Vines are an often overlooked landscaping tool that brings beauty to environments and can provide a food source to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Many people are reluctant to plant vines, particularly in South Florida, due to the tendency of some to grow wildly. The plants encompass a wide variety of species, can be used in multiple ways within any landscape, and many are quite well-behaved.

Fencing

One of the most popular uses of vines is to camouflage and beautify fencing. They’re equally well-suited grown over lattice to hide items such as electrical boxes, generators, and trash receptacles.

Privacy

Vines can work extremely well as a privacy screen. They can be grown to cover and grow over fences, decks, patios and porches.

Accents

An arbor, trellis or pergola can be a focal point in any garden, but think how much more attractive either would be covered in a flowering vine as an accent to the landscape. Seasonal vines such as morning glories are also popular for dressing up a mailbox.

Ground Cover

Most people think of vines as upward growing plants, but some can be used creatively as a ground cover for areas that are prone to erosion, are difficult to reach with a mower, and where grass may not grow easily.

Vertical Gardening

For those that want to combine the use of vines with an edible garden, there are a wide variety of fruits and vegetables that grow on vines and can be easily cultivated in the landscape. Certain varieties of beans, peas, tomatoes, kiwis, and strawberries grow on vines that can be trained where individuals want them to grow and are ideal for vertical gardening.

The vines of seasonal fruits and vegetables will typically need to be removed after harvesting, but others such as grapes will endure for many years. It’s essential that individuals do their research before planting. Some fruits and vegetables, such as melons, squash and cucumbers, can be heavy and the vines won’t be able to carry their weight.

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

Landscaping is far more difficult than it appears. The professionals make it look easy due to their extensive experience. They also bring an enormous amount of technical knowledge to landscaping projects. A professional will know the composition of the soil and what plants will grow best in it. They can create and install irrigation systems tailored to a specific location.

A landscaper will know what plants to use, based on an individual’s preferences, such as low-maintenance, water saving, or one that’s attractive to butterflies. Landscapers know how to frame a property to make it stand out, while adhering to local standards. They’ll also be able to pull all the numerous permits required for a landscaping project.

Individuals will see some immediate benefits and value after a landscaping project is completed, but landscaping is also an endeavor that pays dividends over time. There’s only one opportunity to make a good first impression and that’s particularly important if a home owner anticipates selling a property in the future. A properly landscaped home provides enhanced curb appeal.

Most individuals cultivate plants they like or that catch their eye in the moment. It can lead to an overgrown, cluttered, disorganized, and incoherent appearance. A landscaping professional leaves nothing to chance. They preplan every aspect of the environment, down to the smallest detail, with a vision to how it will look in the future as the plants grow and evolve.

Landscapes require a certain amount of tending and maintenance, even those that are easy-care. The needs of homeowners change over the years, along with their ability and available time they can devote to tasks. A landscaper can take an individual’s vision for their ultimate landscape and pair it with specific needs to arrive at a solution that’s beautiful and functional.

A mature landscape is one that adds more value to a home than a newly completed project. It’s just one of the reasons that individuals should plan early in their property ownership for appropriate landscaping. When it’s time to sell, the landscape will provide buyers with an immediate impression of a property that’s been well-maintained and add significantly to the purchase price of any home.

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

Everyone wants a lush, green lawn. It provides a friendly place for playing and entertaining. Obtaining that elusive and highly desirable greenery requires forethought and some work on your part, but the results are well worth the effort.

Fertilizer

Fertilizer feeds a lawn, providing it with essential nutrients. Choose one that’s high in nitrogen and features a time release formula. It can be applied from spring through fall, but not during times of drought. It’s a good idea to water immediately following application.

Grass

All grass is not created equal. Some are heat tolerate, while others are not. St. Augustine grass has become the gold standard for South Florida lawns, but others such as Bahia, Bermuda, Buffalo, and Zoysia are also good choices. St. Augustine grass has the advantage of being able to flourish in the heat and humidity of Florida summers without requiring an exceptional amount of maintenance throughout the year.

Insects

Too little moisture or not enough can result in a pest infestation of epic proportions that can be time consuming and expensive to eradicate. Chinch bugs are a particular concern in South Florida. They can be controlled with a pesticide application.

Mowing

You may be keeping your lawn to short without knowing it. You’ll typically want to mow about three times per month during summer and twice a month during the winter months. A good rule of thumb is to only cut 1/3 of the total grass length on each mowing to keep lawns looking good and promote root growth.

Water

A properly designed and installed irrigation system is the best way to ensure lawns receive the correct amount of moisture – and at the right time. Water restrictions are in force during some times of the year and a programmable irrigation system enables lawns to flourish while enabling you to adhere to water restrictions.

Weeds

It’s easy for weeds to get a foothold and they steal the nutrients meant for your lawn. Herbicides can be applied to inhibit their growth. Select an herbicide that contains both a pre- and post-emergent formula. It will control weeds throughout the growth cycle and will mean less time spent on the task for you.

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

Weeds need no encouragement to take root and burst forth into seed bearing blooms determined to perpetuate their lifecycle. There are multiple steps that homeowners can take to minimize weed growth and they’re best used in combination for the greatest level of prevention.

Landscape Fabric

For new plant beds, installing a layer of landscape fabric is essential and will form the basis of any weed control program. It smothers weeds before they have a chance to grow and multiply. Landscape fabric can be installed in existing beds, but it’s much more difficult, isn’t as effective as applying it before planting, and can be frustrating if homeowners are doing it themselves.

Mulch

Mulching plant beds is another effective way to control weeds in existing beds and preserve moisture that plants need. Mulch will also keep the ground cooler. A sufficiently thick layer of mulch aids in preventing weeds from sprouting and mulch can be utilized effectively in existing beds.

Organic Remedies

An increasing number of people are opting to employ organic solutions to control weeds rather than using chemicals. That includes formulas of vinegar, salt or minerals. While those methods can work, homeowners also run the risk of damaging concrete and brick surfaces and killing the plants in the beds.

It can also create areas where plants won’t grow for extended periods of time. Individuals can use a hand tool to till the soil to disrupt weed growth, while deadheading buds to prevent them from flowering and spreading more seeds in the bed.

Hand Pulling

Weeds are easier to remove after a rain or following irrigation because the soil is wet. It can be a time consuming process if weeds have gained a substantial foothold.

Weed Killers

Chemical solutions are available that are effective, but they can also be harmful to the very plants that individuals are trying to protect. Chemical options are also dangerous to children and pets. If chemicals seem to be the best solution, they should only be applied by a professional.

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

There are dozens of palm tree species and one to suit every need. They have a diverse array of shapes and heights, enabling them to fit in any landscape. Palms also have a range of leaf colors to add interest.

Palms run the gamut from sun-loving to shade, with varieties that can be grown in containers around the pool to those that can soar to heights of 98 ft. Some are even able to tolerate temperatures slightly below freezing and are drought-hardy, while others prefer significant amounts of water.

Coconut Palms

Tall and stately, after the age of 6-10 years they begin to produce edible coconuts. The fruits should be removed to prevent them from falling and injuring people, pets, and causing damage to fences, buildings, and vehicles. Coconut palms can live up to 80 years, can grow 98 ft. tall, prefer full sun, and need well-drained soil.

European Fan Palm

A palm that grows 8-15 ft. tall, it has a spread of 6-10 ft. and its hardy nature has made it a favorite in South Florida. It’s equally at home at poolside, as an accent piece in the landscape, and can even be grown in containers. Fronds range from light green to sliver and the palm produces small clusters of yellow flowers with insignificant fruits. The palm grows in clumps rather than single trunks and it’s able to withstand temperatures of up to minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

Montgomery Palm

An ideal tree for planting near pools, it has stiff fronds of feathery emerald green that form a fan shape. It’s a jaunty looking palm with a somewhat furry/fuzzy appearance that’s able to fit in small spaces with an average height of 25-35 ft. It’s equally at home in residential and commercial settings. They require full sun, plenty of moisture, and require little maintenance.

Red Sealing Wax Palms

The stems of these palms are the color of red sealing wax. They produce feathery green leaves and prefer locations that are shady and receive significant amounts of water. Highly ornamental, they’re slow growing, have the potential to reach 50 ft. in height, and have fronds that can grow five ft. long. They produce fruits that ripen to a bluish-black color, can grow in shady areas, and are resistant to major diseases and pests.

Pygmy Date Palm

This is an excellent palm for multiple environments where a smaller tree is desired. It grows 6-10 ft. in height with fronds of up to 6 ft. in length. It produces small, yellow flowers followed by tiny dates that are purple. It can be planted in containers, within landscapes, and around pools. It does require significant moisture and can need occasional pruning to remove foliage that’s old or has sustained damage from pests or disease.

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 best things about perennials is that they’re planted once and they come back year after year. They deserve a special place in every landscape and depending on the selection, they’re equally appropriate as specimen plants, in beds, and as groundcovers. They can even be planted by bloom times to create a continuous cascade of flowers.

South Florida’s climate provides gardeners with a wide variety of perennial selections from which to choose. There are literally dozens of perennials that offer bountiful blossoms and a rainbow of colors. Many also act as magnets to honeybees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

Begonias

The darlings of gardeners everywhere, in South Florida they provide interest year-round. They’re bountiful bloomers in shades of red, white, yellow, orange, and pink. Begonias can be used as hanging plants or in containers, trailing types can be trained to climb, and they can be planted directly into beds. They’re offered in single and double flowering types.

Crossandra

The plant can grow up to 3 ft. tall with flowers that can range from peach and apricot to vivid orange. It’s a prolific bloomer with some species that prefers partial shade, while others do best with full sun. They’re highly attractive to butterflies.

Egyptian Star Flower

The flowers appear in clusters of red, blue, pink and lavender. They’re heat tolerant, prolific bloomers, and will need 4-6 hours of full sun each day. Growing 18-22 inches in height, they’re also disease resistant and are particularly attractive to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

Shrimp Plant

Shrimp plant is available in pink to salmon colored varieties, along with golden shrimp plant that has bright, yellow flower bracts and white blossoms. It prefers full sun, but can withstand partial shade. Depending on the variety, it can range in height from 18-48 inches. Butterflies find the golden variety especially attractive.

Flowers for Every Need

There are dozens of perennial flower varieties that will thrive in South Florida’s climate and offer months of beautiful blossoms. Many also have the benefit of providing a valuable food source for hummingbirds and pollinators that include bees and butterflies. Gardeners are really only limited to what their imaginations can envision.

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

Obtaining a degree of privacy is becoming an increasingly difficult proposition for people, even in their own yards. The good news is that homeowners have access to multiple landscaping techniques and strategies to obtain the privacy they crave that also beautifies their property. Anyone can have an immediate privacy solution with the innovative options now available.

Fabric

One of the newer trends in privacy barriers is fabric curtains of waterproof materials placed in strategic areas. They require a framework that must be erected and depending on how they’re installed, can also provide protection from sun and wind.

Fencing

People have been using fences for centuries to protect property, possessions, and privacy. Fencing is available in wood, metal, vinyl, concrete, stone, brick, and a variety of innovative materials that can even withstand hurricane force winds.

Hedges

One of the most commonly used methods of carving out some privacy, a hedge provides a living, eco-friendly barrier that also offers cover and hiding spots for birds. Hedges can be created from a wide range of traditional bushes, bamboo, and evergreens to accommodate multiple needs and preferences.

Latticework and Trellises

Latticework and trellises can provide a screen, but won’t offer the same degree of privacy as a fence or hedge. A latticework barrier or trellis also provides a frame against which flowering vines can be planted for additional coverage and beautification options.

Raised Beds

Raised beds provide additional height, allowing homeowners to plant smaller, low-maintenance, and dwarf species. It’s particularly beneficial for smaller yards, spaces where full-size plant varieties aren’t an appropriate fit.

Vertical Grids

These are finding favor with urban dwellers and involve support structures installed in such a way that enables vertical growing of multi-level flowers, herbs, vines, and vegetables. Vertical growing is typically used to create an alcove of privacy in smaller yards.

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

There are a variety of ways to add interest to residential landscapes that are inexpensive. Most people automatically think of plants in regard to landscapes, but landscaping also encompasses pathways, fountains, ponds, statuary, and even mulching can make a significant change in the appearance and care of landscapes. With a little imagination, anyone can create innovative, one-of-a-kind solutions on a budget.

Firepit

A firepit is a great place to gather with family and friends to spend leisure time. Consider purchasing concrete retaining wall blocks or cinder blocks to create a DIY firepit. Even rocks can be used to build a homemade firepit. The materials can be fashioned into any shape or height to accommodate individual space requirements. It doesn’t have to be big to be effective.

Lighting

LED string lights emit more illumination than traditional bulbs so individuals can use fewer of them and they’re much cheaper to operate. One advantage is that they can be strung horizontally, vertically, placed in trees, and around flower beds. Rope lighting is another low-cost option.

Mulching

Adding mulch around plants, bushes and trees will give landscapes an updated appearance, aid in reducing weed growth, and save money on watering costs. Mulch is available in multiple forms encompassing wood and cocoa chips, stone, specially processed rubber, and lava rock.

Planters

A planter can add warmth and provide a focal point. Inexpensive planters of wood, plastic and pottery can be found at yard sales and second hand stores. Ordinary items such as rubber tires and almost any type of jars or bottles can be painted and repurposed into a planter. Even old wooden pallets and ladders can be transformed into tiered, vertical planters rather than horizontal options.

Seating

A wide variety of gently used furniture can be found at yard sales and thrift shops for outdoor seating. Sealants can be used to waterproof wood and similar materials. Waterproof cushions can be added for additional comfort.

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

Once your new landscape is completed, there are things you’ll need to do to maintain it and you have two choices – do it yourself or hire a professional. You may want to know when to fertilize, prune, take the stakes off young trees, or how often to mow.

Fertilizing

Your landscaper will have applied fertilizer when he/she installed the plantings. The best time for fertilizing lawns and other plantings is in the spring when they’ll be gathering nutrients to produce new leaves or buds. Check to see if there are any restrictions in your area in regard to fertilizing.

Mowing

If sod was laid in your new landscape, the first mowing can take place about 14 days later. The optimal height for lawn grass is approximately 2 ½ inches. At each mowing, you should never remove more than 1/3 of the grass blade to ensure continued good growth.

Pruning

Chances are your new trees, bushes or hedges won’t need trimming for quite some time. Avoid heavy pruning whenever possible and always trim during the winter season. Pruning and trimming stimulates new growth, which also means your plants will need more moisture.

Tree Stakes

There are no hard and fast rules about removing tree stakes. Trees typically anchor themselves sufficiently in 6-12 months. Keeping a tree staked too long will hinder and stunt its growth. One of the ways trees develop strong trunks is by moving freely in the breeze.

Water

A new landscape will require water and unless you’ve installed a programmable irrigation system, you’ll have to take care of the task yourself. Always water during the coolest parts of the day – it allows moisture to go into the ground and minimize evaporation in the heat.

Weed Control

Weeds are especially bad for flower beds. They rob the soil of nutrients needed by any new plantings. If the beds were installed by a landscaper, chances are an under layer of plastic was laid and mulch was applied. Both work to prevent weeds, but homeowners should be vigilant. Many weeds have very small seeds that can easily gain a footing.

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

Everyone likes to save money and that’s especially true with landscaping projects. It can be expensive to create the landscape of your dreams and many people don’t realize how many options they have or the extraordinary results that can be accomplished with a little imagination. The following are just some of the ways you can save on your next landscaping project.

Mixing, Matching and Sales

Fantastic, low cost elements for the landscape can be found at yard sales and end-of-season sales. It doesn’t matter whether you’re searching for lawn furniture, tools, plants, or unique decorative items, inexpensive additions can often be found in unexpected places.

Plant for the Climate

An English garden design in an arid landscape is going to cost a fortune in water and maintenance. Measures like companion planting and mulching will allow you to have some of what you envision while compromising with soil and climate.

Repurposing

Instead of ripping everything out and starting from scratch, consider repurposing some of the elements you may already have. Bricks, fencing, decorative features, and plantings ranging from flowers to trees can be moved and reused in the new design.

Slopes and Inclines

Leveling and moving soil around can be expensive. Rather than filling or removing soil, consider planting ground covers. They can produce beautiful flowers that provide food for bees and butterflies, while helping to arrest erosion.

Start Small

There’s joy to be found in starting your own plants and nurturing them until they’re large enough for the garden rather than purchasing full grown specimens. Instead of large urns by the front door, start with smaller flower pots or even consider using a couple of hanging plants instead.

Think of the Future

Landscapes aren’t static. They evolve and change over time. Envision how your landscape will appear even five years into the future, along with how much time, money, and maintenance it will require. Your circumstances may change and you’ll want a landscape you can continue to enjoy throughout various stages of your life. It may be tempting to plant all your favorites, but resist overplanting.

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