Fall is the ideal time to plant almost everything! With the leaves turning vibrant shades of orange and gold, now’s the perfect moment to give your plants a head start. Planting in the fall gives your greenery an edge come spring, when they burst forth with fresh foliage and colorful blooms!
Assessing Your Landscape: A Seasonal Check-Up
Autumn is not just for pumpkin spice lattes; it’s also a fantastic time to evaluate your landscape! Take a stroll through your garden and see what survived the summer’s heat. If any plants need replacing, there’s no time like the present. Nurseries are bursting with beautiful options, just waiting to add some seasonal charm to your space.
If you don’t have good roots, your plant won’t survive.
The Importance of Root Development: A Strong Foundation
Planting in the fall lets roots cozy up to their new home before winter’s chill or summer’s heat sets in. Most plants are letting go of their foliage for the season and can focus their energy on growing strong, healthy roots. By spring, those roots will be ready to take in all the nutrients and moisture your plants need to flourish!
Reducing Transplant Stress: A Gentle Transition
Let’s face it—transplanting can be stressful for our plant pals. But fear not! Fall rains and cooler temperatures mean fewer stressors for our green friends. Instead of scrambling to survive, your plants can put their energy into establishing a solid root system and making themselves at home.
Less Competition from Weeds and Pests: Nature’s Truce
As the days get shorter, weeds are going dormant, and pests are preparing for their winter nap. Now your plants can bask in the sun without having to compete for nutrients and space. Less competition means healthier plants—talk about a win-win!
Now is a good time to plant your bulbs.
Enjoyable Gardening Conditions: Breathe in That Crisp Air
With the heat of summer behind us, gardening in the fall becomes a delightful experience. There’s nothing quite like digging in the dirt with a cool breeze on your back and leaves crunching underfoot. Who wants to plant in 100-degree weather? Not us!
Post-Transplant Care: Nurturing Your New Friends
Once you’ve got your new plants in the ground, here are a few festive tips to help them thrive:
Watering: A Hydration Celebration!
Water your new plants daily for the first two weeks. Think of it as a hydration party for their roots! After two weeks, you can start stretching out the time between watering until you’re at a comfy once or twice a week. Most plants need about an inch of water a week under their drip line for optimal growing conditions.
Mulching: A Snug Blanket for Your Plants
Apply three inches of mulch to give your plants a warm, protective cover. Mulch helps keep soil temperatures steady, retains moisture, and prevents weeds from crashing the party. Plus, it keeps soil-borne diseases at bay, so your plants can stay healthy and happy!
Fertilizer Caution: Hold the Holiday Treats
While it’s tempting to give your plants a little extra love with fertilizer, hold off during their first fall in the ground. Fertilizer can burn those delicate root hairs and encourage tender foliage that might not handle frost well. It’s better to wait until the spring growing season to feed your garden.
Let Us Help: Your Gardening Allies
At Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping, we’re here to help you celebrate the season! Whether you need to replace some sad plants or you’re dreaming of a whole new garden design, we’ve got your back. Schedule a consultation soon—before our calendar fills up faster than a pumpkin patch on a Saturday!
As the weather cools down, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors in Kansas City. While we can’t cover everything, here are some of our favorite spots to spend time outdoors.
The Ernie Miller Nature Center features a new gallery showcasing live plants and animals, highlighting the botanical history of the Kansas City area. The center is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. You can even host a birthday party there! Ernie Miller Park offers nature trails and a family-friendly scavenger hunt to explore local wildlife. Remember: take only pictures and leave only footprints. Admission is free.
Address: Swope Park, 4701 E Gregory Blvd, Kansas City, MO 64132 Phone: (816) 513-8960 Website:Lakeside Nature Center
Located in Swope Park, Lakeside Nature Center features the Fox Hollow Trail, a nature center, and Missouri’s largest wildlife rehabilitation center. Enjoy native plant gardens adjacent to the center. Admission is free, and while the center is closed on Mondays, it is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The trails are accessible from dawn to dusk.
Covering 300 acres, the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens primarily features plants native to the region. The arboretum includes themed spaces such as the Monet Garden, Children’s Garden, and Sculpture Garden. Various events are hosted throughout the year, including wine tastings, movie nights, and immersive performances like Terra Luna. Admission is free on the first Tuesday of each month; otherwise, children five and under are free, children aged 6-17 are $2, and adults are $5. Tickets can be purchased at the Longhouse Visitors Center or online.
Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area encompasses 1,071.4 acres of diverse landscapes, including steep hills, prairies, and restored woodlands. The nature center is open Tuesday to Saturday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, while the trails are accessible from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. To reach Burr Oak Woods, take Highway 7 north of I-70 for 1.1 miles, then west on Park Road for 1 mile. Admission is free.
Park Layout Map – Powell Gardens
Powell Gardens
Address: 1609 N.W. U.S. Highway 50, Kingsville, MO 64061 Website:Powell Gardens
Powell Gardens features 970 acres of managed gardens and trails, with various themed areas such as The Heartland Harvest Garden and The Fountain Garden. The garden hosts numerous events, including pumpkin painting and immersive performances like “Dark Forest.” Currently, the Gardens are open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but hours may vary seasonally. Admission fees vary; please check their website for the latest information and events.
Ah, fall—the season of cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice everything, and a glorious shower of leaves from those majestic deciduous trees. But before you dive into that leaf pile like a kid on Thanksgiving break, let’s talk about why those leaves shouldn’t just sit around!
Reasons to Clean Up Fallen Leaves
Sure, leaving fallen leaves can seem like a no-brainer, but here are a pile of reasons to grab that rake instead:
Raking leaves is hard work.
Curb Appeal A yard carpeted with leaves can scream “abandoned property” faster than you can say “ghost town.” If you live in an area with a homeowners association (HOA), you might find yourself on the receiving end of a friendly—but firm—“leaf eviction notice.”
Pest Control Did you know many pesky insects love to hibernate in leaf litter? That’s right! By clearing away those leaves, you’re sending pests a message: “Not on my watch!” Fewer pests in spring means more time enjoying your garden and less time doing battle.
Weed Prevention Leaf litter can become a five-star resort for weeds, allowing them to sneak in and wreak havoc. They’ll laugh in the face of pre-emergent treatments and mulch, popping up like they own the place!
Protecting Decks and Patios Leaves left lounging on your hardscapes can hold moisture like an uninvited guest at a party. Over time, that dampness can ruin the seal on your deck and patio and even leave unsightly stains on your concrete. Nobody wants their outdoor hangout to look like a swamp!
Pool Maintenance Leaves in the pool? No thanks! They’ll clog your drains and turn your sparkling oasis into a leaf-filled lagoon. Trust us—nobody wants to do the backstroke through a salad!
Fun Ways to Use Fallen Leaves
Once you’ve raked up those leaves, here are a few playful ideas for what to do next:
Pets love leaf piles.
Play in Them There’s nothing quite like watching your kids and pets frolic in a pile of leaves! Just be warned: this joy is fleeting, as the pile will spread out faster than your enthusiasm for raking.
Compost Them Want to be the eco-hero of your neighborhood? Compost those leaves! If composting isn’t your thing, many enthusiastic gardeners will gladly take those bags off your hands. It’s a win-win!
Dispose of Them Some cities require you to buy special bags for yard waste, while others let you use regular trash bags. Just make sure those leaves get to their final resting place—and not just piled in a corner, staring at you.
We Can Clean Up for You
If the thought of raking leaves sounds as appealing as watching paint dry, let Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping come to your rescue! We’ll take care of that leaf clean-up for you, whether it’s the front yard, back yard, or both. We’ll even tidy up those perennial beds for you. Once we’re done, we’ll haul all the leaves and debris and dispose of them for you, so you are left with a clean and manicured landscape.
For more information or to sign up for our services, give our office a call at (816) 825-2524. Let’s make this fall a little less messy and a lot more fun!
With the weather finally cooling off, fall is a prime time to use your outdoor living spaces. A fire feature can really enhance your entertainment experiences. Here are some things to consider when planning your outdoor fire feature project.
Why?
Humans have been gathering around fire since the beginning of time. In the evening, a fire can take the chill off the air, give kids a place to make s’mores and provide a gathering area for adults to enjoy their favorite beverage and catch up with old friends. Some even entertain prospects, clients, and referral partners around their fire feature in order to build strong relationships by spending quality time together outdoors.
What?
There are several types of fire features to choose from.
A fireplace with a big screen TV over the mantel.
Fireplace
We can build a fireplace into a wall on your outdoor living space complete with a mantelpiece. Some of our clients have a big screen TV over the mantle so they can stay warm around the fireplace while watching the Chiefs win another game.
A fire pit overlooking a lake.
Fire Pit
A fire pit is a more economical way to include the element of flames and heat around a pool or on a patio without a wall. We typically install fire pits between 12” and 16” tall to be slightly lower than seating height so you can put your feet up and get cozy and warm. These pits can be above-ground or even sunken in the ground. Just make sure to have a plan for draining the water.
Fire Table
If you need flexibility in your outdoor space, you may be interested in a fire table. These features are typically gas with some type of lava rock or glass beads. They can be at seating height or bar height and serve a dual use as a table when not in use. These can also be a great place to roast marshmallows or hotdogs.
A fire bowl over an infinity pool.
Fire/Water Combo
If you have a pool, we can build a fire bowl on a ledge above the pool. Seeing the water and fire together makes a nice glow inside. We can also create a stand-alone fountain bowl that incorporates fire as well. The combination of these elements can give your outdoor space that special feature that everyone will be talking about.
How?
Now that you know the choices of what type of fire you want, here are some additional things to explore.
Shape
Fire can be held in all types of shapes. Square and rectangular shapes are usually fire boxes, while round shapes are fire bowls. We can also build a custom shape for you if you have one in mind.
Our latest fire pit project with the client’s family connecting and conversing outdoors.
Woodburning vs. Natural Gas
Woodburning fires are traditional and smell wonderful. However, sourcing firewood and storing it can be a challenge at times. In addition, woodburning fires are very smoky and can leave your clothes smelling smoky. You may have to move around the space a lot to avoid the smoke as the wind blows.
Natural gas fires pollute less. While they cost more initially to install than woodburning fireplaces, they pay that investment back the more they are used. Wood is expensive, while gas is much cheaper. Some people miss the smell of wood and say a gas fire just isn’t the same. We tend to urge them for gas lines even if it is a log lighter. It is nearly impossible to add a natural gas line later to a fire pit that is already built.
Properly done, a gas fire can look very much like a woodburning fire. You can have the flames come through lava rock or glass beads if you want it to look showy. You can even purchase expertly made gas logs that would fool most people. In addition, you can scatter some wood pellets in the gas fire feature to create the desired smell without as much pollution if you want.
Refractory firebrick is another option. Fire bricks are usually used to line a fireplace or fire pit. They are mostly clay with alumina or mullite in low quantities. If the fire pit will be used as something very hot, like a pizza oven or pottery kiln, you need refractory fire bricks, which are usually made from silicon carbide, alumina, zirconia, or a high amount of mullite. These bricks hold up to extremely high temperatures better than fire bricks, and they help to keep the stone, brick, or block from failing due to high temperatures.
Fall pruning season often starts with leaf fall. Pruning properly helps trees stay healthy, controls or directs growth, and cleans up after a wind or snowstorm. Not pruning can harm your trees long term by creating codominant leaders, and create structural issues with the trees long term habit.
How to make pruning cuts. Photo courtesy of Missouri Extension.
How To Make Pruning Cuts
First, let’s talk about the proper way to make a pruning cut. First, cut upward on the bottom of the branch to be pruned about a few inches out from the branch collar. The branch collar is the donut-shaped ring where a branch exits the trunk. Cut up about a third of the way through the branch. Then, on the top of the branch, cut about an inch or two further out from the trunk than the undercut. Finally, trim the cut to just outside the branch collar. The undercut keeps the branch from tearing away from the tree and damaging it in the process.
Controlling or Directing Growth
Trees need pruning when young so that they develop the proper shape and grow strong branches. First, remove any sprouts near the ground, often called suckers. Next, remove any fast-growing vertical sprouts from the branches. These are often called water sprouts. Next, cut any branches that are rubbing on another branch.
Finally, cut anything growing inward. These cuts should leave your tree with an open structure with branches that are strong. The open structure lets air and light into the center of the tree, helping to prevent diseases. It is best to remove no more than 25% of the tree in one pruning season.
Trees should never be topped. This way of pruning is destructive to the tree’s health and appearance. Crape myrtles are often topped. We refer to this as “crape murder.” Topping should be unnecessary if you take care to plant the right tree for a given space and prune it with intention to fit the space.
Pruning for Health
Check all the branches of the tree for disease or pest damage. Remove diseased or damaged branches to stop or slow the spread of disease. Remove branches that may fall on a structure or block a sidewalk, so they do not injure someone.
Proper pruning helps prevent storm damage.
After Storm Damage
Proper pruning helps prevent storm damage. Sometimes, however, even properly pruned trees are damaged by big storms. Removing broken branches promptly after a storm, regardless of the time of year, helps the tree heal. Broken branches can allow disease causing fungus or bacteria to enter the tree. These branches also detract from the appearance of the tree.
We Can Help
Royal Creations Architectural Landscaping has found that many people are afraid to ruin their trees by pruning the wrong way or they simply don’t have time to prune. If you enroll in our garden care subscription, we will help take care of pruning your ornamental trees and shrubs for you. If you have larger canopy shade trees that need help, we partner with several certified arborists in town to help with the bigger jobs. Call our office at (816) 825-2524 or visit our website www.RoyalCreationsKC.com to get help with your pruning needs.
