Month: July 2016

Landscape Design in Silver Spring, MD Problem-Free Native Shrubs

As simple as it sounds, the most effective landscape design for your Silver Spring, MD is one that puts the right plants in the best place for them. This prevents disease and plant loss. An additional way to prevent plant loss is to use problem-free native shrubs.

What do we mean by problem-free? Well, these native shrubs are relatively insect and disease free. Put them in the right place in the landscape design, and your Silver Spring, MD yard will look great.

Here are some problem-free native shrubs to consider for your landscape design in Silver Spring, MD

Cephalanthus occidentalis (buttonbush) is a large shrub that produces white flowers in globular heads in June, July, and August. It does best in moist soil and does not tolerate drought.

Clethra alnifolia (sweet pepperbush) grows very slowly, and has very fragrant white flowers that open in July. It is tolerant of wet soils.

Fothergilla gardenii (dwarf fothergilla) is a medium, slow-growing multi-stemmed shrub species. It has beautiful flowers (April) and very showy fall foliage, and best in full sun. Dwarf fothergilla requires a moist, well-drained acid soil and does not tolerate drought.

Hydrangea arborescens (smooth hydrangea) is a medium native shrub that produces pretty white flowers in July. It prefers partial shade, but can be grown in full sun with supplemental water.

Rhus typhina (staghorn sumac) is a large shrub or small tree that is known for being “hard to kill” and has very showy fall foliage color. Female plants have persistent, showy, red fruit stalks. Staghorn sumac tolerates dry soil, but does not do well in poorly drained areas.

Viburnum dentatum (arrowwood viburnum) is a multi-stemmed, dense, large shrub. It is adapted to a variety of soils and can be grown in sun or partial shade. It’s know for durability and white flowers.

For more information on landscape design in Silver Spring, MD, that prevents home flooding, please contact East Coast Landscape Design. We use erosion control applications to Maryland state specifications. Our landscape design experts will outline how to protect your home and create a landscape that creates lasting beauty and value.

Posted on Author mdlandscaperCategories landscape design, Silver Spring MD

Information About Flagstone Patios in Rockville, MD

You’ve probably heard about flagstone patios if you live in or around Rockville, MD. When done well, flagstone patios are beautiful and last a long time.

What is Flagstone?
Flagstone is a sedimentary rock composed of feldspar and quartz. It is a layered quarried stone, held together by silica. It is harder than sandstone – and that’s important in our climate of heat and hard freezes.

Flagstone comes in many gorgeous colors: blues, browns, tans, grays and reds. Some homeowners choose to mix colors, some go with one color, with slight variations (darker or lighter). Homeowners should choose a color or colors most complementary to their homes.

Things to keep in mind when you are choosing the flagstone for your patio:

  • Pick a flagstone that comes in as many shapes, sizes and thicknesses as possible.
  • Glittery flagstone can lose this sparkle under wear and tear.
  • Brightly colored stone may prove softer than more uniform muted tones.
  • Stone which is quarried nearest to your site will cost less to ship.

Flagstones can be in their “natural” form, or cut into geometric shapes (i.e., squares or rectangles) to be used in patterns. The shape of the flagstones in dependent on your patio design. Here are some ways flagstone can be quarried or cut:

  • Ledgestone: Relatively flat strips of stone for stacking.
  • Milled: Flagstone cut to an edge on one or more sides.
  • Mosaic: Patterns made up of random pieces.
  • Pavers: Cut flagstone into square or rectangular units.
  • Steppers: Flat stones used as pathway step stones.
  • Sawn Bed Veneer: Stone cut to a certain depth with natural surface on one side.
  • Slabs: Large flat pieces of stone with irregular outlines.
  • Snapped Veneer: Stone snapped to provide flat surfaces on both sides.
  • Thin Veneer: Flagstone cut to lay on concrete slab.
  • Treads: Stone machined to suit step treads or risers.
  • Tumbled: Processed to soften edges.

For more information on flagstone patios in Rockville, MD, please contact East Coast Landscape Design. The East Coast Landscape Design team has over a quarter century of experience in the design, installation, and care of practical and beautiful flagstone patios, walkways, and driveways in Rockville, MD.

Posted on Author mdlandscaperCategories flagstone patios, Rockville Md