by Gardens of Babylon | Jul 8, 2024
Weeds can be a persistent challenge in maintaining a beautiful landscape. At Gardens of Babylon, we understand that weed pressure can be greater in areas where crews have worked, particularly when installing new mulch and beds. We have tips to help you manage weeds effectively, especially in newly mulched areas, and ensure your landscape remains pristine.
Why Weeds Appear After Mulching
When we install new mulch and beds, the process often involves loosening the soil to create optimal conditions for plant growth. However, this also disturbs dormant weed seeds, bringing them to the surface where they can germinate and grow quickly, especially during warmer months. While this is a natural occurrence, proper management can keep weed growth under control.
Strategies for Effective Weed Management
Regular Monitoring – After installing new mulch and beds, it’s crucial to regularly monitor these areas for weed growth. Early detection and removal can prevent weeds from establishing a foothold and spreading.
- Weekly Inspections: Conduct weekly inspections of newly mulched areas to identify and remove weeds while they are still small.
- Hand Weeding: For small infestations, hand weeding is effective and minimizes soil disturbance.
Mulching Techniques – Proper mulching techniques can significantly reduce weed growth by blocking light from reaching weed seeds and preventing their germination.
- Thick Layer of Mulch: Apply a thick layer of mulch (2-4 inches) to suppress weed growth. Ensure the mulch is spread evenly and not piled against plant stems or tree trunks.
- Quality Mulch: Use high-quality mulch that decomposes slowly and provides long-term weed suppression.
Pre-Emergent Herbicides – In some cases, using pre-emergent herbicides can be an effective strategy to prevent weed seeds from germinating. Whenever possible, choose natural and environmentally friendly options.
- Natural Herbicides: Opt for natural herbicides that are safe for the environment and your plants. These can include products made from corn gluten meal or vinegar solutions.
- Application Timing: Apply pre-emergent herbicides after installing new mulch and beds but before weed seeds have a chance to germinate.
- Safety: Choose herbicides that are safe for the specific plants in your landscape and follow all label instructions.
Mulch Renewal – Regularly renewing mulch helps maintain its effectiveness in suppressing weeds.
- Annual Renewal: Renew mulch annually, adding a fresh layer to maintain the optimal depth and weed-blocking capabilities.
- Disturb Minimally: Disturb the soil as little as possible during the renewal process to avoid bringing new weed seeds to the surface.
Long-Term Benefits of Proper Weed Management
By following these strategies, you can keep weed pressure to a minimum and ensure your landscape remains beautiful and healthy. Proper weed management not only enhances the appearance of your garden but also promotes the health of your plants by reducing competition for nutrients, water, and light.
Why Choose Gardens of Babylon?
At Gardens of Babylon, we are dedicated to providing expert care and guidance to help you maintain a stunning landscape. Our team is experienced in all aspects of landscape management, including effective weed control. We ensure that newly mulched areas are carefully monitored and maintained to keep your garden looking its best.
Contact us today to learn more about our landscaping services and how we can help you achieve a weed-free, beautiful garden. Let us provide the expertise and care your landscape needs to thrive.
by Gardens of Babylon | Jun 25, 2024
Middle Tennessee’s sunny, warm climate is perfect for a variety of vibrant annuals that can brighten up any garden. With the right selection, you can enjoy a kaleidoscope of colors from spring to fall. If you’re looking to add some color to your outdoor space, here are the top five sun-loving annuals that thrive in our region.
Zinnias
Zinnias are a favorite among gardeners for their bright, bold colors and easy care. They come in a variety of sizes and hues, from vibrant reds and pinks to cheerful yellows and oranges. Zinnias are excellent for attracting pollinators like bees and butterflies. They prefer well-drained soil and full sun, blooming from late spring to the first frost.
Care Tips:
Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage continuous flowering.
Fertilize every 4-6 weeks during the growing season.
Marigolds
Marigolds are another sun-loving annual that brings a splash of sunshine to any garden. These hardy plants are known for their golden, orange, and yellow blooms, and they are great for repelling garden pests. Marigolds thrive in hot, sunny conditions and can bloom all summer long.
Care Tips:
Plant in well-drained soil.
Water regularly, especially during dry spells.
Deadhead regularly to promote more blooms.
Lantana
Lantana is a resilient and colorful annual perfect for adding a tropical feel to your garden. With its clusters of small, vibrant flowers in shades of yellow, orange, pink, and red, lantana is a magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil.
Care Tips:
Water moderately, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Prune lightly to maintain shape and encourage new blooms.
Fertilize every month during the growing season.
Coleus
While traditionally known for its shade preference, modern coleus varieties thrive in full sun, offering stunning foliage in an array of colors and patterns. Coleus adds a unique texture and vibrant color contrast to your garden beds and containers.
Care Tips:
Plant in well-drained soil.
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Pinch back the tips to promote bushier growth.
Petunias
Petunias are versatile and come in a wide range of colors and patterns. They are perfect for garden beds, hanging baskets, and containers. Petunias love the sun and will provide continuous blooms throughout the summer with proper care.
Care Tips:
Plant in full sun.
Water consistently, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Pinch back leggy growth to maintain a bushy shape.
Let Us Help You Create a Stunning Garden!
At Gardens of Babylon, we understand that designing a beautiful flower bed can be overwhelming. Our expert landscape designers, are here to help! We offer personalized garden design services to ensure your flower beds not only look stunning but also thrive in Middle Tennessee’s unique climate.
Whether you need a complete garden overhaul or just some advice on the best plants for your space, we’re here to assist you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help you connect with nature through a beautiful and vibrant garden.
by Gardens of Babylon | Jun 18, 2024
As the summer sun warms our beautiful Middle Tennessee, there’s nothing quite like stepping into a garden buzzing with life. As we celebrate pollinators this week, diving into the world of flowering perennials makes the perfect sense! These beauties not only add a splash of color to your landscape but also attract those lovely pollinators we all adore. So, grab your garden gloves and a cup of iced tea, and let’s explore some native beauties that are perfect for your garden.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
is a beauty that isn’t just a feast for the eyes with its vibrant purple petals and prominent centers; it’s a pollinator magnet! Bees, butterflies, and even birds can’t resist it. These perennials thrive in full sun to partial shade and are incredibly drought-tolerant. To keep them blooming beautifully, consider deadheading spent blooms. Not only do they attract pollinators, but they also make fantastic cut flowers for your home.
Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
is a tall, elegant plant with clusters of pinkish-purple flowers that serve as a beacon for butterflies, especially Monarchs. Standing tall in the garden, it’s perfect for adding height and a touch of wild beauty. Joe Pye Weed prefers full sun to partial shade and thrives in moist, well-drained soil. Its robust nature allows it to handle a variety of soil conditions, making it a versatile choice for many gardens.
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
brings cheerful yellow flowers with dark centers that resemble little rays of sunshine. They bloom profusely, creating a dazzling display that bees and butterflies adore. These hardy plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, and they’re quite resilient, tolerating a bit of neglect. Their bright, sunny disposition makes them a must-have for any pollinator garden.
Bee Balm (Monarda didyma)
stands out with its vibrant red, pink, or purple flowers, making it a showstopper in any garden. True to its name, it’s beloved by bees and is also a favorite of hummingbirds. Bee Balm prefers moist, well-drained soil and can be planted in full sun to partial shade. Keep an eye out for powdery mildew and ensure good air circulation around the plant. Its aromatic leaves can also be used to make tea, adding an extra benefit to this lovely plant.
Sedum (Sedum spp.)
features succulent leaves and star-shaped flowers that are a favorite among bees and butterflies. This plant is incredibly low-maintenance, making it perfect for busy gardeners. Sedum thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, and it’s drought-tolerant, making it ideal for areas with less frequent watering. Its unique texture and form add variety to the garden, and it can even be used in rock gardens or as ground cover.
Creating a Pollinator Paradise
When planting your pollinator-friendly garden, think diversity. A variety of shapes, colors, and bloom times will attract a wider range of pollinators. Grouping plants together can also make it easier for pollinators to spot and access their favorite flowers. Remember to provide a mix of nectar and pollen sources, and include some host plants for caterpillars to encourage butterfly populations.
Ready to transform your garden into a buzzing paradise? Let our designers plan our your perfect pollinator garden. And come visit us at our garden center, that is brimming with a fantastic selection of native perennials. Our friendly staff is always here to help you choose the perfect plants for your space!
by Gardens of Babylon | May 30, 2024
If you’re looking for ways to increase the value of your home, it’s easy to overlook the outdoors. But your property’s landscaping can significantly influence its appeal and resale price. The power of a well-groomed lawn, charming flowerbeds, and strategically placed trees should not be underestimated.
Let’s explore how landscaping can improve your property value, and which types of landscaping investments are most likely to bolster your home’s resale price.
The Importance of Curb Appeal
First impressions are crucial, and the exterior of your home is the first thing prospective buyers see. An unkept yard could be a deal-breaker, making potential buyers think that if the outside is neglected, the inside might be too. On the other hand, a beautifully landscaped yard can create a positive impression, convincing buyers your home is worth considering even before they step inside.
Landscaping significantly contributes to curb appeal. Studies show that good curb appeal can add 5-12% to a home’s value, making landscaping a wise investment for those planning to sell.
Landscaping Investments that Pay Off
While it’s clear that landscaping can boost property value, it’s essential to consider what kind of investments will yield the best return. Here are a few areas to consider:
1. Trees
Trees are an excellent investment for your property. According to the Council of Tree and Landscape Appraisers, a mature tree can add $1,000 to $10,000 to a property’s value. They can also reduce cooling costs in the summer, making your home more energy-efficient and attractive to eco-conscious buyers.
2. Native Plants
Using native plants in your landscaping can also enhance your home’s value. They typically require less maintenance and are more resistant to local pests and diseases. Plus, they contribute to local biodiversity, another selling point for environmentally conscious buyers. Read about some great Middle Tennessee options for native plants here.
3. Outdoor Living Spaces
In the age of staycations, outdoor living spaces are more in demand than ever. Patios, decks, outdoor kitchens, and covered areas can serve as an extension of the home’s living space, adding significant value. A report from the National Association of Realtors shows that patios are among the top features homebuyers look for, making it a worthy investment!
4. Well-Maintained Lawn
A well-maintained lawn is key to boosting curb appeal and thus property value. Regular lawn care such as mowing and edging are important, but fertilizing and weed control can make a substantial difference in the market price of your home. Our team at Gardens of Babylon can help in every aspect of caring for your lawn. Reach out to learn more about our Natural and Bridge Lawn Care Programs which focus on creating better alternatives to typical lawn care treatments.
5. Lighting
Proper outdoor lighting can highlight your property’s best features and increase security – both appealing factors for potential buyers. Consider using LED lights for energy efficiency and longevity and let a professional help add the perfect ambiance! For creative ways to illuminate with lighting, read our blog here.
Bottom Line
Landscaping is more than just a cosmetic enhancement; it’s a smart investment that can significantly boost your property value. Whether you’re planning to sell your home soon or in the future, investing in your property’s landscaping now can yield substantial returns down the line.
Remember, the best landscaping upgrades are those that enhance your home’s overall appeal and fit naturally into the surrounding environment. Don’t hesitate to seek professional advice from one of our landscape designers to understand what investments would work best for your property. With the right planning and execution, you can create a beautiful outdoor space that adds substantial value to your home and attracts eager buyers.
by Gardens of Babylon | Apr 16, 2024
It’s that time of year when we look at our uninteresting and bare landscaping and wonder, “what can I do to bring life and color?” Annuals have their place to shine, but if you want to have continuous color each year, then keep reading. Going native means less work for us – WIN. And, it also gives a boost to our local critters by providing what they need – double WIN! So, if adding native perennials to your garden is in your not-so-distant-future, we have seven to check out!
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
This striking wildflower is a favorite among pollinators and gardeners alike. With its vibrant purple petals and prominent cone-shaped center, it adds a pop of color to any garden. Purple Coneflower thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It blooms from late spring to early summer and is known for its medicinal properties, including immune-boosting benefits. Plant it in spring for best results.
Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
A classic wildflower with sunny yellow petals and a dark brown center, Black-Eyed Susan brings cheer to gardens and meadows. It’s drought-tolerant and easy to grow, making it perfect for beginner gardeners. This perennial blooms from mid-summer to fall, attracting butterflies and bees. Plant it in spring or early summer for a burst of color later in the year.
Eastern Bluestar (Amsonia tabernaemontana)
With its delicate blue star-shaped flowers and feathery green foliage, Eastern Bluestar adds a touch of elegance to gardens and borders. This low-maintenance perennial thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. It blooms in late spring to early summer and turns a brilliant golden-yellow in fall, providing multi-season interest. Plant it in spring for optimal growth and flowering.
Joe-Pye Weed (Eutrochium purpureum)
This plant is like the life of the party from summer through fall, showing off its pink and purple blooms. Crush a leaf and you’ll catch a whiff of vanilla—how cool is that? It’s perfect for attracting butterflies and bees. Best time to plant: Spring.
Wild Blue Phlox (Phlox divaricata) & Creeping Phlox (phlox stolonifera)
These low-growers are real showstoppers in the spring with beautiful blue, pink, purple, or white flowers. Spreading slowly, you’ll see them form lovely colonies over time. I personally love how they crowd out weeds! Expect them to be a hit with both hummingbirds and butterflies. Native to woodland areas and rocky slopes, where they form dense mats of foliage. Best time to plant: Early spring.
Coreopsis (Coreopsis spp.)
If you want some sunshine in your garden, this plant has got you covered with its bright yellow blooms in the summer. And it’s low-maintenance too, spreading out nicely without much fuss. Best time to plant: Early spring.
Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
Don’t let the name fool you—this plant is a gem in any garden although may often be found in wetland habitats such as marshes, swamps, and along stream banks. It’s well-adapted to moist soil conditions, making it an ideal choice for rain gardens and areas with poor drainage. A cool fact is that Swamp Milkweed is a vital host plant for monarch butterflies. Monarch caterpillars exclusively feed on the leaves of milkweed plants, including Swamp Milkweed, making it essential for their survival. So by planting this perennial in your garden, you are helping support monarch butterfly populations! Best time to plant: Spring.
Now go on, get planting and let nature’s colors shine! And, remember our expert team is here to help with designing and planting your dream perennial garden, so just reach out!
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