After having that dream house built, most people forget that there are other parts of the property that need some help and that is the garden or outside yard space. Simi Valley landscaping are well versed in all aspects of designing and creating all outdoor areas including the pool area. By conferencing with Simi Valley landscapers, the problem of what to plant and where will it be taken care of because they are experts in the field - no pun intended!

Even if a move is imminent into a new dwelling place, the garden area may not be what the home-owners desire. In this case, it is better to call in the professionals to take over all the heavy work.

The first task to be undertaken is the design and designated play areas for the family. Is there enough room for a pool, or do the children need a play area constructed, are just some of the main points. Pathways leading through and around these fixed structures have to be planned very carefully so that security or such like are not compromised.

Many will not realize how important it is to have the correct color scheme for the whole overall effect to ‘pop’ and please the eye. Many people will have favorite plants or trees but the professional will know what plants and trees will compliment each other and details that the homeowner may not be aware of. How big will the plant or tree grow; is it slow or fast growing; will it need water every day; will it deprive other plants of nutrients and water etc. These are just a sample of some initial questions to be asked.

Also of concern will be the make up of the soil type, plant adaptability and color schemes. Perhaps the homeowner would like winter color more than summery flowers. This will have to be well thought out to get the best out of the space available.

Irrigation is another aspect for the gardener to consider especially if the home is in an arid or semi arid area. Plants will not survive if they don’t get the water that they need and who wants to be thinking about all that work all the time? This would only work if the space was a very small area. Pipes and taps are situated around the garden so that the homeowner can decide when and where to water. Plants rarely need water twenty four hours a day so timers can be installed to water at the best times. This is usually during the evening or night so that the plants can have a chance to soak up the water before the sun comes up and evaporates any excess moisture.

Whenever there is a new garden, it is obvious that the professionals are the best people to design and build a beautiful landscape for the homeowner. One more plus for using professionals is that the property value is likely to increase because of beautiful vista from the property.

How the garden is designed. Many people will make up their minds to buy a property solely on how the outside area looks. What better reason to employ the great services of a very professional team!

Beautiful gardens and well designed landscaping can turn a yard into a wonderland. Many gardeners and gardens turn to other parts of the world to find beautiful and exotic plants for their yard. Exotic plants have led to many beautiful gardens and some giant headaches. A lot of plants from elsewhere escape from domestic gardens and go rouge. There are some plants that have invaded the North East of the United States. Boston landscaping and MA landscaping in general have had close calls with troublesome species. One of the most worrisome plants is Giant Hogweed.

Giant Hogweed, (Herculeum Mantegazzianum) has been found in Massachusetts and other other states. It is an aggressive plant that quickly dominates habitats and crowds out native plants. It appears similar to Cow Parsnip (Herculeum Maximum) in the land of giants. While Cow Parsnip is a large decent sized plant averaging 4-5 feet in height with the ability to grow to 8 feet, the Giant Hogweed isenormous. It can grow between 10 and 15 feet tall with huge flowering heads measuring 2 and a half feet across. Its leaves can spread up to five feet across. It is an impressive plant that turns people into Lilliputians . At least that’s what it feels like standing under one.

Giant Hogweed comes from the Caucasus Region and Central Asia. It has become a dominant plant in parts of Britain and has invaded the Northeast and Northwest regions of the United States. Aside from its aggressive growth and habitat invasion, the Giant Hogweed is also a toxic plant harmful to animals and humans. The juice of the Giant Hogweed is clear and watery. It is also a phototoxic weed. It’s not a threat to photography, but it could cause some serious damage to your skin. Phototoxicity means that the sap interacts with sunlight, mainly the ultra violet rays. It can cause severe itching, blistering and even scaring that can last for several years. If the sap gets in the eye, it can result in blindness. In the liquid is a substance, derivatives of furocumarin, whichenter into epithelial cells, attach to the DNA and cause the cells to die. Similar to a chemical burn it chars the skin deep brown.

Since it is both invasive and toxic, it has earned a spot on the Federal Noxious Weed list and is slated for eradication wherever it is found.

Since Common Cow Parsnip and Giant Hogweed, (also referred to as Giant Cow Parsnip) look alike, it is worth understanding the differences. The first obvious difference is the scale. But both are root and shoot perennials. This means that they die back each winter and send up new shoots in the spring. Since Giant Hogweed doesn’t start out 15 feet tall it’s important to note some of the differences. The distinctive marks of Giant Hogweed is purple spots on on a hollow stalk that can grow from 2 to 4 inches in diameter. Herculeum Maximum has no spots and the hollow stalk seldom gets bigger the 2 inches. Giant Parsnip has short hairs underneath its leaves while Cow Parsnip has a profusion of long hairs.

If you come across a stand of Giant Hogweed, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the appropriate local agency or the Department of Natural Resources. Giant Hogweed should be treated like poison oak and poison ivy, washing with soap and water and avoiding contact when possible.