|
_________________________
Quick Links
Visit our website!
View archived
newsletters!
_________________________
|
Plant of the Month:
Astilbe Fanal 
The Astilbe 'Fanal' is a colorful feathery flower with deep red blooms and lacy deep green or bronze-green foliage. This perennial blooms mid summer, is considered to be deer and rabbit resistant and attracts hummingbirds. The 'Fanal' Astilbe can be used as beautiful cut flowers for a lovely bouquet.
Astilbe means "without brilliancy" and describes the unassuming, tiny flower. However when used in mass plantings where the tiny flowers grow in large plumes above the multi-lobed leaves they can make a dramatic effect.
Astilbe is one of the few perennial flowers that prefers shade, but they can tolerate some morning sun. A moist, well-drained area is a key factor for growing a healthy plant. In the spring the foliage is mahogany, but as autumn approaches, the blooms turn to shades of brown. This looks wonderful against winter snowscapes.
In order to keep Astilbe looking good for the next year, do not cut it back in the winter; the old foliage helps protect the plant from winter damage. They should be pruned in early spring.
Astilbe does well in mass plantings, foundation flower beds or even in container gardens. They can be the perfect solution if you want to add some color to a shady spot!
[Back to Top] |
_________________________
Employee Spotlight:
Dan Sekowski
One of the newest team members at Akehurst is Dan Sekowski. Dan has been with our Sales & Design Department for 6 months now and he has brought with him lots of experience, expertise and enthusiasm!
Dan is a Landscape Architect and has travelled all over the country in his previous jobs to work on various landscape projects, including San Antonio Botanical Gardens, Atlanta Botanical Gardens, U.S. Botanical Gardens and many more. He was a Research Assistant Fellow at Morgan State University, Institute of Architecture and Planning, Fellow and Project Manager for the Neighborhood Design Center with Open Society Institute where he recruited, trained and managed design professionals and volunteers for community initiated urban revitalization design and construction projects, including the installation of many gardens and playgrounds in Baltimore City. He has also taught landscape design at a local college.
In addition to his landscape and design experience, Dan has also owned a restaurant and bakery. Dan lives on a farm with his wife and four children, 2 boys, 2 girls ages 2-13. He enjoys spending time with his family, especially teaching his kids about nature and working with their farm animals. He and his family sell fresh roasting chickens that they raise on their farm as well as chicken sausage at the local farmers markets and other small stores.
Dan enjoys the outdoors and many sports activities such as skiing, sailing, running and horseback riding. "I have a lot of energy and can't really sit still for long periods of time!" says Dan.
Dan's high energy and enthusiasm shine through in his work. His clients and co-workers find him a pleasure to work with and he is truly an asset to the Akehurst team.
[Back to Top]
|
|
|
Permeable Pavers
Akehurst recently finished installing their first permeable paver patio. You may be asking "what is a permeable paver patio and what's the point?"
Permeable pavers allow water to pass through into the soil. They are eco-friendly, reduce water run-off and are considered "green". Gaps between pavers, which are filled with sand, gravel or filler, allow water to seep through and into the soil below. Through this process many contaminants are filtered from the water that eventually makes way to a watershed.
Not only will these permeable surfaces allow water to pass through, but they are strong enough to hold the weight of a vehicle. Many municipal projects mandate LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) point objectives so the use of these permeable paver surfaces works great. Permeable pavers can be used for patios, like the one pictured, but they also work great for driveways, parking pads and walkways.
   
There are a variety of permeable paver products available. The above patio that we recently installed looks almost like any other paver patio, except the gaps are filled with gravel. Others, called grass pavers, are comprised of a concrete or plastic grid system, which is filled with gravel, mulches or vegetation can be planted.
Permeable pavers are a great way to get the surface you want while still keeping the environment in mind. Contact us today for more information on permeable pavers!
|
|
|
Protect Yourself From Poison Ivy, Oak & Sumac
Poison ivy, oak and sumac belong to a family of plants that produce one of the most common allergic reactions in the U.S. It is estimated that up to 70% of the population is allergic to urushiol, the oil found in the sap of these plants.
Although it is often recommended that people learn to recognize the poison ivy plant ("leaves of three, leave them be"), the reality is that this can be hard to do, since poison ivy and its relatives are often mixed in with other vegetation and not noticed until after the rash has begun. The best thing you can do is prevent exposure from the start. Keep skin covered when working outside in areas where poison ivy, oak or sumac could be hidden among other vegetation. It may be uncomfortable wearing long pants and long sleeves in hot weather, but it beats the discomfort that direct contact with poison ivy can bring on.
What to do if you've been exposed
- Cleanse: Immediately clean the area with plain soap and water. Urushiol will bind to the skin within 5 minutes to 2 hours after exposure. After binding, plain soap and water are no longer effective at removing urushiol, so it is important to clean exposed areas as soon as possible.
- Decontaminate: Remove and wash all clothing, shoes and shoelaces that may have come in contact with the oil.
- Relieve: If symptoms appear, use over the counter remedies to get some relief.
- Don't scratch: It's hard, but try not to scratch! Scratching may cause infection by allowing bacteria from dirt on your hands to enter the skin. Excessive scratching may also cause scarring.
- See your healthcare provider: Be sure to consult your healthcare provider if symptoms worsen and/or the rash spreads to the mouth or eyes or if your have a severe reaction.
Prevention is the best advice. If you plan to be working outside make sure you wear long sleeves and tuck them into your gloves, wear long pants with shoes and socks. As soon as you're finished your outdoor chores, remove and wash all items immediately.
[Back to Top]
|
|
Summer Watering
Now that the dog days of summer are upon us, it's important to keep your lawn and garden watered properly. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Even though we've had a lot of rain, drought can set in quickly, especially with high temperatures after the rain.
- Don't forget about your plants when you go on vacation. Have someone water your lawn and garden plants while you're away so you don't come home to wilted plants.
- Be sure your gutters and spouts are cleaned out before heavy downpours
- Watering in the early morning is best to avoid evaporation.
- Soaker hoses are great for gardens. They can be snaked through a garden, releasing water slowly so it can seep into the roots.
- Oscillating sprinklers are also a good choice for watering lawns and gardens. Their biggest advantage is that they can be easily moved to any spot in your yard.
- Consider a rain barrel to catch the water from your downspouts. They have a spigot that allows you to connect a hose or fill a watering can.
- Mulch helps keep moisture in the soil and it helps control the soil temperature to protect roots on very hot days.
|
|
|
|
|
