The Green Life
METRO GREENSCAPE 
IN THIS ISSUE
Ask The Expert
Outdoor Living Consultations
Listen on the Radio
Best of Charlotte
Pergolas
Greetings!
 
Happy Summer! We have lots of great news and tips to share this month:
 
First, let me thank everyone who showed up at McDowell Nature Park this past month to install our Butterfly Garden! The event was a first for our Green Life organization and it was a huge success. Our staff, the folks from McDowell and YOU made it all possible. You can see some pictures from the event on our website.

Secondly, we are super proud to be named a TOP 100 Company in North Carolina by Business Leader. Read more about that award below.

Finally, we are once again being featured on Charlotte's WBT radio station. The air times are below and we hope that you will tune in for lawn and landscape tips with Metro GreenScape's own Darin Brockelbank.
 

We look forward to seeing or hearing from you soon!

Heather Brockelbank
Chief Designer, NCLC#1624, CPP, CLD, NCGC
Metro GreenScape 
Darin 
ASK THE EXPERT:
DARIN BROCKELBANK
Founder of Metro GreenScape  
 
* The following are excerpts from real email questions we recieve--and Darin's expert answers. If you have a lawn, garden, landscape or outdoor living question for Darin, email [email protected]
_______________________________________________________________
 
Dear Darin: 
I have just layed Bermuda sod, it is browning up a little bit, and I am afraid it is going to die before it gets rooted. Can I fertilize? What is the best way of handling this?

 
ANSWER: 
You don't want to fertilize Bermuda sod until it has rooted which would take three weeks this time of year, you may be watering it too little or too much the way you can tell is to walk on the yard an hour after one water cycle, and if it feels squishy then cut back the amount of time and do more frequent watering. Remember there are no grass roots and every yard is different but you are want the ground moist--not soaked!
_______________________________________________________________
 
Dear Darin:
I have this fungus in my mulch and it is spreading everywhere, what do I do? It is sometimes yellow, white, black or brown, but it looks like dog throw up! Yuck!

 
ANSWER: 
We are seeing this fungus this year because of all the moisture we received this spring. The only way of treating this is to take a shovel to the effected area,  carefully remove the fungus, put in a plastic bag and dispose. If you water it, step on it, or pop it, it will turn into a black powder and spread--not a good idea! Try to stay ahead of this and you will slow or stop the spread.
 
 OUTDOOR LIVING CONSULATIONS
 
If you are considering having work done on your outdoor living space, it is important first meet with an Outdoor Living Specialist to determine what will work best with your budget, property and needs. 
 
A paverstone patio may make more sense in one place and not in another--a shade covering may be a better choice over a pergola (or vice versa!). 
 
With Metro GreenScape, you are getting a wealth of experience and knowledge with will allow you to make the best decision for you, your family, and the investment into your home.
 
Consultations with an expert outdoor living specialist are available for $75. Call 704-504-0980 to set up your consultation today!
LISTEN TO US ON WBT 
 
Metro GreenScape has been on WBT several times in the past year. You can hear podcasts of these interviews by going to the WBT Website:
 
Click on Listen Now under Your Real Estate Today Show. Here are just a few of the shows we were on:
2/28/09
3/28/09
5/2/09
5/30/09
6/13/09
 

Coming up, you can hear us on WBT on July 25, August 22, September 19, October 24, November 14, December 19. 
 
METRO GREENSCAPE: Best of Charlotte
 
We are proud to announce that Metro GreenScape won the 2009 Best of Charlotte Landscape Designers for the second year in a row by the U.S. Local Business Association (USLBA)
 
The USLBA recognizes outstanding local businesses throughout the country.  Each year, USLBA identifies companies that they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community. 
 
pergolasBEAUTIFUL PERGOLAS
 
Pergolas are a great way to bring the inside out. With a beautiful pergola your garden and entertaining area will become more intimate and comfortable on those days when you need to get out of the house or are having a few friends around.


 
Benefits of pergolas:
  • Add interest to a garden path.
  • Add structure for climbing plants.
  • Provide weather protection.
  • Improve the look of your house.
  • Screen out unsightly views.


The design of your pergola will depend on its function. Narrow pergolas emphasize direction and are best suited to paths and walkways. Entertaining areas should be wide and long. This allows for traffic flow around furniture and ornamental features. You could incorporate fixed seating into the structure or screening panels to create interest.

We recommend when possible, you choose cedar instead of pressure-treated lumber. Cedar is often more costly, but will maintain its shape and integrity longer. Labor for both types of construction are the same and the cedar is a better investment in your outdoor living space.
 
An open Patio with a Pergola feels like room within a room. Adding any vertical will give a sense of closure, filter sun, and bring comfort to your outdoor living space. If you want additional fun-filtering, you can add lattice or opposite 1x6 slate of lumber. You can even attach a fan to create a nice breeze!
 
You have many style options, including decorative ends. However, you should be aware that these ends should not extend over 12 inches from the structure to avoid warping. 
 
Pergolas can be installed year-round in the Carolinas, so anytime is a good time to add one of these beautiful pieces to your outdoor space. 

Check out our Pergola page on our website
 
QUICK LINKS
 
 
REMINDER

Don't forget that Merto GreenScape now offers Lawn and Landscape Maintenance!
 
MetroCHOICE™ Organic Premium Lawn Care Program Your lawn and landscaping are generally the first views that people have of your home. What do they see? Is it what you want them to see? Is it what you want to see?!

We are the experts in lawn and landscape maintenance. And our MetroCHOICE™ Organic Premium Lawn Care Program is designed to give you access to experts on a weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually basis!

Programs start from $225 monthly for a typical 1/3-acre lawn.
FREE! 12" Planting Pot 
Free 12" planting pot with the purchase of seasonal annuals. Quantities limited! Act now.
 
Offer Expires: August, 15, 2009