Perhaps one of the most overlooked and underestimated landscape enhancements is rocks. They provide a variety of benefits for plants and people. However, there are also some disadvantages to adding rocks to the landscape. It’s best to consult with a professional landscaper that can provide expert advice.

Low Maintenance

Rocks are very low maintenance. They don’t need to be watered or fertilized and they’re not attractive to insects.

Mulch Alternative

Rocks can be used in the same manner as traditional wood mulch. It’s available in a wide variety of sizes and types that includes lava rock, granite, marble, terra cotta, river rock, gravel, crushed stone, pebbles, quartz, and even crushed concrete. They are effective for enhancing water drainage in soil, reducing weed growth, and they can also help retain soil by reducing erosion.

Decorative

Stones can be used to line walkways and similar spaces. Flat stones are an ideal addition to create walkways and similar areas around pools or freestanding statuary.

Adds Interest & Contrast

Light-colored rock chips and stones are an excellent way to lighten up dark areas of the landscape. Different sizes are available, allowing individuals to customize different areas of their environment.

Colorful Options

The color variations in rocks and stones are almost endless, making them highly versatile elements in the landscape.

Durable Ground Cover

Rocks are a highly durable ground cover with a long lifespan. Depending on the landscape, individuals may need to add some rock from time to time, but they have an extensive lifespan since they don’t deteriorate like mulch. It’s an excellent choice for high foot traffic areas.

Relatively Inexpensive

Using rock is a relatively inexpensive way to highlight flower beds and it’s a quick and easy way to create a backyard makeover. The cost will largely depend on the type of rock that’s chosen and the amount required for a particular project, but the wide range of benefits offset the initial investment.

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 has 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

Green lawns, abundant blooms, shapely shade trees, and artfully draped vines are beautiful to behold, but plants ranging from flowers to trees can include some unpleasant and time-consuming clean-up and maintenance requirements. For those that prefer to spend their time enjoying their blossoms and foliage rather than performing endless maintenance tasks, there are some basic rules.

The Plants

Choose plantings that have naturally low maintenance characteristics. Avoid trees with messy blooms and fruits, along with bushes and vines that require frequent trimming and pruning. Select flowers that don’t require deadheading. Choose insect and disease resistant species to minimize control and prevention methods.

The best low maintenance plants won’t need frequent fertilizing. Always research desired plants to ensure they’re not an invasive species or have the potential to be invasive. Plants native to South Florida are best adapted to the climate.

Water Requirements

For individuals that don’t want to invest in an irrigation system, or spend endless hours hand-watering, select plants with low water requirements. Another consideration is the ability to survive flooding and inundation by salt water. Conversely, seek plants that are able to tolerate drought conditions. The best solution is an irrigation system to ensure each plant’s unique water requirements are met.

Perennials

Many plants that are annuals in other locations can survive year-round in South Florida. One of the prime attractions of perennials is that they don’t have to be replanted every year. They may lose their leaves or die back after blooming, only to re-emerge the next year bigger and better than ever.

Mowing

Avoid letting grass grow long, mowing it, then raking and disposing of grass clippings. The secret to less mowing is to maintain lawns at a consistent length during the growing season and at a length that’s appropriate to the specific type of lawn grass planted.

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 has 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

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Palm trees are a favorite of many individuals and they have a prominent place in the landscapes of South Florida. They flourish in the climate and there’s a myriad of species from which to choose. The following are some popular choices and will provide a beautiful addition to any landscape.

Canary Island Date

Native to the Canary Islands as the name indicates, it’s also known as the pineapple palm. While the dates it produces are edible, they’re not of the highest quality. The tree’s primary value is as an ornamental that grows 33 to 66 ft. tall. There are records noting rare instances of specimens attaining heights of 131 ft.

Royal Palm

Tall and stately, royal palms grow 1 to 2 ft. per year with a mature height of 50 to 80 ft., though 90 ft. heights are possible. They produce fragrant cream-colored blossoms and dark purple fruits called nuts. It can be grown indoors with sufficient light, but won’t attain its natural height. It’s resistant to a variety of insect pests and diseases.

Cat Palm

With a maximum height of 6 to 8 ft. and a fluffy appearance, its an excellent choice for growing indoors. It’s often used as a dense, short screen when grown outdoors. It’s a type of cluster palm that doesn’t have a central stem, but rather a clump of stems. It’s a slow growing palm.

Silver Date

Silver date palm is just one of the common names by which the Sylvester palm is known. It’s a slow growing species ranging from 13 to 52 ft., depending on conditions. It’s popular landscaping tree for around pools, as an accent tree and lining streets. The tree has white to yellow blossoms, the fruit can be used to make jelly and wine, and the fronds are silvery-blue in color. Date palms are some of the oldest species in the world.

Bismarck

Growing from 30 to 60 ft. in height, the palm can attain growth rates of 2 to 3 ft. per year under optimal  conditions. It should be planted away from buildings due to its wide root system and large crown. Foliage is silver-blue.

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 has 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

Florida residents are unique in that they have a wide variety of plants they can cultivate in their yard and garden to get them in the Christmas spirit. However, you should be aware that many of the plants associated with the holidays are toxic to pets and children.

Amaryllis

The big, beautiful blossoms of amaryllis can easily be 6 inches across and they’re long lasting. Get bulbs in Nov. and they’ll bloom in 4 to 8 weeks. They need indirect sun and don’t overwater them.

Candy Cane Sorrel

The red and white striped, trumpet shaped blooms can be grown in full sun or partial shade. The blooms fold up at night, further enhancing the candy cane appearance. They’re low-growing and are great planted near the door. They don’t like high heat or humidity, so they often wither during the summer. They like direct sunlight or partial shade.

Cyclamen

Available in red, white, pink and purple, they’re especially welcoming around the front door. They prefer cooler temperatures, should be planted in the autumn, and protected from temps 40 F and below. They’re toxic to children and pets.

Holly

Resistant to hurricanes, the green foliage and red berries are indicative of the holiday season. Only female holly plants bear berries. Left on its own, holly can grow 12 ft. wide and 40 ft. tall. It’s best grown as a hedge.

Mistletoe

A parasitic plant, it must attach itself to another plant to grow and thrive. It can be grown on elm, hackberry, laurel oak, sycamore and wild cherry. Mistletoe is poisonous when ingested. Always wash your hands after handling it.

Poinsettia

The tropical plant is associated with Christmas and the holiday season. In South Florida, it can be planted outdoors, though it typically doesn’t thrive due to overwatering. It needs at least 6 hours of indirect sunlight, temperatures between 55 and 65 F. at night, and 65 to 70 F in the day. Water sparingly and only when the leaves feel dry to the touch.

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 has 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

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There are evergreen shrubs that will grow and thrive in South Florida and they’re not of the fir, pine or spruce variety. Many produce berries and blossoms. Growing evergreens can be challenging if they’re not given the right conditions. The best shrub will be different for each person.

Banana Shrub

A member of the magnolia family, it slowly grows to 10 ft. tall and can be trimmed to keep it in shape. It has fragrant yellow blossoms of 1½  inches in spring that stay until summer. It works well as a screen, in borders and can even be espaliered.

Chinese Fringe Flower

It blooms in spring with long-lasting pink, frilly blossoms. It attains a vase shape with drooping branches and does best in full sun or partial shade. It grows 6 to 15 ft. tall and has a spread similar in size. The shrub can be grown as a hedge, border or screen. Depending on the shrub, it can have red, yellow, pink or white flowers in single or double blooms. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is resistant to heat, drought and salt.

Firebush

Blooming almost year-round, the bush has 4-to-8-inch leaves. Blossoms are reddish-orange, tube shaped, and attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. It produces small, black berries, can grow up to 12 ft. in height, and is drought and salt tolerant. Plant it in full sun to shade as a screen or hedge.

Gardenia

The sweet-smelling flowers of gardenia will perfume an entire yard. Blooms can be red, yellow, pink and some have purple mottling, it creates a low hedge of 2 to 4 ft. tall, depending on the variety.

Pineapple Guava

Salt and drought tolerate, it grows up to 15 ft. tall. Pink or white 2 in. flowers appear in spring and the egg-shaped fruit is edible. It’s low maintenance and prefers full sun to partial shade.

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 has 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

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Real estate agents will be the first to tell you that a home must have curb appeal when trying to sell it. Curb appeal refers to how attractive your home looks when viewed by a potential buyer approaching the house.

Real estate agents often suggest a new coat of paint, cleaning windows or even upgrading a mailbox. Curb appeal should also extend to your landscape design, since buyers are purchasing the entire package, not just the house.

The good news is that you don’t have to spend a bundle to add aesthetic value to your yard. There are a variety of inexpensive ways to flatter your grounds without calling in the landscapers.

Mulch

If you already have mulch in flowerbeds and around trees or bushes, put down a new application to make everything look bright and new. If you haven’t mulched, consider doing so. It’s good for the plants, soil, and it’s a low-cost option.

Instant Color

Plant some colorful annuals around the front door or along a walkway. They provide a splash of color and add a welcoming touch to entryways. Alternatively, you might want to consider a couple of containers with those bright annuals or some hanging baskets.

Trees and Bushes

Trim any dead or unsightly limbs from trees and do the same with bushes to make them neat and tidy looking. Remove any dead branches, leaves or debris on the ground and don’t forget to remove the remnants of any trimming you’ve done.

Tidy Perennials

Perennial flowers tend to get out of hand without annual maintenance. Eliminate dead or dying plants. If you want to take a particular flower to your new home, now is a good time to dig it up.

Irrigation, Water Features

Make sure the irrigation system is working well and scrub down any water fountains. Clear algae from ponds and attend to any faucet leaks.

Power Washing

Use a power washer to clean steps, walkways and driveways. A power washer is also a good way to clean water fountains.

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 has 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

Planning a new landscape or updating an old one is fun and exciting. To ensure the job is done right, you’ll want to engage the services of a professional. You’ll have many questions for your landscape designer and the following four are essential.

Know Your Budget

Before you contact a landscape designer, know how much you have available to spend and make a list of what elements you want to include. A designer can work with you to help you stay within your budget. You may decide some elements aren’t as important as you first thought or you might want to approach your design in multiple stages.

Services Offered

You’ll want a landscape designer experienced in the features you want installed and if the company offers consultations. You might also want them to manage the landscape when it’s completed. Some landscape professionals only design, while others offer design and build services. A full-service landscape design service will create a design, build it, oversee every step of the process, and offer a maintenance program.

Time

Landscape design takes time. Talk with the designer to ascertain how long the installation will require. Much depends on the size and scope of the project, the type of plants selected, and the availability of materials.

The same is true for the time it will take for the landscaping to grow into itself. Don’t expect a project that looks like it’s been there for years. Flowers can grow into their space in as little as 1 season. Trees and shrubs can take several years to attain their full size and fill in their area.

Credentials

Don’t be shy. Ask the landscape designer to see his portfolio and ask for references. Make sure the company is licensed and fully insured. Accidents do happen and you’ll want to know that your landscape designer is prepared for any contingency.

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 has 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

Standing water is becoming a far greater problem than it has been in the past. Nature will typically find a way to rid itself of excess water. New home and business developments are changing the way that nature responds, leading to puddling and localized flooding. For those experiencing any of those problems, there are solutions.

Wise Watering

One of the most common sources of standing water is overwatering. Those with sprinkler systems that discover puddling should have an irrigation specialist check the system. Heads can become damaged and misaligned. The same is true for modern systems with moisture detection technology. The water flow to certain areas may need to be adjusted.

Thatch Buildup

Grass clippings and other organic materials can build up between the soil and the green zone of lawns. It occurs when organic material builds up faster than it can decompose. That buildup is known as thatch and can prevent water from penetrating the soil.

Rain Garden

One way to address excess water when a yard contains a slope and water collects is to create a rain garden. It catches rainwater, helps the soil absorb it, and can attract bees, birds and butterflies with the right plantings.

A rain garden filters water before it reaches streams, rivers and other waterways. It facilitates drainage and may even qualify individuals for a government rebate. A rain garden is a highly effective and inexpensive way to manage water and improve the environment.

Drainage System

Individuals may need to have professionals design and install a drainage system, depending on the topography of the property. It can involve installing underground pipes to channel water away and into storm drains. People can also choose what’s known as a French drain system, a gravel filled trench that directs water away from a home or business.

Dry Well

The technique is simple. It’s a deep hole filled with rocks. Water flows into the well, drains through the rocks and into the soil. It’s a good long-term solution and inexpensive. A dry well can be combined with a French drain system.

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 has 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

Everyone with plant beds wants an aesthetically pleasing landscape, but it can easily devolve into a lot of time, energy, money and work for regular maintenance. Plant beds can encompass traditional flowers, along with bushes and shrubs. For those that prefer to minimize the work aspect so they can enjoy the fruits of their labor, there are low-maintenance strategies to consider.

Perennials

The great thing about perennials is that they don’t have to be planted every year. There are flowering types and attractive options that are appreciated for their unique foliage. Annuals can be included in the mix for additional interest.

Drought Resistance

Planting drought resistant varieties of flowers, grasses, bushes and shrubs will minimize the amount of moisture needed and can help save on water bills.

Landscaping Fabric

Use professional grade landscaping fabric around plants to minimize weed growth. The fabric is economical and its perforated, allowing moisture to pass through and reach the soil.

Mulch

Mulching is an essential element in any landscape. It aids in retaining moisture so plants need less watering and helps enrich the soil. Wood mulch is the most often used. Rocks, stone, and even colored glass can be utilized, but they don’t improve the soil and tend to retain heat. Mulch of any type helps minimize weed growth.

Irrigation

Even though South Florida receives a substantial amount of rain, plants will still need watering at some point. Installing an irrigation system eliminates the time-consuming task of watering and ensure that each zone receives the optimal amount of moisture.

Trees, Flowers and Shrubs

Use a combination of all three types of plantings for beauty, shade and landscape variation. All three have their place in the landscape. Be sure and intersperse some evergreens for year-round interest and color. Individuals that choose to plant vines should ensure that they’re easy to keep with their specific bounds and won’t need a lot of pruning or training to keep them from invading other spaces.

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 has 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

Hanging baskets are a beautiful and welcoming addition for homes or businesses. They provide a bright spot of color and can be suspended from porches, decks and fences. However, the baskets typically contain plants that need frequent watering and it’s easy to forget to water them regularly. The solution is drought resistant flowers that will survive a minor dry spell.

Bougainvillea

Typically used as a climbing vine, it can also be confined to a basket for a brilliant spot of color. It likes the sun and will often bloom most of the year. Multiple colors are available. It’s popular with butterflies, hummingbirds and moths.

Calibrachoa

Often called million bells due to their profuse blooming habit, they spill nicely over a hanging basket. They like the sun, are available in multiple colors, and the flowers resemble miniature versions of petunias. It’s attractive to hummingbirds.

Ivy Geraniums

Trailing geraniums are perennials with single or double flowers in multiple colors. They create a waterfall effect as they trail over the edge of a hanging basket. They prefer full sun to light shade and some are scented.

Moss Roses

The portulaca plant is neither a moss nor a rose. These succulents offer a rainbow of solid and bi-colors. They prefer full sun, will easily self-sow, and drape artfully over the edge of a hanging basket.

Petunias

Available in a multitude of solid and bi-colors, some are also fragrant. They don’t mind full sun and can be grown as perennials in South Florida, even though they’re considered annuals in most of the U.S.

Trailing Lantana

Bursting with clusters of lavender flowers highlighted by white centers, it’s popular with bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. It can grow in full sun or partial shade. Normally used as a ground cover, it will drape nicely over the side of a hanging basket.

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 has 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