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When one looks out into their garden, they should be greeted by a plethora of colorful flowers that yield happy vibes. Gardens can be relaxing places where one retreats to decompress or a beautifully groomed oasis where one hosts events and parties. There is no better way to add a splash of color and creativity to a space than with the inclusion of flowers and plants. Whether you are looking to spruce up your current landscaping in Denver, or add a garden, now is the best time to do it!

Flower beds add a whole other dimension to your garden design and create a sea of color that instantly elevates your property. There are many different types of plants that one can plant, but perennials are touted as an excellent choice due to their ability to thrive for several years.

Unlike their other half, annuals, perennials continue to add texture and vibrancy to your garden even when they are no longer in bloom. The many beds they produce are not as finicky and can even tolerate shade.  Below are five perennial flowers that you can add that will come back year after year! Unsure what perennial flowers are? Learn more about what are perennials.

Peruvian Lily

Add the vibrant and unique Peruvian Lily, also known as the Lily of Incas, to your garden! They make a great addition both in front of a home or even along the side as they can grow up to three feet fall. These flowers bloom in a variety of colors from red and yellow to orange and purple and resemble azaleas. Peruvian Lilies are also easy to maintain. The lilies do well in colder climates and perform best in a sunny environment. These are terrific flowers to add to a bouquet and will surely light up any room.

Geum Chiloense

Another great options for gardens with taller plans is the Geum Chiloense. Also known as the Red Dragon, this flower’s vibrant reds and oranges will add lots of color to your landscape design in Denver. It will grow to be about two feet tall, or less. Plus, this flower is known to steer away deer and rabbits but can attract beautiful butterflies and hummingbirds.

Strawflowers

A popular west coast landscaping addition is the Strawflower. Also known as a Paper Daisy, these teeter the line of a perennial and annual but are indeed a perennial.  They grow to be up to three feet tall and bloom in a tight round shape. You will see these flowers in variety of whites, yellows, oranges, pinks and reds. Many also love this flower for its ease of cutting or drying. Strawflowers are a great addition to backyards-- display on decks, patios, porches and any nook or cranny that needs a pop of color.

Fuchsia Plants

People with gardens in the northwest love the Fuchsia Plant. They are quite unique in shape with an exotic look.  Fuchsia Plants are a great addition to a flowerbed or in hanging baskets or other containers. Parts of the plant are even edible! There are many varieties of fuchsia plants, each one with its own striking color palette.  These are a great perennial if you are looking to impress folks. The bulbous blooms blossom non traditionally and add an alluring quality to your garden.

Forget-Me-Nots

The Forget-Me-Not produces a gorgeous small flower that is great to fill Denver landscaping with consistent light blue color. They have five petals and grow to be up to eight inches tall and resemble something that you would see in a meadow. So why the name “Forget-Me-Not?” It’s quite interesting! The Aunty Flo website explains.  These stunning perennials are low maintenance and take well to most conditions. Forgot-me-nots are easy to care for and don’t run into problems with pests. These are traditional flowers that are sure to inspire nostalgic memories.

Lupines
If you’re looking to add a vertical/linear flower to your garden, the Lupine is a great choice. They grow in a variety of lengths up to three feet tall. Lupines bloom in a variety of shades of orange and yellow to pink and red. This wildflower will give you the feeling as though you’re walking through a field when in fact you will be just in your own yard! Especially because similar to the Geum Chiloense, they attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

Whether you are looking to liven up your current landscaping or need help with maintenance, you can count on us at Water Solutions Sprinkler Service to make sure you are covered. By having landscaping, you will increase your home value and our efficient watering methods will help you save on your water bill while keeping your garden looking beautiful! Give us a call at (720) 435-1495 or fill out a contact form to get started!

Denver weather has a way of changing every 15 minutes, but almost every summer, rainfall totals and water conservation become the focus of the community. While maintaining your yard and keeping the space looking as nice as possible is always a priority, it can be difficult to accomplish during periods of extended drought conditions. Working with your trusted Denver sprinkler service will help you get the most out of your lawn and your watering routine even when the county imposes restrictions. Here’s what you need to know about getting the most out of your sprinkler system during a summer drought.

Understanding What Qualifies as a Drought

Technically, droughts are any period of time where rainfall is scarce and conditions in the area are drier than normal. These events can be short, lasting for as little as a month or can extend well over a year, impacting growth throughout spring, summer, and fall. Even though the average rainfall in Colorado is relatively low, averaging around 17 inches a year, snowmelt often provides the greater Denver area with plenty of water to keep yards and landscaping looking lush and vibrant throughout the warmer part of the year.

When snow is scarce, it puts the state at risk for water shortages and increases the chances of wildfires damaging the surrounding wilderness. What this often means for homeowners is an increased awareness of water usage and heightened conservation efforts across the county. While Denver county is slow to put water restrictions in place, they can occasionally institute watering regulations that impact your regular sprinkler system’s operation.

Voluntary vs Mandatory Restrictions

Depending on the severity of the drought, the county will institute either voluntary or mandatory water use restrictions. If voluntary restrictions are in place, it’s up to the individual homeowner to decide how and if they want to conserve water. Mandatory restrictions are put in place when the government declares a Stage 2 drought or higher. These mandatory restrictions will require you to shut off your sprinkler system and prevents homeowners from watering their lawns or landscaping until the drought conditions lessen. Though severe droughts do happen, they’re far more infrequent than moderate droughts. Regardless of the type of restrictions in place, every conservation effort homeowners can make will help reduce the impact the drought has on the water table.

During voluntary restrictions, there are many simple things you can do to reduce the amount of water your household uses, particularly with your landscaping and your sprinkler system.

• Water during the coolest part of the day. Water evaporates in heat and direct sunshine. This means if you water during the middle of the day, your plants will require more water to adequately hydrate the root systems. Instead, run your sprinklers during the early morning or after dusk when the weather has cooled off and the sun is lower in the sky. This way, your plants will get the water they need without forcing your sprinklers to use more water than necessary.
• Angle the sprinklers appropriately. Watering your driveway or the side of your home won’t help your lawn maintain its growth. When you turn your sprinklers on, watch to see where the water goes. If it’s hitting the majority of your plants, you’ll be fine. However, if the water is hitting the pavement, schedule an appointment with your sprinkler service and let them reposition the sprinkler heads so the spray will do the most good. It’s best to avoid trying to do this yourself as you may inadvertently damage the system.
• Look for overly green areas in your yard. Overwatering is something everyone should avoid, but it’s even more of a hazard during drought conditions. Periodically check your yard for any overly green areas or places where the lawn is growing faster than others. This could indicate a leak in your system that needs to be addressed immediately. The faster the leak is repaired, the more water your household will be able to conserve.
• Set timers. If you’re watering early in the morning or late in the evening, it’s easy to forget to water your lawn until later in the day. Rather than dealing with the evaporation issue, set your sprinklers on a timer and take the worry out of watering.
• Don’t water every day. Though it may seem like a good idea to water your yard a little each day, it’s not necessary, especially during drought conditions where water levels are low. Instead, water your plants and your lawn every three days. This will prevent the risk of overwatering the lawn while also helping you conserve water at home.

During mandatory restrictions, you’ll need to adhere to the requirements outlined by the county. If they permit you to run your sprinklers for a few minutes every few days, do so. This will help keep your sprinklers in good condition, even if the water is not enough to adequately help your plants. If restrictions are severe, don’t simply turn off your sprinkler system. Contact your technician and have them properly prepare the system for premature shutdown. This will help keep your irrigation system in good repair, ensuring that they’re ready for the following year when the rainfall and snowmelt levels are back to normal. Regardless of the restrictions, you’ll want to take the time to water your trees, even if you have to do it by hand. Letting your trees face the drought without a little bit of water every few days can cause their vascular system to wither, leading the tree to die during the drought.

Whether you’re looking for a way to streamline your watering routine or simply want an expert to get your sprinklers ready for the growing season, contact the pros at Water Solutions. Our friendly and dedicated staff will help you with everything from installation to ongoing maintenance and will work to keep your landscaping looking its best by providing reliable and efficient watering systems for your yard. Call (720) 435-1495 to schedule an appointment with our friendly team and get a free estimate for all work and repairs.

Spring has arrived, and it could not be a more exciting time to update your landscaping! With so many new landscaping trends coming up, you have several options to transform your spaces. Use these premier trending landscaping ideas for your front and backyard and learn how using sprinklers in Denver will make them flourish.

Fountains and Water Decor

Begin your day sitting on your porch or patio, listening to the relaxing sound of a water fountain. Homeowners are adding water fountains and decorative water-themed areas to enhance an area. In fact, many are creating entire retreats with beautiful plants and flowers that surround a small human-made pond that pairs with the fountain. It is the perfect complement to gorgeous landscaping that will take your landscaping to the next level.

Speaking of a small pond, this is a great addition to bring a backyard to life. On average a small pond, also known as a garden pond, can be as inexpensive as a couple hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. This is great because you can make something work in nearly any price range. A couple things to ask yourself before starting your pond project:

• How large should the pond be?
• What plants and/or décor (i.e. stones) will go around the pond?
• Do I want fish in the pond?
• Should I add a waterfall?

When getting started and digging a hold, make sure to call 811 to ensure there are no pipes or anything you may damage. They ask to call at least two days in advance of the day you plan to dig. Once you have the green light, the process can begin. For a simple step-by-step, review DIY’s guide on how to install a garden pond.

Based on how you answered your questions above, you may have a few extra steps or purchases to make. First, if you plan to add plants or stones, be sure to have those details finalized and purchases made before installing the pond for efficiency. Next, if you plan on having fish, you will need to create an environment they can live in. Do your research and find fish that can survive Colorado’s climate. You will also need to properly filter the water as well. Last, if you plan to add a waterfall, you will need to purchase a pump to keep the waterfall working.

Wildflowers and Grasses

Who said landscaping care had to be difficult? Another up and coming trend for landscaping is the addition of wildflowers and ornamental grasses. When it comes to the wildflowers of Colorado, you have many to choose from in all shapes and colors. They are beautiful and do not require as much maintenance as several other flowers. Next, pair the wildflowers with ornamental grasses. Ornamental grass comes in a variety of shapes and colors. You can let it grow and don’t need cut it, which helps it become full and fill up a space. Some of the best ornamental grass types in Denver include switchgrass, hardy pampas grass, and blue fescues. Just like wildflowers, they are low maintenance and consistent with Colorado’s landscape. Your standard sprinkler system will help keep them flourishing all season long.

When planting ornamental grasses, make sure to add them in a part of your yard that gets plenty of sunlight. For soil needs, grasses can grow virtually anywhere. It grows especially well with other plants. As you go to plant the grass, be sure to add a little water to the soil if it is dry. When it comes to water, since they can adapt to several climates and weather patterns, you will not need to worry about watering them the same way you do for the plants in your yard. If you experience drought, that may be the only time you will need to make sure they get water. Otherwise, mother nature takes care of them!

Outdoor Living Spaces

In spring 2018, backyards are becoming more than just a “backyard.” Many homeowners are investing to make them complete living spaces. You can choose a living space, with comfortable outdoor couches and a small fire pit, surrounded by gorgeous flowers around a patio. Others area choosing kitchens with prep space and appliances.

You can also add a fireplace that is stand alone or up against the house. It is great for entertaining, relaxing or to help raise the value and quality of your home. They are also much easier than installing in a home because you do not have the same restrictions or guidelines. By adding a fireplace, you will be able to expand your space for guests, be able to spend more time outdoors throughout the year and will even be able to cook outside more as well! S’mores, anyone?

Purple Theme

Are you wondering what color of flowers and décor to purchase for your landscaping? Purple is the go-to color for spring and summer 2018. Some of the best purple flowers to plant include lavenders, Forever Purples, and Purple Dome Asters. Add a pop of color with white or yellow flowers. Tie in this color throughout your landscaping by adding accents like purple seating cushions and décor.

Looking to create a purple garden? There are many purple items you can add. Consider incorporating purple items such as beets, cauliflower, eggplants, potatoes, and carrots! You can visit your local gardening store or shop online to get everything you need to start your purple garden! This is also a great way to eat healthier throughout the year.

Are you wondering why you should hire professional Denver landscaping services for your yard? When you hire an expert, you can be sure you are making a good investment in your space. Water Solutions is your team of local landscaping experts. As you are looking for go-to ways to incorporate new trends into your yard, we will help you plan and ensure water needs are met. Get started and contact us today at 720-435-1495 for all of your sprinkler installation, repair, and landscaping needs.

Water Conservation

Utilizing a Sprinkler Service Will Save You Time

Having a Professional Eye to Ensure Your System is Performing Well

Increase Your Property Value

The winter can be a harsh on your lawn, plants, flowers, and other landscaping. Thankfully, with a little bit of care, everything will bounce back and be beautiful for spring! Pencil in some time on your calendar to dedicate some time to your lawn. Use this overview and go-to tips to make sure your Denver landscaping is ready for spring!

How to Determine if Plants are Dead or Just Damaged

One of your first agenda items in early spring is to assess the condition of your landscaping. During this process, you will examine them to see which plants are dead, and which can be saved during the spring.

To get started, gently bend their stems to see if it actually bends. If it breaks, that part of the plant is dead. You can test other points of the stem to see if it doesn't. Depending where it is healthy, you may be able to save the plant and prune off the dead areas. Cut down the stems and look for green areas. This is a sign there is still life in the plant or flower. Make sure you do not prune until there will not be any more freezes in the season.

In some cases, you will not see any life in your existing plants and flowers. There is still a possibility the roots are still alive. Cut the plant down so only a few inches of the stems are left. Over time, if the plant re-grows, you know you are in the clear. If not, it is best to replace it with something else. If you are ready to put something new in its place if you rather now wait for growth, you can! The spring is one of the top times to plant new flowers, shrubs, etc., in your landscaping.

Helping Plants Damaged by Cold Temperatures

After you inspect the quality of your plans, some may not be dead, but taking extra time to recover from winter.
 

• Fertilize: Spring is the optimal time to put fertilizer on plants. Ideally, you will want to do this when you know there will no longer be frosts-so avoid using fertilizer if you know there will be temperatures that will produce frost. You can also help bring your plants back to life by adding compost.
• Defrosting after late freeze: It's possible to have late freezes in the spring. When this happens, it is crucial you tend to them as soon as possible for their health. Check the ground around the plant to see if the soil is frozen solid. Give your plant some water around its base to help de-freeze the area.
• Brown grass: When grass is brown and wilting, it is a sign that it has been severely impacted by winter temperature and conditions. Avoid making it worse and stay off the lawn. This includes mowing. Even if your grass has grown, you will want to wait a little later in the season for your first mow to see if the grass comes back. If it doesn't, you will need to work with your local sprinkler service and landscaping company on replacing the dead areas with sod. If you can salvage the dying grass, when you do mow for the first time, make sure you use the highest setting.
• Remove dead pieces: You may notice some of your plants have dark spots on leaves. When winter burn occurs, it is a positive sign the plant still has good health-but will need to have the brown cut off.

Using a Pre-Emergent

In addition to fertilizing your landscaping as mentioned above, it is also very important to use a pre-emergent, also known as herbicides, on your landscaping. This will help keep weeds from sprouting in your lawn. Weeds can come in due to a variety of reasons such as improper watering or fertilizing, damage, low sunlight, damage from insects, and more.

Once you put the pre-emergent down, it will work proactively to help keep the weeds (i.e. crabgrass or clovers) from sprouting. How? It rids the weeds while still in the soil and keeps them from germinating.

When shopping for the right pre-emergent, make sure you buy the correct one for your yard. This will help keep from furthering any damage. Learn how to choose a pre-emergent herbicide and research before making a decision.

Premier Spring Lawn and Landscaping Tips

As you care for plants and flowers recovering from the winter, there is much more to do to help your landscaping thrive. Some of these tips include:

• Remove thatch: Thatch is a layer of grass, roots, and stems that are living or dead. While some thatch is normal and healthy, an excess can be detrimental. Thatch that is nearing one inch needs to be removed. Accomplish this by first mowing your grass then raking your lawn using a dethatching rake. If you will be fertilizing your lawn, be sure to do that after dethatching.
• Aerate your lawn: Lawn aeration perforates the soil, allowing easier access for natural elements to make their way in. You can rent a machine that will do the job, or you can contact your local water service company to handle this.
• Pruning: Pruning trees and shrubs at the beginning of spring. During this process, you will remove the old and dying parts of the plant and allow them the opportunity for new growth.

Getting Your Sprinkler System Ready

Once you are in the clear of freezing temperatures, it is safe to turn your sprinklers on. From here, do your research to find the right amount of water for your lawn. The best way to accomplish this is to find the amount that dampens the soil but does not overflow. Need some help? Your sprinkler system will ensure accuracy. If you do not have one, consider purchasing one. Your sprinkler service can help you find the perfect system for your lawn.

When it comes to choosing the right sprinkler system for your yard this spring, Water Solutions Sprinkler Service will assist. We can help you with any of your questions on your existing plants that are recovering from the winter. Our team will ensure your yard is thriving for spring. Contact us at 720-435-1495 to discuss how we can help you.