One of my favorite perennials, Ballon Bouquet

A chance seedling of `Summer Beauty' Allium, `Balloon Bouquet' is a dwarf selection with out-standing floral character. Fully budded by June, its hundreds of balloon-like heads of clear pink flowers burst open in July. A great butterfly attractor, `Balloon Bouquet' is durable, drought tolerant, and long lived. Its foliage is composed of healthy, shiny blue-green, flattened, straplike leaves. Excellent for edging, accent, and as a small to moderate scale ground cover. 

Green Roofs Slowly Gaining Popularity

In cities across the United States, roofs that are covered with plants, otherwise known as "green roofs" are gaining popularity.

The number of "green roofs" increased by 35% across the United States between 2007 and 2008, according to the LiveScience article.

"Green roofs" are most popular in Germany, with 12% of all roofs being "green".

Green roofs and CO2

Scientists at Michigan State University measured carbon levels in plant and soil samples collected from 13 green roofs in Michigan and Maryland over a two-year period.

The researchers found that replacing traditional roofing materials with green roofs in an urban area the size of Detroit, with a population of about one million, would capture more than 55,000 tons of carbon. That is roughly similar to eliminating a year's worth of carbon dioxide emitted by 10,000 mid-sized SUVs and trucks, according to LiveScience.

Other benefits of "green roofs"

--Reduce heating and cooling costs of buildings. 10% reduction in natural gas consumption and 2% drop in electricity use in a typical building.

--Retain and detain storm water.

--Attract birds and wildlife, which may be good or bad, depending on the species.

--Absorb noise and pollution.

--"Green roofs" also last 2 to 3 times longer than standard roofs because they are protected from ultraviolet radiation and the extreme fluctuations in temperature that cause roof membranes to deteriorate.

Brad Rowe, and environmental scientist at Michigan State University believes that the U.S. Government does not need to mandate the roofs in the future, but instead provide incentives for them, similar to policies of other countries.

"Green roofs are more expensive, but only initially. Over time, they're cheaper once you consider their benefits energy-wise. It takes about 11 to 14 years to break even", according to Rowe. (article courtesy of AccuWeather.com) http://global-warming.accuweather.com/2009/10/green_roofs_slowly_gaining_pop_1.html

Leveraging the Landscape to Manage Water

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKW2HtfVanU

Why Hire a professional Landscape Designer?

Hiring a professional landscape design firm like Apex Landscape could be one of the smartest investment decisions you’ll ever make.  Apex landscape's designers are trained and qualified in the principles of garden design and horticulture can help their clients avoid the costly mistakes that can turn the dream of an outdoor haven into a landscape nightmare. Professional firms like Apex are skilled practitioners of fundamental design concepts – proportion, unity, balance, perspective, color, texture – that can bring about a fully integrated design.  They have a comprehensive knowledge of plants so that you get the right plant that grows to the right size for the right place in your garden. They are skilled communicators and planners who work with contractors, vendors, local governments and others to complete successful projects.  The professionals at Apex Landscape  are also aware of our natural environment and promote sustainable practices whenever possible.  They are inspired by the creative process, by great design, and most of all, by their clients’ needs, wants and dreams.  Visit Apex Landscape today on facebook or at our website.

If you like architecture check out this article!

http://freshome.com/2011/01/05/10-most-interesting-architecture-projects-of-2010/

Striving to be the best

2010 was a great year for Apex Landscape and we would like to thank all of our clients, subcontractors, employees and affiliates for contributing to our success.  We take great pride in our ability to design and create great landscapes as well as our ability to service our clients.  We also take pride in knowing there is always room for improvement.  We will be working diligently this offseason to bring our clients an even better level of service and results.  It is our mission to constantly be improving and to aspire to be the very best in the industry.  We are currently scheduling projects for 2011 and a very excited to see what the year will have in store.  Stay tuned to our blog, website, facebook page and twitter to catch all the latest news!

Happy Thanksgiving

Apex Landscape would just like to say that we are thankful for having great clients and a wonderful team.  To our clients, thank you for providing us with tremendous projects and wonderful relationships. And to our great team of employees and subcontractors.  Without you we would not be able to bring such great results to our clients. 

We wish everyone a joyous and safe Thanksgiving!