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By Rusty,

Plant Guide: Cold-Hardy Plants to Replace Frost-Damaged Ponte Vedra Landscaping

As the winter season comes to an end, it's time to check your landscaping for any damage caused by the cold and frost. You might have noticed that some of your plants have turned brown or wilted. But don't worry, with a little bit of knowledge and planning, you can replace those damaged plants with new ones that are cold-hardy and can survive the winter.

There are many different types of cold-hardy plants that will not only survive the cold, but also add beauty and charm to your yard. So, whether you're just replacing a few shrubs or doing a complete garden overhaul, there's an option that's perfect for your landscape.

Plants that experience freezing temperatures in the winter usually fall into one of two categories: tropical plants and flowering perennials. The list below showcases some of our favorite replacement options for both categories.

To replace tropical plants - some ideas would be:

1. Camellias

camellia

If you're looking to add some color to your yard during the winter months, the camellia is an excellent choice. The camellia maintains its lush green leaves throughout the winter and produces beautiful flowers that can really liven up the otherwise dreary winter landscape. While many other plants are struggling with the cold and losing leaves, the camellia is just getting started, with gorgeous white, pink, or red blooms that can really make your North Florida landscape pop.


2. Century Plant

century plant

The Century plant stands out due to its impressive appearance. In addition to its aesthetic value, this plant is also low-maintenance and can withstand drought, making it a practical addition to any landscape.

3. European Fan Palm

European fan palm

This versatile plant that can add a tropical touch to your landscape in many ways. Its palmate leaves make it an excellent choice for creating a poolside ambiance or as an accent piece in your landscape. This plant can also be grown in containers or clustered in your landscape, making it a flexible option for any design.

4. Cycads (Coontie or Sago)

coontie

This tropical plant is a popular choice due to their ability to survive in various environments and their exotic appearance. They come in a range of shapes and sizes, from shrub-like plants to those that resemble palm trees, and their stems can be either subterranean or thick and trunk-like.

5. Cast Iron (Deep shade)

cast iron

One of the most resilient landscape plants available is the Cast Iron plant. It has large green leaves that form dense beds above the soil and can survive for many years. Cast Iron plants can thrive in soil of average to poor quality. You can use this sturdy tropical plant to create a border around your deck or along a garden pathway.

To replace flowering plants-some ideas would be:
1. Society Garlic

society garlic

Society garlic, known for its delicate, star-shaped purple flowers, is a type of ground cover that thrives in borders or mass plantings. These perennial plants can grow up to one foot tall and make for a beautiful addition to any garden.

2. Drift Roses

drift roses

The Drift Rose is a colorful and abundant bloomer that can add a vivid touch to any North Central Florida landscape all year round. Unlike many other landscaping flowers, such as Lantana, Firespike, Daisies, and Begonias, which freeze back during the winter, the Drift Rose is a hardy perennial that can withstand North Florida's winters. Even though it may not be in full bloom during this time, it still provides a healthy, low-growing green shrub.

3. Dwarf Azaleas (Fashion, Red Ruffle)

dwarf azalea

Azaleas are a popular choice due to their stunning flower masses and vibrant colors, as well as their evergreen foliage and distinctive plant form. In Florida, the blooming season for azaleas varies depending on the cultivar and seasonal changes, typically occurring between late February and early April. While numerous azalea cultivars thrive in north and central Florida, only a few are recommended for the southern regions.

4. Firecracker Plant

firecracker plant

The Firecracker plant has a natural and unstructured growth pattern with cascading fiery red blooms that catch the attention of hummingbirds and butterflies. The tubular flowers, which are primarily red, resemble a burst of fireworks, giving the plant a striking and attractive appearance.

5. Agapanthus

agapanthus

Agapanthus is a popular ornamental plant and is often used in landscaping as a border, mass planting, or as a container plant. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade, and is relatively low-maintenance. This flowering perennial plant typically grows up to 1 to 3 feet tall and about 1 to 2 feet wide. It has long, slender, and strap-like leaves that grow in a clumping formation from a bulbous base. The leaves are typically dark green, but some cultivars have variegated foliage with creamy-white stripes.

6. Evergreen Stella Daylily

evergreen stella daylily

This highly sought-after variety of daylilies known for their durability and long blooming cycle. Being evergreen, the daylilies retain their leaves throughout the year, making them ideal for year-round landscaping. These plants bear a profusion of golden-yellow flowers, each of which lasts only a day, but the plant produces multiple blooms, which extends the blooming period to several weeks. They require minimal care and can be easily grown, pruned, and watered, and flourish well in full to partial sunlight. Stella daylilies are versatile and can be used in a variety of garden settings such as borders, ground covers, or as container plants.

7. Gardenia

gardenia

The gardenia is an evergreen shrub that grow from 2 to 15 feet tall. Although the dark green foliage is attractive, the plant is grown for its flower, a white, fragrant bloom that appears in the spring. Gardenias grow well in Florida’s warmth and humidity and can be used as accent plantings, hedges and container specimens on the patio. The only place in Florida that gardenias will not thrive is along the coast as they are highly salt-intolerant.

Replacing your frost-damaged landscape plants can be a fun and rewarding experience. It allows you to give your garden a fresh look, and at the same time, ensure that your plants are healthy and well-suited to your landscape needs. By planting these resilient options, you can enjoy a beautiful and sustainable landscape all year round. Plus, maintaining healthy plants is important for the overall health of your landscape and the environment. So, embrace the challenge and enjoy the process of replacing your frost-damaged plants. Your garden will thank you for it!

If you’re looking to add one of these North Florida Landscape plants into your yard, please fill out the form above or contact us at (352) 378-5296 or (904) 913-5296 or fill out our form at the top of the page!

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Landscape Design
landscape plants
2023-february-guide-blog-hero-01.jpg
By Rusty,

How Can Outdoor Spaces Help Enhance Family Time?

In the last couple years we have seen a rise in clients wanting to expand their outdoor living space and make the most of their time at home. But the truth is, outdoor living spaces are more than just a trend. These spaces provide opportunities for families to spend quality time together and create lasting memories. 

In this article, we will explore how these hardscape spaces can be designed and incorporated into your backyard to create the ultimate landscape oasis for your family.

  1. Pools offer a place for family members to cool off and play during hot summer months. Pools are a great backdrop for hosting parties and events, which can create opportunities for families to bond and make lasting memories. Additionally, having a pool in your backyard can also be a great way to create a sense of community, inviting friends and family over for pool parties and barbecues. Speaking of barbecues…
     
  2. Outdoor kitchens make it easy to entertain guests, which can be especially beneficial for families who enjoy hosting gatherings. An outdoor kitchen can accommodate multiple cooks, making it easy to prepare large meals for a crowd. It also allows for more flexibility in terms of meal planning and can make it easier to cook and serve a variety of foods. Having an outdoor kitchen also enables families to spend more time outside, which can have a positive impact on overall health and well-being.
     
  3. Firepits provide opportunities for families to spend quality time together by creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere for socializing and relaxation. Sitting around a fire pit allows family members to engage in conversation, share stories and experiences, and bond over shared activities such as roasting marshmallows or making s'mores. Additionally, the fire itself can be mesmerizing and promote a sense of calm, making it a perfect spot for unwinding after a long day.
     
  4. Hot tubs create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere that can be enjoyed by all members of the family, regardless of age. They can provide a way to unwind and de-stress after a long day or week by just soaking and chatting, playing games, or even watching a movie. Hot tubs can also provide health benefits, such as improving circulation, reducing muscle and joint pain, and promoting better sleep. This can be especially beneficial for families with members who have physical limitations or conditions that may benefit from hydrotherapy.

On top of all that, extending your outdoor living space can also help to increase the value of the home and make it more appealing for potential buyers. Overall, increasing your outdoor living space can provide a valuable and enjoyable addition to your home, and can help to strengthen the bonds between family members.

Looking for more inspiration? Check out some of the outdoor space enhancement projects we have worked on!
Project Spotlight: Landscape Renovation
Project Spotlight: Landscape, Front Patio, and Pool Remodel Project
Project Spotlight: Backyard Outdoor Living Renovation

If we can be of help with any of your landscape design and install - please don't hesitate to reach out to us at (352) 378-5296 or (904) 913-5296 or fill out our form at the top of the page!

Tags
Landscape Design
2023-january-blog.jpg
By Rusty,

5 Ways to Extend Your Landscape into the Evening

When the day's obligations are done, the evenings are quieter and more calm. If you prioritize designing for it, now is the ideal time to unwind and get nearly everything out of your landscaping investment. Being aware of the possibilities is one of the keys to extending your landscape into an enjoyable experience into the evening. Below is a list of 5 ways you can extend your outdoor space well into the evening.

1. Lighting
Let's start with the universally adored lighting and color. This is a great way to artfully illuminate your outdoor space! Whether you're looking for curb appeal, security, or extending your entertaining area outside, landscape lighting is a design trend that does just that.
See some of our Landscape Lighting photos to get inspired

2. Firepits
Sitting around a fire is one of the most enjoyable things to do when entertaining in the evening. The allure and charm of an open flame will add that extra unique touch to your backyard and turn it into the neighborhood's go-to entertainment area.
Below are some fire pit projects we have completed:
Project Spotlight: Mid Century Modern Landscape and Hardscape Project
Project Spotlight: Backyard Gas Fire Pit
Project Spotlight: Fire Pit Install

3. Paver Patio Entertainment Area
Patios with numerous rooms are becoming more popular in landscape design as a means to accommodate guests and serve as backyard retreats. Paver patios are a premium, individualized outdoor patio alternative that provides homeowners with a luxurious patio layout with minimal care needed. A patio made of pavers offers countless entertainment alternatives. Hosting events is certain to provide friends and family endless memories.
Below are links to projects we have worked on to achieve the ultimate makeover:
Project Spotlight: Patio Renovation
Project Spotlight: Patio Perfect for Grilling
Project Spotlight: Paver Entertainment Area

4. Outdoor Audio
You'll have a ton of additional options to enjoy your backyard if you make an investment in an outdoor audio system. Take your exercise routine outside, for instance, and swim laps while blasting a motivating soundtrack through your outdoor speakers. Hook your speaker up to the TV so you can listen to the audio of the Gator game outside even if you don't have an outdoor TV so that you can grill without missing a play. Additionally, listening to music while working in the yard can be enjoyable and cheer you up. Your outdoor patio speakers have so many uses!
What does outdoor audio in your landscape look like? Here’s an example.

5. Outdoor Projector
For a movie night or to organize karaoke, combine your speaker system with an outdoor projector! If you want to stream movies and TV shows from your phone or computer, seek a high-resolution, portable projector model with optimal brightness and Bluetooth connectivity.
There are many screen options to choose from to work with your outdoor space:

  • Retractable screens- you can place from the ceiling of your covered patio
  • Grommeted screens- you can hang on the side of your garage
  • Standing or inflatable screens- you can set up in your yard.

These screens also come in a variety of sizes and patterns.

Who wouldn't want to throw a movie night in the backyard?

If we can be of help with your next landscape install - please don't hesitate to reach out to us at (352) 378-LAWN or (904) 913-LAWN or fill out our form at the top of the page!

Tags
Landscape Design
2022-november-blog.png
By Rusty,

5 Design Trends in Outdoor Living

This year's outdoor living trends are all about making your lawn, backyard, or porch, a regular part of everyday life. Building on last year's momentum, homeowners began to bring indoor conveniences outdoors with smart technology, multipurpose add-ons, and structures that allow us to be outside longer and more often throughout the year. Whether it's a spot to grow herbs for homemade meals, a private patio, or a place to do the cooking, the popularity of outdoor living spaces will continue to grow in 2023.

Below you’ll find 5 popular outdoor living trends focusing on creating simple and elegant spaces to live, relax, and entertain outdoors.

1. Pool Remodels with Pavers and Coping

You can choose from so many colors, patterns, and textures, you can give your pool deck a look you really want. Homeowners can show off their pool deck designs year-round, not just during pool time. Pool decks are an excellent way to extend a home for outdoor entertainment. By simply adding tables and chairs, homeowners transform their pool deck into a patio-like area.
Below are links to projects we have worked on to achieve the ultimate makeover:

2. Propane or Natural Gas Fire Pits:

Fire is a natural design choice for outdoor entertaining and family enjoyment. It creates a warm, cozy atmosphere, enticing friends and family to stay and hang out, especially on chilly nights. Gas fire pits offer a contemporary look and appeal to homeowners who prefer the ease of gas. They are always ready to light with a push of a button, no wood or ash to worry about and no smoke.

3. Patio Remodels with Pavers:

Exterior design is seeing a trend to create patios with multiple rooms to provide ample space for entertaining guests, and act as backyard getaways. Paver patios are a high-quality, customizable outdoor patio option that offers homeowners a luxurious patio setup with minimal maintenance requirements. The entertainment options are endless with a paver patio. Hosting parties on it is sure to create lasting memories for friends and family.

Below are links to projects we have worked on to achieve the ultimate makeover:

4. Raised garden beds:

Millions of people started growing their own vegetables, fruits, and herbs in 2020, and that trend will definitely continue.  Homeowners invested in a variety of container gardens, raised garden beds and potted herb gardens, embracing the therapeutic side of growing their own food while eliminating trips to the grocery store.  Not only do raised beds provide benefits like ample garden space, they also offer versatility for those with a larger area to fill. Raised beds help for easy access gardening right on your back patio!

Below are links to projects we have worked on to achieve the ultimate makeover that raised garden bed:

5. Artificial Turf:

When you are working with a small space that needs to serve multiple purposes, you need that space to be usable as much as possible and to be easy to maintain and keep clean. This is why so many homeowners with small backyards are choosing artificial turf installation. Synthetic turf is easy to clean, requires little maintenance, does not require storing large equipment like lawnmowers, and can be used right after a rainstorm with no worries about tracking in mud or slipping on wet blades of grass. Artificial Turf is versatile to fit any sort of purpose or need, whether that may be landscape, playground or pet turf. All products are non-toxic and environmentally friendly by reducing the need for pesticides, fertilizers, irrigation, and mowing, making it the perfect choice to install.

Below are links to projects we have worked on to achieve the ultimate makeover:

If you’re dreaming of transforming your outdoor living space for entertaining a crowd or just relaxing with a good book, we hope these design trends will help you get an idea of what your space can do for you.

If you want help with transforming outdoor living space using these design trends this year, please call (352) 378-LAWN or fill out our online form so we can schedule a meeting to discuss how we can help! We look forward to working with you!

Tags
landscape
Landscape Design
2022 October Outdoor Living Blog-01.jpg
By Rusty,

When should I plan to install plants/sod?

When the temperature is moderate—that is, not excessively hot, not excessively cold, not excessively wet, or dry—lawns, shrubs, and flowers flourish. Though we plant landscapes all year long in North Florida, there are some seasons when it is better than others. Fall is unquestionably one of those seasons. It is vital to know the ideal times of year to landscape in North Florida.

On the first lovely day of spring, many of us get the planting itch, but that may not be the best time to begin your landscaping project. Newly planted plants, shrubs, and sod may experience stress from several areas in spring - but the most common is drought.

Sod can be laid in north Florida virtually year-around if the weather is mild enough, but because of the warm temperatures and higher likelihood of drought in spring, fall is often the best time for root formation and development.

Of course, the two most important pieces to success with new sod are irrigation and a lawn pest control program.

The best and most comfortable time of the year to start your North Florida landscaping job is in the fall because it tends to be cooler and less humid. Because winter in Florida is also a milder season, planting sod, shrubs, and perennials in the fall allows them to establish their root systems longer and become healthy by spring.

In comparison to plants planted in the spring, summer performance is improved by plants with more developed root systems. The perennial plants will grow and be prepared to bud.The fall is also the optimum season for transplanting and dividing perennials like lilies, irises, and other plants.

It can be challenging for many new landscapers to decide which sod to use and when to plant it. Whether your goal is to increase curb appeal, design an area for entertaining guests, or reduce maintenance, your effort and investment must flourish to be successful.

You must be fully informed about your soil conditions, preferred sod, irrigation needs, sun/shade demands, and fertilization/pest control requirements if you want to ensure that your landscape is as successful as possible. We would love to help you out with your next landscape project!

Here are a few videos that might answer other sod questions:
Should I use Seed, Plug, or Sod to Repair Bare Spots in my Gainesville Lawn?
What happens to New Sod in Heavy Shade? & Shade Alternatives?
Benefit #1 of St. Augustine ProVista Sod: Lower Maintenace
Benefit #2 of St. Augustine ProVista Sod: Invasive Weed Control

Whether it's St. Augustine, Zoysia, or Centipede - The Master's is the only sod company you can rely on to get it right!
If we can be of help with your next landscape install - please don't hesitate to reach out to us at (352) 378-LAWN or fill out our form at the top of the page!

Tags
Landscape Design
2022-September-plant-install-Blog.jpg
By Rusty,

3 Ways to Add Sound to Your Landscape

Waterfall in landscape

For many of us, our outdoor living space is a safe haven. Surrounding ourselves with beautiful plants and scenery can also be a wonderful place to relax or entertain outdoors.

The perfect outdoor living space needs more than just beautiful sights and smells, though. Another essential element in the backyard is sound. By adding a third sense to your outdoor living space, it makes your Gainesville yard even more relaxing and inviting.

Here are 3 simple ways for you to bring outdoor audio elements to your garden:

1. Add a water feature:
Fountains can introduce a calming background murmur that fills the space around you and neutralizes street noise. In a more expansive landscape, a large fountain can serve as a splashy focal point that anchors an area of the landscape commanding attention both visually and aurally. Since they are available in a wide variety of styles and sizes, you can always find a place for a backyard fountain in your landscape design.

Whether it's a pondless waterfall, a continually overflowing vase, or a koi pond; the right water feature can really be a beautiful addition to any North Florida lawn.

If your concern is mosquitos, we have solutions to ensure your water feature is protected from drawing those pesky lawn pests.

2. Add an outdoor audio system:
When you invest in an outdoor audio system, you’ll find plenty of new opportunities for enjoying your backyard. For example, take your workout to the pool and swim laps while you blast an energizing playlist through your outdoor speakers.

Pair your speaker system with an outdoor TV and host a karaoke night or watch movies under the stars. Even without a TV, you can stream the audio of the Gator game outdoors so you can grill without missing a play. Music also makes yard work more fun and brightens up a workday on the porch. There’s so much you can do with your outdoor patio speakers!

There are a wide range of options available. Waterproof speakers can be placed in the ground or mounted on walls, and can run off your outdoor lighting system wiring too.

3. Make your yard inviting to wildlife:
Enticing birds to stay is surprisingly easy and hassle-free. A few simple items can give your feathered friends a year-round home.

To encourage birds to visit your landscape, provide them with these three essential elements: quality food, fresh water, and safe cover from predators and the elements.

Set up a few bird feeders to provide food. Be sure that you opt for the types of bird feed which are best for your local wildlife! Some birds will also happily eat garden pests.

Plants You Can Grow to Attract Birds:
Beautyberry
Blueberry
Chickasaw Plum
Coral Honeysuckle
Elderberry
Firebush
Hollies
Mulberry
Passion Flower
Pawpaw
Sabal Palm
Scarlet Salvia
Seagrape
Simpson’s Stopper
Walter's Viburnum and Other Viburnum Species
Wax Myrtle
Wild Coffee

The most fool-proof menu you can offer migratory and native birds are Florida’s native plants and the insects that feed on them. These food sources provide the right nutrients at the right time, supporting birds through all seasons of the year and all parts of their lifecycle.

Creating a soundscape in your backyard can enliven it. In fact, it’s almost as important as a visually-appealing landscape!

If we can be of help with your Gainesville Landscape Design - please don't hesitate to reach out to us at (352) 378-LAWN or fill out our form at the top of the page!

Tags
landscape
Landscape Design
By Rusty,

What are the best shrubs for privacy?

Privacy is a big concern in our personal lives and at our home. We all have been spending much more time at home and while we love our neighbors (ok, we hope to be that lucky!) having that private space when you are outdoors is important to what your outdoor living space is all about. Not everyone wants to build a fortress around their property. If you’re tired of being on display for all the neighbors to see, you probably want to find a way to add some privacy.

Well, we have a solution. Privacy with plants! Shrubs are a great way to shelter your home from the curious looks of passersby while adding more green to your landscape.

Below is a list of our top 6 shrubs used for privacy in landscape:

1. Sweet Viburnum

This is an evergreen shrub that grows to as much as 30 feet tall. The small flowers that come in late spring to early summer aren’t very showy but they are extremely fragrant. This is a favorite of mine for use as a hedge or privacy screen and performs very well in our climate, and thrives in sun and some part shade as well. This low-maintenance and usually pest-free shrub is a top choice for North Florida lawns.

2. Wax-Leaf Ligustrum

You will often see ligustrum used as a hedge or shrub, but it can also grow into a lovely tree with multiple trunks and dark green canopy creating an interesting architectural focus. When used as a hedge it  provides great coverage with thick lush foliage with glossy evergreen leaves. Ligustrum will need to be kept trimmed as it can grow over 20 feet tall! As a tree it can be kept manicured for a more formal shape, or it can be left to grow naturally for a more casual look.

3. Little Gem Magnolia

Although typically known as a tree, this plant is perfect for a large privacy hedge as well. Thanks to its compact growth and evergreen foliage, the Magnolia makes a handsome hedge that can rise as high as 30 feet tall!. Plant the trees several feet apart to accommodate for growth, or tighter as a hedge. Many people use Magnolia’s as a privacy screen through layering more than a planted hedge. Either way, their large green leaves do a great job of blocking views in North Florida landscapes.

4. Podocarpus 'Southern Yew'

This is an ideal shrub for privacy screens, hedges, windbreaks, or natural evergreen barriers. Plant the shrubs about 3 feet apart and trim them regularly to create a hedgerow. These shrubs are also great for narrow spaces, such as tight backyards where space is valuable, although they grow slower than the Viburnum and Ligustrum. They can also be pruned to topiaries, too!

5. Loropetalum

The textured purple foliage and attractively tiered branching pattern make this a great choice for shrub borders, and privacy hedges.These low maintenance shrubs generally require no pruning except to maintain the desired size. You can even prune your shrub into a loropetalum tree form if you wish. If you want to add color to your landscape, the loropetalum’s deep rich purple foliage holds its color all season combining colorful pink flowers in the spring. It is a great shrub for tiers and layering against greenery or variegated plants in Gainesville and Jacksonville lawns.

6. Holly

Holly is another ideal plant for hedges because of its relatively rapid growth and dense form. There are two common varieties of holly we use here at The Master’s Lawn Care.

  • Nellie R Stevens Holly is fast growing, dense, and, because it tolerates severe pruning, can be trimmed to form a rounded large shrub, Pyramid shaped tree, or hedge. The Burford holly grows up to 15 feet tall!
  • East Palatka Holly has a moderate to fast growth rate(about 1 foot per year), so if you are looking to make a hedge or screen to block unwanted views, it can do it rather quickly! The East Palatka Holly thrives in full sun or partial shade, although it's slightly less dense than other Holly varieties.

We hope that this list has inspired greener approaches to solving your landscape privacy concerns. Instead of building a fence all the way around your yard, give one (or some) of these plants a try!

If we can be of help with any of your landscape privacy design and install needs- please don't hesitate to reach out to us at (352) 378-LAWN or fill out our form at the top of the page!

Tags
landscape
Landscape Design
5 Great Privacy Shrubs in North Florida Landscapes (Zone 8)
By Rusty,

4 Types of Fire Pits Perfect for Fall

Lighting up the fire pit is a great way to initiate an intimate gathering with family and friends. The hosting possibilities that come along with owning a fire pit are virtually limitless and only bound by your imagination.

Fire pits have become one of the hottest home accessories on the market and it is clear why. There are many fire features that you can have in your backyard. There are basic as well as upscale designs. You will even be able to increase the value of your property with the right fire pit and the right backyard landscape design.

How many types of fire pits are there? Well, fire pits come in numerous alterations but they can generally be grouped into four categories depending on the kind of fuel each pit uses. Below we will take a look at 4 different styles of fire pits.

1. Simple Custom wood burning
A natural replica of a campfire, but limited to a contained space, these pits provide an authentic experience complete with real smoke and the crackle of wood. Choosing the wood-burning option has several advantages, and one of the biggest is price. A wood-burning fire pit is significantly less expensive to design and install than gas fire pits. Also, there’s no beating the crackle, smell, and ambiance of burning real wood. Another perk is that you don’t have to worry about running a new gas line through your yard.

2. Log lighter
A log lighter fire pit has a round pipe with holes in that is located underneath the fire grate. Natural gas or propane gas goes through the pipe and, when lit, is an easy way to start your wood fire. Lighting fires the old way could take a long time. Just when you'd think your fire was finally lit, it would fizzle out and you'd have to start over again. With a fireplace log lighter you'll get strong flames immediately that will easily catch your logs on the fire. Just set the logs on the wood grate over the log lighter, turn the key to open the gas line, toss in a lit match, and the fire lights around your logs. After the logs have caught on fire, turn the valve key to close the gas line, and enjoy the crackling wood fire before you.

3. Gas fire pit
There are many different designs of gas fire pits, but they all work on the same principles. First, there is the housing that contains a gas line from the house or a portable propane tank. At the top of the fire pit is a large concave heat-resistant bowl. One or several burners sprout out of the bowl from below. These are attached to the tank underneath, supplying them with combustible gas. The bowl is filled with fake heat-resistant logs or coals to break up the shape of the bowl and hide the burners from view.

The more decorative bowls might be filled with fine sand, gravel, or river stones for a unique look, though these types of fire pits require mesh covers over the burners to prevent clogging. The pit may come with an ignition switch which, once the gas flow has been turned on, ignites the burners and gives the appearance of a real coal or wood fire.

Below are a couple of projects with gas fire pits that we have installed:
Project Spotlight: Mid Century Modern Landscape and Hardscape Project
Project Spotlight: Landscape Renovation

Keep in mind that while it is safe to cook over a basic propane gas fire pit, there are some gas-fueled outdoor fire features that you don’t want to cook on. These can add a lot of flair to your outdoor space but they’re not the best option for cooking.

4. Portable patio fire pit
Portable fire pits offer the most flexibility and versatility and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, materials, and can meet almost any budget requirement. They can range from small portable campfires you can take with you on vacation to full-size outdoor dining fire tables. The main advantage they have over a permanent one is that you can reposition them whenever you need or want to. You can even take them with you if you move houses.

Hopefully, our suggestions here will help you through your journey of choosing what type of fire pit is right for you and you will be happy with the fire pit you choose for years to come!

With our design and construction experience, we can work with any space, large or small, to build the outdoor experience that you and your family will enjoy for years to come. If we can be of help with creating the fire pit of your dreams, please don't hesitate to reach out to us give our team a call or text at (352) 378-5296. We're local and have been serving Gainesville for over 15 years. We look forward to working with you!

Tags
hardscape
Landscape Design
gainesville landscaping
By Rusty,

5 Reasons Why Fall is the Best Season for Landscaping in Florida

Many people think of spring as the best time for planting, but our preferred season in Gainesville is actually right now! The cooler temperatures and fall rains help the plant’s roots become well-established and the soil is still warm enough to allow roots to grow before the risk of freezing temperatures set in. It’s also a great time to get out in the yard and enjoy your investment! Below you will see our top 5 reasons for why we love Floria Fall landscapes!

1. Color
Here in Gainesville, we don’t get to experience the same dramatic color changes that some of our friends further north enjoy. The flip side of that is that we also don’t have to deal with the colder winters either! Still, it’s nice to see some changes at the turning of the season, and while we won’t be as showy as some other areas, here are a few Gainesville landscape additions that I would highly recommend for our area that will bring you some fall color.

Red Maple Tree
Shumard Oak
Crape Myrtle
Sweetspire
Fothergilla
Oak Leaf Hydrangea

2. Mild Temperatures
I’m sure many are asking, ‘What if we plant in the fall and then we have a cold winter! Won’t my plants die?’  The truth is The Master's Lawn Care rarely loses plants to the cold. Some freeze down because they're deciduous, but they typically re-grow in the spring even larger and more vibrant than if they had kept their leaves. The reason we don’t lose many plants over the winter is because when we do have a cold snap, it doesn’t stay cold for long. Rarely does north central Florida have a cold snap that lasts more than a week or two.

3. Greener Grass
Fall is a great time for sod installation because most other landscape plants have been planted and have matured by this point and therefore require less maintenance so you will be able to spend more time focusing on creating the thick, lush lawn that will make the neighbors jealous next summer! This is why we recommend Fall. It will be both optimal conditions for the grass and for those installing and maintaining it!

4. Fresh Mulch
Fall is the perfect time to refresh your mulch to encourage healthy, vibrant growth in the spring. Mulching helps protect your plants through our harsher, but short-lived, cold months of the year cost-effectively and easily. A fresh installation of mulch will help keep down weeds, reduce erosion, and keep the soil moist for the health of your Gainesville landscaping plants. The addition of mulch will also help create a clean and neat look in your landscape beds.

5. Outdoor Living
When the heat of summer is gone and cooler weather approaches, Florida Fall is the perfect season for spending more time in the yard with your friends and family. This is the time of year to enjoy firepits, patios, and other outdoor living spaces that you’ve worked hard on the rest of the year. Now is the time to really enjoy your hard work while the weather is nice! 


We do have a short transition from summer to winter. If you plan on taking advantage of the cooler weather to have some Gainesville landscaping renovations done, let us know how we can help! Give our team a call or text at (352) 378-5296. We're local and have been serving Gainesville for over 15 years. We look forward to working with you!

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fall landscape
gainesville landscaping
Landscape Design
By Rusty,

5 Gainesville Landscape Tips for this Summer

With temperatures beginning to rise, it’s important to start preparing your Gainesville landscape for success in the months ahead. Does your curb appeal need some added color? Is your lawn ready for the warm weather and adjusted irrigation times?

We have compiled a few tips that will keep your lawn in great shape during the summer months.

1. Don’t Butcher the Grass
It’s tempting to lower your mower blades to cut the grass as short as possible. After all, you reason, it’s sort of like your hair—the shorter you cut it now, the longer you can go between trims. Grass doesn’t work like that, especially when it comes to St. Augustine and Zoysia grass.

Chopping the grass is more likely to leave it brown and dead. For the warm season, not only should you sharpen the blades, but you should also position them to never cut more than 1/3rd of the leaf blade off for an optimal lawn. Leaving the grass slightly taller won’t interfere with the groomed appearance of your lawn, but the blades remain long enough to bathe in the sunlight, which creates nutrient-rich roots and soil.

Learn more about caring for your specific Gainesville turfgrass here.

2. Trust your Smart Controller or Weather Sensor
Watering the lawn is a necessity in Florida, but our area is also humid, and we get a good amount of rainfall in summer. That eases a bit of the burden of irrigating, but it depends on the weather. A week of scorching weather can torch the yard if you aren’t watchful, which is why many summer lawn care tips focus on hydration and irrigation techniques.
As tempting as it is, we do not recommend “turning the sprinklers on manually when it’s dry,” because inevitably life happens. Once the lawn is stressed, you are already negatively impacting your curb appeal - and inviting pests and weeds in. A scheduled watering plan, that is paused automatically when rain is in the area, is the best way to ensure top-notch health in your summer landscape.

Learn more about Smart Irrigation Controllers here.

3. Put Away the Nitrogen
This summer lawn care tip doesn’t apply to garden beds and edible landscaping, but for your lawn - don’t fertilize your lawn with any nitrogen (first number of the N-P-K content on fertilizer) after June, per Alachua County regulations. This is why our lawn and ornamental health programs include slow-release nutrients applied at the end of spring that will feed the landscape through summer and fall.
You can still apply micronutrients and topdressings that will help feed your roots and soil to improve your landscape’s health through the summer, but avoid nitrogen if you don’t want on the County’s 'naughty list.'

Learn more about the Alachua County Fertilizer Restrictions here.

4. Prune back your azaleas
Most landscape professionals go by the July 4th rule, which is to make sure all Azaleas (Specifically larger varieties) are pruned back heavily and shaped by Independence Day. This will allow them to start budding in late Summer for next Spring’s bloom season. July to next Spring is an extended growing period - so starting from a tight shape is important to not looking overgrown and unkept.


Some homeowners prefer a manicured shaped Azalea at the expense of the blooms, so if that's you please ignore this tip and continue to shape after budding season - but most love the flowers and so this is an important task to get checked off.

Learn more about Azalea care here.

5. Plant some Summer Color
After your Hydrangeas, Irises, Agapanthus, Azaleas, and Camellias are done blooming - Summer color can be hard to go without. If your landscape needs a little color throughout the dog days of summer - consider adding these heat-loving plants into your design:

  • Drift Roses
  • Salvia (Perennial and Annual)
  • Cardinal Firespike (late Summer)
  • Golden Cassia
  • Coreopsis
  • Vitex Tree
  • Coleus (Annual)

Find more Summer Color Landscape Inspiration here.

If we can be of help with any of your Gainesville Landscape needs - please don't hesitate to reach out to us give our team a call or text at (352) 378-5296. We're local and have been serving Gainesville for over 15 years. We look forward to working with you!

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Landscape Design
landscape
Fertilization
irrigation
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