Questions For John

Lee Ann Thompson from kent
April 12, 2013
I had my landscaping redone about 5 years ago (with a design plan from you guys). Where there were previously flower beds with "blue star creeper" there is now lawn. The blue star creeper has returned and is aggressively crowding out the lawn/grass. Is there anything that can be put on the lawn to kill the blue star creeper, but not the grass - allowing the grass to grow?
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John
April 15, 2013
I would think that a lawn fertilizer with weed-n-feed would nip it back. It may take a couple applications. Wait for warmer/drier weather before you try this.

Let me know how it works.

Gerald Eaves from Dupont
October 3, 2012
John, I am looking for a contractor that will install curbing around yard and flower beds both in the front and back. Do you do this type of work? If so, I would be interested in getting a bid. If not, do you have any recommendations for a contractor that installs curbing. Thank you for your assistance.
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John
October 3, 2012
We do not install curbing. However, we can recommend a great company – Lonnies Curb N Lawns 253-445-5323 www.lonniescurbnlawns.com

Have a great day!

Diane Mullen from Issaquah
September 16, 2012
I want to add some blue pots to the porch and front beds but not sure how to arrange them or what size to buy. Thanks so much!
Reply

John
September 18, 2012
Arranging Flower Pots
Diane, without knowing the space you are working with, it’s hard to recommend exact sizes, but here are some thoughts:

Get one pot which will be noticeable larger than the rest, the ‘focal piece’ which might be a different shade and texture than the others.

Get one or two sets of 3 pots in graduated sizes and cluster these in/around the focal pieces.

Perhaps one or two in the front beds might include one of the larger containers which are the same as the focal piece you are using on the porch.

Try for a ‘tone on tone’ effect – some of the pots with deep lustrous glazes, some with more a matte finish. Also, perhaps use a few which are blues combined with another color – yellow or green, for example

There is no right or wrong way to do this, as beauty is in the eye of the beholder!

Rita from Olympia
June 26, 2012
We have been renovating a 1950's house. In the front sits a very ugly concrete slab which I would like to transform into a combination of pavers and star flower or something similar. Would we need to remove the slab? I would prefer not to if it is not necessary.
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John
June 29, 2012
Transforming a concrete slab
Hello Rita! I'm Nancy and I'll be filling in for John on this question. The possiblility of placing pavers over concrete depends primarily on the grades and condition of the concrete. If existing concrete is uneven or cracked it is best to remove. That is also true of the areas where you would like to place plants. Plants need good drainage which would not be possible with a concrete layer below. If only using pavers over the concrete area you also need about an inch of sand in between to allow pavers to be levelled and seated. Another option for you to consider is to have an epoxy finish applied which can change the look of concrete to resemble brick or stone. Hope this helps!
Nancy Morris, Design Manager

Don from Suquamish
June 6, 2012
We have an ornamental Japanese Maple that is not going to fit in our landscaping plans for the house we have moved into. Do you know of anyone that would be interested in purchasing it and removing it? The tree is beautiful with a great mushroom shaped canopy. It is only about 5' tall
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John
June 7, 2012
Selling a Japanese Maple
Hi Don. You might try someone who grows and sells special Maples like Big Trees in Woodinville or Olympic Nurseries, which is also up there. Also, Plant Amnesty has a blog/space on their site where available plants can be saved, but not always sold. As a rule, Maples like this that have been in the ground for a few years should not be moved until fall or winter. Hope this helps!
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