Before and After: Windsor Terrace Backyard

We are very excited to share this Brooklyn backyard transformation. We custom built the fence, planter box and storage bench with western redcedar. We installed the bluestone patio, sod and plantings. It's by far one of our favorite backyards yet. It was our first project of the season and we are super happy with it. It was quite the process so we have many photos! Check them out

Before: ,

Everything had to be removed from the yard. The old stairs and the concrete were torn out. The back of the neighbors fence faced into the yard so we built a new one on the inside.

During:

Building the fence

Colin- Let's do this!

Dana excited to start her carpentry career

Fence Complete!

Building planter and bench

Lady carpenters- game planning

Excited and tired- almost done!

Bench and planter complete!

Adding bluestone patio

Plants added! It's starting to look like a real yard!

After:

 

DIY Kokedama

What is Kokedama?

Kokedama, meaning "moss ball", is a Japanese form of garden art. The moss ball can be secured to a platform or hung by a string. They make great additions to any room(and save floor space!).

Materials

• Small plant of your choice
• Sphagnum moss
• String
• Bowl
• Scissors
• Sheet moss
• Soil

Step 1:

Get your materials ready. We mixed some clay into our soil because I've heard that Kokedamas have a problem of drying out too fast. Clay holds moisture so we thought we'd try to add some to the mix. Add water to soil mix. Soak mosses too if they're dried.

Step 2: 

Take your plant from its container and remove excess soil from around the root ball. Be careful not to damage the roots too bad. 

Step 3:

Wet the sphagnum moss and wrap a handful around the roots. 

Step 4:

Press moistened soil mix around the sphagnum into a nice round ball shape.

Step 5:

Wrap your sheet moss around your ball and secure with string.

Step 6:

Hang and enjoy!

We liked our first ones so much we went back to the store and bought a bunch more little plants to do! Mimosas and Kokedamas, sounds like a great Sunday to me. 

Dana and our Kokedama factory

Staghorn teammates Dana and Colin with their new Kokedama

To keep your new creation happy, spray with a water bottle frequently or take down and give a good soak once or twice a week. The amount of water you give will depend on the specific plants' requirements.

We made a lot. 

I don't know about you but I'm buzzing like a bee about this weather. Temps in the 70s in early March?? Yes, please. Fingers crossed that it's here to stay. We really didn't think we would be out in the garden this soon! Our team already got to go out and start sprucing up some gardens this week. You can start waking up your gardens too! If you’d like some help e-mail us to schedule an early-season maintenance visit. Additionally, Staghorn also offers annual maintenance contracts that are tailored specifically to the needs of each garden. Contact us if you're interested in getting a quote.

Spring Garden Checklist

If you’d like to start waking up the garden yourself, there are some key things that should get done. Here is a quick checklist to get you going!

Turn Irrigation Systems Back On

Once the overnight temperatures are consistently well above freezing and daytime temperatures are consistently above 60 degrees, you can turn your irrigation systems back on. Now is a good time to check for any winter damage that may have occurred. Check to make sure water is coming out everywhere it should be.

Cut Back Ornamental Grasses and Perennials

You should cut back ornamental grasses and perennials to the ground or a few inches above. This should be done in late winter/early spring (now), before new growth begins.

Prune Trees and Shrubs

Spring-flowering trees and shrubs should be pruned in late spring after they flower. Summer-flowering trees and shrubs should be pruned in the winter or early spring just before they push out their new growth. Evergreens are best pruned in the early spring as well just before their growth spurt.

Fertilize

Most trees experience a burst of growth in the spring and then slower growth throughout the summer. It’s good to fertilize as this growth is about to occur. This can be done as soon as the ground is workable and into May. We recommend an organic brand such as Espoma or Dr.Earth.

Assess Winter Damage

As we start to see things coming back, we can assess winter damage that may have occurred. Maybe a few branches of a plant have died or have been broken from wind or the weight of snow. These branches should be pruned off below the damage, to the next set of healthy branches. Generally new growth will occur frm this area to replace the broken section.
 

If you'd like help in caring for your garden this year contact us about setting up a maintenance contract for the coming season. We would love to help you keep your garden looking it’s best all year.

Happy spring everyone!