As we swelter and simmer in the searing sun, we must stop for a moment to think of our fellow heat victims… our lawns and gardens! Unlike us, they can’t sit in the shade sipping lemonade or relax in front of the air conditioner. They rely on us to help them stay refreshed during dry periods.

One good option that doesn’t waste water, which is a pretty important consideration during a drought, is to install an http://www.hunterindustries.com/”>irrigation system.  These systems drip water slowly, directly to the roots, giving your lawn and garden that long drink of water they so desperately need.

If installing a full irrigation system isn’t in your budget right now, consider installing a hose bib timer with a soaker hose. You’ll get most of the benefit of an irrigation system for a fraction of the price and your plants will love you for it!

Although it might seem like keeping a short lawn will use less water, thus keeping it greener, you will actually be doing it a favor by letting it grow a bit longer. If you cut your grass too short, the grass will get stressed and get burned out. Letting it grow will allow it to “rest” a little, and it will look and feel much healthier in return.

To help drought-proof your garden in the future, consider replacing some of your needier plants with more drought-resistant plants. Some good choices include:

– Shrub roses
– Ornamental grasses
– Sage
– Eucalyptus
– Lavender
– Honeysuckle

As an added benefit, many of these plants are wonderfully fragrant and will give your garden a whole new dimension.

As a last resort, you can always replace the lawn and garden with decorative gravel and cobblestones. They’ll never need watering and will always look nice, regardless of what Mother Nature decides to throw at you!

To talk more about your lawn and garden, and maintaining it in all kinds of weather, come visit us at the First Sunday Festival in Annapolis!

Flowering herbs can add visual appeal to any garden. Herb and vegetable garden design can be fun and creative. The first step is to plot out the area where the garden bed is going to be located. Once the spot is chosen, scale it out on paper to size. Make sure to leave plenty of room for mowing, walking, fences and lighting. Using raised beds can improve water flow through the soil and allow the soil to stay warmer in cooler seasons.

Explore which plants grow well together and what plants do not. Some plants complement another and this is called companion planting. Some plants can be planted while it is still cool while others like it to be warmer. Plants can be staggered throughout the season. A soaker hose running through the garden bed will water the roots where it is needed without damaging the leaves of some plants. Crop rotation helps some crops to grow better. Some plants put nutrients in the soil while others take nutrients from the soil.

Many plants do well in containers and containers save space in the garden. Herbs do well in containers and plants that typically spread out do well in containers and save on space in the garden bed. Small trellises can be used in large containers for tomatoes or cucumbers. Containers can also be used to decorate a deck or walkway.

Alternative insecticides are recommended for control of pests. Chemical pesticides are harmful to the environment and stay on the plant which in most cases is not washed off. The benefits of alternative insecticides are less damage to the environment and less toxic to nontarget organisms. Botanical insecticides work very well and are plant derived.

There are many alternative herbicides to control weeds in the garden. The use of clove oil mixtures, acetic acid and soap based herbicides dehydrated the leaves of weeds. There are many organic herbicides to choose from. The timeline of planting herbs and vegetables occurs over a two month span depending on what veggies are chosen. Cool weather plants and be planted mid March to the first of April. Tender plants need to wait until the soil has warmed considerably around the first to middle of May. Raised beds will be warmer than cultivated in the ground.

Check out our Upcoming Festivals here!

“Thank you for the incredible job of lawn maintenance you do for us every year; it has made such a difference over the years. As your designs continue to mature, our yard just keeps getting better. This year, our home has been amazing thanks to your designs and maintenance. Kudos to your maintenance crews – they keep us looking fantastic.”
-Davis

“Thanks for being so patient with our requests. It’s been great working with you and look forward to future endeavors once we finish up with our remodeling project. Thanks again.”
-Davis

 ”Many thanks. It’s Beautiful.”
-Holingsworth

“Dear Ana, Thank you so much for all your work – we (and the neighbors) love it! Your company’s men treat our yard as if it were their own – the results are beautiful – come again.”
-Thornburg

 ”Ana, Everything looks great! Thanks!”
-Buchanan

“This unsolicited note of commendation is written to express my appreciation for the excellent performance of “Alex”, “Rafael”, “Rolando”, and “Ana” (members of the Landscape Design Center) who recently completed a landscaping project at my home. After a brief discussion of work to be performed, the above crew commenced work on schedule and successfully performed the agreed upon tasks in a professional manner.
You are to be commended for having workers of this high quality in your organization.”
(Alex, Antonio R., Rolando, Ana)
-Ferguson

THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 11 From 10:00 to 3:00!

Giddings Avenue between Ridgely Avenue and Annapolis Street

Annapolis’ only Market dedicated to the Full Spectrum of GREEN!

30+ VENDORS OFFERING Produce, Plants and Locally-Produced Foods!

Green Businesses, Products & Services!

Eco-Friendly & Upcycled Craft & Art!

Vintage, Repurposed & Recycled Furnishings & Accessories!

With an emphasis on local vendors & businesses!

Annapolis Mayor Josh Cohen will cut the ribbon to officially “open” the Market at 1:00 pm!

Meet Our April Vendors!

See All Our Vendors at homegrownandgreen.com

A Touch of Class Jewelry
The Attakai’s Yummies
Bread by Magnolia Caterers & Art by Jimmy Reynolds
Bon Vivant Antiques
Callinectes Antiques & Oriental Rugs
Cedarwood Soaps
Susan Chambers Art
Chesapeake Estate Services
Doug Connor Fused Glass
Crispens Farms & Greenhouses
Cross the Street Vintage & Repurposed Furnishings
Charlie Dodge Vegetables & Bicycle Part Clocks & Lamps
Freedom Bakery
Galena Blooms
Global Baskets
Grand Paws Pet Salon & Spa
Ken Hull Custom Woodworking &  D&J Woodworkings
The Landscape Design Center
Elizabeth Lanphear Vintage Silver & Jewelry
Lotus Therapeutic Massage
Moonloops
Nesting Magazine
PaperdreamerAltered Art
Peruvian Trend
Recycled Jewelry by Jenny Hontz
Sparkles N Stones
Twin Beeches Alpacas
Twin Pixie Studios
Uptown Redesigns
Wimsey Cove Framing & Art

And more on the way!

PLUS FREE FACE PAINTING BY CRYSTALOONEYS!

Set in the charming business neighborhood of West Annapolis, with locally-owned shops, eateries, galleries, salons & services! Spend the day! Bring the family & the dog!

The Landscape Design Center

In 1974, a young woman began cutting grass in order to pay for college.  She realized, during that time, that working with plants, colors, configurations, and people, was something that she really loved. So sparked Andrea’s interest in starting The Landscape Design Center, where she could share her knowledge, and good nature, with devoted customers. In 1996 Andrea’s daughter, Ana, came to work for the company as a draftsman. In 2009 they came up with Tchotchke Pots, using recycled goods to create interesting and useful garden décor. From Cookie Jars to Christmas mugs – everything turned into a place to house an herb, or flower, or cute little shrub. Click here to read more.