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HGTV Curb Appeal: The Block

We had a great time landscaping the front garden of a fun couple’s home in Mill Valley for the season finale of Curb Appeal: The Block. We hope you are able to catch the episode June 25th on HGTV.

Drainage and Rain related issues in the landscape

With summer over, it’s hopefully time for some well needed winter rains. With the rain and water comes not only benefits, but water related issues as well.
Bon Terra Landscapes provides services and gardens for many older residences in Marin and Sonoma counties, and with the older homes, comes antiquated
drainage systems. Bon Terra Landscapes provides professional drainage solutions for homes experiencing rain run-off related issues. Bon Terra Landscapes has extensive
experience in sustainable drainage systems and erosion control. If your downspouts are directing water directly near your foundation, causing erosion or be directed to the
city drain system, Bon Terra Landscapes can help. Rain water harvesting and ground water recharging are not concepts for the future; but actual methods of sustainable landscaping.
Please contact Bon Terra landscapes if you would like to learn more about sustainable gardening in Marin and Sonoma counties. Risperdal

Seat Benches – Seating for the whole family

Recycled steel seat bench.

Water,Water,Water

Typical spray headsMarin and Sonoma counties are fortunate to be receiving a near-normal rainy season this year. Creeks are flowing, lakes are full and storage is at near normal capacities. Unfortunately, this does not equate to residents of Marin and Sonoma counties being able to continue wasting water. Whether it is for showers, car washes or beautifying landscapes, there is still a shortage of fresh water. Lawn (turf) is the largest crop in the United States; and yet it provides little to no usable benefits. Homeowners spend money watering, mowing and fertilizing lawn areas that seldom get used for anything other than neighborhood dogs doing their business.
It’s time to start making changes with our lawns and irrigation techniques. No one wants to be the first house on the block to get rid of the front lawn and yet, everyone wants to save money and consider themselves environmentally conscious. If your are a resident of Marin or Sonoma county, and need help addressing your lawn, garden or general landscaping irrigation systems; give Bon Terra Landscapes a call and we can evaluate your irrigation systems and steer you in the right direction.

In the meantime, here are four landscape options that can help reduce water consumption:
1. Replace your existing sprinkler heads with the improved MPR nozzles.
2. Reduce the overall size of your turf.
3. Install an ornamental “now mow” blend of grass (you can still walk on it, play on it and have the ‘lawn’ feel, but no more mowing or fertilizing).
4. Install the new and improved synthetic turf (They have come along way in synthetic turf development-it’s not what you think).

Planting under Oak trees

oakWhile taking a stroll through a Larkspur neighborhood yesterday I saw something that really got to me-abundant plantings below a mature native Valley oak tree. Valley oaks can tolerate irrigation when young, but after three years or so, the tree should be left to survive and thrive on it’s own. Oaks are very sensitive to disturbance, particularly over watering. It’s best to avoid disturbing the soil within 10′-15′ from the trunk. If any turf should be placed near the tree, it should stop at the drip line of the tree. There are many types of drought tolerant plants are appropriate for use under oaks. Some of my favorites are Heuchera, Zauschneria and Romneya. Marin County has been blessed with some of the finest Oak trees and we should strive to protect them. If you live in Sonoma or Marin Counties and plan on landscaping around Oaks, contact us at Bon Terra Landscapes and we can design the planting plan and install the drip irrigation as well. You can also contact the California Native Plant Society to gather more information about Oaks and plant selections.

Winter Gardens123

How often do you find yourself gazing out the windows on a grey dreary winter day and watch your garden fall into its’ winter time slumber with the intentions of tackling it in spring? Well now is the time for planning upgrades, planting and general pruning, etc. Spring can a great time to enjoy your gardens and landscapes in Marin and Sonoma counties. So instead of waiting for those beautiful Marin days to install new plants, adding paths and patios and deciding on new landscape plans, get to it now and spend those days enjoying your new landscape. For great practical tips on pruning roses, fruit trees and vine, Sunset Gardens is the most practical guide for do it yourself gardeners. If you are at the point where you really want some fresh ideas and are ready for the overdue landscape overhaul, let Bon Terra Landscapes create a design that works for you and your budget! Don’t succumb to the feelings of dread and doom. Creating a landscape can be done at many different levels based on needs and budgets. Very practical solutions can be incorporated with some creativity and a small budget. It’s always best to start with a plan, no matter what it is your creating, and prioritize based on needs. Enjoy the peace of winter and remember, spring is only about 90 days away! Aleve

Landscape Area

How often do you find yourself gazing out the windows on a grey dreary winter day and watch your garden fall into its’ winter time slumber with the intentions of tackling it in spring? Well now is the time for planning upgrades, planting and general pruning, etc. Spring can a great time to enjoy your gardens and landscapes in Marin and Sonoma counties. So instead of waiting for those beautiful Marin days to install new plants, adding paths and patios and deciding on new landscape plans, get to it now and spend those days enjoying your new landscape. For great practical tips on pruning roses, fruit trees and vine, Sunset Gardens is the most practical guide for do it yourself gardeners. If you are at the point where you really want some fresh ideas and are ready for the overdue landscape overhaul, let Bon Terra Landscapes create a design that works for you and your budget! Don’t succumb to the feelings of dread and doom. Creating a landscape can be done at many different levels based on needs and budgets. Very practical solutions can be incorporated with some creativity and a small budget. It’s always best to start with a plan, no matter what it is your creating, and prioritize based on needs. Enjoy the peace of winter and remember, spring is only about 90 days away! Epivir

Garden Images

Spring can a great time to enjoy your gardens and landscapes in Marin and Sonoma counties. So instead of waiting for those beautiful Marin days to install new plants, adding paths and patios and deciding on new landscape plans, get to it now and spend those days enjoying your new landscape. For great practical tips on pruning roses, fruit trees and vine, Sunset Gardens is the most practical guide for do it yourself gardeners. If you are at the point where you really want some fresh ideas and are ready for the overdue landscape overhaul, let Bon Terra Landscapes create a design that works for you and your budget! Don’t succumb to the feelings of dread and doom. Creating a landscape can be done at many different levels based on needs and budgets. viagra