Get Your Hands Dirty!

jbl035

Raised Beds…

February 21, 2012 | Container plantings, Raised Beds

It’s the time of year to start thinking about building a raised veggie/flower bed. Aside from the rewarding feeling you get when you eat your very own, home-grown salads, there are just SO many great benefits to the raised bed:

  • improves drainage
  • you control type of soil that you use
  • soil warms up faster in the spring which can give you an earlier harvest
  • soil is less compacted
  • no back-breaking bending to tend to your crops
  • can be a better use of space in your garden
  • gives your garden a clean and tidy look
  • enhances your garden by adding structure
  • can be of any height to suit your needs
  • easy to trellis

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

WBUR image

Design Services

February 7, 2012 | Landscape Design

Spring is just around the corner and right now Jean Brooks Landscapes is busy designing gardens for spring installation.

Our design services include:

  • Master Site Planning
  • Detailed Planting Plans
  • Hardscape/Stonework Details
  • Roof Garden Design
  • Furniture and Accessory Selection
  • Outdoor Kitchen Design
  • Spa and Pool Design
  • Pergola, Trellis and Fence Design
  • Container and Windowbox Design
  • Kitchen Garden Design

Through a careful, thoughtful and inspired design and budgeting process, we can help you to create the garden of your dreams.

We hope you will call us today at 617-354-0643 to discuss your landscaping project. Or email us at info@jeanbrookslandscapes.com

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

IMG_2222

The David Austin Fragrant English Rose

February 3, 2012 | Cut Flowers, Roses

With Valentines Day fast approaching, we want to share our favorite cut rose. David Austin introduced his roses in Shopshrire, England in 1969. By hybridizing already existing hybrids with old-world species of typically English roses, he built the foundation for an ever-expanding collection of high performing roses never before seen!

The David Austin rose is treasured for its repeat-flowering ability and wide color range. But it is their fragrance that’s the real head-turner! Over the past 4 decades, many distinctive styles have emerged. Some varieties bear huge, full blown blooms with 100 petals; others are cup-shaped, button-eyed or quartered-centered.

Place your order for a never-to-be-forgotten, Valentines Day bouquet with Jean Brooks Landscapes today…

january-2010-skagit-gardens-024-copy

More Flowers in January

January 24, 2012 | Container plantings, Inspiration, Perrenials, Winter flowers

HELLEBORE!

There hasn’t been too much snow in this New England winter so you won’t have to search very hard. You’ll find them blossoming quite naturally and heartily right through the soft snow. The flower is so hearty in fact, that the petals remain on the flower for months! Yes, it is needless-to-say, hellebore are highly valued by gardeners for their winter and early spring flowering period; the plants are surprisingly frost-resistant. Many species of hellebore are ever-green or have a chartreuse or greenish-purple flowers.

 

While they are commonly mistaken for wild roses, the hellebore is in the Ranunculacae family and has five petals. Some species are poisonous and several legends surround the flower. During the Siege of Kirrha in 585 BC, the flower was reportedly used by the Greek besiegers to poison the city’s water supply. The defenders were subsequently so weakened by diarrhea that they were unable to defend the city from assault. Who’d have thought such a sweet and lovely specimen could cause such damage!?

—————————————————————————————————————————————-

blog-25

Snowdrops in January!

January 10, 2012 | Bulbs, Inspiration, Perrenials

Always a an early bloomer (and a welcome sight), we spotted these confused little Snowdrops poking through the ivy in January! Part of the Amaryllis family, “Galanthus” translates to “milk-white flower” in Latin and is a worthwhile investment to any garden. Planted in large clusters, Snowdrops have a dramatic effect and you won’t have to worry about deer or rodents getting to them.

Here at Jean Brooks Landscapes, we use Snowdrops in rock gardens, under trees and shrubs, in lawns, or along woodland paths. Maybe you’ve passed on them in the past for their simplicity but there are actually over 75 varieties of Galanthus so think again. You will be richly rewarded…

After a long New England winter, nothing matches the excitement of getting a glimpse of the first flower which is more likely than not, a sweet little Snowdrop.

 

 

 

 

blog-23

Bananas for Boxwood!

December 23, 2011 | Container plantings, Holiday decorating

Did you know that you can create practically any shape out of boxwood?! This year, Jean was inspired by this fact to add a merriment and whimsy to our holiday designs. Here, boring ole’ boxwood is morphed into a little holiday magic!

 

Check out these Arabesque, pointed-gumdrop-shaped arrangement we created for the Central Square Theatre in celebration of their new show, “Arabian Nights”. Remind you of anything….?

The gift box themed boxwood design was made for the busy intersection of JFK and Winthrop Street in the center of Harvard Square. Look out for them as you do your holiday shopping!

Boxwood, check! Bling, CHECK!

blog-20

Holiday Decorating

November 18, 2011 | Container plantings, Holiday decorating

Yup, it’s that time again…

We create custom designs that bring holiday magic to your home. We do both residential and commercial properties. We are now taking orders for exterior and interior holiday decorating, including:

~Lights~Wreaths~Winter pots~Window boxes~Christmas trees~Poinsettias~Garlands & Greens~Mantelpieces & Table centerpieces~Fresh flower arrangements~

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

blog-21

New Orleans in November!

November 18, 2011 | Inspiration

On a recent trip to NOLA, we snapped these shots of some of the lush, local landscapes. Ferns make a great hanging plant. They have a long season from early Spring to late Fall. Very hearty, yet graceful, they give a historic Southern charm to any balcony or porch. They love the sun but can also survive in a shady area.

 

 

Check out this Ipomoea purpurea or purple morning glory!

We also couldn’t resist a visit to this parterre garden which is something we are very familiar with up here in New England at Jean Brooks Landscapes. Check out some of our very own versions (http://jeanbrookslandscapes.com/garden-type/country-estates/) of this French-style design which translates to “orchestra” or lower level, close to the ground. This very tame, formal style originated in 15th century Renaissance chateaus such as Versailles. The tightly compartmentalized garden strongly contrasts the lush and wild balconies of New Orleans but who can resist either type!

blog-16

Snow Removal

November 11, 2011 | Snow Removal

REMEMBER LAST YEAR? Don’t forget to call Jean Brooks Landscapes to set yourself up for snow removal!

 

Many people don’t know that we offer this service. We clear sidewalks and walkways, stairs and pretty much anything. We’ll even dig your car out before you leave for work in the morning! We also follow up with snow melt.  Sign up now or call for a free estimate! info@jeanbropokslandscapes.com

 

 

blog-22

Fall Foliage

November 1, 2011 | Autumn, Inspiration

This is a Sourwood tree.  There are two on Mass. Ave in Harvard Square.  They have amazing fall color!

Sourwood (Oxydendron) is a nice, small, native tree with long panicles of pretty bell-shaped flowers and has vivid red fall foliage.

Keep your eyes open for them. Your eyes will thank you!

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….