tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63601138690889152302024-03-13T23:56:39.714-07:00Jefferson LandscapingJefferson Landscapinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246086210457444576noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360113869088915230.post-47954497498313654352015-01-01T15:26:00.000-08:002015-01-01T20:52:58.780-08:00Walking with purpose....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I get older, my approach to the daily tasks in my life has changed dramatically. I spent years focused on m<span style="font-size: small;">y lists, the m</span>aking of lists, figuring out the quickest way to hammer through the tasks on my lists and rewarding myself upon completion of the tasks on my list. I discovered I was able to achieve a lot but I was I was rarely present during the process. I found that being so task oriented I was missing the bigger picture and connections that give purpose to the daily minutiae. I was treating my life as a dress rehearsal and I was either mired in the past or anticipating the outcome of my endless lists of tasks. Trudging through life can be a self- imposed chore or a walk with purpose. Today I choose to walk with purpose. I have found that it is the daily minutiae that makes up the fabric of my life and the more mindful I am of each moment the more insights I gain and the richer my experience.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span>Jefferson Landscapinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246086210457444576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360113869088915230.post-35701655440441023362014-12-14T10:06:00.000-08:002014-12-14T10:06:03.092-08:00 Giving Back…Many ways to be generous <br />
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One of the most counter-intuitive concepts is the one of giving to receive. For us it is so true and we have constant reminders of how this conundrum works in our lives. When we started Jefferson Landscaping almost twelve years ago, our primary purpose was for Jeff to build on his passion for working with soils. As we grew, we made the decision that providing a healthy work environment and investing in our employees was our most important mission. We transitioned over to alternative fuels because it is better for the environment and better for our employees not having to breathe those fumes. We have gained so much knowledge and education from our professional association (WALP), we want to make sure we continue to give back so the next generation of landscape professionals have the same opportunities. Jefferson Landscapinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246086210457444576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360113869088915230.post-36067415605931413382014-11-09T11:35:00.001-08:002014-11-09T11:35:41.956-08:00Gratitude….<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Jeff and I have so many things that we are grateful for in our lives. We are very<br />active in our industry and with our professional development group, the<br />Washington State Association Of Landscape Professionals (WALP).<br />And we have always known that our customers are the greatest. What a<br />delight to have the two cross paths and enhance our gratitude even more.<br />The Littlefield’s hosted one of the stops on our annual bus tour showcasing<br />award winning landscape projects and maintenance to our peers of<br />Contractors, Designers and Landscape Architects. Our customers’ kindness,<br />warmth and generosity elevated the experience exponentially with their<br />welcoming participation and it was definitely the hit of the tour.<br />
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November has always been one of our favorite months. The holiday season is<br />kicking into high gear and Thanksgiving gives us time to pause and give thanks<br />for our health, each other, our family, the amazing relationships we have with<br />our friends, colleagues, vendors and especially our customers.Jefferson Landscapinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246086210457444576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360113869088915230.post-1641326686007990132014-10-12T11:45:00.000-07:002014-10-12T11:45:57.222-07:00Continue to enhance with persistent effort….It is easy to let up on our gardens and rest on our laurels. The temptation to rely on the work we have already done is in our nature. Nowhere is this truer, than in our landscapes. We cease to see the changes that are taking place daily. <br />
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So often we meet with people whose yards became overgrown with weeds and no longer reflected who they are or wanted to be. One of the most common oversights is leaving plants past their prime. Heathers (Calluna Vulgaris) and Lavender (Lavandula) both which have life spans that can be shortened to as few as seven years if not tended to properly. They are a gorgeous addition to many beautiful gardens but it is very common to see them without blooms and woody, knowing they will never regain their glory. Let the dying energy go and replant with new vibrant starts. It will benefit you and your landscape in more ways than you can imagine.<br />
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<br />Jefferson Landscapinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246086210457444576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360113869088915230.post-76709852519491312252014-08-26T19:47:00.000-07:002014-08-26T19:47:35.690-07:00Restore our properties to reflect their best version…Remember when we just moved in and loved a feature of our yard. Or we added some new component to our landscape. Take the time to remember what it was that made you fall in love with your property. Then look to see if it still reflects the magic that it once held. Sometimes it is the little things like neglecting a favorite tree and our surprise to notice it has outgrown its spot. Or favorite flowers that we looked forward to every year but no longer show because the weeds have taken over. <br /><br />
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It can even be the dreams we had for adding a certain plant or art but life got too busy and it never happened.<br />
Jeff and I made a commitment this summer to spend one evening a week in our vegetable garden. This year, that little extra bit of effort (and great weather) has contributed to our healthiest, most prolific garden ever.Jefferson Landscapinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246086210457444576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360113869088915230.post-57349590635545092242014-08-12T19:55:00.001-07:002014-08-12T20:12:36.896-07:00Time to move forward…And sweep away the debris from the areas in our yards that are not working.<br />
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August is a great month to look around our properties, walk in our gardens and make the changes so they reflect our best selves. The garden below had a retaining wall in the middle of the back yard making the entire upper area unusable.<br />
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So we have created steps along the left side for access to a new hot tub area, a dry stack wall with a seating bench built for movie night projecting against the house and lush garden plantings. We will have a flagstone patio throughout the lower level for entertaining.<br />
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This couple from Ireland who never had any reason to go into their backyard made the changes to reflect their heritage and love of family and friends.<br />
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Jefferson Landscapinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246086210457444576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360113869088915230.post-58083040308952071492014-06-21T20:48:00.000-07:002014-06-21T20:48:32.159-07:00Reflections….<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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With the frenzy of spring past us now, we get the chance to reflect on the health of our gardens and landscape. As many people know it is the foundation that determines the success of our gardens. Just like in life, we have to nurture those things upon which our strength and character is built. The more attention we pay to the soil on which our gardens are built the more fruits, blooms and bounty they offer us. This is truly the time for reflection, to stroll through our gardens daily and let them permeate all of our senses.<br />
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Last night for dinner, we raided the garden (top left picture) for spinach, strawberries and cilantro for a delicious salad topped with seafood and homemade vinaigrette.Jefferson Landscapinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246086210457444576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360113869088915230.post-80423170607989822712014-06-04T20:58:00.000-07:002014-06-04T20:58:15.897-07:00"Certified Sustainable Landscape Professionals"Part of our Sustainable initiative is the ongoing education and certifications needed to offer the best solutions for all of our customers. Our story continues to develop and we have achieved most of our goals.<br />
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<b>Here are some of the certifications we have trained for and achieved:</b><br />
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<b style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jeffersonlandscaping.com/EcoFriendly.html" target="_blank">Our Sustainable Initiative & Motivation</a></b><br />
In 2011, we began seeing landscape maintenance companies all over the country converting their mowers to propane with positive results.<br />
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In 2012 we converted 2 of our midsize mowers over to propane to see how they would perform. In January of 2013 we converted our entire fleet of mowers to propane. Also, we have converted all of our 2-cycle hand held equipment; leaf blowers, weed eaters, and hedge trimmers to battery power. This will mean less pollution and less noise. When our clients are having meetings at their home office, there is less noise while our team is there. This makes for a less disruptive meeting. The same goes for the few commercial accounts we have.<br />
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I have been in several meetings where the blowers and line trimmers were so loud we had to stop the meeting for the landscape technician to pass by because of the noise.<br />
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For our company to do it’s part to leave less of a carbon footprint on the planet and a cleaner environment. I believe this is the future of the Landscape Industry.<br />
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<b>The challenges of Becoming Eco Friendly</b><br />
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Receiving correct information about the new technologies and in some cases the products are so new it’s a learning curve for everyone involved. From manufacture to the contractor. And of course new technology means the products are expensive.<br />
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<b>Why was this goal so important?</b><br />
Linda and I hope that Jefferson landscaping can do their part in leaving this planet in better shape for generations to come. For our children and their children.<br />
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<b>First in the State to Become Energy Efficient</b><br />
In Washington State, we were the first to convert to propane mowers and battery hand held equipment. To date we have converted 5- 21" mowers, and 6-midsize mowers to propane. Our hand held 2 cycle equipment has been converted to battery power including 5 line trimmers, 6 hedge trimmers and 5 leaf blowers.<br />
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<b>Why aren't more companies following suit?</b><br />
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Cost and learning curve. With new technology there are always a few problems. We think the small problems we run into are worth a cleaner environment.<br />
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<b>The Benefits & Cost Savings of Going Green</b><br />
Less exhaust, less fumes , less noise. With the propane conversion mowers we should recoup our investment in 3 years. The emission results to our planet is immediate.<br />
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<b>Feedback From our Customers</b><br />
The feed back from our clients is very positive. Especially the ones who see the big picture with or without children.Jefferson Landscapinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246086210457444576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360113869088915230.post-27141882651698451162014-04-26T10:08:00.001-07:002014-04-26T10:08:19.120-07:00 Splashes of color…. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The rule of thumb for our area is to install seasonal color after Mother’s Day weekend. All chance of frost has passed by then and we are safe to transform our pots and garden beds without fear of losing them to a rogue freeze. We love preparing for the event. We have numerous customers for whom we install color, as well as herbs and vegetables. At our home, we decided the four months of non-stop bold, vibrant color was worth the investment in time and effort. We have spots of annual color throughout our entire property.<br /><br /><br /><br />
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When we started doing color in the landscape and not just around the
house we found that manually watering our plants would take up to two
hours a day and was very wasteful. We have added drip irrigation to the
areas we install seasonal color which has freed up our time but more
importantly uses far less water. We are changing to drip irrigation in
our vegetable garden this year. Jefferson Landscapinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246086210457444576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360113869088915230.post-68949133555901805072014-03-29T09:08:00.000-07:002014-03-29T09:08:09.608-07:00Ever thought about growing your own Vegetables?<br />
Jeff here…and I wanted to let you know we can help. Let us do the hard part of building your raised beds and bring in a nice sandy loam soil with lots of composted material. All you would have to do is plant your favorite edibles. (below; Two different customers raised garden beds using block. We can also do in wood.)<br />
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<br />Jefferson Landscapinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246086210457444576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360113869088915230.post-63977660386667819312014-03-29T09:05:00.001-07:002014-03-29T09:05:33.095-07:00Lawn Renovations… With all the rain and no sun we are seeing a lot of moss and drainage problems. Our Rainier Maintenance Plan customers include aerating and over-seeding in their annual contracts and our Sustainable Management plans include thatching too! <br />
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We are also happy to address as an annual project. If you would like us to take a look at your lawn we can assess normal moss build up from the area being shady during a wet warm year versus how much is from poor soil and lack of drainage. If you are ready to take care of some drainage concerns we could provide you with a solution. As I write this article it has rained for two days straight and I can’t wait for a long stretch of sunshine!Jefferson Landscapinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246086210457444576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360113869088915230.post-19813517315105574082014-03-08T18:17:00.000-08:002014-03-08T18:19:35.857-08:00Turning it over…..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As most of you know, one of our favorite things is to participate in the NW Flower and Garden Show with our State Landscaping Association, WALP. This year we combined forces with the State Nursery Association, WSNLA and knocked it out of the park with our collaborative garden. What a great experience and since we were able to take a back seat and just help out where needed it was a lot less stressful than in prior years. And pure magic that it won just about every award, including the coveted Founder’s Cup!<br />
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Kudos to Rob Boyker and Kirsten Lints who led the charge for both Associations.<br />
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(below; two views of the WALP/WSNLA garden, Natures Studio and left; us with 7 Awards won)<br />
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<br />Jefferson Landscapinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246086210457444576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360113869088915230.post-23440159101438435852014-02-04T16:46:00.001-08:002014-03-15T09:11:28.678-07:00Nature's Studio: The Build Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Jefferson Landscapinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246086210457444576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360113869088915230.post-21597671368324581782014-02-04T16:43:00.001-08:002014-02-04T16:43:45.667-08:00Nature's Studio: The Build Part 2 <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/vFjvyCYcme4" width="480"></iframe><br />Jefferson Landscapinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246086210457444576noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360113869088915230.post-71484399004767239032014-01-25T09:59:00.000-08:002014-01-25T09:59:07.855-08:00And hope for tomorrow...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The cold dreary of winter always warms my heart and fills me with excitement and anticipation for spring. It is the only time of year when I feel I can act with purpose and not just respond to the next most important thing. I start planning our vegetable garden and ordering seeds. I have time to catch up with old friends and meet up for coffee.<br />
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I make time to go to the gym. I read books curled up by the fireplace. I love to take pictures of the winter landscapes. And I am a great fan (albeit fair-weather) of the Seahawks!<br />
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<br />Jefferson Landscapinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246086210457444576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360113869088915230.post-77045299987450405722014-01-04T19:15:00.000-08:002014-01-04T19:15:07.287-08:00Reflections for the New Year…..When I reflect on the past year, it is interesting that the things which ultimately brought me the most joy were sometimes the most challenging at the time. Jeff and I both agree that our efforts at the 2013 NW Flower and Garden show were more than fulfilled when we won a gold medal. Our son deciding to join the company while a surprise provided a great opportunity for emotional growth. Finding that work/life balance continues to elude us and our goal for 2014 is to laugh more often, share more sunrises and play more golf!<br />
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<i>Picture below taken in January 2007 when at the Getty Center in Los Angeles</i></div>
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Jefferson Landscapinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246086210457444576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360113869088915230.post-85241293855250955232013-12-22T13:32:00.000-08:002013-12-22T13:32:20.311-08:00The Gift of Giving…..<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We are living in turbulent times. Turn on the TV and you will find a half a dozen reasons to feel afraid, hunker down and hope for the best. It is time to step beyond the borders of our comfort zone take some risks. What brings me the greatest joy in life is the gift of giving and being able to receive with grace. Each of us are given natural talents and strengths and when I focus what that gift might be in whomever I meet I am giving the gift of presence. The joy I feel and connection I make when I find that hidden gem or passion is the gift I receive in return. It may be math, cooking, writing, humor (like our friend who channels Elvis below) or heart but there is always a special trait waiting to be discovered. As long as I have the courage to risk rejection, speak candidly and be willing to own what makes me unique I will have a successful life.Jefferson Landscapinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246086210457444576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360113869088915230.post-81106408696720098432013-11-21T18:18:00.000-08:002013-11-21T18:18:34.480-08:00The Season of Thanks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In 1621, the Plymouth colonists after suffering a long and arduous journey to the new world. Shared their first season’s bounty at an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations. It was not until 1827 that Sara Josepha Hale started lobbying to make Thanksgiving an annual tradition. It took her over 30 years and she introduced the recipes we know today for Turkey, Stuffing, Cranberry Sauce and Pumpkin pie. The holiday as we know it is due to her efforts. The tradition of celebrating the harvest of the year is observed in many cultures but we are probably the only one that offers presidential exoneration for a turkey. In 1989, George HW Bush had the honor of becoming the first president to formally issue a pardon to a turkey and every president since has followed suit. <i><b>Have a Happy Thanksgiving!</b></i>Jefferson Landscapinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246086210457444576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360113869088915230.post-60789223522772224252013-10-20T19:55:00.000-07:002013-10-20T19:55:05.135-07:00Why Maintenance Matters…..We are so grateful to live in an area where the employment is relatively stable. Where we have clean water that comes from our tap and an abundance of fresh foods at our fingertips. Not many communities in our world can say that with confidence. How we approach maintenance in our home, health, cars and landscapes helps shape our gratitude. When we gain a deep personal satisfaction for caring for ourselves and those things around us, a part of that value is monetary, but perhaps more important is its emotional and psychological value. A neat and preserved landscape will be worth more both financially (an average of 15% more value if selling a property) and aesthetically. Pleasing scenes give daily satisfaction to a returning owner, and create a favorable first impression on visitors.<br />
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<i><b>Part of our mission statement</b></i> and our primary purpose at <a href="http://www.jeffersonlandscaping.com/" target="_blank">Jefferson Landscaping</a> is to eliminate the chaos from your landscape and introduce calm and beauty into your life. Pleasant surroundings invite us to take joy in being outside and marveling in the colors. We feel a little more vibrant and it can help give the strength to expand daily maintenance into other aspects of our lives.Jefferson Landscapinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246086210457444576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360113869088915230.post-43774579155862921992013-09-21T10:40:00.000-07:002013-09-21T10:40:54.968-07:00The Glorious Colors of FallFall has become a magical time for us. I used to feel like hiding when the days got shorter and everything was withering and dying. I was focused on the loss rather than the grace. Each year now towards the end of October, I take a trip to the Seattle Arboretum or Japanese Gardens and surround myself with indescribable colors and let myself become transported by the beauty and inevitability of the season.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture above I took at the Seattle Arboretum of the Japanese Gardens</td></tr>
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<br />Jefferson Landscapinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246086210457444576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360113869088915230.post-79548526104195547432013-08-24T10:59:00.000-07:002013-08-24T10:59:35.681-07:00The Roots of Flower ArrangingThis is the time of year when our cutting gardens are bursting with the last of the season’s colors… It is an almost bittersweet time as we fill our vases with a rainbow of fragrant blooms from the garden, knowing another fall and winter will pass before we can do this again. We arrange our flowers with tender care, selecting a red rose for the ones we love, snapdragons for strength, or perhaps calla lilies for beauty. The flowers we arrange and give to others possess historic roots that grow deeper than those from which they blossomed.<br />
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The earliest known flower arrangers were the ancient Egyptians in about 2500 BC. They selected flowers for burials that were sacred or had religious meaning, such as lotus flowers and water lilies. The practice of arranging flowers as gifts began in prehistoric times when flowers were known more for their medicinal value than their aesthetic value. Today, a gift of flowers is a common way to express love, sympathy, apology, and a host of other sentiments.<br />
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There is also great cultural significance in the art of flower arranging. One example is the tradition of the bride’s bouquet, containing specially chosen blooms that are both emotionally significant as well as relevant to the theme of the wedding. A lesser known tradition is the corsage worn by the groom in his buttonhole. This is actually a medieval tradition that represents the declaration of his love for the bride by wearing his lady’s colors.Jefferson Landscapinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246086210457444576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360113869088915230.post-25635737225582514442013-06-22T09:46:00.000-07:002013-06-22T16:29:47.225-07:00Doggone it! Color to get through the Dog Days of SummerThe sun is out, the days are warm, and each day brings us closer to <a href="http://www.jeffersonlandscaping.com/JulyTips.html" target="_blank">the Dog Days of Summer</a>: the hottest and most humid time of the year, lasting from about July 3 through August 11. The Dog Days were named long ago by stargazers who observed that this sultry period occurred within 20 days on either side of the conjunction of the star Sirius (which is the dog star) and the sun. In olden times, the arrival of the Dog Days of Summer meant disease and extreme discomfort. Today, we can look forward to this time of year filled with warm days, evening barbeques, and Fourth of July celebrations. The hot, humid climate of the Dog Days does, however, take a toll on our gardens. Gardening with color during this time of year can be a challenge. Many plants fade and wither with the heat. Also, water conservation issues can make for a very thirsty garden. There is a solution, though. As perennials, flowering shrubs, and trees start to wane, we can fill the void with summer annuals.<br />
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These are plants that go through their entire life cycle in one year. They do not flower more than once. Many annuals make excellent “Dog Day” plants, because they can thrive in full sun and hot temps, and they add quick, vibrant color to the garden. These are just a few examples:<br />
Tuberous begonias (begonia tuberhybrida) come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. The begonia family has over 1400 species. Geraniums are native to South Africa and can range in size from 6 inches to 3-4 feet. They come in blooms of red, white, pink, purple, or blue. The common name “cranesbill” refers to the the seed capsule that looks like a crane’s bill. The beak-like column will burst open when ripe and cast the seeds over a distance Heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens) thrives in the heat of summer, smells like cherry pie, and comes in purple, blue, and white. Heliotrope is toxic if ingested in large quantities over a period of time.Jefferson Landscapinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246086210457444576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360113869088915230.post-51250654091187580842013-05-26T08:06:00.001-07:002013-05-26T08:06:35.058-07:00What’s Growing on...<b>News & Noteworthy</b><br />
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We are spending our weekend hours tending to our own vegetable beds. Our lettuce, peas, beans, celery and carrots are coming in nicely. The raspberries, blueberries and apple trees are laden with future fruit. It is our favorite time of year.<br />
<br />Jefferson Landscapinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246086210457444576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360113869088915230.post-57878630334546906602013-05-21T20:00:00.000-07:002013-05-21T20:00:28.659-07:00Garden Favorites – Fruits, Vegetables and Herbs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Legumes:</b> Beans, peas and lentils are staples of our diet all over the world and have been cultivated for 6,000 years. Peanuts, licorice, tamarind, fenugreek and jicama all belong to the bean family. Despite, its name coffee is not a bean but a cherry. <br /><br /><b>Tomatoes:</b> Tomatoes are the fruit of the vine that’s native to the South America Andes. They started being taxed as a vegetable in 1883. Prior to 1820, everyone thought tomatoes to be poisonous. Tomatoes are number one! More than 60 million tons produced annually beating out banana’s by a third.<br /><br /><b>Cruciferous:</b> Broccoli and cauliflower are technically the flowers. Kale, cabbage, brussel sprouts all cruciferous veg. offer great health benefits and prevent cancer.<br /><br /><b>Peppers:</b> Bell peppers have no “bite at all since they contain a recessive gene that eliminates capsaicin. Chili Peppers can be mild or hot enough to cause damage.<br /><br /><b>Basil:</b> Basil also had a dubious reputation but in the 17th century it was redeemed. In Italy Basil is considered a sign of love. In India, it is sacred, dedicated to Vishnu and Krishna. Basil is also considered tomatoes soul mate as proven by the caprese salad.<br /><br /><b>Cilantro:</b> Cilantro is a member of the carrot family. It was also one of the plants growing in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon more than 2,500 years ago.<br />
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<br />Jefferson Landscapinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14246086210457444576noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6360113869088915230.post-33779000929167120812013-04-27T10:25:00.001-07:002013-04-27T10:37:30.955-07:00Fun Facts about Spring Flowers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>From mid to late spring they take our breath away!</b><br />
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<b>Flowering Cherry:</b> The Japanese flowering cherries collectively known as Sato Zakura (meaning domestic, village or cultivated cherry trees grown solely for ornament), have been extensively bred for hundreds of years. They symbolize both clouds and mortality. The gift of 3000 flowering Cherries from the Japanese government to the city of Washington DC in 2012, is still celebrated annually <a href="http://www.fas.usda.gov/itp/Japan/Japanese%20Flowering%20Cherry%20Trees.pdf" target="_blank">National Cherry Blossom Festival </a><br />
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<b>Peony:</b> One legend suggests the name originates from the physician of the Greek gods, Paean, and the roots are still used today in medicine. The Peony has been cultivated in China for over 4,000 years and is named Sho Yu, which means most beautiful. Plant in full sun and feed when you feed your bulbs, herbaceous peonies can continue to produce their blooms for over a hundred years.<br />
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<b>Tulips</b>: The name originates from the Persian word for “Turbin”.
Once they reached Holland in the 16th century, the bulbs became a
precious commodity and very highly valued. Each color symbolizes a
different meaning, red is considered perfect love, yellow tulips convey
cheerful thoughts while white conveys forgiveness. While they have a
short life of only three to seven days, they bring amazing joy to us
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*(Picture taken 4/14/2013.)<br />
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