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

Edging is an extremely useful tool within the landscape. It clearly delineates the line between flower beds and lawn and provides a clear barrier to keep visitors out of certain areas. It facilitates the creation of crisp lines for a well-groomed landscape and prevents grass from entering flower beds, while working to keep mulch or gravel from straying out of bounds.

Edging can take multiple forms, from simple trench types to luxury paving stones. The method and material will be dictated by its primary purpose and personal preference. Most edging is function-based, but some types known as beauty edging are offered entirely for their aesthetic value.

No matter what the purpose, edging should complement the existing landscape. Much will depend on whether the individual is seeking a smooth blending of shades or a splash of color to draw attention.

Variety of Options

Edging is offered in heavy-duty plastic, wood, brick, steel and masonry. Options are available for those that prefer an informal look and those that want a very formal style. Edging can be low and flat or wide and high.

• Plastic edging is flexible, easy to install, and highly affordable.
• Metal edging is much like the plastic variety, lasts longer, but is far less flexible.
• Brick is long-lasting, available in a wide range of styles and colors, provides a uniform appearance, and can be used to customize a design.
• Concrete edging is offered in pre-formed, ready to use sections. It can be installed as-is or custom designs can be created.
• Stone is versatile, can be used in conjunction with mortar, and equally applicable for formal and freestyle appearances.
• Wood is an affordable option and works best for straight lines. Wooden edging typically lasts about 10 years and is most often used when an informal appearance is desired.

Every edging type requires preparation and specific installation for it to be effective and the work involved can be considerable. Edging is one of the easiest and most effective ways to create lines and borders within a landscape and satisfy the aesthetic desires for any 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

The tasteful addition of rocks is an easy way to update the entire appearance of residential or commercial properties. There are dozens of types of rocks in multiple sizes that can be used to provide color, contrast, and texture. Rocks also make a long-lasting, low or no-maintenance groundcover or mulch.

Choosing the right rock

It’s important to choose the right rocks for the job since they’ll last for many years. Rocks and stones can lighten or darken an area. Some complement specific types of landscapes, but aren’t appropriate for formal gardens and grounds. The materials can also be utilized to highlight a specimen plant, create a centerpiece, start a rock garden, or border a backyard pond.

For those with container gardens, rocks provide a solid and colorful base upon which to place urns and other planters. Rocks offer an adaptive way to address drainage problems or areas in which water restrictions are in effect. Rocks and stones are one of the most versatile tools in a landscaper’s repertoire.

Decorative Options

Property owners can choose from decorative options that includes river rock, pea gravel, decomposed or crushed granite, and lava rock with its bold and brilliant colors. Marble, basalt and quartz chips are also available, along with polished pebbles in multiple colors and sizes.

The spectrum of stones and rocks offered for today’s landscaping needs run the gamut, from pure white and black, to shades of pink, gray, warm golden brown, and multi-colored assortments. For a little added fun, consider adding a few faux rocks that glow in the dark and recharge with the sun’s rays.

Rocks in landscaping have a wide variety of decorative and practical purposes. It’s easy to paint your landscape with rocks in multiple colors and shades that will enhance and beautify any outdoor environment.

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

People trying to sell their home hear a lot about curb appeal and landscaping is an essential element for anyone that wants to make their property more attractive to buyers. There’s a myriad of effective and inexpensive ways to make a home look more appealing when viewed from the road.

Plant Flowers

A few well-placed bursts of color will create a warm and welcoming appearance that brightens up any property. Drought-resistant plants that also have attractive blooms are a bonus. They don’t require as much care or water so they save on watering costs and are particularly popular with eco-friendly buyers.

Mulch is a Friend

Mulch has a multitude of benefits and works to present a sophisticated appearance. The use of mulch will aid in suppressing weed growth, help retain moisture for plants, and enhance soil quality.

Clean it Up

Clutter on the outside of a home is just as bad as it is for the interior when trying to sell a property. Keep the lawn mowed and remove debris and any tree twigs. Make sure to rake any dead grass areas and under trees and bushes. For those with patios, walkways and paved drives, make sure paving and stones are moss free and no cracked concrete is visible. Clean-up also includes pruning dead branches and overgrown bushes for a tidy appearance.

Hire a Landscaper

Homeowners don’t have to contract for a full-scale renovation project. Professional landscapers can help with tree and hedge trimming, repairing damaged irrigation systems, sowing grass seed in bare spots, and mulching.

Make it Happy

A property that has been landscaped looks happy and commands a significantly higher price. Even little things can make a big difference to a buyer and the strategies don’t have to be costly to implement. Ideally, homeowners should begin their efforts approximately a month before the property goes on the market. For those that don’t have the time to perform the tasks themselves or are unable to do so, a professional landscaper is an ideal solution.

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

The nature of modern mulch has changed radically over the years. While wood mulch is still the choice that’s most often used, many people aren’t even aware of the many options that are now available. A professional landscaper will know the composition of the soil and can choose the best mix. A professional will also know if a particular type is toxic to pets, such as mulch made from roasted cocoa bean shells.

Hardwood chips and shreds – The mulch is a byproduct created from paper and lumber industries. It’s a favorite in woodland settings and pathways, works well in areas that collect water, and on slopes. It can last up to three years before it needs to be reapplied, is inexpensive, and is lighter in color.

Cedar chips and shreds – Cedar mulch is darker in color and widely available. It gives landscaping a more manicured look. It’s not a good choice for soil with a low pH, but it’s good at repelling fungus, bacteria and insect pests.

Pine chips, shreds, needles and “straw” – In any form, it’s a good mulch for plants that like acidic soil. It’s a good choice for slopes and breaks down slowly compared to other mulches. Many people find the silvery color of aging pine mulch unattractive.

Lava Rock – It’s light, airy and has a pleasing color, but is best used around plants that are low maintenance. It lasts forever, but is difficult to remove if homeowners change their mind.

Stone – This can create an elegant and formal effect. When dark colored stones are used they absorb heat and speed up soil evaporation. Lighter colored stones don’t absorb as much heat. Stone is typically used in Southwestern type gardening environments.

Seaweed – It’s particularly beneficial in hot, dry locations but is more difficult to obtain. It acts as an organic fertilizer, doesn’t contain seeds, lightens soil, and repels insects, especially slugs.

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

A beautifully landscaped property is the ideal for every homeowner, but it can require a substantial amount of time, effort and money to maintain. For individuals that are short on time, they can choose low-maintenance plants.

Homeowners should take care when choosing any type of plant for their landscaping needs. While some plants accommodate the low-maintenance criteria, they may also have invasive tendencies that can ultimately result in additional work.

Groundcovers

A number of groundcovers are available. They can range from a mere 2-6 inches, while others can grow to 24 inches. Flowers are typically small, some are very aromatic, and are available for shady and full-sun locations. Groundcovers include crown vetch, creeping sedum, fescue, hosta, peppermint, and creeping thyme.

Ornamental Grasses

This classification includes varieties that mature at 18 inches in height to those that can grow to 10-12 feet tall. They typically have unique or unusual looking “flower” heads and foliage can be green, reddish, variegated and golden yellow. Some spread slowly, while others can grow aggressively, and they’re often used in areas where soil erosion is a problem. Some varieties are feather reed grass, ribbon grass, and fountain grass.

Shrubs

Some shrubs remain relatively small, while others in the category can be grown as small trees. They may produce flowers, fruits eaten by birds, and foliage that can transition to red, yellow, orange and reddish-purple. Some examples are tree peony, smoke tree, and beautyberry

Trees

Some of the most popular low-maintenance trees are smaller specimens that grow from 20-35 feet tall, but make a big impact. These include hawthorn, weeping cherry, Ben Franklin tree, juniper, Japanese red maple, and miniature fruit trees.

Flowers

Low-maintenance flowering plants provide a splash of color in the landscape and attract birds, bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. The foliage remains after the blossoms are spent, typically die to the ground at the end of the season, and include canna lilies, cone flowers, geraniums, and meadow sage.

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