Total Landscaping, Inc.

02/20/2026

We do all styles of fountains, call us for a free quote.

Zen waterfall with flower basin for your outdoor space

02/19/2026

Hide Your Boring Fence with Towering Foxglove Spikes

If you have a plain wooden fence that makes your yard feel like a box, you need vertical height to break up those horizontal lines. Foxgloves (Digitalis) are the perfect tool for this. As biennials, they require a bit of patience—you likely won't see blooms until year two. But the payoff is massive: in their second year, they send up massive spikes that can be taller than you are, effectively erasing the fence line with a wall of pastel pinks and purples.

A Deer-Proof Fortress

One of the biggest advantages of Foxgloves is that they are poisonous, which means deer and rabbits will leave them completely alone. While you must be careful if you have small children or pets, this toxicity makes them a "set it and forget it" option for areas with heavy wildlife pressure. They typically bloom in early summer, filling the gap perfectly between spring bulbs and late-summer perennials.

The "Diva" Alternative: Delphiniums

If you crave a spectacular cobalt blue that Foxgloves can't provide, Delphiniums are the answer. However, be warned: they are the "divas" of the garden. They are susceptible to disease and are often short-lived, with many gardeners treating them as temporary visitors rather than long-term residents. They bloom later than Foxgloves, often starting their show just as the Foxgloves are fading, making them a great succession plant if you are up for the challenge.

The "Candy" Alternative: Lupines

For a burst of bright reds and yellows that you can't get from the other two, look to Lupines. They are the shortest of this trio, with flower spikes usually topping out at a foot long. They bloom earliest, kicking off the season, but they come with a catch: rabbits and slugs absolutely love them. If you have a pest problem, these might disappear overnight, unlike the bulletproof Foxglove.

02/19/2026

That's one good way to fix errosion issues, if you have this issue you should call us at Total Landscaping, we have many different ideas we would like to share with you.

Stop Mowing the Mud and Fix Your Backyard Erosion with River Rock

If you have a low spot in your yard where water naturally collects or runs during a storm, stop trying to grow grass there. As seen in the "before" photo, turf will eventually drown or wash away, leaving you with a muddy, unmowable trench that is an eyesore. Instead of fighting nature, accept the path the water wants to take and turn it into a deliberate landscape feature called a "dry creek bed".

Mimic Nature with Varied Stone Sizes

To make the feature look like a natural stream rather than a drainage ditch, you must avoid using stones that are all the same size. As shown in the transformation, start with a base of smaller river gravel to handle the water flow, then layer in medium-sized river rocks and large "feature boulders" along the edges. This variety mimics how a real river deposits stone, creating a realistic, rugged look that slows down the water and prevents further erosion.

Anchor the Banks with Moisture-Loving Plants

Rocks alone can look stark and industrial. To soften the edges and further stabilize the soil, plant the banks with moisture-loving perennials. The "after" photo utilizes Hostas, Ferns, and Ornamental Grasses effectively. These plants thrive in the damp soil next to the rocks, and their root systems act as a living net that prevents the banks from collapsing into the stone bed during heavy rains.

Create a Permanent, Zero-Maintenance Solution

Unlike a French drain, which requires digging deep trenches and burying pipes that can eventually clog with silt, a dry creek bed is a surface-level solution that is easy to maintain. It requires no mowing, no watering, and no electricity. It simply sits there, looking beautiful and structural on dry days, and efficiently guiding water away from your property on wet ones.

02/17/2026

02/17/2026

It really is amazing whatwhat your land looks like after a forestry mulching.

02/17/2026

Looking for somthing new this year to set off your garden or patio ? How about a fountain to make your house the envy of the neighborhood. many different styls and colors we are sure to find one to enhance your atmosphere.

02/16/2026

Quality cleanups just a phone call away

02/16/2026

With snow melting away we are seeing the leaves pop out, time to start thinking spring cleanup, we still have a month or so but our schedule fills fast so booking early wil ensure a quality cleanup, its also a great time to think mulch.

02/13/2026