New York Plantings Garden Designers’ Tree House Installation as Part of Modern Garden Design Enhancements

Having a family in New York could be one heck of a ride. With the busy lifestyle and hectic schedules all year-round, it’s almost quite impossible to set a quality family time and spend time with the children, still it doesn't mean that you can’t bring back the old times, the picture of every home to have its own playground and garden. In fact, having a garden with a tree house is good in relieving stress and make your children happy and healthy as they will engage in another playtime activity.

Ralph Xu building the Tree House

New York Plantings Garden Designers and Landscape Contractors are experts in garden designing and could transform your yard to have a playful ambiance suited for children. As experts in garden designs, they came up with ways to build gardens fusing modern garden designs with traditional family garden motif. Moreover, they can plan a garden design to utilize and maximize any yard and garden space you have and accommodate your wants for your garden.

New York Plantings Outdoor Carpentry Team is skilled in designing tree houses for gardens. They utilized the latest technology in garden designing by rendering garden designs in 3D CAD. New York Plantings Garden Designers incorporate your wants and consults you during the design making. They can install tree houses in the spot of your choice. New York Plantings Garden Designers and Outdoor Carpenters are also available for consultation for playground designs, building and installation. Their expertise in outdoor carpentry could assure you that they will build strong and safe tree houses that kids could enjoy. In addition to building tree houses, New York Plantings Landscape Designers could design your backyard by using turf or artificial lawns which are affordable and efficient in any garden.

New York Plantings Garden Designers and Landscape Contractors specializes in Asian Garden Design and promoting the “Zen” feeling to make you have a more relax environment just in your own yard. Their outdoor carpenters are also experts in making custom planter boxes, installing rooftop decks, building pergolas, gazebos and patios. Todd Nappi, owner and president of New York Plantings, is a professional horticulturist, so be sure to have the best plants and flower combination included in your garden design blueprints. New York Plantings Irrigation and Lighting Division takes care in planning and installing irrigation system and lighting your garden to make safer and more beautiful at night.  New York Plantings Garden Designers and Landscape Contractors have already expanded their scope of service from New York, Manhattan, Long Island to New Jersey and Pennsylvania. They aim for perfection and are ready to serve their niche in garden  and landscape designing and building.

Visit www.newyorkplantings.com or call  347 558 7051 for more information about New York Plantings services.

Jumpstart Your Yard with Sod Through New York Plantings Gardening Tutorial

If you are thinking about renovating your lawn and want to see results in a snap; then laying sod is the way to go. Growing a lawn from seed is time consuming and you don’t get a finished product for weeks, not to mention is also a hassle. Sod are now be pre-produced by garden suppliers and installed on your lawn. Depending on the size of your lawn, you can have a brand new lawn in as little as one day! We would like to share to you how you can renovate your lawn using sod. Here are some steps on how to lay sod.

Laying of sod in a front yard in Long Island

First things first; preparing the area. You will need to remove existing vegetation with a sod cutter. Using a sod cutter will ensure that your area is relatively smooth and even for the new sod to lie on. Once the vegetation is removed, the area will need to be smoothed and leveled by using a landscape rake. When you are leveling the area keep in mind that your sod will probably be an inch or so thick. So when you are leveling by driveways and walkways you will want the soil to be a little lower than the edge. Also keep in mind that if you are laying sod on loose soil, there would be some settling over time.

Laying sods in a straight line

Once the area is prepped you can then begin laying the sod. In order to do as little cutting as possible, you should lay in straight lines. So for instance, start on a straight driveway edge or sidewalk edge. If you do not have any straight edges to work off, use a string to lay the first line. Make sure that the sod pieces are as tight together as possible and be sure to stagger the pieces from row to row (as if you were laying out bricks). If you are laying sod on a hil,l be sure to use sod staples (at least 2 per piece) and lay the sod down the hill, not across. If you lay it across, the sod will slip down the hill easier.

Making sure sods are straight

As you are laying the pieces out, use a piece of plywood to kneel on so that the prepared surface soil would not get disturbed. If the soil is disturbed, use the landscape rake to smooth out the surface. When you come to an object (a tree or a driveway for instance) make sure you have a sharp knife to cut the sod (tip: do all the cutting last and just lay the sod over each object or up against it). Although if you have a sprinkler system make sure those are cut out as you go. You will be sorry if you miss any.

As you are laying the sod, keep an eye on the moisture level. You may have to start watering the sod while still installing them. The seams will dry out first. A simple impact sprinkler would work just fine. Move it every 15 to 20 minutes depending on the moisture level. The sod should not be sopping wet, just moist.

Once you are finished laying the sod and all the cuts have been made, all that’s left to do is to make sure that it is watered frequently for the first few weeks. Once the roots have penetrated the soil then you will not need to water as much. You can check periodically just by tugging on it lightly. Also depending on the time of year you are laying the sod, a starter fertilizer should be applied to get the roots going. (a 5-10-5 would be a good starter fertilizer to use).

Almost done in laying sods

New York Plantings Garden Designers and Landscape Contractors are also here to help you in renovating your lawn. We could actually do the job for you.  We specialize in Asian Garden Design and offer other services such as artificial lawn installation, front yard and backyard beautification, outdoor carpentry and masonry projects. We also offer irrigation services, such as sprinkle system installation, drip irrgation and other irrigation system that is right for your garden.

If you have any questions about this article or want your lawn renovated or have a garden on your own, feel free to contact julian@newyorkplantings.com or call 347 558 7051 or visit www.newyorkplantings.com for more information about our services.

Turn that stale terrace into a wonderful oasis....Of green and life.

Turn that stale terrace into a wonderful oasis....Of green and life.

New York Plantings Garden Designers and Landscape Contractors vision in “making New York Beautiful, one yard at a time”, has started another remarkable development in Manhattan, New York. We just finished the proposal drawings on a garden design that will turn a stale terrace into a wonderful oasis of green and life.

The 170 SQF terrace garden is located in a luxury apartment in the Upper West side. The project will include a custom planter box that goes around the perimeter. We will also include a smaller prebuilt planter (at our own shop) that will be placed in front of the master’s bedroom window. We are strongly suggesting the use of Ipe hardwood for the construction. Ipe hardwood is known for its durability and long-lasting attributes that making it one of the best materials for home and garden furnishings, such as fences, decks, and of course, wood outdoor planter boxes. Ipe wood longevity is guaranteed 20 years even without preservation.

New York Plantings Irrigation Specialist will be installing a drip irrigation system. Our garden specialists will strategically install drip emitters to deliver precise amounts of water to the plant’s root zone. This will not only make the garden thrive but will also help our customer save water and reduce their bills.

New York Plantings horticulturists have a vast array of knowledge on different plants, perennials, and flowers appropriate to different places and soil categories. For this project we are choosing and arranging the plants and flora in the custom planter boxes, creating an intimate and green oasis. In order to provide privacy, we will plant a thick green wall of bamboo in front of their master’s bedroom window. The garden will also include a Japanese Maple, Illex, Hostas, Skimmia Japonica, Boxwood and Hinoki Cypress. This configuration of plants is low maintenance and proven to thrive for this specific type of area.

We have also planed landscape lighting details. New York Plantings lighting specialists will be installing courtesy lights for the lower part of the main planter box. Additionally, we will be placing upright wash lights against the walls. This will cast shadows from the plants creating an interesting and comforting atmosphere.

Make your Terrace or Rooftop an extension of your living space like an outdoor room. We will continue to document this Mannhattan Upper West Side luxury apartment Garden design progress to completion. We also offer other gardening services such as rooftop, front yard and backyard garden. To schedule your own garden and hardscape consultation you can contact us at 347 558 7051 or visit www.newyorkplantings.com

Thanks to our own Marcel Negret for drawings!

New York Plantings Garden Designers Manhattan Feat: 10-Feet Custom Planter Box

New York Plantings Garden Designers and Landscape Contractors vision in “making New York Beautiful, one yard at a time”, had made another remarkable development in Manhattan, New York by making a 10-feet wood planter box made in Ipe hardwood.

Ipe hardwood is known for its durability and long-lasting attributes that makes it one of the best materials for home and garden furnishings, such as fences, decks, and of course, wood outdoor planter boxes. Ipe wood longevity is guaranteed 20 years even without preservation. The outdoor 10 feet custom planter box in Manhattan is made of ¾ inch high-grade marine plywood using stainless steel fasteners to attach 5/4 inch thick Ipe fascia which made the planter box strong and could last for decades. New York Plantings Outdoor Carpenters built the planter box large enough to support a number of plants, shrubs and flowers.

The inside of the planter is lined with a waterproof membrane, EPDM rubber, so that soil and water would not touch the planter’s wood; eliminating problems such as rotting of fascia, separating of parts, and bowing. The waterproof membranes ensures protection of the inside fascia and water spillage from drainage.

Preparing for cultivation, the inside bottom of the planter is then  filled with gravel for drainage and filter fabric was placed on top to separate soil, for foundation, and allow proper drainage. With the planter box, soil volume is increased to hold root systems and support them from high winds to eliminate the need for transplanting, and as protection of roots during harsh winters.

New York Plantings Irrigation Specialist then used a special drainage system to control drain water from spillage by routing waste water through a tube in the rear of the planter. This avoids the soiling of decks or spillage of waste water to flooring. Moreover, this would prevent to stagnant water accumulation in the planter box.

New York Plantings horticulturist had a vast array of knowledge on different plants, perennials, and flowers appropriate to your place and soil category and finished the project by choosing and arranging the plants and flora in the custom planter box, creating a work of art, just a sidewalk away.

New York Plantings build and install well-engineered custom planter boxes better than typical premade planter box makers and online planters. They specialize in Asian Garden Design. Other themes are also available like Woodland Garden. They also offer other gardening services such as terraces, rooftop, front yard and backyard garden. And building and installing custom fences, planter for pergola, gazebo and decks. You can contact them at 347 558 7051 or visit their office at 2672 E, 21st St., Brooklyn, New York.

Go Green Inside and Out! New York Plantings "In the Zone" at Manhattan

Who said that growing plants would mean just having them outdoors? Do you know that growing plants indoors could increase the supply of purified air in the household or any place, plus it could add aesthetics, interior design per Se  Not to mention, have them in your own terraces and rooftops could help your place have fresh air as leaves are known to synthesize carbon dioxide to oxygen . Yes, probably your thinking about growing plants would be a hassle because of the maintenance and probably, the possibility of having your furnishings or decking ruined. Well folks, no need to worry, New York Plantings Garden Designers and Landscape Contractors specifically build planter boxes according to your specification and design needs. With their expertise in building custom planter boxes ranging from brick, cement, and Ipe hardwood, you would be assured that New York Plantings’ landscape contracting crews design, build, and install planter boxes well than ordinary pre-made or typical online planters. New York Plantings’ Irrigation Specialists combine aesthetics with functionality as they engineer custom planter boxes by introducing proper irrigation system- simple, effective and maintenance-free drainage system so you don’t have to worry about soiling, spillage or the likes.

One example of New York Plantings Planter Makers project is the 10 feet custom planter box in Manhattan. The outdoor wood planter box is made of ¾ inch high-grade marine plywood band attaching the 5/4 inch thick Ipe fascia with stainless steel fasteners which made the planter box stable and will last for decades, as Ipe hardwood is known for its durability- a perfect investment. The inside of the planter was lined with EPDM rubber so that soil and water would not spill; eliminating problems such as rotting of fascia, separating of parts, and of course, soiling your decks and flooring. For preparation, the planter was filled with gravel for drainage and filter fabric was placed on top to separate soil. New York Plantings Irrigation Specialist then used a special drainage system to control drain water from spillage as it route waste water through a tube in the rear of the planter. New York Plantings horticulturist then chose the plants and flora which suited the place.

New York Plantings Garden Designers and Landscape Contractors, specializing Asian Garden Design, take every project with superb knowledge and expertise in making custom planter boxes; they know how to build planters right and design in the best way suited for the place you want your planter boxes be.  New York Plantings Master Gardeners are adept in horticulture and would give you quality choices of plants, shrubs and flowers for your indoor plant growing and outdoor garden. They also maintains and services gardens, and offers other gardening design and services such as rooftop, terrace, front yard and backyard gardens. They also offer pergola and gazebo installation, outdoor carpentry services, and many more. For more information about their services, contact (347) 558 7051 or visit their office at 2672 E, 21st St ., Brooklyn, NY 11235 United States.

Ground Cover Garden Features and Landscape Advantages to New York Yards

In a city where time is very important, some yard and garden owners have almost no time to spare for maintaining their garden or even their lawn. New York Plantings Garden Designers and Landscape Contractors have a way to serve the busy city with their efficient garden design and plant expertise, featuring- Ground Covers.

photo courtesy of: flamingpetal.co.nz

Ground covers are small sized plants that grow over an area of land almost independently, are very beneficial and are the latest must-have for garden designs and landscape purposes as it poses dozens of functions and delightful aesthetic effects at the same time. They could serve as shields to soil bed, such as hills and slopes, from being exposed to direct sunlight, avoiding fast evaporation of water, thus preventing erosion. Ground covers densely envelop the surrounding earth in your yard which could eradicate weed growth and add color to difficult cultivating areas, such as soils in the sunny areas. These could also serve as protector for beneficial insects and earthworms from predating birds and could serve as shelter for desirable species in your yard, such as butterflies and bees.

Todd Nappi, President of New York Plantings Garden Designers and Landscape Contractors, professional horticulturist, explicates that ground covers create a beneficial environment on the ground around root system that closely resembles of that of a natural setting. He also added that ground covers have the ability to provide trees and shrubs non-compacted soil surface that enables water to reach roots quickly. Ground covers prevent soil from washing away around and under the trees as well as open spaces thus providing sufficient water supply to other plants.

photo courtesy of: haablandscaping.com

What sets ground cover more convenient than lawn is the less landscape care and maintenance, meaning less lawn cutting. Many landscape and garden design have utilized low maintenance ground cover plantings to blanket areas which are traditionally covered by high-maintenance lawns. Ground covers, such as ivy and juniper, can save you time, effort and money on maintenance and create texture and color options that cannot be achieved by common turfs. Other ground cover highly recommended by garden professionals are Pachysandra Cotonester, Drift Roses and evergreens like the Japanese Skimmia that could provide a year round interest with its appearance of tiny white flowers in Spring, followed by bright red berries in Fall, and staying green all year round; this plant also requires no maintenance or pruning at all. There are other varieties of ground covers which suit different hardiness zones.

photo courtesy of: beautifulwildlifegarden.com

You may be wondering about the irrigation system suitable for ground covers, New York Plantings Irrigation Division recommends Drip Irrigation which is becoming one of the most common irrigation system recognized by garden experts and environmentalist as an effective way to conserve water and establish cultivation of ground covers. The system could foster quick plant establishment as well as maintaining ground covers’ health while actually saving a lot of money for maintenance. Indeed, ground covers are beneficial not just to gardens but also to budget.

So if you’re planning to grow ground covers into your yard, don’t hesitate  to call New York Plantings Garden Designers and Landscape Contractors at 347 558 7051. They specialize Asian Garden Design and also offer other beneficial services to your garden, such as custom planter boxes, fire pit installation, outdoor kitchen building, green roof installation and many more. New York Plantings Irrigation and Lighting Division offers services, like outdoor lighting, low voltage lighting, automatic drip irrigation installation and other irrigation maintenance. For more information about New York Plantings services, visit www.newyorkplantings.com.

New York Plantings Ipe Deck Renovation: Revolution and Innovation

When people around the world think of New York, aside from being called “The City that Never Sleeps”, the first words in mind would be skyscrapers, high buildings and modernized residences (also known as condominiums) usually associated with New York lifestyle. With the business-like atmosphere surrounding the city, the posh of fashion grandees, elites and business tycoons, it’s no wonder that New York could not be imagined as a “home” matched with suburban reveries or perhaps Hawaiian-like ambiences because the hustle and bustle (perhaps in Time Square, you know in Midtown Manhattan) lingers distinction in New York City. But New Yorkers, nowadays, try to dismiss such notion and make the greatest efforts to show off the world that NYC is the place to live, nothing more you can ask for. The current trend of homeowners or businesses to have a place more pleasing to the senses is utilizing the space (terraces, front yard, back yard, alley or even sidewalks) they have and have it transformed to a once-fantasized garden to reality, and subconsciously having this environmental awareness by advocating plant and flower cultivations in their residences (yes folks, “go green”). A lot of people now have been in service of New York’s Master Gardeners as another masterpiece by New York Plantings Garden Designers and Landscape Contractors has done it again in one of the rooftop penthouses in Manhattan, NYC- renovation of Ipe deck with customized planter box ornamented with green plants.

The renovation of a rooftop garden in Manhattan, NYC, starts with surveying the area, then sketching the plan. The plan includes every detail, from existing furnishing up to add-ons or garden upgrades such as, benches and Ipe clad custom planter boxes, which are perfect for get-togethers held in rooftop garden to see the unique cityscape. Together with New York Plantings Irrigation Specialist expertise, the team drafts the plan for irrigation system installation. New York Plantings Outdoor Carpenters then starts the demolition of old deck tiles to prepare for rooftop overhaul, making sure that the whole area is clear. When area is ready, premade Ipe deck tiles are transported then the foundations are assembled according to area measurement and are built to be elevated for irrigation system purposes. After base set-up, Ipe deck tiles are fasten with stainless steel binds to ensure stability. Custom planter boxes with Ipe fascia cladding are then built and placed according to the garden design and specification. New York Plantings Horticulturist then starts to lay off their expertise in embedding the rooftop garden with suitable plants, herbs, and flora in place (especially in custom planter boxes). New York Plantings Outdoor Carpenters then finishes off with Ipe deck oil application making the rooftop renovation complete- spick and span.

New York Plantings Garden Designers and Landscape Contractors are proud of their expertise in all gardening designs and landscaping ideas as they specialize in Asian Garden Design; they also have Woodland Garden designs and other garden landscape styles, great for residential and commercial contracts. They also offer services such as waterfalls and other water features, patios, gazebos, and pergola installation, outdoor kitchen installation, fire pits and also horticulture and arborist services. New York Plantings Irrigation and Lighting Division also handles installation of add-ons like, irrigation timer and irrigation clocks that could be done after renovation or as needed. You can contact them at 347 558 7051 for more information or visit their website at www.newyorkplantings.com to check out their projects across New York, Manhattan, all the way to Long Island, even up to New Jersey. They are free for consultation anytime and are ready to transform your place into another garden masterpiece.