First, you have to determine what type of shade you have – filtered, partial, full or deep.

Filtered Shade

This is one of the most common situations in landscapes, whether it’s a large estate or a small backyard. In filtered shade, sunlight is filtered through a canopy of leaves. The pattern of light shifts all day. Filtered shade is also known as dappled light. Begonias, fuchsias and bleeding heart are good choices.

Partial Shade

Another common situation is partial shade. It occurs when an area receives 2-4 hours of sun per day. Lily of the valley will grow in partial or full shade. Impatiens don’t mind shade and caladiums and coleus are valued for their showy foliage.

Full Shade

You have full shade when very little sunlight reaches plants due to thick trees, canopies or overhangs on structures. Hostas like shade and potted dead nettle is another option that’s non-invasive and doesn’t sting like ordinary nettles.

Deep/dense Shade

This occurs when plants receive no direct sun exposure and the light they do receive is reflected or indirect. It’s a difficult situation, but there are remedies. Primroses, coral bells, and foxglove are just some of the options for this type of environment.

Choose Carefully

If you purchase from a nursery, talk with one of their specialists to ensure the plants you choose will grow in the conditions where you plan to place them. If you’re going to purchase plants from a supermarket or similar outlet, research your options online before making a purchase.

RCH Landscaping is a full service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install, and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians have an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

One of the most important aspects of maintaining a beautiful landscape is ensuring it has sufficient moisture to thrive. Providing the water it needs when required can be a lot of time intensive work. It’s just one of the reasons that landscaping and irrigation go hand-in-hand.

Landscaping provides an aesthetically pleasing environment and adds value to any property. The same is true of an irrigation system. Modern systems are wonders of technology that are able to detect when plants need to be watered and can compensate for local rainfall to save property owners money.

Irrigation systems need to be installed and configured by a professional. They have the experience, knowledge and expertise to design an appropriate system, install directional sprinkler heads, program the system, and calculate the correct amount of water for different areas of the landscape. Drip irrigation can also be installed in appropriate locations.

When an irrigation system is installed, the designer will factor in a wide variety of elements. Those encompass soil types, different kinds of plantings, any areas where pooling or puddling are likely to occur, and runoff potential.

They’ll also configure the system so clients only water the soil and moisture isn’t directed to streets, sidewalks and walkways. An irrigation specialist will be able to adjust the water pressure appropriately so water is distributed in a uniform way.

Without the proper moisture levels at the correct times, everything from grass and flowers to bushes, trees and vines will wither and die. Conversely, too much water will drown them and lead to the growth of mold and mildew that can be expensive to alleviate.

For attractive and well-maintained landscapes, irrigation is a necessity. It eliminates the time and effort of watering by hand, saves water and money, and ensures the right amount of water is distributed in each zone. Irrigation ensures that every inch of properties are lush and green.

RCH Landscaping is a full service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install, and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians have an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

Designing or redesigning your landscape can be exciting. There are so many choices available it can be difficult to decide exactly what you want. However, what you envision may not be feasible due to considerations such as budget, space, or climate.

While most plants will thrive in South Florida, some may be an invasive species or grow too large for your space. That’s when the expertise of a landscape designer is essential and there are several things to consider when selecting a professional.

What do you want?

Know what type of features you want, how quickly you want the work done, and your budget. When those details have been decided, a landscape designer will be able to tell you if the vision is possible.

Do the research

Visit the websites of landscape designers to see some of their projects and reviews. Ask friends, family and coworkers that have had work done about their designer. If possible, view some of their projects in person.

Shop around

Consult with multiple firms and narrow your final choices to three. Don’t be afraid to request references and obtain quotes from each of your selections. Feel free to check the credentials and memberships of professional organizations the designer is affiliated with and make sure they’re fully insured should something go awry – accidents do happen.

Explanations

The landscape firms with which you consult should be able to explain the process to you in detail and provide estimates on time and cost. The firm should also be able to explain if certain plants or features won’t work in your space and why, and offer alternatives.

Great expectations

Even if you’re having a minor facelift performed on your property, landscape design is a significant investment and you want it to reflect your sense of style and aesthetics. Working with a landscape designer that shares your vision and provides the information you need allows you to make informed decisions.

RCH Landscaping is a full service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install, and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians have an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

Most are familiar with the shape of maples, oaks and flowering pear trees. There are some unusual trees native to countries around the world that can be grown in Florida due to the state’s unique climate. The trees have unusual appearances, growth habits, and histories that make them well worth the effort. It’s important before planting any species to ensure it’s not invasive.

Baobab

The first impression when people see a Baobab tree is that it was planted upside down. The effect is heightened when the tree sheds it leaves. It can be grown in South Florida, but may be tricky. It’s often referred to as the “Tree of Life” since it can live thousands of years. The trunks can hold several gallons of water and in its native Africa, it’s tapped and plugged for water.

Dawn Redwood

A holdover from prehistoric times and once thought to be extinct, it’s a deciduous tree that looks like an evergreen and has a distinctly pyramidal shape. The tree’s needles turn yellow and rust red each year before dropping. The hardy tree regrows its foliage each spring. It’s the smallest of the redwood species and can even survive northern winters.

Dragon’s Blood Tree

A native of the Socotra archipelago, it’s technically not a tree and gets its name from the red sap it produces. Its upturned canopy resembles an umbrella. Scientists classify the tree as a remnant of the Mio-Pliocene Laurasian forests that are almost entirely extinct.

Jabuticaba Tree

It’s an ordinary looking tree native to Brazil – until it produces fruit. Hairy white blooms give way to black fruit that grows in the branches and along the trunk. If conditions are right, it can fruit several times a year and many use the fruits to make juice or wine.

Rainbow Eucalyptus

This isn’t a tree to be grown in limited space as it can grow up to 250 ft. tall and is one of the fastest growing in the world. It gets its name from the strange coloration it displays when its bark is shed and each layer can be a different color. Over time, it returns to its natural brown hue before repeating the process. It has leaves that are more than six inches long that are aromatic when crushed and small white flowers when in bloom. It doesn’t tolerate frost.

RCH Landscaping is a full service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install, and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians have an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

Keeping landscapes sufficiently watered during the dry season in Florida can be tricky without an automated irrigation system. Watering by hand or with a sprinkler and hose system can create far more problems than insufficient moisture in the ground. Irrigation during the drier, winter months is dependent on soil composition, type of grass planted, and the presence of shade trees.

More abundant rainfall during the summer months may have prompted homeowners to turn their irrigation systems off, while others are trying to control their irrigation systems manually. Without an irrigation system that can correct for rainfall and other variables, watering the landscape becomes a paramount concern. The University of Florida Extension Service recommends watering two days per week. That can be adjusted to tailor moisture to different areas.

Exact location is also a factor in watering and the type of plants within the landscape. If grass is walked on and the footprints don’t readily dissipate, the lawn needs moisture. Another sign is if the blades of grass are folding or the color is off. When those signs are present, ¾ inch of water should be applied. Make sure that all areas are being watered equally.

A good way to determine how long sprinklers should be run involves placing shallow cans or containers in various places around the yard. Run the sprinklers for 30 minutes and see how much water has accumulated in the containers. If they have ¾ inch, 30 minutes of watering is sufficient. If there’s ½ an inch, water for 40 minutes or 50 minutes if there’s only ¼ inch in the cans.

Watering should be performed early in the morning whenever possible at any time of the year to minimize evaporation. Following a measured water regiment for landscapes will keep them healthy throughout the winter months and save money on water bills.

RCH Landscaping is a full service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install, and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians have an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

When people think about fragrance in the garden, they typically envision annual or perennial flowers in beds, borders or containers with a profusion of blooms. There are several different types of bushes and vines with lush foliage and highly fragrant blossoms that produce a pleasant aroma. They can generate enough fragrance to scent an entire yard and with some the aroma is particularly strong at night.

The following plants are especially attractive to hummingbirds, along with pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The philosophy of Feng shui says that fragrant flowers planted in a front yard will attract natural energy. Studies have also shown that fragrant flowers can reduce stress.

Evergreen Clematis

The lush foliage is ideal for screens and to trail over fences since they’re fast growing. It produces small flowers at a time when other plants typically don’t and the flowers are sweetly scented.

Gardenia

These shrubs are well-known for their shiny foliage and strongly-scented white blossoms. Their fragrance has been described as exotic and intoxicating and the plant is highly valued for its use in high-end perfumes.

Night Blooming Jasmine

While not a true jasmine, it has attractive glossy green leaves and white flowers that are highly aromatic. It’s highly cultivated in Asia and India for its use in perfume making. It’s a shrub that can grow up to 10 feet tall and the fragrance can be overpowering if someone is sensitive to scents. Use caution when planting, however. It produces berries that are toxic to people and pets if ingested.

Sweet Almond

Also known as incense bush, it’s a large shrub that produces white flower spikes and will bloom intermittently year-round. When in bloom, it fills the air with a scent that’s been described as that of almonds, almond cookies or amaretto liquor.

Wisteria

This vine can be left to ramble over fences and trellises, or trained to grow in the form of a bush. Depending on the variety, flower spikes can range from 6-12 inches in length and the scent fills the air long before the plant is spotted. It’s especially attractive to pollinators.

RCH Landscaping is a full service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install, and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians have an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

One of the most under-utilized and misunderstood components of landscaping is lighting. It has the ability to beautify properties, increase curb appeal, and improve security. The installation of an outdoor lighting system can be used as accent lighting for unique plant specimens and to create dramatic effects for pools, fountains and waterfalls.

A well-lit yard is an effective deterrent to intruders and trespassers. Properties can be tastefully and artfully illuminated, while still remaining unattractive to those up to no good. It requires proper positioning to ensure the yard is lit without being a distraction, while eliminating shadowy areas in which people can conceal themselves.

At the same time, adding an outdoor illumination system also increases curb appeal. It’s essential for entryways to be well-lighted. It makes the home look inviting, welcoming, and it’s easier to see anyone that approaches the door after dark. It’s an important component of safety for friends and family so they don’t trip or fall on steps, stairs or other potential hazards.

Homes with unusual or unique architectural features can benefit from lighting that highlights rockwork, pillars and similar items. There are specific tricks to getting the lighting angled correctly so it showcases rather than making those features look garish. The same is true for garden attributes. Select lighting options are an effective way to highlight specific items within the landscape such as statuary, waterfalls, pools, and topiaries.

Lighting in any environment is important and especially so when highlighting homes or landscape features. There’s a myriad of selections from which to choose and the best way to know all the options is to seek the services of a landscape lighting designer. He/she can create a single illumination plan to accomplish safety, curb appeal and beautification, while maintaining the character of the home and surrounding landscape.

RCH Landscaping is a full service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install, and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians have an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

Poinsettias and mistletoe add color and interest to homes during the holiday season, providing a festive environment. What you may not know is that many of those traditional decorative plants can cause a rash at the very least and some are highly toxic to children and pets.

It will be safer to purchase imitation plants with which to decorate. If you absolutely have to decorate with live plants, be sure they’re well above reach of children, dogs, cats, ferrets, birds and other pets. The following are some of the most popular plants for decorating during the holidays that you should know about.

Holly

The berries of the holly plant resemble candies to children and a plaything to pets, but eating the berries can be fatal.

Amaryllis

The big, beautiful blooms of amaryllis are a sight to behold and popular for decorating and gift giving. The bulbs and leaves are both toxic and can result in abdominal pain, convulsions and irregular heartbeat.

Calla Lily

The tubers are the primary danger. Ingesting them causes nausea and vomiting, along with convulsions and paralysis.

Cyclamen

Available in multiple colors, the tubers can result in nausea and vomiting, convulsions and paralysis.

Christmas Cactus

None of the cacti sold around the holidays is poisonous, but it causes nausea and vomiting in cats.

Christmas Trees

While cedars, firs and pines are only mildly toxic, ingesting the needles can result in perorations to the intestinal system. It’s unlikely that kids or pets would try to eat the needles, but it’s something of which you need to be aware.

Jerusalem Cherry

The plant is a species of nightshade and the fruits are poisonous. The fruits resemble cherry tomatoes, which make them attractive to children and pets, but they’re extremely dangerous to people, dogs, cats and birds.

Mistletoe

It may be fun to kiss under the mistletoe, but the plant produces a deadly toxin. Ingesting any part of the plant can cause nausea and abdominal pain, along with blurred vision and changes in blood pressure.

Peace Lily

The large white flowers of the peace lily beautiful, but they’re toxic to people if eaten and poisonous to dogs and cats.

Poinsettia

The brightly colored holiday flower isn’t poisonous, but the sap can cause varying degrees of irritation to the mouth, esophagus and stomach, resulting in nausea and vomiting.

RCH Landscaping is a full service landscape company based in Boca Raton, Florida. We design, install, and maintain Commercial and Residential landscapes all around Boca Raton, Delray Beach and The Palm Beach areas. Our team of highly skilled landscape technicians have an undisputed track record of creating and maintaining beautiful commercial and residential landscapes all over South Florida.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760