A deck provides an excellent platform for spending time with family and friends. It’s a place to
relax, get closer to nature, entertain, or have a quiet cup of coffee before beginning the day.
The variations in deck design are endless and can be customized in extensive ways. They can
include a roof or roll-out awning, a bench or swing, or outdoor kitchen.
Decks can be placed in the front, back or side of the home, depending on the available space
and access points to the dwelling. They can even be located next to a garage. They’re an
excellent idea for slopes close to a home that that would otherwise be an unusable area and
adds considerably to the value of a home.
Attached Deck
This is the choice that most individuals select for their deck. It’s attached to the home and
provides an easy way to add square footage, while providing an inviting environment. It can
feature built-in seating space and offers an excellent environment for flowering plants and
greenery.
Detached Deck
When an attached deck is out of the question, choose a detached, freestanding one. It can be
positioned almost anywhere and essentially acts like an island in the landscape. Access can be
by way of a footpath or stairway, depending on the chosen height.
Rooftop Deck
This is an excellent solution for city dwellers and in urban areas for structures with a flat roof.
Individuals will attain an extra level of privacy and space, along with a cooling breeze. Railings
are essential and the space can even accommodate a rooftop garden if desires.
Wrap Around
A wrap around deck will extend around the entire home – or most of it. This type of deck has
the unique ability to facilitate air flow throughout the home when access doors are open. The
deck design opens up uninterrupted views of an entire property. It can be customized with
built-in tables, seating, and roofed areas.
Multi-Level
It will encompass one or more levels at different heights, each of which can be customized for
specific activities such as stargazing. Connected by a stairway or ramp, the style is an ideal

solution for larger properties and those with slopes or rocky terrain. Tiered decks offer a unique
and elaborate option.

Contact RCH Landscaping Today for a Free Estimate

561-779-9760

The sound of water is soothing and relaxing, and many people are constructing backyard waterfalls to rest and recharge. The design includes a small pond. The array of premade pond liners makes it easy to create an aquatic retreat, even for those that have little space.

The Pond

Choose a pre-made pond size to accommodate the space available. The pond is where the water will fall into. Individuals will also need a pump to circulate the water when the cascading wall is complete. Choose where the pond will go.

If there’s a small slope in the yard, it can be utilized to attain more height for the water to fall. A small slope can be created if desired. Dig a hole, place the pond, and fill in around it with the dirt that was removed. A slight incline is needed for the water to run down and back into the pool.

A channel will need to be established between the waterfall and the pond. There are premade channels that can be purchased where the pond was bought. Individuals can also use a flexible liner laid on the ground between the falls and the pond. Rocks can be placed on the liner to hold it down and hide it.

The Waterfall

There are a number of premade waterfalls that can be purchased and easily incorporated into the design. Some are made of precast plastic or concrete. For those that have access to approximately 30 rocks, a waterfall can be constructed, but the rocks will need to be fairly flat with squarish, sharp edges to facilitate water moving over them.

Plastic tubing will need to be run between the pond and the falls. A clay flowerpot works well to anchor and hide the pump, and hold the tubing in place while other work is performed. The tubing will run from the pump to the top of the rocks, where it will cascade over the rocks, down the channel and back into the pool.

Power

A pump is critical to move the water and that will necessitate access to electricity. Individuals will need to have a certified electrician install a line of power to the pond. It’s important to turn off the power whenever individuals are gone or the backyard waterfall isn’t in use.

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

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of working the soil to help plants grow. There are also a number of maintenance tasks that will need to be performed in the landscape such as cutting back vines and bushes, or trimming and pruning trees to keep them healthy and attractive. Before jumping into any outdoor tasks, it’s important for individuals to have the right tools for the job.

Protective Clothing

Protective clothing encompasses a variety of items for performing yard work. Canvas work pants or jeans protect legs against flying grass when mowing or weed eating. Long-sleeved shirts provide the same protections for arms.

For those that will be digging in the soil, using compost or applying manure, or mulching, gloves are critical. They protect against injuries ranging from splinters to thorns, but there’s an even more serious reason for gloves. Soil can contain a variety of naturally occurring bacteria, fungi and viruses that can make people very ill.

Helmets

From tree pruning to cleaning the gutters, the potential always exists for a fall. Those accidents result in thousands of instances of injuries, disability and even fatalities across the nation each year. There are different types of protective helmets available that are specially developed for protection while performing specific tasks.

Headphones

Noise-canceling headphones are more than a convenience, they protect your hearing from permanent damage through exposure to the high decibel levels of lawnmowers, weed whackers, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, chainsaws, and chippers. The best solution is a set of specially designed headphones, but even plastic, foam or silicone earplugs are preferable to no protection at all.

Goggles

Any type of electric or motorized garden tool has the ability to sling debris into the eyes of the user and anyone else nearby. A good pair of safety goggles is an essential pre-emptive tool for preventing injuries to the eyes. Safety eyeglasses are also available, but don’t provide the same level of protection as goggles.

Other Tools

Yard work can encompass a great many tasks and no one should be without hand tools. They can include a rake, hoe, shears, and small hand tools such a trowel and a long-handled tool for harvesting fruit from home orchards. A small sprayer makes the application of liquid fertilizer, insecticides and herbicides much easier. Don’t forget to include a wheelbarrow for transporting anything around 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 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 is a fortunate place to live for gardeners. Unlike colder climates where gardening depends on the whims of the weather and seasons, people in Florida can garden even during the winter. It’s also an ideal time to introduce kids to the joys of gardening and growing their own food.

Make a Plan

Decide what you want to plant, preferably vegetables that kids actually enjoy eating. Plants will need to be located in an area in which they receive at least six hours of light each day. Since watering will be part of the gardening process, make sure the garden is near a ready source of water that doesn’t have to be carried a significant distance.

You can use raised beds or create an in-ground bed. For success, pay attention to optimal planting dates as there is variation depending upon which part of the state you live. You can purchase seedlings for some plants, while some seeds can be planted directly in the ground – a task that’s easy for even young children.

Winter Vegetables

There’s an abundance of cold-weather vegetables that can be cultivated in Florida. They include carrots, radishes and cabbage to arugula, Swiss chard, and multiple types of lettuce. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and kohlrabi are other good choices.

You may be surprised to learn that it’s possible to grow garlic, onions, celery, beans, and English peas during the winter months. You and your child can also cultivate multiple types of herbs. An additional benefit of gardening in the winter is that there will be fewer insect pests to worry about.

Learning Opportunities

There’s nothing quite like the wonder on a child’s face when they harvest the first produce to eat that they’ve grown themselves. Planting a variety of vegetables gives children the opportunity to observe the growing habits of different plant types. Peas and beans also provide an opportunity for your child to learn about vertical gardening.

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’s nothing like the taste of fresh vegetables or the fragrance of a newly picked bouquet of flowers. Millions of people are discovering a new hobby, a healthier lifestyle, and even making extra money through the use of raised gardens.

Rather than placing plants directly in the ground, an increasing number of people are having raised beds constructed, building the containers themselves, or purchasing pre-made kits. Raised beds can be created from a wide variety of materials ranging from wood to stone. Some creative gardeners are even repurposing items such as claw-footed bathtubs to add a decorative look while growing flowers, herbs, and vegetables.

A raised bed can be as plain or elaborate as desired and one of the most welcome features is that they can be created at any desired height to make gardening less stressful and painful on the back. Most people favor beds that are 6-12 inches in height and placed directly on the ground, many individuals are choosing to support their beds on legs so they don’t have to bend over at all.

Raised beds mitigate the tedious and time-consuming task of weeding. They’re ideal for areas where drainage is a problem or the soil is poor and won’t support plants well. Gardeners have the ability to control the type of soil in a raised bed, allowing them to provide optimal conditions for any type or plant they want to grow.

With the addition of a well-supported net, trellis or other structure, individuals can even grow vining and climbing varieties such as morning glories, pole beans, and sugar snap peas. Vertical gardening can easily be combined with raised beds to add additional growing space. It also reduced damage from insects and disease, while facilitating harvesting.

There’s really no limit to what individuals can grow in a raised garden bed, up to and including raspberry canes. Just be sure to select a variety without thorns for ease of harvesting. Fragrant herbs are another choice. When selecting plants, keep in mind that some can be aggressive growers and become invasive if not carefully monitored and controlled.

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

Gardening and landscaping in dry areas can present special challenges. Traditional plantings can be cultivated, but it will be extremely expensive to fight the climate and require a considerable investment of time. The best solution is to compromise with Mother Nature to arrive at some spectacular results. Low-water gardens and landscapes have rapidly gained in popularity across the nation.

They require less maintenance and offer considerable savings in water costs. Even in humid conditions that prevail in Florida, many individuals discover that they have areas within their landscape that are drier than others. For those that don’t have irrigation systems, there are solutions that can save money and transform dry areas into an oasis. The following are just a few ideas for landscaping in dry areas.

Artificial Grass

Lawns require a lot of water and maintenance. By installing artificial grass, individuals won’t be using water to maintain the lawn and there’s no fertilizing or mowing necessary.

Container Gardening

For dry areas of the landscape, don’t overlook the opportunities available in container gardening. It’s easier to care for plants in containers, they require less maintenance, and water requirements are lower.

Ornamental Grass

There are dozens of ornamental grasses available in multiple heights that are ideal for dry areas. They add interest and can be helpful in areas where soil erosion is a concern.

Pick Perennials

For individuals that can’t do without some colorful blossoms, perennials require little care and can produce spectacular flowers. Many varieties are drought-resistant or drought-tolerant, making them ideal for dry areas.

Rock, Stone and Pavers

Consider creating pathways with pavers, mulching with stone, or creating rock pathways for a look that’s contemporary, requires no water, and is low-maintenance. It will also aid in reducing the size of the lawn that has to be mowed, watered, and fertilized.

Succulents

Plants classified as succulents run the gamut from low-level cacti to upright flowering species. They require little water, are low-maintenance, and come in a multitude of shapes, colors and textures. Succulents can produce lush foliage in multiple shades of green and can be an excellent choice for coastal areas.

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

At RCH Landscaping of Boca Raton, FL we believe nature isn’t all one size fits all solution and your yard shouldn’t be either. Property owners can incorporate different sized planting to create a cozy environment for rest and relaxation or give the appearance of a much larger space. There are a number of strategies and landscaping aids that can be utilized to avoid a “flat” looking space that’s interesting and exciting.

A trellis, arbor or fence, along with larger upright plants, adds vertical height and can provide privacy. Flowering vines can be added that will grow over structures to provide visual interest and food for birds, butterflies and bees.

Elevation is a key component that can be accomplished with hanging baskets, raised planters, and pots placed on pillars. Flowers can provide an eye-catching focus, trail over the sides of a planter, or create a mound of sparkling color.

Garden pathways aren’t just for large estates. They add depth, dimension, and a straight patch can draw attention directly into a smaller garden. Larger stones are typically used for straight paths, while smaller stones are utilized in winding paths. A straight path is preferred for smaller gardens to give the impression of a larger space.

The direction in which pathways and even decking is laid can alter the perception of a yard. A pathway laid diagonally gives the impression of space and the same is true of deck planking and patio stones. The techniques make the back of the yard appear farther away.

Another effective technique is to place a burst of red or orange color at entryways with flowers. Red bricks and tropical plants with large leaves can perform the same function and create the same effect. Use cooler flower colors toward the outer borders to create a sense of endless space.

Property owners can take advantage of a centuries-old technique utilized in Japanese landscaping. For those fortunate enough to have a scenic view on the other side of their property border, the eye can be drawn to that view to give the impression of a much larger space. It’s a technique that makes it appear as if the yard is blending into the open spaces beyond the property line.

Above all else, create a focal point. It can be a slightly raised or sunken deck or patio, or even a container garden or raised planter. Specimen plants can be used, a trellis, arbor or fire pit. A professional landscaper or garden design expert has a solution for yards of every size that can accommodate a variety of budgets.

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