Second Nature Outdoor Living & Landscaping | Custom Landscaping in Kansas City

The Importance of Irrigation Systems

Wed, 27 May 2020 20:17:00 GMT

A well-maintained yard is a homeowner’s pride and joy. But it also takes intentionality and a good bit of planning ahead. An irrigation system correctly installed is certainly one plan that can ease the burden of ensuring a healthy, lush, green lawn and landscape. Some of the most prominent benefits of an irrigation system are:

Your lawn is the first impression for your guests. It’s inviting. It’s comforting. It’s part of your home and a reflection of the welcoming environment you hope to create. Having a reliable automatic irrigation system will make your dream of a lush and vibrant lawn and landscape a reality.

Water Conservation

Water conservation is important for saving energy as well as protecting the environment. Manual watering often leads to overwatering one area and underwatering another leaving you to play catch up while trying to evenly water your lawn. This catch up leads to a lot of extra water usage. Manual watering also leads to water waste since runoff can end up flowing down the sidewalk or street rather than soaking into your lawn. If the water flow is faster than the ground can soak it up, there will be water runoff from that as well.

An irrigation system will conserve water through proper placement of sprinklers, consistent timing, even water flow, and the correct amount of water based on the climate you live in. For ideal water conservation while keeping a healthy lawn and landscape, an irrigation system is the ideal choice.

Drip Irrigation Systems

Drip irrigation systems are ideal for maximum consistency in watering your lawn. Water and fertilizer are delivered evenly and continuously to plants. Watering times are extended which helps to prevent soil erosion and soil nutrient runoff. The slow, steady watering by drip irrigation systems allows the water to penetrate deeply into the soil where it will get down into the root system and is less likely to evaporate away. When professionally designed and installed, it is the best system for uniform application and maximum water conservation. Ultimately saving you time, energy, and money while rewarding you with a healthy, green lawn and landscape.

Sprinkler Irrigation

Sprinkler irrigation systems apply water to your lawn mimicking a rainfall. Using a system of pipes, water is pumped through them by pressure and sprayed onto the lawn through sprinklers. The water then falls on the lawn in droplets. Sprinkler irrigation systems are a great all-around lawn irrigation system option.

Automatic Irrigation Systems Save Time and Money

Who doesn’t need more time and money? An irrigation system can save you both.

Keeping up with manual watering takes a lot of time and effort to keep it consistent. The ideal time to water your lawn is usually early in the morning. An irrigation system will ensure your lawn and plants are watered correctly at the optimal times, leaving you time to sleep in or get other important tasks handled.

You don’t have to stress about whether you’ve watered too much or too little either, or if you’ve watered too much too fast, losing water due to runoff. Runoff can cause soil erosion, taking away vital nutrients. Irrigation systems water evenly and consistently at the proper times according to the environment you live in. The high cost of extra water usage and money spent to recover a damaged lawn and landscaping makes automatic irrigation systems that much more appealing.

As well, over-watering and inconsistent watering will both increase your water utility bill. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for areas with irrigated landscapes, up to 30% of the water bill goes toward landscape maintenance. Studies have shown when using an irrigation system, savings will often be anywhere from 20% to 50% on the water bill. So, while the upfront costs of an irrigation system can be substantial, you will reap the benefits in just a few short years for a lifetime of savings. Opting for a lawn irrigation system allows you to put the stress on the shelf and save money. You can thoroughly enjoy your lawn knowing your automatic sprinkler system is reliably and correctly handling the workload.

Weed Prevention

Too much water is often harmful to the soil and can be more harmful than not enough water. Excess water can drown your plants and kill them, leaving your lawn susceptible to weed germination where it is not wanted. Irrigation systems, when installed properly, do a lot toward weed prevention, because water is only delivered when and where needed. Watering deeply builds a thick and healthy lawn by encouraging deep root growth and winning the competition against the majority of weeds.

The Importance of Soil Nutrient Protection

Overwatering can weaken your lawn and plants making them susceptible to diseases like root rot, moss, powdery mildew, or brown patch lawn disease. Equally problematic, runoff from excess watering will steal away vital soil nutrients that your lawn and plants need for healthy growth. When you install an automatic irrigation system, the reliability of a consistent water schedule will go a long way toward protecting your lawn. Irrigation systems help manage nutrient dispersion evenly, so nutrients go deep into the soil, effectively feeding your lawn and plants.

Types of Sprinkler Irrigation

When deciding which type of irrigation system is right for you, you’ll want to consider some critical factors.

A few of the most common choices for lawn irrigation systems are:

How to Get an Automatic Irrigation System

If you’re ready to take the plunge and have an automatic irrigation system installed, it’s best to contact a certified contractor for advice and to get an estimate. A professional will know all the factors to take into consideration…lifestyle, climates, vegetation needs, budget, etc.

The experts at Second Nature Lawn and Landscape are here to help. Contact us today to discuss having an irrigation system installed, so you can sit back and relax knowing you have the most vibrant, healthy, inviting lawn on the block. Let your lawn shine today with the professionals you can count on!

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Simple Fall Landscaping Ideas

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 14:25:00 GMT

While fall may be a time when much of your yard and landscaping turn brown and dormant, we also know that fall is a time that brings out brilliant colors. Let’s discuss some ways to utilize these beautiful fall plants in a landscape design tailored for the autumn season.

The Best Fall Plants

Mums The Word

You can’t go to a pumpkin patch or farmer’s market in the fall without tripping over a planter of mums. While they are a beautiful and classic flower that comes in a wide range of colors, there are plenty of other fall plants to choose from that can help add color and beauty to your yard in the fall!

Fall Flowers to Plant

Do Some Planting

Many people aren’t thinking of long term landscaping ideas because of the cold weather that’s just around the corner. Early fall, before the ground freezes, is an excellent time to plant new trees and shrubs. Cooler weather and the rain that often comes during this time of year means these young plants undergo less stress than the hot and dry weather of summer. Plus, many nurseries are actively trying to empty their shelves, so you may be able to find great plants at a dramatic discount.

Bring Out The Decoration

Fall is the beginning of the seasons when many people add decorations to their front steps or door. Pumpkins and mums are a traditional fall decorating trend that can take you through Halloween all the way to Thanksgiving, eliminating the need to swap out your decorations after just a few weeks. To put a modern, and somewhat glamorous, take on it you can go with a more monochromatic look with white and gold decorations instead of the typical fall colors. Gourds of varying sizes and colors or a basket of apples are more along the lines of the traditional decorations, but provide a way to step outside of the expected fall decorations.

Adorn Your Flower Beds

If you have flower beds that have flowers that are no longer blooming you can add pumpkins or gourds to the flower beds to add color without having to go to the trouble of planting new plants or completely changing your landscape plan for that bed. Cornhusks or stalks and hay bales are also a great way to add texture to either flowerbeds or your entryway. Flower garden ideas do not always have to include flowers!

Think Beside The Box

If you have a mailbox at the edge of your yard you can utilize that space to add some fall decorations or fall plants. Your mailbox is likely visible from the street and some mums, pumpkins, or corn stalks can give it a festive look for the season.

Fall Planters

If you have a small space rather than an expansive yard to decorate, or you are looking to add some plants and color to a smaller area a planter is a great way to do that. Garden planter ideas include not only the fall flowers to plant, but also what you are going to plant them in. You can utilize more rustic items, such as a galvanized bucket, rusty pail, or a wooden planter.

Rake Those Leaves

It may be tempting to ignore the leaves that have fallen from the trees; autumn is all about falling leaves, right? Leaves that have fallen can trap moisture on not only your lawn, but also on your driveway and sidewalks, making for a potentially slick situation. Leaves that are left on your grass and trapped under snow can cause harm to your lawn by promoting mold growth. When spring arrives and the snow melts, you will be especially thankful to not be dealing with wet and moldy leaves that have been sitting on your lawn for months. If you do want to utilize those fallen leaves you can make a couple passes over them with a lawn mower. Once they are cut into small pieces they can be utilized as organic mulch that your flowers will love!

If you are making some fall landscape plans that fall outside of what you can handle yourself call Second Nature and we will help bring your vision to life, call us today!

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Snow Shoveling Tips To Clear Your Driveway & Landscaping

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 13:46:00 GMT

One of the most dreaded winter chores has to be shoveling snow. As a homeowner in the Midwest, this is a chore that has to be faced every winter. Today we want to give you some snow shoveling tips to make this easier and quicker for you.

Start With The Right Clothes

The first of our snow shoveling tips is to make sure you are dressed for the job. If the temperature is 20 degrees or higher, you will want to dress in layers. As you get started shoveling the snow you will find that you warm up quite a bit and not need all the clothes that you started out with! If it is colder than 20 degrees, you will still want to dress in layers but it is less likely that you will be doing much shedding of clothes.

Prepare Your Lawn/Driveway Ahead Of Time

A snow shoveling tip that doesn’t actually involve snow or shovels is something that you need to do before the ground freezes and the snow falls. In preparation for the first snow of the year, you may want to line your driveway, walkway, and sidewalks with tall stakes. Once the snow falls this makes it easier to identify where you need to shovel snow. This is especially useful if you hire a company to handle your snow removal. While you are more familiar with the layout of your yard and driveway, this wouldn’t be true for a snow removal company. Placing of these stakes can help protect your yard from damage from shovels or snow removal equipment.

Make Sure You Have The Right Equipment

Now we are getting into the snow shoveling tips that actually help with the shoveling! Make sure you have the right shovel for the job. This really isn’t the place to buy a cheap shovel, even if you think you may only use it a couple times a year. After the first major snowfall, your back will thank you for investing in a good snow shovel. While a larger shovel may seem logical, you will soon realize that once you fill that shovel up it can be too heavy to move or lift! A medium sized shovel with a plastic or aluminum blade is your best bet. Some people prefer the bent handle ergonomic shovels while others stick with the traditional straight handle shovels. This is personal preference and is totally up to you. Try to do some dry runs in the store to make sure the shovel is the right height/angle for you to use it properly, lifting with your legs and not your back. Regardless of the material your shovel is made out of, you can make the surface non-stick by spraying it with cooking spray before you begin shoveling.

If you are going to be clearing off a patio or deck, you will want to make sure that you have a shovel that has a nylon wear strip in order to protect the wood from the damaging blade of the shovel.

Shovel During and After the Storm

While it seems like a pain, this snow shoveling tip will pay off in the end. Shoveling often , even throughout the storm before it has quit snowing, can actually make LESS work in the end. By waiting until the snow has stopped, you end up with more snow to move all at once which can be a real pain in your back! As the snow piles up on your paved surfaces, it also causes the temperature to drop causing a layer of ice to build up on those surfaces. At that point, you are not only dealing with snow removal but also the daunting task of removing ice.

Ice Removal

No matter how quickly you get out to shovel your snow, ice will still happen. You can treat this with sand, salt, or kitty litter. Rock salt has the benefit of melting away, so there is no later clean up. However it is not effective in temperatures lower than 12 degrees and it can also eat away at your paved surfaces, which can leave you needing repairs in the spring. Sand and kitty litter do not have this side effect, but you may need to do some clean up in the spring after all the snow and ice has melted.

You may be temped to use an ice pick to chip away at ice, but this could cause severe damage to paved surfaces, decking, or landscaping plants.

Be Mindful Of Where You Pile Snow

This snow shoveling tip would seem easy enough, but so often people get done shoveling their driveway only to realize they have created a large berm of snow that needs to be removed in order to clean their walkway or sidewalk. You also want to take care not to pile snow near the foundation of your house. Melting and refreezing of this pile of snow on your foundation could cause cracks or damage to your foundation, which could result in expensive and extensive repairs.

One of the Most Important Snow Shoveling Tips – Don’t Forget About Your Plants

When you are using these snow shoveling tips and moving snow off of your paved surfaces, you want to be careful not to pile that snow on top of your plants and shrubs. When you go out to shovel, you should do a quick walk around your house and use a broom to clear the snow off of the leaves, needles, and branches of your plants. You want to get to snow removed before the plants and bent over under the weight of the snow. However, if your plants do become loaded down with snow it can be safer to let the plants recover on their own, you could do more damage trying to remove the snow.

Following these snow shoveling tips should have your paved surfaces and landscaping free from snow and ice in the quickest and most efficient manner that you can do yourself. However, there is always the option of hiring a professional snow removal service. Contact your local landscaping and snow removal service for details on their pricing structure.

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Our Favorite Bonfire Party Ideas for Fall Entertaining

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 12:35:00 GMT

You have invested in a beautiful outdoor living space with the fire pit at the center of it all. Now that fall has arrived and the cool weather fever has moved in, it is time to celebrate your outdoor living space. To help kickstart your creativity, here are some of our favorite bonfire party ideas to help you throw a fiery bash around your fire pit.

Start With Food Menu

The food you choose to include at your bonfire can be vary depending on the overall theme of your outdoor living space as well as the type of party you want to have. While there are many different bonfire party ideas for food, the most important thing is to keep it easy to eat. Try finger foods, a taco bar, a chili station, or something else simple to eat around a campfire that won’t have guests dropping food into their laps.

Add Light Decoration for Effect

Your landscape and outdoor living space should do the majority of the work naturally for decorations. However, you can add a few touches to emphasize that fall and campfire feeling for your guests.

Offer Campfire Party Favors

A campfire is all about getting cozy and spending time with friends and family. One of the best bonfire party ideas to meet this request is with cozy party favors! Get your guests involved in the bonfire by providing scented pinecone fire starters they can add to the campfire to create a lovely, woodsy scent. Create a blanket stand with a basket full of blankets that people can use around the campfire. You can buy campfire blankets online and let guests take them home with them if you don’t have enough of your own to offer.

To keep guests cozy, you should also provide bug spray. Most bugs should be gone by the time the first frost hits and smoke from the fire does a good job of keeping bugs away, but there could still be bugs lingering around light sources where your food is set up. Light a citronella candle and offer complimentary bug spray to guests who feel bites.

The Best of the Bonfire Party Ideas – S’mores!

What is a bonfire party without S’mores? There are so many bonfire party ideas to incorporate s’mores in unique ways. Some of our favorites include:

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Spruce Up Outdoor Living Spaces With Fall Trends

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 12:20:00 GMT

Think about how often you change out your interior décor based on the seasons, or how often you feel the urge to rearrange your living room. Your outdoor living space should be treated the same way. Fall is the perfect time of year to sit outside and enjoy your landscaping. It is also the perfect time to change up the décor and landscaping features in your outdoor living spaces. To make your outdoor living space reflect the beauty of fall, try out these fall trends.

Improve Comfort of Outdoor Living Spaces

Start off your fall décor with the trend of comfort in your outdoor furniture and space layout. You can make outdoor living spaces more inviting by adding cushions and comfortable seating to your living space. Throw pillows with bold patterns are a trend, so try to add indoor/outdoor throw pillows with depictions of fall leaves for the autumn feel. You can also add throw blankets in the harvest hues of brown, orange, yellow, and hunter green for a cozy autumn feel.

You can also rearrange and alter your outdoor living space to increase the cuddle-factor that autumn brings. Define a space in your outdoor living to create extra seating. This is the perfect time to add rocking chair loveseats or additional cushioned seating options. A fall trend this year with outdoor living spaces is to build in bench seats into walls and dividers and include ottomans for footrests and additional seating.

Add Warmth and Light

Warm elements are a very important fall trend for your outdoor living spaces. If you have not added a fire pit or fireplace to your outdoor living space yet, consider it for the perfect focal point for all family get-togethers. Gathering around a fire, combined with the comfort of your outdoor living space changes, will provide the perfect fall comfort and design. You should also opt for unique outdoor lighting that projects the right balance of light and shadow. The more you add this warmth to your outdoor living spaces, the more you will be able to venture out in the cooler weather and enjoy the changing seasons.

Consider Adding Additional Landscaping

Fall is a great time to evaluate your outdoor living space to see how you can improve your landscaping. A current trend in landscaping are large natural stone pavers to outline patio areas and walkways. This element is a perfect upgrade for fall to provide an expansive and comfortable feel in your outdoor living spaces. You should also take a look at adding fall perennials to add some color and depth to spring and summer landscaping that is hibernating for the winter.

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Your Fall Lawn Care Maintenance To Do List

Thu, 10 Oct 2019 12:14:00 GMT

Fall is here and the weather is already starting to cool down. As we get closer to the below zero winter months, remember that there is a lot of maintenance to do to your lawn before freezing begins. To help you organize your fall lawn care, here is a comprehensive list of maintenance items you should perform or hire someone to perform on your behalf.

Winterize Sprinkler Systems

If you have water that is sitting in your sprinkler systems or drip irrigation, it has the potential to freeze during the winter and crack the hose and tubing. To prevent an expensive repair in the spring time, it is important to call a professional to blow the water out of the system and winterize it.

Feed and Aerate Your Lawn

Aeration in your lawn is important if you have the type of yard that loves to collect pools of rainfall, making parts of your lawn a bit of a marsh pit during wet weather. You need to “fluff” the soil with an aerator to allow nutrients to reach the roots. After aerating, you need to find a good winter fertilizer mixture to feed your grass that will continue to grow until 40-degree marks hit. Fertilizing your lawn one last time will encourage the grass to grow green and lush in the spring.

Make Your Plants Flourish During Winter

Right after the first frost hits, you want to mulch your plant beds to keep your plants warm during the winter. This also helps prevent soil erosion around your plants. Depending on the type of shrubs you want, planting them in early fall will help the plant establish roots in the soil before springtime. Be sure your hole is deep enough and that you do not pack the soil down. You want to give the roots space to grow and allow water to filter through.

Trim It Up

Perennials and tree limbs will need to be trimmed and cared for before winter hits. For your perennials, you need to trim the annuals that are starting to droop and die as they attract more bugs that can kill other perennials. Trim down to the ground to allow more energy into the roots. If you notice your plants are crowding, divide them to continue growth of perennials. Dead limbs on trees should be cut away before a winter storm can blow the branch onto your home and cause damage. Trimming the branches properly will also allow the tree to heal throughout winter and spring.

Clean Up Leaves for Fall Lawn Care

Especially if you have a large number of trees in your yard, your lawn will be a leafy mess. Leaves that rest on your lawn will destroy the grass roots unless they are picked up. You can either rake and bag the leaves or create a compost bin that will turn the leaves into excellent mulch come springtime.

Mow One Last Time

As part of your fall lawn care, it is important that your yard get one last mow before the cold weather sets in. But there is more to this than just turning on a mower and going across your yard! There is a certain length you need to cut your grass to ensure disease does not rampage your lawn over the winter and into early spring. Cutting your yard to about 1-1 ¼ of an inch will help prevent growth issues and will make it easier to clean up leaves because there is nothing to grab onto. Be careful not to cut too low or you will have dead grass in the spring.

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Lee’s Summit Commercial Snow Removal Tips

Wed, 09 Oct 2019 19:47:00 GMT

Watching the snow pile up outside can be a calming and relaxing exercise until you remember that somebody needs to tackle the job of removing all that snow from your commercial or residential property.

Proper snow removal service is beneficial in many ways. Many cities have rules on how quickly public sidewalks have to be cleared, so cleaning your sidewalks could be a matter of abiding by the local laws. Thorough snow removal aids in keeping sidewalks from becoming slippery, which helps in decreasing slip-and-fall accidents, which can be so common in the winter months. And finally, if you are a business owner it is in your best interest to make sure your customers have a clear and safe entrance into your business. If not you can either lose business due to customers not having access or be faced with a lawsuit from a slip-and-fall accident due to negligence on snow removal.

Start Early on Snow Removal

One of the keys to Lee’s Summit snow removal services is to get the job started as soon as the snow starts falling. It is easy to think that the best idea is to wait until the snow is done falling and do the work all at once. This is not a good plan for a number of reasons. Ice can begin to accumulate on the concrete as snow continues to fall. This also makes the job much bigger, instead of moving a small amount of snow a number of times you are left moving a large amount of snow all at once. A good commercial snow removal service should be at your location providing services early in the storm, and multiple times throughout the snowfall.

Thorough Snow & Ice Removal

Lee’s Summit snow removal services should ensure there is thorough removal of all snow and ice. Snow should be removed from the sidewalks on all sides of the property and the full width of the sidewalk should be cleared. The sidewalk needs to be cleared all the way to the concrete and make sure that all ice has been removed. Adding some sand to the sidewalk after it has been cleared can help further to prevent them from becoming slippery. Don’t forget to shovel around garbage cans/recycling bins, or if you have a commercial property you want to ensure there is a clear path to the garbage/recycling area. When you do remove snow, make sure that the snow is piled on the property, or removed entirely. It should not be piled into the street or the alley.

Roof Snow Removal Services

An often overlooked area in Lee’s Summit snow removal is the roof. Even with a properly sloped roof, if there is enough snow accumulation you can face the prospect of collapse due to the heavy weight of snow sitting on your roof. If you have a flat roof the threat of collapse is even greater and snow removal needs to be handled quicker.

When hiring a company to handle your Lee’s Summit commercial or residential snow removal services make sure you are getting the most for your money and that it will include all of the snow removal services you need for your unique situation.

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Backyard Fire Pit Ideas

Wed, 02 Oct 2019 14:36:00 GMT

While it has been an unseasonably warm fall, the nights are turning cooler making it the perfect time to sit around the fire. There are many different backyard fire pit ideas that can go with a variety of different outdoor living styles and designs. To help you enjoy the bonfire season, here are some of our favorite backyard fire pit ideas.

Steel Fire Pits

The great thing about steel fire pits is they can be inexpensive to provide an upscale look on a budget, or can be a high quality centerpiece to your outdoor living space. Steel fire pits are light weight and incredibly durable with high weather resistance. The different types of steel fire pits include:

Brick Fire Pits

Brick firepits are similar to steel where they can be an inexpensive, DIY project or you can make it look incredibly sleek and professional. Out of the many backyard fire pit ideas, brick is the most versatile in design options. You need certain types of bricks when constructing a brick fire pit, including:

Natural Stone Fire Pit

Similar to a brick fire pit, the natural stone fire pit can be built yourself or with a more professional appearance. With a natural stone fire pit, it is better to have a professional install it to give off the right weathered, natural look without compromising the integrity of the fire pit structure.

Built In Firepit

A built in firepit is one of the more impressive backyard fire pit ideas. You can choose from a variety of fire pit types, including wood burning or natural gas, to build into the ground. The important thing here is the interior construction of the fire pit and a plan to clean out ashes from the bottom. From there, design plays a factor with how you line the fire pit and construct the patio sitting space around it.

Backyard Fire Pit Ideas for Design

Depending on which fire pit you choose, you will need to consider the design of your backyard fire pit ideas. For example, a steel fire pit is going to get hot. Certain types of steel will contain the heat, like stainless steel, but others could be very hot to the touch. Be sure to arrange your outdoor living space with room around the fire pit so people do not accidentally burn themselves.

Likewise, a built in fire pit will require you to plan your outdoor living space creation around the fire pit. A built in fire pit will no doubt kickstart your creativity for multiple backyard fire pit ideas for design, including what material to line the fire pit with and how you want to lead into the seating area.

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Fall Landscaping Ideas for the First Day of Fall

Fri, 20 Sep 2019 20:47:00 GMT

Thursday, September 22 is the First Day of Fall! The season’s crisp cool air and beautiful changing leaves give you the perfect reason to go out and enjoy your outdoor living space. To incorporate beautiful fall plants into your landscaping, here are some fall landscaping ideas to help you celebrate the first day of fall.

Fall Landscaping Ideas for Vibrant Color

If you walk outside during autumn, do you see the colors of the season? If not, you may want to plan for some plants that show off the vibrant colors that come with the season. When you want to have your yard explode with fall beauty each season, here are some plants that will do the trick.

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Custom Pool Landscaping Before & After Project in Kansas City, MO

Thu, 22 Aug 2019 17:13:00 GMT

What a difference a few columns can make! Pool landscaping can really improve the overall feel of your outdoor living space. Carey Gillam has a gorgeous home in the greater Kansas City area with a pristine backyard pool, but there was a large tree and some mismatched shrubbery at the top of the stairs leading to the pool area. This greenery was not visually appealing and created a closed-off atmosphere when you were enjoying the pool and summer sun. With the help of Second Nature’s custom design team, Carey decided to replace these trees and bushes, in order to create an open environment as soon as you walk toward the steps of the pool.

The large tree and shrub at the top of the stairs did not align with the gorgeous poolside environment that already existed. They were heavy and dark, blocking light from entering a section of the pool area.

After consulting with Carey about the design elements she wanted to maintain, our team decided to fully remove the tree and bushes, and install two columns with a light feature on top. This completes the flow of the existing stone wall surrounding the pool and creates a more inviting space.

We decided to keep the two potted plants at the very top of the stairs but removed all the various vegetation, etc. laying down a bed of mulch instead.

Carey already had a beautiful stone wall in place, so our team decided to mirror the neutral colors found in the stone and stucco the columns, topping each with a slab of coordinating stone and a beautifully intricate lamp to complete the look. Using stucco can be more visually appealing if you are trying to match an existing stone hardscape. When you try to match a stone pattern perfectly to a current piece, it will stand out and can look like it was an afterthought. By utilizing the same color palette with new material, we were able to create a hardscape that fit perfectly with the current design, allowing the eye to continue moving around the wall without interruption.

Finally, we decided to landscape the space around the columns with boxwood plants. These small shrubs are easy to maintain, make excellent topiary, and liven up the space without creating a visual distraction.

If you are interested in poolside landscaping , hardscaping , or any other custom design work, contact the pros at Second Nature! We are excited to provide you with the perfect outdoor design to help your backyard become the oasis of your dreams. For more information about pool landscaping and all the other custom landscaping work we offer in the Kansas City area, call 816-844-7733.

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Get Ready for Fall with These Fire Pit Designs

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 15:35:00 GMT

Summer is winding down and the crisp coolness of autumn will be blowing in before you know it. One of the best parts of fall is enjoying the weather while keeping warm around a fire pit. If you want to enjoy the outdoors while staying toasty, here are some fire pit designs to help you get ready for fall.

Types of Fire Pit Designs

There are a few different fire pit designs you can go for. There are above ground pits, in ground pits, built-in pits, covered fire pits, coal pits, oven pits, and fireplaces.

Places to Put Your Fire Pit

The most common place to place fire pit designs is on a patio space. Often the fire pit will be designed to match the patio space with similar stone or concrete worked into the pit design. You can also place a fire pit out in your yard with its own fire pit area. People will build stone benches around the pit or will use a gravel floor to designate the fire pit area. Many homeowners choose to build their fire pit in a secluded garden area for a true private relaxation space.

Landscaping Around the Fire

In most cases, the landscaping around the fire pit uses the same stones or materials for the patio or outdoor kitchen the fire pit is placed in. However, there are a few other options for landscaping around fire pit designs, including:

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6 Tips to Help Your Plants Survive Summer Heat

Fri, 02 Aug 2019 14:55:00 GMT

There is nothing better than enjoying ice cold lemonade on your back patio and taking in your beautiful flowers on a hot summer day. Keep your plants happy and make sure they have some relief from the heat with these six tips on how to maintain a garden in summer.

Mulching Your Plants

Mulch is a great option when you want garden sun protection for several reasons. Not only will it insulate the root systems in your plants in hot weather, but it will retain water and keep the ground damp for a longer period of time. This will help stretch your daily watering and keep your plants from overheating. Usually, you want at least a 4-6” layer of mulch and there are plenty of free and natural mulch options available. These include dry grass clippings, seaweed, alfalfa, and even newspaper.

Water Your Plants Early in the Morning or Early Evening

We all know water evaporates in high heat. Therefore you should avoid watering your plants in hot weather. Instead, it is best to aim for early in the morning or in the early evening to ensure the water actually reaches the root systems. If you don’t enjoy the idea of waking up early just to water your plants, set your sprinkler or irrigation system on a timer and schedule it to turn on when it is still dark outside. This way your plants can reap the benefits of an early watering and you can stay in the comfort of your own bed. Avoid over-watering your plants as too much water can cause root rot and other plant diseases. If you are worried about the heat killing your plants, always check the soil before giving your plants an extra dose of water on exceptionally hot days.

Give Your Plants the Shade They Need to Survive

Every plant is different and needs different amounts of sun exposure. Some plants like lavender and coneflower love direct sunlight while others will thrive when they have a break from the Sun. Always make sure you are familiar with each plant’s desired sun and shade levels and arrange your landscaping and garden accordingly. Creating shade covers for plants is a great way to provide a better environment for them.

Shade Cloth

Shade cloth is a manufactured material that is resilient and resists rot and mildew. If you choose to use a shade cloth, make sure your plants have plenty of room to allow proper airflow so they can still breath. This keeps them from suffocating, lets them continue growing and allows space for pollinators like bees and butterflies to move around. Also if you use a shade cloth too close to your plants, you will trap the heat under the cloth, defeating its intended purpose.

Manufactured Shade

If you would rather provide shade structure for plants by working it into your landscaping design, manufactured shade can be achieved with a trellis or other plant shelters. These allow for partial sun and plenty of airflow. You can even choose a temporary plant shade umbrella to help during the hottest months of the year.

Planting Seeds Deeper

If you are planting annuals or a vegetable garden, a great precaution is to plant them deeper in the soil than you normally would. When you plant your seeds an extra inch or two deeper, the root system has a greater chance of thriving and not getting dried out when direct heat would normally dehydrate the topsoil.

Choosing Plants that Can Withstand the Heat

An easy way to avoid having your plants get overheated in the summer is to choose plants that are hearty enough to withstand the heat. There are several vegetable plants that love heat including peppers, tomatoes, and eggplants. Supplement your garden with hearty herbs like basil, rosemary, oregano, cilantro, and lemongrass and you will be well on your way to a summer filled with delicious meals.

If you are more interested in flowering plants that can withstand the warmest temperatures of the year, consider these annuals as heat-loving options that will add an aesthetic flair to your garden and landscape design.

There are plenty of perennials that love the heat as well. Just be sure you lay down mulch to protect these recurring plants during the winter’s colder months. Here is a list of a few full Sun, heat loving perennials.

Planting Transplants Near Established Plants

Transplanting young plants into your garden is a difficult task, especially during the heat of the summer. A great way to ensure your new plants have plenty of shade and access to healthy soil is to plant them near some of your established plants that share the same sun/shade preferences. Your existing plant can act as a shade cover for plants to your burgeoning beauties, keeping them from overheating. Remember your new plants still need some sunshine to maintain their growth, so avoid planting them near an established plant that will provide complete shade.

If All Else Fails, Hire the Professionals

If you feel overwhelmed when trying to DIY shade for plants in your landscape design, don’t be afraid to ask for help! The professional team at Second Nature Outdoor Living & Landscaping offers exceptional landscape maintenance services. We can help you with everything from mulching and seasonal planting, to finding a landscape design that will ensure your plants and garden get enough shade to beat the heat this summer. To learn more about our landscape maintenance and design services, contact us at 816-844-7733.

The post 6 Tips to Help Your Plants Survive Summer Heat appeared first on Second Nature Outdoor Living & Landscaping | Custom Landscaping in Kansas City .

Backyard Pond Landscaping Makeover: Before & After

Thu, 01 Aug 2019 15:52:00 GMT

This transformation of Brandi’s backyard is absolutely stunning! Brandi’s water garden pond with a mini water fall had so much potential. One might enjoy watching the fish swimming in the pond but there is not much here to support a beautiful relaxing backyard experience. Backyard water gardens can offer the soothing sights and sounds of nature that are so relaxing, but those relaxing elements are absent here.

Second Nature used this outdated pond structure to transform their backyard area into an inviting backyard oasis.

While children may enjoy watching and feeding fish here, it is not a relaxing area for adults.

The oxygenated water here is only benefiting the fish. The relaxing sights and sounds of a properly built waterfall are lacking here. Second Nature worked their magic with a few embellishments and transformed this fish pond into a beautiful, tranquil water garden.

The reveal you have been waiting for…

Now Brandi has a beautiful and relaxing oasis in her backyard for everyone to enjoy! You can almost hear the soothing sights and sound of nature from just the picture. Just a few steps from Brandi’s backdoor is mini paradise to de-stress and unwind in.

Does your home’s backyard need a makeover or update? Contact Second Nature today to discuss your vision.

The post Backyard Pond Landscaping Makeover: Before & After appeared first on Second Nature Outdoor Living & Landscaping | Custom Landscaping in Kansas City .

Custom Porch Project: Before and After

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 15:54:00 GMT

We are excited to share this custom front porch project we recently completed for Agnes Meyers. The back deck had already been renovated, but the front entryway was in need of some updates to match the current style. The existing front entrance did not meet the aesthetic of her contemporary home, and she chose to work with Second Nature after hearing about our exceptional landscaping and custom design work in the Lee’s Summit area. Our custom design team worked with Agnes to create a front entry and porch that was both welcoming and a timeless design.

Before Second Nature stepped in with a new design, Agnes’s front entryway suffered from a worn down wooden railing and wood post design that didn’t align with her contemporary back deck.

After Our Design Team Completed the Job

Our design team worked with Agnes to create an entryway that complemented her existing landscaping and created a flow from the front yard to the back deck by utilizing a similar style for the railing. Now her front entrance has a beautiful stone retaining wall and a railing that opens up the front of her home, creating a more inviting atmosphere.

By using flat stones, we were able to create a secure place to mount the base of the handrail, without sacrificing the overall design.

Now the handrail on the front porch mirrors the design of the back deck, creating a flow that is felt as you enter and exit the home.

Add To Your Home’s Curb Appeal

If your entryway is in need of an update or you simply want to find a design that meets your personal style, meet with the design team at Second Nature. We are excited to discuss your local landscaping and custom design plans in Lee’s Summit, MO!

The post Custom Porch Project: Before and After appeared first on Second Nature Outdoor Living & Landscaping | Custom Landscaping in Kansas City .

2019 Summer Backyard Patio Ideas

Fri, 28 Jun 2019 15:42:00 GMT

With summer almost in full swing, it’s time to have your patio looking its best! Patio accents, renovations and custom patio designs are great ways to transform your backyard patio ideas into an outdoor living space you love.

Outdoor Patio Accents

If you love your patio but feel like something is missing, spice up your outdoor leisure space with pleasing colors and style. The small details of patio accents will provide big results to your summer backyard patio ideas. From functional to stylish, there are options for every budget.

Colorful Throw Pillows

Your patio. Your style! Colorful throw pillows come in all shapes, sizes, textures and colors. With endless options, outdoor throw pillows will highlight your personal design preference and bring the WOW to your backyard.

Are you feeling a little beachy? Create a coastal look with colorful throw pillows in teal, blue and sand hues. If a tropical vibe is best for you, mix-and-match solid colors with patterns of greens leaves and bamboo. Bright fun colors from floral pillows can bring about flower garden splendor and a cheerful your spirit. From farmhouse chic to clean orderly geometric designs, outdoor pillows take your décor to the next level.

Change out often or keep all summer, outdoor throw pillows are easy to store and pull out for any occasion. Change with the seasons or switch up for a cocktail party, colorful outdoor pillows allow you to set your tone, your way.

Versatile Patio Tables

Gather around a table to enjoy your new patio with your loved ones. Patio tables are versatile and come in many shapes sizes and styles. If your patio is not covered, you may think about a patio table that will accommodate an umbrella. A table with an outdoor fire pit may be a nice touch for outdoor dining all year round. The size and shape of your patio and the number of family members who will frequently dine there will guide your choice; and with the many choices available, you are sure to find the perfect versatile patio table.

Unique and Playful Chairs

You may opt for outdoor furniture sets and or mix it up a little with unique, playful and artsy chairs around your new patio. Adirondack chairs may bring images to your mind of shells and sand and the peaceful sounds of the beach surf. Use lounger, patio chaise or daybeds to soak up some sunshine or enjoy a good read. Wicker furniture can come in many looks, you could use wicker for a tropical look, southern porch look or a modern look.

Outdoor Breakfast Patio

Greet the new day with breakfast in your backyard! Your very own special outdoor breakfast patio can be created with a new table, some fabulous chairs or an outdoor kitchen. From Sunday Brunch to enjoying your morning coffee, an outdoor kitchen would be a wonderful way to entertain guests.

Relaxing Hammock

Just the sight of a hammock swinging gently in the breeze brings images of relaxation. Hammocks come in many styles and sizes as well as frames and ways to hang. A new chick hammock could bring hours of outdoor relaxation on your new patio.

Patio Fire Bowl

Consider using a Fire Bowl to add a touch of luxury to your patio accent options. Fire bowls will also bring pleasant light to your patio for your summer evening leisure. The perfect gathering spot, a patio fire bowl completes the party.

Comfortable Soft Swings

Whether it is a hanging chair or a traditional soft swing, your seating choice will be popular. Perfect for individual lounging or multiple seating during for an occasion, comfortable swings bring the magic and make people happy.

If your patio is not covered, you may opt for a canopy over your swing. Complete your design look with colorful throw pillows or and an outdoor blanket.

Outdoor Patio Renovations

Outdoor patio renovations take your outdoor area to the next level. Here at Second Nature, creating new elements for your patio is our passion. If you can dream it, we can design, build and install it.

When you are ready to move forward with beautiful hardscape, an outdoor kitchen or patio lights, give us a call. We will have an entire team dedicated to you and your patio ideas.

Outdoor Kitchens

An outdoor kitchen delivers many benefits. During the summer months, you can keep the cooking and baking heat outside and conserve air-conditioning. If you love to can your produce from the garden, an outdoor kitchen will keep the heat and extra mess outside. You will also have a little more elbowroom for others assisting you in that lengthy process. Outdoor kitchens are a great place to entertain and can offer hours of enjoyment and practical use.

Patio Mood Lighting

Outside lights are the perfect way to set the mood. Custom design your patio lights and enjoy the long summer evenings with friends and family on your remodeled patio from Second Nature. You can hang up a string of cove or rope porch lights to create a soft relaxing glow or you can combine lights with ceiling for form and function. Consider lanterns for accenting eating areas with style and class and wall lights for nice patio lighting. There are many outdoor light fixtures to choose from allowing you to create your own patio mood.

Outdoor Fire Pits and Fireplaces

There is just something about an outdoor fire pit. Relaxing and hypnotic, it can become a focal point and gathering spot. Watching flames can cause you to reflect and promote meaningful conversations. It has been proven that staring at flames can lower blood pressure and promote relaxation. A gas fire pit would be very convenient. With the many fireplace designs available, you are sure to find one to suit your needs.

Outdoor Patio Bar

An outdoor patio bar is not only great for entertaining, but also offers a nice spot for your family to hang out. An outdoor patio bar would also be nice around a pool area to serve snacks and refreshments. You should consider if you want a wet bar (with a sink for rinsing glasses) or a dry bar (a place for serving drinks and snacks). A patio bar can be custom built for your space, style and needs.

Custom Patio Design

The experts at Second Nature are here to transform your patio ideas into the backyard paradise of your dreams. We have an entire team to walk you through the patio process step-by-step.

Are you ready to have your dream delivered? Here’s what you can expect from Second Nature.

Custom Patio Design

Our custom patio design process begins with our landscape designer and your vision. Our landscape designer will work with you on professional details and input. From a custom kitchen to pavers and pergolas, our landscape designers make sure you love the design before handing it to the landscape architect.

Your Perfect Patio Build

With over 20 years in the Kansas City area, our team is very familiar with Midwestern nuances. Our landscape architects consider terrain, seasonal weather and construction elements to ensure your patio project stays on track. Working directly with the construction portion, the landscape artist makes any necessary adjustments to keep your custom patio looking great all throughout the year.

Outdoor Patio Construction

When it is time for the actual construction, we handle all the pieces and parts. From permits to materials, labor to clean up, we take of everything. We keep you informed of our progress and weather permitting, finish right on schedule!

Patio Maintenance and Upkeep

Expanding your living space to the outdoors brings enjoyment but it also is a great investment.

Patios are notoriously durable and can require no maintenance for up to 20 years. Our patio construction materials are long-lasting and expertly installed.

From simple to multifaceted patio designs, our experts implement perfect patio builds that are easy to maintain and keep up.

The post 2019 Summer Backyard Patio Ideas appeared first on Second Nature Outdoor Living & Landscaping | Custom Landscaping in Kansas City .

Christmas Landscape Decorating Ideas

Mon, 08 Oct 2018 16:16:00 GMT

Do you have your halls decked and your house decorated for the holidays yet? Most people already know the tried-and-true ideas of outlining your house with outdoor lights or putting up an inflatable Santa in your yard, but we want to think outside of the normal and expected decorations for your Christmas landscape.

Christmas Landscape Essential – Evergreens

A classic Christmas icon is the evergreen tree and there are a myriad of ways that you can incorporate the tree into your decorations . Galvanized tubs are a great way to bring the current rustic trend to your Christmas decorations. You can use them as planters for evergreens of varying sizes and types on your porch or throughout your yard.

Wreaths and Pinecones

While wreaths aren’t a new Christmas landscape concept, we have started to see them used in new and unexpected ways. Try two or three wreaths on the same door or a different shapes, such as a square wreath. You can also hang wreaths in different locations than just the front door, such as the railing on your porch, on the windows, or on the side of your house.

For a rustic and classic Christmas postcard effect, add pinecone to your wreaths and other Christmas landscape décor. Sugar pine cones can measure up to a foot long and can be used to make wreath, add a big statement to garland around your door, or used as filler along with a string of lights to fill up a large glass lantern to adorn your Christmas landscape.

Get Creative with Everyday Items

Sometimes the best decorations are right in front of you. Look around your house with an open mind to see what items you can repurpose for your Christmas landscape decorating. An old pair of ice skates that no longer fit or a plaid scarf can be used to decorate your mailbox or hung on your front door in lieu of a wreath.

Add Oversized Ornaments

Oversized ornaments are a great new trend that can help liven up your Christmas landscape. We have seen these ornaments made out of everything from spray painted old tires with upside down pails for the toppers, light globes with tuna cans and eye hooks for the toppers, or children’s kick balls and a cape pan as a topper! Depending on the size these can be used as decorations in the yard, filling a previously empty window planter, or hung across your porch.

Keep Lighting Subtle

In addition to having lights on your house as part of your Christmas landscape, you can also add Christmas lights to your front entryway or to light the pathway of your sidewalk. Mason jars are a current decorating item that can be used at Christmas. Hanging a cluster of mason jars next to your doorway and filling them with Christmas lights is a great alternative to your front porch light. They can also be used to create a lighted pathway. Using bottles, maybe emptied wine bottles that have had the label removed, you could fill the bottles with lights and drape the lights between bottles to light the way.

If you want a professional yet subtle Christmas landscape lighting aesthetic, you can add downlighting and uplighting to your landscape in the Christmas colors of red and green. Some lighting options allow you to add fake falling snowflakes to your landscape, or can create a subtle glittering appearance to your plants and trees.

The post Christmas Landscape Decorating Ideas appeared first on Second Nature Outdoor Living & Landscaping | Custom Landscaping in Kansas City .

10 Pergola Design Ideas for your Backyard Landscaping

Thu, 22 Feb 2018 17:07:00 GMT

Backyard Pergola Designs in Kansas City

Many people may not be familiar with a pergola, but they can be an excellent addition to any backyard design. A pergola is a garden feature that has vertical posts, or pillars, that support cross beams or open lattice. Some people choose to leave their pergolas plain, where others may choose to add to theirs with woody vines, which can provide further shade.

Pergolas can be used to create shaded walkways or sitting areas. They can be useful as an extension your house or as cover for an open terrace or patio.

Benefits to adding a pergola to your backyard landscaping plan include,

Let’s discuss some of the excellent ways you can incorporate a pergola into your backyard design, we have included some examples of the many pergolas we have built at Second Nature.

Hot Tub Pergolas

A pergola can be an excellent addition to your pool and hot tub landscaping. With a pergola over your hot tub, you can enjoy your hot tub in the shade and at the cooler temperatures that a shaded area can afford.

With the addition of a pergola around your hot tub you also gain privacy that allows you to enjoy your hot tub in peace!

With storage benches built into your pergola you not only add valuable seating space but can also gain storage that can be used for towel storage or hot tub maintenance supplies, such as necessary chemicals or tools.

Freestanding Pergolas

A freestanding pergola can be an excellent way to define a space in your outdoor living area. For example, a pergola can be used for a sitting area or an outdoor kitchen. These areas are not always right next to your house but may be removed from the house in a separate part of your yard or on a part of the patio or deck not directly adjacent to the house.

Small Pergolas

A pergola does not have to be a physically large in order to be a focal piece in your backyard design. A small pergola can provide a large impact without requiring a large footprint. A small pergola can give you a lot of bang for you buck when upgrading or revamping your backyard landscaping.

Grill Pergola

A pergola can be a great way to provide some cover for the chef as they do some backyard grilling! A pergola can also provide additional storage and create a defined area for your grill.

Patio Pergola

The addition of a pergola on your patio can greatly increase the usability of your patio by providing shade during the sunniest, and often hottest, part of the day. In addition to bringing additional function to you patio, a pergola can add a specific design element to the patio and your entire backyard and landscaping plan.

A patio pergola can be used to extend your living space with a dining area, seating area, and/or outdoor kitchen.

Wooden Pergola

Wood is the most common material used for pergolas. While you might see metal pergolas available in some of the big box stores you’ll find that they are not as sturdy and permanent as a wood pergola. A wooden pergola can be completely customizable; you are not limited to the size or design elements of the manufacturer. Wooden pergolas are often made from cedar or redwood, which both make a great choice for outdoor application and require minimal upkeep while maintaining a beautiful look.

Gazebo Pergola

With a custom build pergola you can choose any design you can think of! We can even help you come up with a new design of your own. For example, you may be drawn to the design elements of both a gazebo and a pergola. While a pergola is typically square in shape with cross beams instead of a roof and a gazebo has a round or octagon shape with a complete roof, we can build a gazebo pergola that combines elements from both of these backyard landscaping features.

Deck Pergolas

Maybe you have decided you want to have more than a simple deck on the back of your house. If you are looking for a backyard landscaping plan with more visual interest you may want to go with a deck pergola. A deck pergola can help keep you cool on your deck by providing additional shade. Whether you have an outdoor living area that you don’t utilize due to the sun or if your small children would benefit from the shade provided by a pergola so that they can play, a deck pergola can increase the usability of your deck.

Attached Pergola

A pergola does not have to be a freestanding structure in the middle of your yard or patio. There are multiple reasons why you may decide you want a pergola attached to your house. An attached pergola can be more cost efficient. Because it attaches to your house there is likely less material needed for construction. A small yard could also be another reason; an attached pergola can be a great use of the space available. Also, an attached pergola can also provide shade inside the home, as well as outside.

Outdoor Kitchen Pergola

If you are dreaming of an outdoor kitchen, an outdoor kitchen pergola is an excellent addition to your backyard landscaping. With a pergola you can define the space of the outdoor kitchen, provide shelter for both the outdoor kitchen elements and whoever is doing the cooking in the outdoor kitchen, and the vertical support beams can be used for additional storage!

Convinced that it’s time to add a pergola to your outdoor living space? Second Nature Outdoor Living can help with everything from deciding which type of pergola is right for your outdoor space, to design and build. Give Second Nature a call today to get started! 816-844-7733

The post 10 Pergola Design Ideas for your Backyard Landscaping appeared first on Second Nature Outdoor Living & Landscaping | Custom Landscaping in Kansas City .

What to look for in a landscaping company?

Wed, 18 Oct 2017 19:06:00 GMT

How to pick a Lee’s Summit Landscaping Company

Whether you have a new home and you need to install landscaping, or you have existing landscaping that you want to modify or overhaul, it is in your best interest to have a landscaping company involved in part of the process. While it may be tempting to think you can handle this yourself, a quality landscaping job that will stand the test of time requires more than simply plopping some plants in the ground.

Many landscaping companies not only offer installation, but also have landscape designers available to help you develop a landscaping plan for you yard. A landscape design company does more than pick out flowers and plants that will look nice in your yard. They also take into account what zone you are in and which plants work best for the local climate and average rainfall. They will help you choose plants that will work with the amount of shade in each particular bed. They also understand the final size of the plant when it is finished growing so that in the future your landscaping isn’t overcrowded.

When you hire a landscape company to install hardscape items, such as a pavers, a new patio or a retaining wall, that requires excavation of dirt they will either remove the dirt entirely or relocate it to an area within your yard while ensuring that placement will not interfere with proper water flow in your yard. When using a quality landscape company, you won’t end up with low spots where rainwater can collect and cause issues.

Once you have decided to you are ready to hire somebody it is time to start researching landscaping companies. There are a few things you need to consider before you sign a contract with a company.

Have A Plan

The first step in picking a landscape company is to have an idea of what you are looking for. You may need some direction from a landscape designer, but it is good to have a basic plan. Are you willing to keep up with routine maintenance, or hire a company to handle it, or are you more interested in something more self-sustaining that requires little work? Is there are area within your yard that has heavy traffic where a walkway would be beneficial? Think about how you want to use the space, do you need open areas for children to play? You can collect pictures from the internet to show a designer that illustrates the type of design you are interested in.

Gather Recommendations

In today’s world of social media it is easy to get recommendations for landscape companies from friends, family, and acquaintances. This is an excellent way to get an accurate portrayal of how it is to work with that specific company. If you have a neighbor with a design that catches your eye, ask them which landscaping company they used!

Are They Qualified?

In addition to word of mouth recommendations it is important to check the qualifications of a landscape company. You can inquire about their education and experience, certifications and affiliations with professional organizations, check to make sure they are licensed and bonded for the scope of work you need completed, and finally you should verify that they carry liability insurance that would cover at least the cost of your home.

Get Pricing Bids

Even if every other aspect of a landscaping company meets all of your criteria it is important to find out if their price is within your budget. It is a good idea to have multiple companies provide you with a price estimate. Make sure when you are comparing estimates that all of them cover the same design plan with the same type of work done, make sure you are comparing apples to apples! In addition to pricing, don’t forget to ask how long the project is projected to take.

Give Yourself Plenty Of Time

While fall may not seem like the ideal time to start a new landscaping project, it is great to start your research in the fall so that you have plenty of time to research landscape companies. By giving yourself adequate time you can ensure you will not be making a rushed decision. You also have the benefit of potentially being one of their first scheduled projects for the springtime!

Go With Your Gut

When you consider which landscaping company you want to hire you need to not only consider the points listed above but there are also some intangible items. How was their communication? Were they prompt in their responses? If you left and message or an email how long did it take to hear back from them? Did they call or contact you when they said they would? Did you have a company that you simply trusted more? If all other things are pretty equal it may come down to your gut feeling and who you feel better about entrusting your yard with.

Once you have a decided on a landscape company to work with they should be able to give you specific information on a timeline and their procedures so that you know exactly what to expect and when.

As a landscaping design company, Second Nature is ready to work with you on developing new outdoor landscaping ideas. We have worked with a number of clients to develop individualized plans for landscaping. We would love to work with you to update your commercial landscaping, transform your backyard into a serene oasis or an optimal entertaining space, create an inviting entryway, or improve the curb appeal of your home.

The post What to look for in a landscaping company? appeared first on Second Nature Outdoor Living & Landscaping | Custom Landscaping in Kansas City .

Entryway Landscaping Ideas

Thu, 20 Jul 2017 20:06:00 GMT

Tips for Enhancing your Front Yard Landscape Design

The entryway of your home plays a key part its overall design. Most of the time the entryway is visible from the street, so enhancing your entryway will also enhance and improve your overall curb appeal. An appealing entryway is also a great way to welcome guests into your home. Looking for some easy ways to update your front yard landscape design entryway? Keep reading..

Garden Ideas For Your Entryway

When you’re considering landscaping ideas for your front garden beds make sure you are planning to use plants that are appropriate for the soil type, light conditions, and climate. Even if a plant has the exact design element to complete your landscape plan it will not work if it requires full sun and your entryway is shaded for the majority of the day. If the plants are not in their ideal conditions they will not thrive, which means they won’t look their best! It is also a good idea to consider plants that match your lifestyle. If you have a busy lifestyle and find it hard to devote time to upkeep you may want to look for plants that are low maintenance.

Match The Design Elements

When considering your front yard landscape design you want to make sure that the design elements of the front garden design match that of the design of your home. If you house is modern with clean lines you may not want to fill your garden beds with romantic wildflowers. You also need to ensure that the plants within the beds complement each other and share design aspects.

Accent Your Front Door

Painting your door a unique color that complements the design of your house is a great way to enhance the look of your entryway. Flanking the doorway with flowered plants and planters that coordinate with this color is a great way to update the entry of your home and enhance your front yard landscape design.

Add An Arbor Or Trellis

Adding an arbor or trellis is a landscaping idea that can complement your entryway to invite your guests to your home. An arbor or a trellis is a great way to add a vertical component to your front yard landscape design. A trellis covered with vines can add interest to a boring wall provide the perfect space to display hanging plants.

Small Patio

If you have an area near your entry that isn’t well suited for plants or grass you can easily turn that into a small patio. With the patio you can add landscaping ideas such as a potted plants, a small seating area, or other decorative touches.

If you are looking for further direction on how to cultivate a more inviting and welcoming entryway please contact our design experts at Second Nature!

The post Entryway Landscaping Ideas appeared first on Second Nature Outdoor Living & Landscaping | Custom Landscaping in Kansas City .

Outdoor Landscape Lighting Ideas

Wed, 28 Jun 2017 20:44:00 GMT

Landscape Lighting Ideas to Enhance your Outdoor Space

People often spend considerable time and money completing the landscaping in their yard, but when night falls that beautiful landscaping basically disappears. There are many landscape lighting ideas you can use to highlight different landscaping features, make dark areas of your yard useable at night, and increase security around your home. When you begin making a plan for landscape or garden lighting you need to begin by thinking about the purpose for your different landscape lighting aspects so that you are haphazardly throwing lights into your yard.

Here are some general tips to think of when creating your landscape lighting plan.

Paver Lighting

With paver lighting you can use outdoor light fixtures to highlight the edges of a stone patio or walkway. Paver lights are flush with the stone, which gives you the benefit of not having to worry about damaging or tripping over traditional solar lights along the edge of a walkway or patio. Paver lights are also available as led landscape lighting options. LED landscape lights are beneficial because they last much longer than traditional halogen lights and are more durable in their ability to withstand shock, vibrations, and all types of inclement weather. They also give you more flexibility in the lighting effects you create; they can be set up with a dimmer.

Pond Lighting

Soft lighting around the edge of your pond or water feature not only can serve to accent the design aspect, but can also be a safety feature so than guests don’t end up taking an unintended dip in your pond after dark!

Swimming Pool Lighting

If you have a swimming pool then swimming pool lighting can add to the atmosphere in your backyard and is also beneficial in nighttime swimming.

Water Featuring Lighting

If you have a water feature, such as a fountain or spillway using outdoor light fixtures will allow you to highlight your water feature and you can use lighting from within the water or external lighting to create different effects.

Deck Lighting and Patio Lighting

It is a good idea to ensure that your patio lights illuminate the edges of your patio or deck so that it is easy to discern where the edges are located. Using indirect lighting for your seating areas are helpful, this cuts back on harsh direct lights at eye level, nobody wants to be squinting into the light as you are trying to enjoy a relaxing evening on your deck or patio. Another lighting option for your hardscapes such as patios or decks are strands of led lights that can be affixed to the underside of your deck railing or other hardscape items.

As you can see there are a number of things to consider when it comes to landscape lighting. Second Nature is experienced in all aspects of landscape lighting, from design to implementation. Call us today to speak with a design expert about the landscape lighting plan you have in mind.

The post Outdoor Landscape Lighting Ideas appeared first on Second Nature Outdoor Living & Landscaping | Custom Landscaping in Kansas City .

Summer Lawn Care Tips from 2N

Sat, 10 Jun 2017 18:47:00 GMT

Summer Lawn Care Tips from a Local Lawn Care Company

Summer is the time for your yard to shine, but it is also a season that can be tough on your lawn and can leave it looking less than ideal. Follow these summer lawn care tips and you’ll have a lawn that will be the envy of all your neighbors!

Are you mowing your lawn correctly?

Mowing the lawn seems like a pretty simple endeavor and the most basic item of summer lawn care, but there is much more involved to it than simply cutting your grass.

You need to make sure your equipment is ready for the task. You need to have a sharp mower blade. When the blade gets dull instead of cutting the grass it tears the grass. This can result in grass that is ragged with brown edges, which not only looks bad, but also provides an opening for disease organisms. A good rule of thumb to help determine how often to sharpen your blade is to do it after 10 hours of mowing time. It can be helpful to have a second mower blade on hand so that you can always have a sharp blade ready to go.

It’s best to leave your grass a bit longer throughout the hottest part of the year. Ideal grass height is dependent on the type of grass you have. Taller grass helps combat evaporation, which means you have to water less and it can also help to prevent weed seeds from germinating in your yard. You should mow your yard often enough that you are never removing more than one-third of the leaf surface at a time.

The yard care professionals at Second Nature would love to handle all of your lawn care needs, leaving you time to fully enjoy your summer and all of the fun activities that come along with the warm weather. Call us today for a price quote on an individualized lawn care package tailored specifically for your needs.

Are you treating your lawn appropriately?

There are a number of chemical treatments that can be applied to your lawn as a part of summer lawn care. You want to make sure you are applying them at the right time to maximize effectiveness.

The best time to apply fertilizer depends on the type of grass your lawn is composed of. Warm-season turf grows heavily during the summer and needs the nutrients from fertilizer. Cool-season lawns need fertilizer applied during the cooler weather of either the spring or the fall.

Applying weed control in the late summer/early fall you can help control any existing weeds and help prevent new weeds. But, if you plan to seed or overseed you should not apply pre-emergent herbicide in the fall.

Japanese beetles, June bugs, and European chafers lay their eggs in the grass in early to mid-summer. Those eggs hatch into grubs in mid-to-late summer. To help you determine the best time to apply grub control you can contact your local Cooperative Extension office.

We understand there are a lot of specific rules for chemical lawn care applications; you can let the summer lawn care experts at Second Nature handle all your chemical applications. Call us today to get a price quote.

Are you watering properly?

Watering your lawn deeply and infrequently leads to the healthiest lawns. Your local water authority can recommend an irrigation schedule or you can contact Second Nature, we can assist you with all your summer lawn care needs, including a watering schedule.

Are you picking up after your dog?

Your dog’s urine, or other waste products, can cause dead spots within your lawn if not disposed of properly. If your grass is dying because of your pet’s urination you should flush the area with water to dilute the urine. Solid waste should be picked up frequently and disposed of properly. The ideal solution to prevent your pet from having an adverse effect on your lawn you should train your pet to use a mulch or pebbled area for their bathroom breaks.

Don’t Bag Your Lawn Clippings

If you are cutting your lawn frequently enough you will be able to leave your grass clippings on your lawn. This practice is known as grasscycling and is helps to save you time. It also is beneficial because the grass clippings can act as a natural fertilizer for your lawn.

Stay Off The Lawn

Driving or parking on your lawn is never a good idea as it leads to soil compaction which can further lead to dead grass, among a number of other problems. During times of drought or excessive heat it can also be wise to limit even foot traffic on your grass, which could lead to damaged turf crowns.

While summer lawn care seems like a basic skill it can involve a lot of different aspects of lawn care. Second Nature can take care of all aspects of summer lawn care for you. Beat the heat this summer and have Second Nature handle your summer lawn care for you!

Call us today to discuss your lawn care needs and get a price quote.

The post Summer Lawn Care Tips from 2N appeared first on Second Nature Outdoor Living & Landscaping | Custom Landscaping in Kansas City .

Outdoor Kitchen Ideas on a Budget

Mon, 22 May 2017 19:56:00 GMT

We all have been getting a bit antsy for the great weather that comes with spring and early summer! That time is finally here and we can celebrate this weather in May with National BBQ Month!

As the weather gets nicer many people love to entertain and spend time in their yard. Today we want to discuss some ways to establish or improve an outdoor kitchen, on a budget.

Outdoor Cooktop

One of the first outdoor kitchen ideas on a budget to address is your cooking apparatus. Rather than a fixed grill with gas lines run to it, consider a portable charcoal or gas grill. A portable grill helps to keep costs lower because it doesn’t require a contractor for installation, it also provides the benefit of being able to take the grill with you if you were ever to move.

Storage Area

An island or an all weather kitchen cart can provide the needed storage as a way to update your outdoor kitchen on a budget. If you have wall space to work with you can add cabinets or a ledge at cabinet level.

Outdoor Drink Service

An outdoor kitchen idea on a budget for enhancing your drink service starts with a portable bar area. Again, this gives you the flexibility of taking it with you were ever to move, and it also is a lower budget item than having a contractor install a fixed bar. A portable bar can be something purchased or as simple as a metal tub on a stand where you can ice down some beverages.

Dining Area

When dreaming about outdoor kitchen ideas on a budget don’t forget to include where you will be eating this food you’re making in your new outdoor kitchen. Make sure you have a dining area that will provide seating for you and your guests. You can find outdoor dining sets at many local retailers and a number of online dealers.

Location Location Location!

If your outdoor kitchen ideas on a budget do include using a plumber or electrician you can reduce costs by positioning your outdoor kitchen as close as possible to a water source and existing electrical elements. It is even better for your budget if you can forgo hard wiring or plumbing, which would involve the added expense of an electrician or a plumber. For example, if you position your outdoor kitchen close to an entrance or a water hose you can handle clean up in that manner, rather dealing with the added expense of adding plumbing.

The post Outdoor Kitchen Ideas on a Budget appeared first on Second Nature Outdoor Living & Landscaping | Custom Landscaping in Kansas City .

Backyard Design Ideas

Mon, 15 May 2017 21:23:00 GMT

Everybody has a different idea of what they want in a backyard. As you begin to plan and design your backyard think about what your perfect yard would look like in order for you to truly enjoy spending time in your backyard. It is a good idea to start with the overall design you are striving to achieve and then move to the smaller details that will really make your backyard design stand out.

Outdoor Entertaining Space

If entertaining is a big part of how you want to spend time in your backyard some backyard design ideas you may want to incorporate might include an area for al fresco dining, an outdoor kitchen and backyard bar, an outdoor living room, a built in fire pit, or a dedicated area for games such as washers or cornhole. When choosing furniture for your outdoor dining and lounge areas make sure you are keeping comfort in mind. Even the best-looking sets won’t be utilized fully if they are not comfortable!

Family Friendly Outdoor Living

If you are more focused on how your family, and small children, are going to use your backyard you will be interested in a different set of backyard design ideas. If you have small children some elements you might want to be sure to include would be a dedicated play structure area, an area for sand/dirt play, lots of open space for running or playing ball, and a paved track around the exterior edge of your backyard can be great for riding bikes or other wheeled toys. Children’s play areas can be traditional with a cedar play structure, or you can think outside the box with an old canoe filled with sand or dirt, rather than a traditional sandbox.

Backyard Garden Design Ideas

While some people desire entertaining or recreation space some people dream about a beautiful and lush backyard filled with ornamental and flowering plants to soothe their senses. For these people, backyard design ideas may include a wide variety of organic and ornamental flowers, meandering pathways they can use for wandering through the garden, and water features. When planning the types of plants you will want to take into consideration the mature height of the plants, you want to make sure to use plants of varying heights so everything is not on the same level. It is also a good idea to use plants of varying colors and that flower and bloom at different times throughout the growing season. Using plants that are native to your local area will make it easier to grow the plants because they are already adapted to the temperatures and rainfall that your area typically receives. A water feature or fountain not only makes a great focal point, but can also add a musical note into your garden.

The post Backyard Design Ideas appeared first on Second Nature Outdoor Living & Landscaping | Custom Landscaping in Kansas City .

Gardening for Small Spaces

Thu, 11 May 2017 19:27:00 GMT

Not everybody has the space available for a lush and sprawling lawn and garden. Even with a small space there are a number of ways to incorporate beautiful ornamental flowers or useful vegetable plants into a garden plan.

Raised Planters

A great small garden idea is a raised planter; with a raised planter you can maximize space but still have a supply of vegetables throughout the growing season. Raised planters can be purchased or easily made yourself.

Experiment With Different Plants

If you are looking for a small garden idea be sure to think outside the box of plants that you typically see in gardens and yards. For example, colonnade apple trees grow upright and are extremely narrow. This gives you the benefit of having an apple tree that doesn’t take up massive amounts of your small yard.

Square Foot Gardening

Square foot gardening has gained a lot of popularity recently as a small garden idea. They are typically a bit larger than a raised planter and gives you more flexibility in the variety of garden plants you can grow.

Try Vertical Gardening

A trellis can be a stand-alone element in your small garden or it can be attached to the side of the house to even further maximize the space available. Ornamental flowers that grow up the trellis can make any vertical space in your yard more beautiful.

Stacked Pots

Small garden ideas can be as simple as a couple of stacked pots. Depending on the size of the pots they could be set on the edge or corner of a patio, or even on your front step to add a splash of greenery as a greeting to all visitors. Herbs grow especially well in stacked pots like this and have the added benefit of being useful in the kitchen as well as ornamental!

Up In The Air

If you do have room in your yard or garden space an arbor is a great small garden idea that allows you to take advantage of more of the vertical space in your yard. You can grow squashes or melons on an arbor, as the melons grow in size you will need to reinforce them with nylon strips to support the weight of the melons. Or, you can stick with ornamental flowers on your arbor.

Don’t Cut Down The Trees

Many people think if they have a small garden or lawn area there isn’t room for trees, but a small garden idea can absolutely include trees! There are a number of varieties that don’t take up a lot of real estate and still provide ample shade and added beauty to your garden. Crepe Myrtle, citrus trees, and Japanese Maples are just a few examples.

For further guidance on specific plants, trees, or more small garden ideas contact your local landscape design company. They can assist you with a design plan and implementation of that plan in your yard.

The post Gardening for Small Spaces appeared first on Second Nature Outdoor Living & Landscaping | Custom Landscaping in Kansas City .

Landscaping Design Mistakes to Avoid

Thu, 13 Apr 2017 13:29:00 GMT

Gardening is an extremely rewarding endeavor. In many cases homeowners have great ideas about the various elements of a landscape design, but aren’t sure how to implement them. Planning a landscape for optimum use and ease of maintenance is a specialized skill. Hiring a pro to design your landscape can save you time and money in the long run. We’ll go over a few avoidable mistakes in landscape design to help you get the best out of your home landscape.

A well-designed landscape will give your home beauty and increase your property value. Careful preliminary planning will ensure visual integration of your home and yard as a whole. Before you get out the shovel and trowel this spring, consider calling the landscape design professionals at Second Nature Outdoor Living and Landscaping . We will give you a free quote for landscape design , landscape maintenance , and the mundane yard chores that keep you from having the time to enjoy your yard, such as mowing, trimming, fertilizing and pruning. We know you have limited time, so why spend it mowing the grass?

Our goal is to provide you with long-term enjoyment of your home landscape. We have hundreds of happy customers in the greater Kansas City metro area who will confirm the effectiveness of that claim!

The post Landscaping Design Mistakes to Avoid appeared first on Second Nature Outdoor Living & Landscaping | Custom Landscaping in Kansas City .

4 Low Maintenance Landscape Design Ideas

Fri, 24 Mar 2017 21:37:00 GMT

Low Maintenance Landscape Design Ideas

Are you one of the many people out there that is overwhelmed by the concept of taking care of and maintaining your landscape design? Rest assured that you are not alone! The good news is that there are a number of ways to plan a landscape design that is low maintenance to help minimize what you have to handle on a regular basis.

Use What You Have:

One of the first keys for a low maintenance landscaping idea is to take advantage of design elements that are already present in your yard, but modifying them to be simple and easy to care for.

If you have foliage or plant life growing on your existing hardscape structures, like mailboxes, pergolas, or arbors, you should remove it. This foliage requires continual care and trimming to keep them looking neat and can quickly become an eyesore if you are not caring for them properly. Once the plant life is removed you can repaint or stain the hardscape items to give them a new, clean, and more stream-lined look.

Clean Up Your Beds

For a low maintenance landscaping idea you want to make sure that the flowerbeds in your yard are requiring minimal upkeep. Typically flowerbeds require extensive work and continual weeding, especially if they have natural groundcover, like mulch. By replacing mulch with stone or gravel and eliminating plants that spread quickly or require constant trimming you can minimize the amount of time you spend in your yard to keep your flowerbeds from looking unruly. When you install stone or gravel groundcover but sure to use an underlayment of weed barrier to further inhibit weed growth in the flowerbed. Creating a crisp border on the edge of the flowerbed by installing timbers or other hardscape edging materials can help to prevent weed growth and create a definite line between the lawn and the bed.

When choosing plants for the flowerbeds choose non-fussy flowers. Also, choosing perennials means that you aren’t replanting flowers each spring.

Your Path Is Clear

A low maintenance landscaping idea also extends to the walkways in your yard. An overgrown pathway can quickly have your lawn looking messy and unkempt. Replacing stepping stones with either concrete squares or flagstone laid in concrete helps you avoid weeds and unwanted grass growth between steps or on the pathway. By eliminating weeds you eliminate the time needed to battle them!

Match Your Design With Your Home

The final point of our low maintenance landscaping ideas is to make sure the style of your landscaping matches that of your home. If your home is more traditional you can create structure in your yard with symmetrical plantings of low-maintenance plants. A more contemporary or modern styled home can more easily go further minimalistic and use concrete, wood, and metal elements. These create cleaner lines and fewer headaches and upkeep for you!

If the thought of designing your yard with these low maintenance landscaping ideas is still overwhelming for you, contact your Second Nature Outdoor Living and Landscaping for assistance in both design and execution.

The post 4 Low Maintenance Landscape Design Ideas appeared first on Second Nature Outdoor Living & Landscaping | Custom Landscaping in Kansas City .

2017 Outdoor Kitchen Trends

Wed, 21 Dec 2016 22:30:00 GMT

Winter is the perfect time to start daydreaming about how you will spend your summer outside. This may be the summer that you finally get that outdoor kitchen that has been on your mind for so long! If you start planning now, you can be ready for updates and install as soon as the weather cooperates and you can spend more of your summer enjoying your new outdoor space. Here are some outdoor kitchen trends that we have found to be in high demand for the 2017 summer.

What Type Of Equipment Do You Need?

An outdoor kitchen doesn’t only have to consist of a traditional grill. One of the current outdoor kitchen trends is to incorporate a number of different types of equipment, such as side burners, power burners, built in griddles, rotisserie, smokers, or even an outdoor pizza oven. Some units even offer multiple forms of fuel so that you can opt for the cooking method that best suits the food you are preparing.

Keep Your Drink Options Open

A popular trend that you may want to jump on is a beverage center. You can customize your beverage center in any way that suits you, but options you may want to consider are an outdoor wine cooler, outdoor kegerator, outdoor refrigerator, and a central location to serve and mix drinks with storage, a sink, access to ice, and a storage place for condiments and garnishes.

Everything AND The Kitchen Sink

Having a sink is one of the outdoor kitchen trends that is becoming more of a staple each year. Not only can you use it as part of your beverage station, it will also be invaluable for cleanup and make for fewer trips inside to clean your hands or wash off a plate.

Establish Functional Zones

When outdoor kitchens first gained popularity, they usually just consisted of the cooking component. Current outdoor kitchen trends have moved towards a more complete outdoor living space where you can prepare food, mingle with guests while the food is cooking, and also not have to move inside to eat when the food is ready. You want to make sure that you establish zones that allow for all of this to happen in a natural way, but still allows for the necessary space needed for cooking, setting up of an outdoor dining table, etc. You also need to make sure you plan the zones with a logical eye. You shouldn’t put cooking, or heating, elements next to cooling elements; this would result in both those appliances working harder to do their respective jobs.

Design Elements Have Evolved

Gone are the days of cinderblock and porcelain tile for outdoor kitchens. The latest outdoor kitchen trends include granite countertops and stainless steel drawers and cabinetry. Gaining in popularity is powder-coated metal, which provides durability and a wide variety of color. They can even be coated to look like real wood cabinets.

Outdoor Kitchen Trends Are More Than Just A Kitchen

As mentioned above, the current outdoor kitchen trends are so much more than a kitchen. You often find outdoor entertainment systems, including a television, plush seating, heaters, fire pits, fireplaces, a misting system to combat the summer heat, and outdoor lighting have been incorporated into the outdoor kitchen/living space. The sky is almost the limit on what you want to include that increases the comfort and livability of your outdoor kitchen.

Whether you are just starting the dreaming process of your outdoor kitchen, or you know exactly what you want, contact your local landscaping company and they can help you take the next step in turning this dream of an outdoor kitchen into a reality.

The post 2017 Outdoor Kitchen Trends appeared first on Second Nature Outdoor Living & Landscaping | Custom Landscaping in Kansas City .

Second Nature Outdoor Living Attending 2017 Johnson County Home & Garden Show!

Wed, 07 Dec 2016 16:00:00 GMT

Second Nature Outdoor Living and Landscaping will be attending the 2017 Johnson County Home & Garden show at the Overland Park Convention Center. The Home & Garden Show will run from Friday, January 6 through Sunday, January 8. Our booth number is 721 and we will have many different landscaping and outdoor living design samples on display for you to explore. Our landscape designers will be at our booth, ready to answer any questions you have! Click on the image above to buy your tickets and receive a $3 savings, courtesy of Second Nature! Use the code SAVINGS to receive a discount on tickets.

Not only will there be a multitude of exhibitors that will give you everything you have ever dreamed of to create your dream home, but there will be many special guests in attendance. Matt Blashaw of HGTV’s Yard Crashers and Vacation House for Free will be at the home show. Another HGTV star, Laurie March, will also be attending. Laurie is a remodeler and designer and hosts the DIYNetwork, HGTVGardens, and the Cooking Channel.

The exhibitor categories in attendance at the Johnson County Home + Garden Show include:

The post Second Nature Outdoor Living Attending 2017 Johnson County Home & Garden Show! appeared first on Second Nature Outdoor Living & Landscaping | Custom Landscaping in Kansas City .

Trending Landscaping Rocks to Add to Your Design

Tue, 22 Nov 2016 18:15:00 GMT

The term “landscaping” often brings to mind the different types of plants and flowers in a yard and the design they are planted in. But landscaping can also refer to sidewalks/walkways and other ornamental items in your yard. Today we want to talk about trending landscaping rocks to add to your design. Many people recoil at the thought of rocks in their yard, but they can be a very useful design element that can add to the overall aesthetic of your yard. Natural stone is a very versatile tool in landscape design. Rocks give you another element to add variety and contrast, they can provide durable groundcover, and require minimal maintenance.

Pea Gravel

Pea gravel is often called by many other names. It may also be referred to as beach couples, Pete gravel, or river pebbles. All these names refer to small landscaping rocks that have been worn smooth over time by wind and water. These come in a wide variety of colors, which make them very versatile in landscaping applications.

Pea gravel is commonly used as ground cover and is light enough that it can be in place of mulch, even right up around plants. When using pea gravel, you want to make sure to use come type of edging or border. Because of the small size of these landscaping rocks, they can easily be washed away by the elements.

Using rocks as ground cover in place of mulch has many advantages. Due to the high durability of these small landscaping rocks, you would not need to replace it every year, like you do with mulch. Rocks can also inhibit weed growth, but it is still a good idea to put down weed barrier under the rocks.

River Rock

This is another option for landscaping rocks . They are similar to pea gravel, only a bit larger. They also come in a very wide variety of colors and shapes and have similar applications and benefits to pea gravel.

Rainbow Rock

Rainbow rock is another of the landscaping rocks available to you. It is again a bit larger than river rock. Many of the applications stay the same, although you may not want to use this as groundcover in a bed with smaller and more delicate plants. Because of it’s size, it may inhibit growth for those types of plants but it could work well with larger and more durable plants and shrubs. You could also use it to create a dry creek bed or a walking path.

Lava Rock

Lava rock is an option for landscaping rocks that is actually mined from volcanic lava domes. This landscaping rock is also very versatile and can be used for many purposes, many which overlap landscaping rocks already discussed. Because it does have a different color and texture, you can use it to create designs within the groundcover of a bed by mixing it with any of the landscaping rocks above that have a contrasting color.

Flagstone

Flagstone is a landscaping rock that you are likely already familiar with. It is widely used in landscaping design. Flagstone are larger flat pieces of stone that can be used for both decorative and function purposes in your landscaping. They are commonly used to create a walkway or as a patio. They can also be used as edging for other landscaping elements.

Large Landscaping Rocks

Boulders are the largest of the landscaping rocks available. They are often used as a focal piece or as an “anchor point” in your landscape design.

You can also use a couple of them grouped together to create a rock garden by adding low growing plants as groundcover and then fill in spaces with smaller rocks to complete the look. Another idea for boulders is to use small bounders to create a border to a pond, or water element, in your yard. Using small boulders can give a very natural look to a man-made water feature.

As you can see, the use of landscaping rocks in your design is almost limitless. Finding a landscaping contractor can help you define your vision and bring that to life in your yard. They may also be able to provide you with new ideas to enhance your own and help you achieve the best looking lawn in the neighborhood!

Our Favorite Small Backyard Landscaping Elements

Wed, 16 Nov 2016 14:37:00 GMT

We understand that not everybody has a large and sprawling backyard that allows for some of the picture perfect backyards you might see on Pinterest or design magazines. But the good news is that there are plenty of small backyard landscaping ideas that can help overcome a lack of space. Today we are going to talk about some of our favorite small backyard landscaping elements to imitate some of the sprawling designer magazine aesthetics.

Utilize Dual Function Design Items

By choosing items that have dual functions, you can maximize the use of your space. For example, a small backyard landscaping solution would be a deck design that has a bench built in around the exterior edge of the deck. That way you are able to maximize the seating you have in your backyard while still maintaining open spaces for mingling during a BBQ or giving your children space to play.

Use Terraces To Increase Space

If your backyard space is limited by a slope, a built in terrace can be a great small backyard landscaping solution. If a steep slope is rendering part of your yard useless terraces can turn that area into a space for seating, play, or a garden bed.

Find The Space To Grow Your Food

Many people with small backyards are frustrated with the lack of space for an edible garden . Most people envision a vegetable garden as a large plot with plants laid out in rows, this just isn’t a feasible option if your space is limited. By thinking outside of the box your small backyard landscaping can be based off of edible plants instead of the more commonplace ornamental plants. You still gain the variety of texture and height that can be achieved with ornamental plants, but also have the benefit of growing your own food. Edible plants can also be planted in containers, which do not require as much space as a traditionally laid out vegetable garden.

Create A Multi-Use Space

When you have a small backyard, you may want to maximize the useable space by filling the yard with pavers and/or landscaping stone. This small backyard landscaping idea can increase your livable space by opening up the yard for a dining area, an outdoor living area, or ensure that you have space for a great fire pit. You can soften the look with planters along the outside edge of the yard.

Create a Tranquil Retreat in Small Backyard Landscaping

If maximizing space isn’t your main goal when designing your small backyard landscaping, you could focus on increasing the amount of plants and greenery in your yard. Filling your space with flowering plants of various sizes and heights and installing pavers to create meandering paths through the yard can create a strong visual impact. Care should be taken to choose plants that are appropriate for the space you have and that won’t grow too large and overwhelm the small space.

Multifunctional Spaces

An alternative to filling your backyard with plants is to minimize the plants and defined spaces in the yard. This small backyard landscaping idea is that by keeping your yard minimalistic, you are able to use the space in multiple ways. You can have plenty of space when you have friends over for a party or plenty of room for the kids to play.

Eliminate Fences

If you don’t want to close in your yard with a tall and imposing fence, a great idea for small backyard landscaping is to utilize plants to define the space. They also can provide a screen and allow you privacy in your backyard sanctuary, while still allowing for an openness that isn’t possible with a full fence.

Once you decide on your basic idea of how you want to use you backyard there are plenty of ways to see your design come to life, regardless of the space you have available to you.

The post Our Favorite Small Backyard Landscaping Elements appeared first on Second Nature Outdoor Living & Landscaping | Custom Landscaping in Kansas City .

Outdoor Living Ideas to Spruce Up Your Backyard

Wed, 09 Nov 2016 14:53:00 GMT

With winter approaching, now is a great time to start dreaming about how you will spend time in your outdoor living space come springtime. Thinking about any upgrades or updates that you want to make to your outdoor living space now during the cooler months means you will be ready to make the changes to your outdoor living space first thing this spring. Planning now allows you to maximize the time you get to enjoy your new outdoor living spaces next year. As you dream of what your backyard will look like next spring or summer, we have a few outdoor living ideas for you to mull over.

Start with the Patio

Upgrading or updating your patio is one of the more simple outdoor living ideas you can start with. You have a number of different options when it comes to materials for your patio. You could go with some simple pavers, natural stone, brick, concrete, or a decorative stamped concrete. The way you design your patio space provides the base for the rest of your outdoor living ideas, such as an outdoor living room, a convenient place for your grill, and a great spot for outdoor dining.

Consider Outdoor Living Ideas for Decking and Coverings

Depending on your home design and the layout of your backyard, you may want to go with a deck instead of a patio. There are many decking options to choose from. Some of the more common ones are composite decking, which tend to be more expensive but have little to no upkeep, or a wood deck, which has a lower upfront cost but may require more work to keep it looking its best.

Once you decide between patio upgrades and decking, some other outdoor living ideas you should consider are coverings. Pergolas are a popular choice to provide a little shade and dimension to your patio space. You could also opt for a full covered patio or go with a complete outdoor living area with a screened in porch.

Stay Cozy with a Fire Pit

A fire pit or fireplace can be a great addition to any outdoor living space. You can choose to make your outdoor living space elaborate with a large built in fireplace or keep it simpler with a block fire pit or a ring fire pit. Don’t forget to decide on the fuel type for your fire pit. Some of your options include gas, propane, wood burning, and electric.

Dream Big with an Outdoor Kitchen

One of the biggest outdoor living ideas that you could take on would be installation of an outdoor kitchen. Some homeowners feel they don’t have room for an outdoor kitchen, but this is not the case! There is flexibility when it comes to deciding the size of an outdoor kitchen addition. You may choose to start small with a built-in grill and surrounding counters, but don’t be afraid to continue building with a cooking surface, countertop, refrigerator, storage space, or bar seating!

Don’t Forget Landscaping Ideas!

Your outdoor living ideas may be focused on the plants and design in your backyard. Upgrading your landscaping can not only increase the aesthetic of your backyard with new and different plants, but you can also create additional privacy for your outdoor living space with the placement of trees or shrubs. Consider upgrading the look of the existing landscaping with landscape lighting. Special lighting in your outdoor living space, such as string lights or an outdoor chandelier, can add to the nighttime atmosphere of our outdoor living area. The relaxing sound from an outdoor water feature, such as a waterfall, or fountain, or pond can also help create a certain ambiance.

When it comes to outdoor living ideas, the sky is really the limit. When you have decided to spruce up your backyard you can start as big or small as you would like. You are only limited by the size of your yard and the size of your budget. Working with an outdoor living and landscaping company can open your eyes to even more outdoor living ideas that can help with expanding your living space and increasing your enjoyment of your backyard.

The post Outdoor Living Ideas to Spruce Up Your Backyard appeared first on Second Nature Outdoor Living & Landscaping | Custom Landscaping in Kansas City .

Light the Way With Outdoor Light Fixtures

Mon, 12 Sep 2016 14:25:00 GMT

Many homeowners work very hard on building and designing their outdoor living space, but one of the most important parts of enjoying the space is being able to see it. With construction going on during the daylight hours, considering lighting when the sun goes down is commonly an afterthought for many homeowners. Outdoor light fixtures will play a big part in how your living space is perceived at night. To help light the way, here are our tips on choosing outdoor light fixtures.

Start With Pathways

If you are unsure of where to start adding outdoor light fixtures, begin with pathways. Not only does lighting pathways make it easier to see where you are going, it also presents a warm and inviting look. Try mixing different styles of stake and bush lighting along pathways and add recessed lighting along stairs.

Mix Warm and Cool Lighting

Warm lighting is always wonderful for your outdoor living space. It not only illuminates but also invites people to relax in the space. Yet cool lighting can make your outdoor living space a little more natural and mystical. The latest trend is to add cool lighting, or artificial moonlighting, to your living space. This is commonly added high up in trees to create an illusion of moonlight and highlight some of your beautiful landscaping. Mixing the tree moonlight with warm ground lighting creates a lovely movie-like atmosphere.

Add Both Decorative and Functional Lighting

Start with the functional and practical lighting to perform the basic illumination on your outdoor living space. From there, you can really have fun with your lighting options. Try adding string lighting in trees or a decorative outdoor chandelier over a table. This helps create mood lighting as well as you can turn off the functional lights when you simply want to relax and enjoy your decorative lighting.

Consider Adding Dimmers

If you have bright task lighting in your outdoor kitchen to help with food prep, consider adding dimmer options. Once task work is complete and you are relaxing in your space, you can dim the lights to create a softer glow.

Avoid Outdoor Light Fixtures Overkill

You don’t need to illuminate every square inch of your outdoor living space – that is what daylight is for! Use night time as an opportunity to create a certain mood in your space. Use the tips above and be sure to carefully select the areas you want to highlight. Stick to lighting extra beautiful spots of your landscape, talking areas, and distance landscape.

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The Best Materials for Outdoor Kitchen Countertops

Thu, 04 Aug 2016 16:53:00 GMT

Choosing countertops is always a tough decision in a home remodel. There are many different materials to choose from, each with their own benefits and drawbacks both in design and in practicality. Choosing countertops for your outdoor kitchen narrows your choices since you need a material that can stand up to Midwest weather. Here are some of the best materials you can choose from for your outdoor kitchen countertops.

Concrete Outdoor Kitchen Countertops

Concrete countertops are a popular trend in indoor kitchens and an excellent material option for outdoor kitchen countertops. They are durable, easy to clean, come in many different color and textures options, and provide a contemporary design to your outdoor living space. It is important that you have a professional install the concrete countertops, however. Improper installation will make them crack over time.

Granite Outdoor Kitchen Countertops

Out of all the stone outdoor kitchen countertops, granite is the best option for the elements and low maintenance. When properly sealed, granite countertops can easily handle the changes in weather without cracking or fading. The material is heat resistant, does not easily scratch or stain, and will never lose its shine in the sun.

Tile Outdoor Kitchen Countertops

Tile countertops provide a variety of design options for your outdoor kitchen, making it the most versatile when it comes to design. Tile is also an affordable material option, but be careful. Tile takes a little more care than other materials. Grout and tiles will crack and discolor during weather changes from freezing to blistering hot. Extreme temperatures which we are known for in the Midwest can wreak havoc on your tile.

Marble Outdoor Kitchen Countertops

In order to use marble for outdoor kitchen countertops, it is important to get a honed finish. This finish will help protect the stone from the elements. Marble is a favorite option for people who want a more rustic look since the weather elements will naturally etch the stone and will keep stains away (as long as you have a honed finish).

Soapstone Outdoor Kitchen Countertops

Soapstone is very resistant to heat, making it a great countertop for the summer, and will not stain easily. The biggest drawback to using soapstone for outdoor kitchen countertops is the material is easy to scratch. While it is easy to get the scratches out of soapstone, it requires more maintenance. Additional soapstone maintenance requires oiling and sealing regularly so liquids and fingerprints will not darken the stone over time.

Stay Away From…

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Increase Curb Appeal With Front Yard Landscaping

Mon, 01 Aug 2016 16:20:00 GMT

Curb appeal makes a big difference when it comes to the first impression of your house. Not only will it wow the neighborhood and people who come to visit, but it also increases the value of your home. There are many things you can do take your curb appeal, and therefore home value, to the next level. Start your transformation affordably with front yard landscaping.

Start With an Interesting Walkway

Everyone has the standard driveway-to-front-door walkway in the area. Homes that have something a little more varied grabs attention and creates a simple wow-factor. You can use pavers or natural stone to create a gradual walkway from your driveway into your house. Short, elevated steps that wind to the front door adds dimension to the front of your house. You can border this walkway with flowers and short shrubs to fill in the space between the house and the walkway.

The important thing to remember when adding a walkway is to make it logical. You don’t want a meandering walkway through your entire front yard to your front door. People will skip your walkway and trudge through your landscaping to your front door. Try to make the walkway at least 36 inches wide, but aim for 54 inches so two people can walk comfortably to the front door. Here is tip: try to make the start of the walkway wider than the rest to make it appear larger.

Add Plants for Texture

You want to add plants around your porch, walkways, driveway, and peppered throughout your front yard to add texture. This is especially important if the front of your house is fairly flat with little detail. Here are some ideas:

Use Trees for Accents

Besides the plants around your home, you also want to break up your front yard with accent trees. You can use traditional Midwest trees or try to go for some more expensive, exotic trees that will thrive in the area. To cut down on the front yard mowing space, you can create islands around your trees. Use a combination of paver stones and mulch or small shade plants around your trees to add definition.

Remember Borders for Porches and Walkways

You can add more detail to your front yard landscaping with well-planned borders around your porch, walkway, and driveway. If you want to use plants for your border, be sure they are low to the ground so they don’t disrupt people who are carrying bags or other hanging items. A good idea is to use pavers and natural stone accents as well as outdoor lighting solutions for borders.

Consider Themes for Front Yard Landscaping

If your house has a certain theme (ie: colonial), you can structure your front yard landscaping around that theme. There are many bushes and flowers that will fit into a home’s design theme. Check out the landscaping theme ideas from HGTV on how to incorporate your home’s theme into your front yard landscaping.

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Ideas and Best Plants for Low Maintenance Landscaping

Thu, 28 Jul 2016 14:46:00 GMT

So you want a beautiful landscape, but you don’t have the time or the green thumb to perform maintenance on finicky plants. Many homeowners will skip landscaping because of this worry. It is understandable that you don’t want to spend money on landscaping that will end up dying because you don’t have the time to care for it properly. Plus, dead plants in a home’s landscape are never appealing! To give you that beautiful landscape without the time commitment to keep it up, here are some of our ideas and the best plants for low maintenance landscaping.

Best Plants for Low Maintenance Landscaping

To get some floral and plant definition in your landscaping without fear of the arrangement dying, check out some of these great, low maintenance plant types.

For all of these plants, the main maintenance all of them need is mulching in the fall. Be sure to research when to plant each of them and what type of soil they prefer to see if your yard matches it.

Ideas for Low Maintenance Landscaping

If you are tired of your barren yard but are still worried about performing maintenance on plants, there are other things you can do to eliminate the need for landscaping while adding some variety to your yard.

The first thing you can do is create an outdoor living space that takes up more room in your backyard. You will love relaxing outside during nice weather and can host family and friend get-togethers in your outdoor living space. Adding an outdoor kitchen is a great way to extend the size of your outdoor living space. You can keep it simple by purchasing a grill and building a stone cabinet and counter around the grill for aesthetic and convenience.

If you have spaces around your house that are dirt plots, like around the sides of your house and next to your porch, you don’t have to plant flowers and bushes to fill those spaces. Try adding a mulch bed surrounded by large, eye-catching stones. You can buy landscaping statues (like traditional gnomes) or solar lights to add to the mulch beds. Another option besides mulch is to purchase crushed stone to add to these areas. Crushed stone is a great option because you won’t have to refresh it every year.

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8 Backyard Design Ideas

Thu, 21 Jul 2016 18:23:00 GMT

Your backyard is a blank canvas where you can get very creative with design elements and function for your outdoor living space. There are many neat details that you can insert into your backyard design to make your backyard stand out from neighbors. To help kick start your creativity, here are some of Second Nature’s favorite backyard design ideas.

Add An Outdoor Fireplace or Outdoor Fire Pit

Adding a fire feature is one of our favorite backyard design ideas because of the simplicity and the comfort it provides. Creating an outdoor fireplace or outdoor fire pit is one of the simpler backyard construction projects you can have. It also creates the perfect reason to gather friends and family in your backyard for a get together.

Popular Backyard Design Ideas – Gardens and Courtyards

Gardens are a beautiful design element to add to your backyard space. Whether you want a functional garden with fruit and vegetables or an aesthetic garden with plants and florals, adding a space for a garden to grow is a lovely design element. Try creating a specific garden design, like a wildflower garden , that you can walk through or sit in for reflection and relaxation. Or you can add your outdoor dining area to your garden to create a unique backyard design. More popular backyard design ideas include combining gardens and landscaping into a courtyard for a relaxation section of your yard.

Create Water Features

Relaxing water features including fountains and ponds are one of the coolest and subtlest backyard design ideas to add to your landscaping. The relaxing noise and eye catching feature will put you at ease every time you walk into your yard. Another water feature you can add that provides an enormous relaxation feature to your outdoor living space is an in-ground hot tub. If you have the room creating a hot tub oasis with a custom design will increase your home’s resale value and make your backyard more enjoyable.

Unique Dining and Lounge Areas

We mentioned above that you can add a dining area to your garden space for a relaxing and lovely dining space. It is also a good idea to add an outdoor dining space in other unique ways. Create a pergola that is either incorporated with your patio or off to the side custom created for your dining table. This provide some shade for your diners in a unique way.

Another unique feature to add to your backyard design is a lounge area. Many people reserve lounge areas by the pool, but you can create a natural stone or stamped concrete pad under some shade trees to place comfortable lounge chairs.

Amp Up Your Outdoor Living Space

To make your backyard design completely relaxing, add an outdoor living space using a deck or patio design. You can make this space very cozy with built-in benches, beautiful furniture, and a firepit. To add some customization, find colorful pillows or outdoor rugs to add to your space.

Consider an Outdoor Kitchen or Outdoor Bar

If you plan on spending a lot of time outside, you need to add an outdoor kitchen or outdoor bar to your backyard design ideas. Having a separate outdoor kitchen space can make cooking and serving easier during backyard parties since you will not be heating your entire house up with cooking activities. An outdoor bar is a neat feature to add to your backyard design, especially if you plan on having multiple get-togethers in the space

Light Up Your Life with Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting can create the perfect aesthetic once night falls. There are many interesting lighting options available depending on your overall backyard design. One of our favorite backyard design ideas when it comes to lighting is recessed lighting. These can be installed in stairs, hardscapes, around a pool, and more.

Add Definition with Retaining Walls and Hardscapes

When evaluating backyard design ideas, be sure you add some definition to create a visual appeal. Consider a retaining wall to separate areas of your backyard space, such as a garden area and patio space. You also want to consider hardscapes around your patio area or fire pit.

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Swimming Pool Landscaping Ideas and Inspiration

Tue, 12 Jul 2016 14:49:00 GMT

Spending your summer days relaxing by the pool is one of the most enjoyable ways to enjoy the season. To take your pool game to the next level, you want your pool landscaping to project the feeling of a private oasis. Landscaping, décor, and furniture you choose for your swimming pool should make it feel like you are always on a vacation every time you go to your backyard. To help you make your pool the ultimate escape, here are our swimming pool landscaping ideas.

Swimming Pool Landscaping Plants

Choosing the plants that will border your swimming pool and provide a rich element to your relaxation goes further than strictly visual aesthetic. You have to start your plant selection based on practicality for people who will be enjoying your pool.

These qualifications will narrow your options considerably when choosing swimming pool landscaping plants. Next you need a variety of plant types including bushes, small trees, and flowers. To give you an idea, some of the most popular swimming pool plants are:

Having a Kansas City landscaping contractor choose and arrange the types of swimming pool plants that will border your oasis is the best way to get a professional design.

Pool Design Ideas

Your swimming pool landscaping goes beyond the plants that border your pool area. It is also about the elements of design including construction of the pool, shade, and sun areas. It is important to have professional pool contractors help you plan the design of the swimming pool itself based on your vision and space available in your backyard. A pool contractor can also recommend other elements that would provide a visual aesthetic as well as practical functions for people who want the sun or the shade. Some of our favorite pool elements include:

You can also find inspiration for your swimming pool design by investigating Houzz, like this story with 19 spectacular pools around the world .

Must-Have Pool Furniture

Relaxing by the pool is very important for a successful pool area! Here are some of the best pool furniture to add to your swimming pool landscaping.

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Tips for Hosting the Perfect Summer Patio Party in Kansas City

Thu, 07 Jul 2016 16:39:00 GMT

We are deep into summer and everyone is looking to spend time with friends and family in the hot weather. Whether you want to show off your patio or relax in the pool, inviting your friends over for a summer patio party in Kansas City is a great way to spend time with everyone. To pull off an excellent summer soiree, here are our tips for hosting a patio get together.

Summer Patio Party Tips

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Midwest Summer Lawn Care Guide

Mon, 20 Jun 2016 18:40:00 GMT

Summer heat in the Midwest is vicious for everyone to bear, but your lawn undergoes the most damage from the heat. With infrequent rainfall, heavier use from people walking on it, and mowing mistakes, your lawn can become dry and dead by mid-July. When you know what care your lawn needs during the summer months, you can prevent dead brown grass during your summer get-togethers. Learn from our Midwest summer lawn care guide.

Mowing

This is the rule all year long, but especially in the summer you should not mow more than 1/3 of your grass blades at a time. Mowing only 1/3 of your grass height will keep your blades healthier and stronger throughout the heat of the summer.

During the summer it is also important to raise your mower blades up and try to keep the grass a little bit longer. Not only does lush grass feel great on barefoot summer feet, but leaving blades a little long will help the grass grow drought-tolerant and deeper roots. This helps grass survive the lack of rain during the summer and prevents weeds from germinating. Lastly, the blades on your lawnmower should be sharpened regularly to cleanly cut grass without stressing the grass. The general rule of thumb is too sharpen blades every 10 hours of mowing.

Watering

There are many myths surrounding watering your grass during the summer months. Generally speaking, it is important to give your lawn at least one inch of water per week and to water early in the morning so the water does not evaporate. In addition keeping your grass long, it is better to water deeply and less frequently to make your grass more tolerant to long periods of droughts that come with summer.

The most important thing about watering is not to waste it if your lawn has already turned brown. Once you grass dies, it is done for the season and will regrow during fall. Trying to over water to bring it back will only increase your water bill.

Fertilizing

If you are still fertilizing this late into summer, stop! For the best results, you should stop fertilizing your lawn 30 days before summer temperatures arrive. This is because adding fertilizer during the heat of the summer will actually burn your lawn. It can be tempting to try to fertilize a brown lawn to bring it back to life, but like watering this will do you no good.

Other Summer Lawn Care Guide Advice

There are a few other actions that can stress your grass during the summer months. Here are some other summer lawn care guide items that you can add to your lawn care checklist.

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Outdoor Kitchen Designs – Your Planning Guide for a Perfect Entertaining Space

Wed, 15 Jun 2016 20:45:00 GMT

As night falls and the sun stops beating down on your outdoor living space, spending time preparing food in your outdoor kitchen is the perfect way to spend your Kansas City summer. From special weeknights to weekend get-togethers, cooking in an outdoor kitchen is a great way to enjoy the season and avoid heating up your house when cooking. There are many outdoor kitchen designs out there and choosing one depends on how you will use the kitchen and what your entertaining space looks like.

Personalize the Kitchen for Your Needs

Looking at outdoor kitchen designs is fun inspiration for your space, but getting a kitchen that works best for your needs requires some thought and planning. To personalize it, think about how often you are going to cook outside, how many people will be acting as a chef, and how many people will be dining outside. These are fundamental questions that will help you decide how large your outdoor kitchen should be versus the dining space.

After deciding the size of your outdoor kitchen, you next need to think about how you are going to use that space. Will it be used for grilling and other basic cooking? Or do you want to take advantage of the outdoor air ventilation to cook some items you can’t in the house, such as deep fried foods or whole birds? This will dictate what types of appliances and construction you will need for the kitchen.

Lastly, consider the storage and cleaning capabilities you want your in your outdoor kitchen designs. If you want to be able to store plates, cups, and utensils, the kitchen will need to have storage options that protect the dishware from the elements. If you want to be able to clean your dishes and other parts of your meal prep outside, then you will need to think about plumbing and washing capabilities.

Decide on Placement

Another fundamental part of choosing between outdoor kitchen designs is the placement of your kitchen space. This is a crucial point in the decision making process that requires a professional. Your kitchen cannot be too close to the house or you risk damage to the siding over time as well as smells and smoke ventilating into your home. Likewise your kitchen will need some shelter from the elements outside. Depending on the appliances you chose to include, the outdoor kitchen will also need certain support elements in the construction to prevent risk of fire or malfunction.

All of these decisions about placement will make a difference in the success and functionality of your outdoor kitchen. Where you place your outdoor kitchen can also change how much your kitchen costs. For instance, if you are placing your kitchen far from your house, you will have to run wires and piping which can be add up.

Pick A Layout From Outdoor Kitchen Designs

You know what you will have in your kitchen. You know the size it will be. And you know where you are going to put it. Now you get to decide on the fun design details, starting with the layout. For outdoor kitchen designs, there are three main types of layouts:

Now that you have all your pieces put together, it is time to start creating! Get your outdoor kitchen constructed as early in the season as you can so you are able to enjoy throughout the rest of summer and into fall weather.

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Making A Vegetable Garden Design Work With Your Landscaping

Wed, 08 Jun 2016 21:30:00 GMT

June is National Fresh Fruit and Veggies Month! Not only are home grown vegetables delicious to munch on, they can also provide depth and character to your landscaping. Creating a vegetable garden design is a fine line to walk, however, when it comes to your landscaping. Gardens can quickly get an overgrown look that clashes with most homeowners’ landscaping design. To avoid that, here are some of our tips for making your vegetable garden complement your landscaping.

Create a Separate Space

The simplest and most common way to blend your vegetable garden design into your landscaping is to create a distinct, separate area for the garden. This blends as you are scanning your landscaping since the eye will recognize that area is separate from the rest of the design. Place your separate vegetable garden either in a yard corner or in the back center directly across from your patio. To help define its separation, create an archway or doorway of some kind with a short fence, retaining wall, or pallet boards lining the edges.

Integrate Vegetable Garden Design With Landscaping Design

With a little more planning, you can completely integrate your vegetable garden design into your landscaping design. Many people like to create pathways with their landscaping; instead of filling these pathways with bushes or trees, you can use stone masonry, brick pavers, or wood beams to section paths with gardens. You can also use a garden as a border for your patio instead of accent bushes or create a sprawling courtyard with gardens as your feature plants. It takes a little creativity, but you can replace many of the traditional bush and tree landscaping pieces with vegetable plants in a streamlined and beautiful way.

Add a Raised Garden as a Landscaping Accent

Many people love utilizing raised beds to add dimension and depth to their landscaping. Often this space is used for a soothing water feature or a dynamic bush and floral design. But the strategy of raised landscaping beds can also be used to integrate your garden into your landscaping.

Decide how much space you will need for the plants you want to grow and have a landscaper create the raised bed for you based on that size. To make it blend into your landscaping better, plant the smaller vegetables around the edges of the bed and increase the size of the plants as you go back until your tall vine plants are at the back of the bed. Try to add some herb plants to give it that landscaping look without sacrificing the practicality of your garden.

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For Wildflower Week, Design A Mini Wildflower Garden

Wed, 11 May 2016 15:05:00 GMT

The second week of May is National Wildflower Week. While clean and beautiful landscapes are all the rage, having a spot in your garden for a mini wildflower meadow will make a beautiful addition to your landscaping. To help inspire you, we have put together some information about designing a wildflower garden for Wildflower Week.

Benefits of a Wildflower Garden

Besides providing a unique dimension to your landscaping, planting wildflowers has many benefits. Because of the grass you have to plant to support wildflower plants, it greatly reduces the amount of weeds that crop up in that section of your yard. Additionally, the wildflowers you plant can attract songbirds and butterflies to give your garden a truly magical effect. The garden provides a miniature habitat for these animals and can provide food for them as well.

Basics of Wildflower Planting

The location of your wildflower garden should be in a sunny location that receives a minimum of six hours of sun. The garden will have to be watered frequently in the beginning, about twice a day, but after the garden is growing it will need little to no care. Seeding the garden will be a little tricky depending on your flowers chosen, so it is best to consult with a landscaping design professional to get it right.

Design Tips for Success

There are a few things you can do when you plant wildflowers to create a lovely, eye-catching landscape feature. Besides some of the obvious items, like planting tall plants further back and shorter plants near the front, here are some wildflower garden design tips.

Easy Flowers to Plant in Your Wildflower Garden

If you are not an experienced gardener, try these easy flowers for your wildflower garden.

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Spring Lawn Care Tips for Lawn and Garden Month

Thu, 21 Apr 2016 21:32:00 GMT

April is Lawn and Garden Month which Second Nature has really enjoyed celebrating! Our life is making lawn and gardens look absolutely beautiful, so it was fun to have a whole month dedicated to our craft. April also happens to include Arbor Day and Greenery Day on April 29th as well as Earth Day on April 22nd, making this an awesome month for all things green and beautiful! Throughout the month we have been sharing some of our favorite tips and tricks to get a beautiful lawn and garden throughout the year. To end the holiday with a bang, we decided to compile our favorite spring lawn care tips to get your lawn looking spectacular.

Gardening Tips for a Beautiful Garden

Having a beautiful garden can make an outdoor living area really magical but is not the easiest task to accomplish. Here are some tips to start a flourishing garden.

Mythbusting Lawn Care

There are many, many myths surrounding proper lawn care. These are so commonly believed that only professional lawn care companies are knowledgeable about the best practices for long-lasting green lawns. Here are some common beliefs.

Myth: The shorter you mow your grass, the less often you have to cut it.

Fact: Too-short grass increases the risk of heat damage, drought, and weed invasion.

Myth: Spring is when you should eradicate dandelions.

Fact: It is more important to kill them off in your fall lawn maintenance to ensure they won’t seed in the spring and summer.

Myth: Spiked shoes is the best way to aerate a lawn.

Fact: Spiked shoes actually create holes that are too small to really accomplish aeration. Instead, aeration is best completed by extracting soil plugs.

Myth: I should water my lawn every day if I want my lawn to be green and lush.

Fact: The amount you should water your lawn is dependent on many different factors and requires more professional analysis to see success with a green and lush lawn. Overall, longer waterings less frequently are better than shorter waterings that are more frequent.

The post Spring Lawn Care Tips for Lawn and Garden Month appeared first on Second Nature Outdoor Living & Landscaping | Custom Landscaping in Kansas City .

Second Nature Outdoor Living Attending KC Home Show

Thu, 17 Mar 2016 15:48:00 GMT

Second Nature Outdoor Living and Landscaping is excited to attend the KC Home Show at Bartle Hall starting Friday, March 18 and running through Sunday, March 20. Second Nature will have a booth at the home show with samples of our work and landscape designers that are ready to answer all of your questions. You can stop by and say at booth #5112!

Find Second Nature at the KC Home Show

Second Nature’s booth is in the Green Booth zone (more detail on the color zones can be found here ). In the image above, the Second Nature booth is circled in bright blue with an arrow pointed to it.

Home Show Attendees and Activities

At this year’s Home Show, stars of HGTV’s show “Fixer Upper” Chip and Joanna Gaines will be in attendance. There are also a few other home improvement and home design celebrities that will be in attendance. You can view the full list of KC Home Show Celebrities on their website.

Along with some famous home expert faces, the 2016 KC Home Show has nearly 300 exhibitor booths, a rock climbing wall, the Darol Rodrock Farmhouse, an Ask a Builder section for all your home improvement questions, and more. You can see the full list of activities on the KC Home Show Highlights page.

Location of Home Show

The show is held at Bartle Hall Convention Center at 301 W 13th Street, Kansas City, MO 64105. Prices for the surrounding parking garages range from $5 to $10. The Home Show will be open Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 P.M. Shuttle service is available from Liberty Lot at 16th and Liberty St in the West Bottoms. You can view the times the shuttle runs on the KC Home Show website.

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Get Inspired for Floral Design Day with Second Nature’s Landscape Contractor Flowering Tips

Mon, 22 Feb 2016 20:00:00 GMT

On Monday, February 28, Second Nature is celebrating Floral Design Day to highlight some of the beautiful floral designs you can incorporate into your landscaping design. Floral Design Day started in 1995 to honor the birthday of Carl Rittner, the founder of Rittners School of Floral Design in Boston. Today Floral Design Day has become popular on the internet as a way of sharing floral design and inspiration to others.

Landscaping can be very simple and beautiful with strategic greenery placement and hardscape construction, but adding floral features throughout your landscape softens your overall aesthetic. Depending on your lawn, whether you have residential landscape or commercial landscape, certain floral designs will look better than others. Here are some tips from our landscape contractor using examples of Second Nature’s designs to accomplish a flowering landscape in your yard.

While this flower landscape was completed for a commercial landscaping project with Children’s Mercy South in the Kansas City metro, the same effect can be achieved in a residential landscape as well. The bright florals grab attention amongst their greenery landscaping and go with the colors of the signage. The placement of the flowers adds a small pop of color to the landscape that is very pleasing to the eye.

The below photos are a good example of everything you can do with a landscape design. In the photo on the left, our landscape contractor intertwined the hardscaping of the retaining wall with the bushes, mulching, and flower selection. The florals give the stark landscape feature contrast and a bit of richness. The photo on the right shows how you can maximize your floral landscape without having to plant into the ground. The pottery and floral combination is very homey and beautiful for this type of landscape and home design.

While you cannot see the bloom of the florals yet in this picture (since we had just planted them!), this is another great example of incorporating flowers into your landscape. For this client, we used a corner of their patio build to highlight a mini-garden of flora and fauna.

Celebrate Floral Design Day with us! Post your favorite floral photos and tag @secondnatureoutdoor. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #FloralDesignDay! We will regram some of our favorite designs we see on Monday, February 28!

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