Blog/News
Got Wheatgrass?
Interesting facts about Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass contains high amounts of vitamins A, E and B. It also contains many minerals and trace elements: Calcium, Phosphorus, Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Iron and Zinc.
Info found on http://www.mywheatgrass.com
Community Service in Grand Rapids and Ada Neighborhoods
Community service by MLM in Grand Rapids Neighborhoods
We keep our road free of trash
Also see the round about where Comstock Blvd, Union and Aberdeen N E meet, this area has been beautified courtesy of MLM.
May Plant Michigan Green Month
Governor Snyder Proclaims May Plant Michigan Green Month
LANSING, Michigan (May 7, 2013) – The Governor has proclaimed that during the month of May we raise awareness of the positive economic and environmental impacts that the nursery and landscape industry has had, and continues to have, in the Great Lakes State; and encourages residents to Plant Michigan Green by visiting a local retail garden center, planting a tree, having a landscape or lawn installed, or simply taking time to enjoy the beauty of Michigan’s greenery.
For more information on how you can participate to help the environment, to find a professional, and to Plant Michigan Green go to www.PlantMichiganGreen.com.
The Michigan Nursery & Landscape Association was established in 1922 and is the statewide trade association representing over 5,000 nursery, perennial plant production, Christmas tree, sod producers, landscaping, and lawn care firms that are the fifth largest nursery industry in the nation, the largest specialty crop in the state, and provides significant impact on the state’s economy accruing a total of approximately $5.715 billion each year and employing over 36,000 Michigan citizens.
Landscape and Maintenance Professionals, Grand Rapids MI
Why Should I Hire a Monsma Landscape & Maintenance, Grand Rapids?
Time
In your busy life you probably don’t want to spend your leisure hours making your property look its best. Delegate what you can and do what you enjoy. Our job is to let you Live Better Outdoors!
Care and Expertise
As your landscape and lawn care professionals, we care about our work and treat your property with the utmost care and respect. We also have decades of experience to do the job right the first time.
The Right Tools
We have the heavy equipment to perform your lawn care and landscaping efficiently and safely with the best possible results.
Stewardship
Proper use of fertilizers and herbicides is an important part of plant health and vigor. MLM applicators are certified and licensed by the State of Michigan; keeping your health and safety top priority.
Peace of Mind
Monsma Landscape & Maintenance is properly insured for the safety and protection of you and your property.
We are your Landscape and Maintenance Professionals in Grand Rapids MI
Are Permeable Pavers suitable for Grands Rapids area climate
PERMEABLE PAVERS FOR GRAND RAPIDS AREA HOMES
Management of storm water has become a hot topic country wide and in West Michigan. The principles used for installing permeable hardscapes are the same as typical hardscape installations. There are many attractive product lines that absorb rainfall while reducing runoff.
BENEFITS:
1. Storm water runoff reduction
Through the use of permeable pavers in Grand Rapids area driveways and parking areas, the amount of storm water that reaches water treatment systems can be reduced. This will save money for municipalities and keep our lakes cleaner.
2. Aquifer recharge
Porous pavements detain storm water and allow it to slowly add to the ground water levels and mimic the natural water cycle.
3. Pollution control
Paved surfaces used for vehicle traffic catch some of the pollutants that flow into streams and lakes with the storm water. Permeable pavers filter suspended solids, nutrients, and metals through the crushed stone base and aid in the break down of contaminants.
4. Cost savings
Experience has shown that even though the initial installation costs more, permeable pavers have maintenance costs that are 30% less than asphalt.
5. Cooling effects and looking cool
Permeable pavers that are sown with grass seed have a lower surface temperature than asphalt. Porous pavers look great! The open areas of these pavers can have soil and grass seed added to give a very unique look.
Over 90% of rainfall events are of half an inch less. Much of this rainfall can be handled by permeable pavers. By showing your clients the benefits you can add more green to your bottom line.
Source: Paveloc Industries, Inc.
Grand Rapids Rain Gardens
WHY SHOULD WE HAVE RAIN GARDENS in Grand Rapids, Michigan?
Grand Rapids Rain Gardens
Clean Water the Natural Way
With all the rain that we have had in the last week you’ve probably been wondering where does all the water go and what pollution is carrying with it. Before the days of pavement most of the water was absorbed back into the aquafier where it fell. Today with pavement and pipes the water is transported into our rivers and lakes along with the residue from our cars. Rain Gardens slow the flow of runoff as temporary reservoirs designed to contain, filter, and absorb the water keeping it from the storm sewer.
Beautiful New Habitat
Properly designed rain gardens can be amazingly beautiful features of the landscape. They are also a source of entertainment for the owners and home to many butterflies beneficial insects and songbirds.
Build it Once
Rain gardens are meant to filter the runoff rapidly, meaning the water drains within 24 hours of the storm. For proper filtration you need the right mix of about 50% sand, 20% soil, and 30% compost. No topsoil is needed for sites of heavy clay. Care must be taken during construction to minimize soil compaction in the rain garden by equipment and foot traffic.
Right Plant, Right Place
Different plant species will be needed for the low level, mid level, and top level of the rain garden. Conditions of sun and shade will influence the selection process. And you will want to top it off with 3 inches of mulch to keep the plants moist during dry spells and to help discourage weeds.
Bird feeding 101, Grand Rapids MI
The 3 most important elements for attracting birds:
- Cover Evergreen shrubs and trees provide area to hide and rest.
- Water Yes, birds get thirsty too!
- Food Winter is when a bird’s survival can depend on your feeder. Continue reading
Cottage Landscape, Grand Rapids Area MI
The Cottage Landscape
Low maintenance landscape Grand Rapids MI
Personal tastes in landscaping can be as unique as you are. However most folks agree that well planned exterior hardscapes and plantings will increase property values in the Grand Rapids area, it’s curb appeal and will add benefit to your life experience.
Easy breezy and low maintenance landscaping
The top request from our Grand Rapids area clients is low maintenance. This can be achieved, but please remember there is no such thing as zero maintenance. During establishment (usually the first year after installation) it is important to keep up on weeding and watering. With most perennials there is the need either (pre season or end of season) to cut down the growth of the previous year. With these basic tasks covered you can enjoy the outside as much as the inside of your cottage!
Right plant, right place
Let’s look at the possibilities for a dry, sunny site with poor soil. With less than ideal soil it is a good idea to add leaf compost for a good start. Adding a temporary soaker hose will make watering a snap. Slow release fertilizer added when planting will give your plants an extra boost. Putting the right plant in the right place is the biggest key to success. Plant selection should be based on how it will perform in specific location. There are plants that need full sun and some need shade, some like wet feet and others need well drained soil. You also need to know what plants deer will browse. It is important to know what your plant needs before the shovel goes in the ground.
Tough sun lovers
With so many different cultivars of these plants, you’re bound to find some that tickle your fancy. Here is a short list of some drought tolerant, full sun perennials:
| Allium (ornamental chive)
Baptisia (wild indigo) Butterfly Bush Coreopsis Echinacea (coneflower) Euonymous |
Lavender
Nepeta Ornamental grasses Perovskia (Russian Sage) Sedum Vinca (Myrtle) |
How to get the most out of your Grand Rapids landscaping this Spring!
What every Grand Rapids homeowner should know about landscaping and gardening?
What Every Gardener and Landscaper Should Know…
It’s all about the soil! Whether you have containers or a plot in the ground, over time the soils become depleted of nutrients. Every spring container soils should be replaced and amend the garden with leaf compost.
Keep the Garden Growing With…
Slow release granular AND liquid feeding.
Everyone Should Avoid…
Over mulching of woody ornamentals is never a good thing. This creates a mulch volcano that keeps the bark moist and eventually rots the bark preventing the nutrient exchange and kills the plant.
For Months and Months of Flowers…
Always save room for perennial favorites Gaillardia ‘Lemons & Oranges’ and Geranium ‘Rozanne’. I’m a sucker for Hydrangeas; ‘Limelight’ and ‘Tardiva’ provide a stunning supply for the late summer and fall months.
For Containers That WOW…
Always have these three ingredients: the filler to take up space, the spiller to cascade over the sides of the pot, and the thriller to give height to the arrangement.
Growing mushrooms in Grand Rapids, MI
GROW YOUR OWN MUSHROOMS!
Mushrooms are delicious vegetables which go well in omelets, in salads, or with a juicy steak. The truth is they taste even better when freshly picked.
Have you ever thought about growing your own mushrooms? Not the old fashioned way that means wandering aimlessly through the woods hoping to stumble upon a hidden cluster of stems. The best part is that everything can be done within the comfort of your home, even in the middle of winter.
Mushroom growing is a simple, fun activity that the kids will love. You can relax because it’s not half as messy as finger-paint. Just think of the sense of satisfaction and accomplishment they will have at mealtime. Misting the kit regularly is the main task in addition to the harvesting. Self- contained mail order kits will begin to produce in as little as 10 days. The websites mentioned below provide more details to help you decide if you want to grow mushrooms.
There are really only four things that come in the kit.
- Mushroom spore / Liquid culture: the building blocks of all mushrooms, like the DNA.
- Growing Media: a soil like blend of material in which the growing happens.
- Growing Chamber: this can be a box or a plastic tub that holds everything.
- Spray Bottle: misting the growing area regularly is needed for growth.
The websites mushbox.com and thinkgeek.com/product/ed80/ are very informative and were consulted for this article.
Bon Appetite!
Check out my interview, The Importance of Proper Landscape Maintenance on Michigan Homes, one of the top sites for Michigan homes for sale, including Macomb, MI real estate. Michigan Homes also services Illinois homes for sale and Pennsylvania homes for sale.
Proud
to be a Green Professional
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