Landscaping Design on the Main Line

January 28, 2012
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Comments Off on Begin Main Line Landscaping Design Now, For Backyard Grilling in June

Begin Main Line Landscaping Design Now, For Backyard Grilling in June

Are you planning to undertake a new landscaping design and installation at your Main Line Villanova, Merion or Gladwyne home this spring? Begin your landscaping design plans now, in order to be ready to enjoy grilling in your new backyard landscaped garden by June.

Formal Main Line Garden

Aardweg Landscaping designs and installs beautiful landscaped gardens for homeowners living in Main Line and Philadelphia communities. Contact Aardweg Landscaping for a complimentary on-site meeting to discuss your landscaping plans. Should you decide to retain us for landscaping design services, we will discuss options for proceeding to the design and documentation phase of the work. Our documentation options include:

Master Plan Drawings.
Two dimensional plan drawings are completed by Aardweg Landscaping, documenting the design of particular garden areas or a full master plan drawing. This process begins with a site survey to record the dimensions of the site.

Photographic Imaging.
Digital Photographic Imaging is performed by taking pictures of the garden areas, importing the images into a CAD program, where the garden design evolves. Images are emailed to the client for review and discussion, until a favorite design is selected and executed in the installation process.

Three Dimensional Walk Through.
Three dimensional walk through views created through the use of landscaping design software, provide the client with a virtual walk-through of the new landscape design.

Aardweg Landscaping offers a full range of landscaping services to Main Line and Philadelphia area communities including:

Main Line Philadelphia Backyard Garden

Landscape design planning and documentation;
Landscaping installation, either completed in one installation, or phased over time;
Landscaping maintenance programs, including seasonal planting, cleaning, and tree removal coordination;
Design and construction of water features such as streams, ponds and waterfalls.

Gladwyne Water Feature Inground Spa

Aardweg Landscaping owner Steven T. Aardweg, certified by the Association of Professional Landscape Designers, has been offering landscape design services for 35 years to homeowners living in Main Line communities such as Villanova, Merion and Gladwyne. Don’t forget, begin your landscaping design plans now, so that you will be ready to enjoy grilling in your new backyard landscaped garden, outdoor kitchen, or patio by June. You may contact Aardweg Landscaping by calling 610-355-0703, or by visiting the Aardweg Landscaping website.

January 14, 2012
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Comments Off on Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve is the Place for Native Pennsylvania Plant Enthusiasts to Visit

Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve is the Place for Native Pennsylvania Plant Enthusiasts to Visit

Snow trillium (Trillium nivale)

We are native Pennsylvania plant enthusiasts at Aardweg Landscaping. If you are a native Pennsylvania plant lover as well, we encourage you to visit the Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve in New Hope, Pennsylvania. It maintains approximately 800 of the 2,000 known native Pennsylvania trees, shrubs, ferns, vines and herbaceous perennial wildflowers. The plants and wildflowers grow amidst 134 acres of picturesque woodlands, meadows, hiking trails and the Pidcock Creek.

Click to Enlarge Google Map Image

Location, Hours and Fees.
Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve is situated in Southeastern Pennsylvania, near the Delaware River, approximately 40 miles northeast of Philadelphia. It is located at 1635 River Road, New Hope, Pa. It is open year round except holidays, from 8:30am to sunset. Admission fees are free for members, $5.00 for adults, $2.00 for children 4 through 14, and children under 4 are free.

Children’s Programs and Winter Lecture Series for Adults.
The Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve conducts Children’s Programs for children of all ages. The Preserve also conducts a Winter Lecture series every Sunday afternoon from 2-3 p.m. during January and February in the Auditorium at the Preserve’s Visitor Center. For more information, call (215) 862-2924. Reservations are suggested. The Preserve also conducts a series on landscape design, where participants can design a landscape of their own during the 4-session class running from January 14 through February 25, 2012.

Symplocarpus foetidus

Twinleaf Gift and Book Shop.
The Twinleaf Gift and Book Shop is located in the Visitors Center, and is open daily (Tuesday through Sunday) from 9am to 5pm. The shop sells assorted nature and botany books, field guides, regional gardening information, children’s and adult nature themed books and clothing.

What’s In Bloom?
Wondering what’s in bloom each month this spring at the Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve? Well, the Symplocarpus foetidus bloom in February. Do you know what they are? Check the chart below to note the plants blooming in March and April. Of the nearly 800 species of Pennsylvania native plants found at Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve, more than 80 native species are designated as Plants of Special Concern in Pennsylvania, including endangered plants.

AardwegLandscaping of Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, has designed and installed scores of gardens with native Pennsylvania trees, shrubs, ferns, and perennial wildflowers in our landscape designs, creating a succession of bloom through the seasons. We have been performing landscape design, installation and maintenance services for Main Line, Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania residents for over 35 years. For more information about Aardweg Landscaping, please call 610-355-0703 or visit the Aardweg Landscaping Website.

Image Source: Bowman’s Hill Wildflower Preserve

January 8, 2012
by aardweglandscaping
Comments Off on Protecting Main Line and Suburban Philadelphia Landscaping from Frost and Cold

Protecting Main Line and Suburban Philadelphia Landscaping from Frost and Cold

As a suburban or Main Line Philadelphia homeowner with a landscaped garden, you are naturally concerned about protecting your trees, plants and shrubs from frost and cold during the winter season. The effort to protect your landscaping starts when you purchase plants, being careful to select plants that are appropriate for our hardiness zone, which is zone 7a. Hardiness zones are also referred to as gardening zones, growing zones and plant zones.

Quoting plantmaps.com, the term hardiness zone, “… refers to defined geographic regions that can support specific plants, flowers and trees. The zones define a minimum range of temperatures that a plant or tree can survive safely in that zone.” Plants that are too fragile for the 7a zone should be grown in containers which can be moved indoors or to a greenhouse during the winter season.

As you endeavor to protect your Philadelphia area landscaping from winter frost and cold, it is very helpful for you to understand the micro-climates that exist within the bounds of your property. Fragile plants exposed to wind from all sides will be at risk, especially from cold north winds. The warmest spots in the garden are along south-facing walls. These warm spots provide protection to fragile Main Line and Suburban Philadelphia landscaping from frost and cold.

There are procedures you can follow which partially condition your plants and soil for cold weather. Quoting sunset.com, “Taper off nitrogen feeding in late summer: actively growing plants are more susceptible to cold than are dormant or semi-dormant ones, so you don’t want to stimulate the production of new growth that won’t have time to mature before cold weather arrives.”

US Hardiness Zone Map (Wikimedia Commons)

Soil should be moist as frost sets in, since dry soil holds and releases less heat. Warning signs for early fall or spring frost include still air, clear skies, and low temperature and humidity. Be prepared to move fragile plants to a protected location, or provide temporary shelter or coverings for at-risk plants.

For more information about methods for covering and sheltering your Main Line, suburban Philadelphia, Tri-State, Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, or Northern Delaware trees, shrubs and plants during the cold winter months, contact Steven T. Aardweg, A.P.L.D. , a Certified Landscape Designer and owner of Aardweg Landscaping of Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. Steve Aardweg has over 35 years of landscape design, installation and maintenance experience in the greater Philadelphia area. You may contact Aardweg Landscaping by telephone at 610.355.0703.

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Are you interested in a winter horticultural excursion? Even during the winter, Longwood Gardens continues to be a pleasant and interesting leisure destination. Bulbs are growing in the four acres of greenhouses from January through the end of April. Children especially enjoy the Indoor Children’s Garden. Quoting Longwoodgargens.org, “While we have an expanse of gardens outdoors, including a wildflower meadow, we have many acres of gardens within Conservatories. The Main Conservatory houses nearly 20 gardens and covers about four acres, and it is all inside. The Heritage Exhibit, located inside the Pierce-du Pont House, is also indoors.” Longwood Gardens’ Continuing Education Classes are in full swing throughout the winter and spring.

Photo Sources: Flickr-Fil-A1, Flickr-AdrianDC

January 2, 2012
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Comments Off on New Years Landscaping and Gardening Resolutions for the Philadelphia and Main Line Garden PART II

New Years Landscaping and Gardening Resolutions for the Philadelphia and Main Line Garden PART II

Philadelphia Main Line homeowners are considering landscaping and gardening resolutions for 2012 in order to accomplish projects, repairs and planting they have long considered. Do you think about completing garden upgrades or significant landscaping changes year after year, but don’t get around to it?

New Years Landscaping and Gardening Resolutions PART I focused on removing dead trees and limbs, and retaining a landscape designer to design and estimate new hardscaping. Consider New Year’s resolutions 3 and 4 for your landscape and garden:

aardweglandscapingmainlinephiladelphiagardennewyearsresolutions

Year Round Interest and Color Planting

Resolution #3. Irrigation System Upgrade.

You may currently have an irrigation system, but like many irrigation systems, parts of it may not be functioning properly, or it may be inadequate to meet the needs of your whole lawn or garden. Alternatively, your current garden design may require more watering than you have the time or interest to do. Plan ahead and hire a professional to come in and quote system upgrades for you.

Resolution #4. Plant for Year Round Interest and Color.

Are there seasons of the year when your landscape simply looks boring? Consider adding trees, perennials, flowering plants and shrubs that will provide interest and color throughout the year. Add annuals and perennials for fall flowers to supplement your holiday décor. From an About.com article by David Beaulieu on the subject of winter landscaping, “A winning plant for winter landscapes will have one or more of the following characteristics:

Contains colorful berries that attract birds for bird watching
Readily catches snow in its branches
Exhibits a delicate structure
Is clad in a bark that is colorful or that has an unusual texture
Bears evergreen foliage
Has an interesting branching pattern

As an Association of Professional Landscape Designers (APLD) design firm, Aardweg Landscaping performs landscape design and installation of trees, perennials, flowering plants and shrubs that will provide interest and color throughout the year. We install drip irrigation systems which are run to the base of each plant. Aardweg Landscaping provides top-quality landscape design, installation, and maintenance services across Southeastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Northern Delaware areas. For more information about Aardweg Landscaping, visit us online or contact us by telephone at 610-355-0703.

A wonderful Pennsylvania Horticultural Society article entitled ‘2012 Flower Show Brings Wave of Changes, Unexpected Vistas of Hawaii’ highlights the The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society 2012 Philadelphia International Flower Show “Hawaii – Islands of Aloha” scheduled to occur at the Pennsylvania Convention Center from March 4 to March 11, 2012. Quoting from the article, “The new vibe of the Show will be most evident in the themed gardens. “Hawaii: Islands of Aloha,” this year’s rallying theme, will introduce a tropical experience that blends next-stage digital technology with the natural beauty and rich culture of the islands, and so much more.” For more information, visit the The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society website.

January 1, 2012
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Comments Off on New Years Landscaping and Gardening Resolutions for the Philadelphia and Main Line Garden PART I

New Years Landscaping and Gardening Resolutions for the Philadelphia and Main Line Garden PART I

Are you a Philadelphia or Main Line homeowner considering landscaping and gardening resolutions for 2012? We make resolutions to change personal habits and motivate us to accomplish many goals, let’s extend that practice to setting goals for landscaping and gardening. As garden lovers anticipating the end of snow, and first evidence of spring blooms, we can begin now to formulate plans for 2012. Let’s consider New Year’s resolutions 1 and 2 for your landscape and garden goals for 2012. PART II will include resolutions 3 and 4.

aardweglandscapingmainlinegardennewyearsresolutions

Hardscaping With Seasonal Color and Interest

Resolution #1. Remove Dead Trees and Limbs.

Have you been looking at those few dead or dying trees thinking that you need to retain a tree service to come look at them and give you an estimate on removal? That is a good plan. If they are near the property line, your neighbor will appreciate that plan as well.

Resolution #2. Retain a Landscape Designer to Design and Estimate New Hardscaping.

There are so many wonderful options for hardscaping, including walks, patios, stone retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, ponds, and more. Instead of spending another year wondering what you could be doing, and how much it would cost, why not hire a landscape designer. Retain the designer to provide some schematic ideas, outline the specifications and prepare quotes. Take those few steps, and then you will know what your options are. You can phase the work, and have it done by early summer.

Aardweg Landscaping is based in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. We’ve been serving Philadelphia Main Line Garden lovers and homeowners for more than 35 years. We design hardscaping including walks, patios, stone retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, and ponds. We provide superior landscape design, installation, and maintenance services to homeowners across the Main Line, suburban Philadelphia, and the Tri-State area. For more information about Aardweg Landscaping, visit us online or contact us by telephone at 610-355-0703.

Photo Source: Greenew Images

December 22, 2011
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Comments Off on Main Line, Philadelphia & Wilmington Holiday Garden and Railway Displays

Main Line, Philadelphia & Wilmington Holiday Garden and Railway Displays

There are wonderful Main Line, Philadelphia and Wilmington holiday garden and railway displays available for visitation during the 2011 to 2012 Christmas holiday season.

They are scheduled for Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, PA; The Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; and the The Nemours Mansion Garden in Wilmington, DE.

A Longwood Gardens Gingerbread 2011 Christmas — When was the last time you visited Longwood Gardens at Christmas? Don’t miss it this year! From November 24, 2011 to January 8, 2012, you can enjoy “A Longwood Gardens Christmas” as the Gardens are transformed this year into a gingerbread fantasy featuring beautiful displays throughout the Gardens. Visit the tall trees covered with gingerbread ornaments and the Music Room covered with candy.

The only way to gain entrance to “A Longwood Gardens Christmas” is with a timed entrance ticket. Visit the Longwood Garden website to learn more about reserving a timed admission ticket. Garden Pass Members are not required to purchase timed tickets. Longwood Gardens is located at 1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348. You may call 610-388-1000 for more information.

Longwood Gardens Christmas Railway — Longwood Gardens will also sponsor a miniature Christmas Railway from November 24 through January 8, 2012. Featuring Thomas the Train, the Longwood Gardens Christmas Railway will run through a wonderful landscape in the Idea Garden at Longwood Gardens each day from 9am to 5pm.

Holiday Garden Railway at the Morris Arboretum — The Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania will sponsor the Holiday Garden Railway to the delight of Philadelphia area railroad lovers of all ages. The tracks and surroundings will be lit up with holiday decorations, providing marvelous fun for all. The Morris Arboretum Railway display will run from December 4, 2011 through December 31, 2011, from 10am to 4pm (open to 5pm from December 17 through December 31). The Railway will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas day, and New Years day.

Quoting the website, “Visitors of all ages will be wow-ed by a quarter mile of track featuring seven loops and tunnels with fifteen different rail lines and two cable cars, nine bridges (including a trestle bridge you can walk under), and bustling model trains, all set in the lovely winter garden of the Morris Arboretum.” The Morris Arboretum of the University of Pennsylvania is located at 100 E. Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19119.

The Nemours Mansion Garden Holiday Tours — The Nemours Mansion Garden Holiday Tours will run from December 19, 2011 to Dec 31, 2011, available to individuals over 12 years old. Nemours Mansion and Gardens is modeled after Le Petit Trianon, Versailles. The estate offers an opportunity to guests to experience early 1900 luxury in its architectural and landscape details. Built by Alfred I. DuPont in 1920, the estate features stunning fountains, picturesque views panoramas and sculpture. For more information about The Nemours Mansion Garden Holiday Tours , call 1-800-651-6912. The Nemours Mansion Garden is located at Route 141 (Powder Mill Drive) and Alapocas Road, Wilmington, Delaware 19803.

Aardweg Landscaping of Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, has designed and installed beautiful gardens in the Main Line, metro Philadelphia, and Wilmington, DE areas for over 35 years. Aardweg Landscaping specializes in perennial and formal garden composition, creating a succession of bloom through the seasons, with variation in line, balance, form and texture. For more information about Aardweg Landscaping, please call 610-355-0703 or visit the Aardweg Landscaping Website.

Image Source: Morris Arboretum