Beau Monde Landscape LLC

Brown Patch Disease of St. Augustine Grass

2012-04-09T20:01:34-08:00

Brown Patch disease of St. Augustine grass is a recurrent problem in Louisiana. This disease develops slowly, and slowly it responds to treatment with labeled fungicides such as Maneb, Captan, Immunox or Terrachlor.

Plants Help Keep Mosquitoes Away

2012-03-28T10:01:16-08:00

Various herbs have been used for centuries to help keep mosquitoes from landing on skin and biting. However, over the last century with the emergence of new products containing synthetic chemicals such as DEET, many common herbs with insect repelling qualities are no longer being used. However, plants can be used to repel many biting insects.

To keep away mosquitoes during picnics outdoors burn Citronella candles. Lemon grass, Cymbopogan nardus, a course grass-like plant, contain Citronella oils. As well as its essential oil repelling insects it also may help to deter unwanted cats in the garden. Burning candles with wicks saturated with the herb, myrrh is also quite effective at keeping many insects away. Egyptians used myrrh as a fumigant.

Indoors try placing the scented geranium, Pelargonium citrosum Vanieenii at strategic locations such as near doors and windows. "Vanieenii" has a good reputation for warding off bugs. Many other scented geraniums besides "Vanieenii" also contain Citronella oils which help repel insects.

If insects such as mosquitoes have already become a problem many herbs can be used directly on the skin as repellents. Infusions of 50% Chomomile and 50% Elder leaves dubbed on skin are effective for up to 20 minutes. Infusions are much like making tea, boiling water is poured over the herb and the herb/water mixture is then left to steep for 10 to 15 minutes. The remaining liquid is strained and used as the repellant.

As well as infusion, other properties of herbs such as their essential oils can be used as repellents. Essential oils such as Lavender, Tea tree oil and Citronella from the stone root, Collinsonia canadensis an be worn on the skin and in hair to effectively keep mosquitoes away. It is best to dilute these powerful essential oils in a little olive oil and test this new mixture on a patch of skin before applying to ones entire body. Pennyroyal has also been used throughout history to repel insects. However, the oil of Pennyroyal is extremely toxic and should only be used by certified herbalist.

In the event mosquitoes were not repelled effectively, many herbs can be used to relieve the itching from bites. Wash insect bites with a Tea tree oil based soap and rinse with witch hazel. Next, dab freshly washed bites and lemon juice or cider vinegar. Before bedtime, apply lavender oil or cinnamon oil by rubbing on the affected area. As well as helping repel mosquitoes these oils also take away itching from bites.

April Lawn Fertilizing

2012-03-28T09:29:31-08:00

By late March to mid-April most grasses should be fully out of dormancy and actively growing in the state. So it's time to start feeding your lawn. Turf fertilizers with a high first number, low second number and medium last number are preferred unless a soil test shows otherwise.

For Bermuda grass, Zoysia and St. Augustine lawns, consider applying fertilizer in April, June, and August. For centipede lawns, apply fertilizer only one -two times during the growing season ( April- July ). Carpet grass needs very little fertilizer; once in spring is enough.

Small-Space Container Gardens

2012-03-17T10:48:53-08:00

St Patrick's Day

2012-03-17T10:47:54-08:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Hot Plant!

2012-03-17T10:38:45-08:00

Common Name: Sangria crinum lily

Botanical Name: Crinum 'Sangria'

Color: Purple and green foliage with rosy pink flowers

Blooming Period: Summer and sporadically in fall

Zone(s): 7-10

Type: Perennial bulb

Size: 24-30 inches

Exposure: Sun to part sun

When to Plant: Spring to fall

How to Plant: Plant bulbs with the top of the neck even with the soil surface.

Soil: Adapts to everything but a bog.

Watering: Drought tolerant once established.

When to Prune: Not necessary

In Your Landscape: Use its contrasting color and shape to draw the eye.

Crinum 'Sangria' puts a new spin on a classic Southern plant. Like other crinums, it is tough as nails, surviving on abandoned sites without care for decades. 'Sangria' updates this old staple with spectacular foliage that emerges a deep purple and slowly ages to green. The swordlike foliage eventually flops over, giving the plant a loose, casual feel. Worth growing for its foliage alone, the rose-pink flowers are a pretty bonus.

In winter, the dying foliage provides some protection; so if you live in the Northern half of the state, delay cutting it back until March. Of course, you could just leave it alone. No one cuts back, waters or fertilizes the many crinums growing on old homesteads across the state.

Louisiana Lawn Maintenance

2012-03-03T12:51:53-08:00

http://www.lsuagcenter.com/NR/rdonlyres/226E0983-0E0E-48DA-8D1C-225C09AF9B3C/38047/pub2293LawnMaintLOWRES1.pdf

Louisiana Zone 9 When Is It Time To Weed and Feed?

2012-02-26T19:53:20-08:00

Louisiana lawns start greening up in March, but the best time to fertilize them is not until early to mid April. In April, warm season turf grasses like centipede, St. Augustine, Bermuda, and zoysia will have begun active growth and will have redeveloped sturdy root systems, both of which better enable them to absorb the extra nutrients provided by fertilizers. On the other hand, turf grasses in March are undergoing spring root decline, meaning the old root systems die, and the grasses grow new roots; solid root systems are not completely established until April. Early fertilization stimulates the lawn to initialize premature shoot growth when it should be building roots. Keep in mind that any nutrients absorbed at this time can make lawns more susceptible to later diseases like brown patch, a problem most common to St. Augustine grass. Likewise, should a late freeze blow through, any new growth will be burned.

Because winter weeds are sprouted and growing well before the lawns awaken, herbicides should be applied beginning in February or early March to be most effective. Not only is it easier to spot the weeds amid the winter-brown turf grass, but the chemicals work better when applied to small actively growing weeds, rather than those already matured and flowering. Remember also that as weeds set flowers, seeds are blown from these blooms, and are once again scattered through your lawn to double the weed infestation. Get control of your lawn early this year by applying tried and true herbicides like atrazine, Hi-Yield Turf and Ornamental Weed and Grass Stopper (a.k.a. Dimension), or Fertilome Weed Free Zone. Before applying any herbicides, make sure you know which type of lawn you have; atrazine would prove detrimental to Bermuda grass, but chemicals like 2,4-D or Trimec work fine.

Atrazine, the active ingredient found in most weed and feeds, also comes in a liquid form, which produces excellent results when sprayed early enough in the season. One of the best features about atrazine, in fact, is that it works on both emerged and non-emerged weeds. When applying the liquid form, use a pump-up sprayer, making sure to incorporate a spreader sticker to allow more uniform coverage. To enhance your winter weed control, add a broadleaf weed killer like 2,4-D or Fertilome Weed Free Zone to your tank of atrazine. In so doing, you can control the emerged broadleaf weeds, while at the same time, atrazine provides the added residual control. Make sure to check all chemical labels for specific application rates. Some of the weeds controlled by atrazine and the broadleaf weed killers include annual bluegrass, chickweeds, clovers, dandelion, dichondra, dollar weed, and thistles.

If you are in search of granular preemerge herbicide, try the Hi-Yield Dimension. It provides superior control of crabgrass, as well as many other annual grasses and broadleaf weeds in both turf and the ornamental landscape. For best results, kill existing weeds with Weed Free Zone or Trimec, and then apply Dimension to prevent any regermination. Keep in mind also that pre- and post-emerge herbicides should be applied a second or third time (depending on the infestation) in October.

Once the winter weeds have begun to die and your lawn has established a stronger root system, you can apply almost any commercial lawn fertilizer—preferably one designed to slowly release the nitrogen so as to ensure extended feeding. A typical analysis for the lawn might be 20-0-4 or 15-0-5, with the three parts consisting of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Fertilizers like 8-8-8 or 13-13-13 are not recommended for the lawn since they provide no extended feeding, no minor nutrients, and often burn grasses due to their quick release. Remember that when fertilizing your lawn, it proves most effective to mow first and to thoroughly water the grass after you have made the application.

If you prefer sticking to the weed and feed, wait to apply until late March or April. Make sure the herbicide included is labeled for your type of lawn, and for best results use a drop spreader, setting it at the rate listed on the bag. Consider using Fertilome Weed Out Plus Lawn Fertilizer (which contains Trimec) as a supplement to previous applications of atrazine or Dimension, since the Trimec proves an excellent late season broadleaf weed killer. Whichever brand you choose, remember that weed and feed methods best succeed when applied to actively growing grass and in conjunction with at least two other applications of herbicides in early spring and fall.

When to prune Azaleas

2012-02-25T11:10:32-08:00

Now that your azaleas have finished blooming, you can forget them until next spring, right? Wrong. Keeping them healthy and looking great means giving them some attention during the next few weeks. Two things in particular that you shouldn't forget are pruning and insect control.

The Kindest Cut
Azaleas, especially those planted near the house, can get too big eventually. This necessitates pruning. Though the mere thought of this terrifies most homeowners, pruning correctly is really quite simple, as long as you remember these tips.

First, finish your pruning by late June. Once you get into July, most azaleas will start setting flower buds. Pruning after that will ruin next spring's floral display. Second, leave your hedge trimmers in the garage. The last thing you want to do is flat-top your azaleas. Your goal is to reduce them in size so that you can hardly tell you've pruned them.

Design Tips for Planting Azaleas

2012-02-25T11:08:57-08:00

For backdrops and screens, use tall-growing azaleas such as vigorous, evergreen Southern Indica Hybrids, including 'Formosa,' 'Mrs. G. G. Gerbing,' and 'George Lindley Taber.' Plant them in drifts as you would other evergreen types, or use as accents. Many deciduous azaleas make wonderful small trees. Good ones to try include Piedmont azaleas ( Rhododendron canescens), flame azaleas ( R. calendulaceum), and the Knap Hill-Exbury Hybrids. Expect heights to range between 4 and 12 feet.

In island beds, borders, or near the home, use medium-height azaleas, 3 to 6 feet tall. Examples include cold-hardy Glenn Dale Hybrids, such as 'Fashion,' 'Copperman,' and 'Glacier,' as well as dense, small-leaved Kurume Hybrids, such as 'Coral Bells' and 'Sherwood Red.'

For small gardens, choose more compact azaleas. Heights range between 1 and 3 feet. Late-blooming Satsuki Hybrid favorites include 'Gumpo,' 'Bunkwa,' and 'Flame Creeper.' Cold-hardy North Tisbury Hybrids may stay low, but allow at least 4 feet for them to spread out. Selections include 'Alexander,' 'Michael Hill,' and 'Pink Pancake.'

Azaleas: Three Questions to Ask Before Buying

2012-02-25T11:07:07-08:00

How much light do I have?
Azaleas perform best when placed in dappled light or in areas that receive morning sun and light afternoon shade. Large beds beneath tall pines or wooded borders are perfect. Direct, hot sun will scorch leaves, and plants will become susceptible to spider mites and lace bugs. Given too much shade, azaleas may not flower at all.
What kind of soil do I have?
Azaleas love moist, acid, well-drained soil with lots of organic matter. They won't thrive in heavy clay or nutrient-deficient sand. If your soil is beyond amending, consider planting in raised beds or containers. When planting several azaleas, prepare the entire bed instead of just the hole. The bed should be slightly mounded so excess water drains away from plants. It is critical for azaleas' survival that they receive regular water during their first two years while getting established.
What are my expectations?
Azaleas should be a part of the garden, not the garden. Sure, they'll be gorgeous for two weeks, and you may even extend bloom time over six weeks by planting early-, mid-, and late-season selections. But you still have 46 more weeks in the year. Landscape architect Ben Page of Nashville is a fan of using deciduous azaleas in conjunction with evergreen ones. "They add fragrance, an extended color palette, and winter and summer interest," says Ben. Most important, they loosen the look and provide contrast in the landscape. "Be patient," Ben advises. "Young deciduous azaleas may not immediately look as nice as evergreen ones, but the payoff is worth the wait."

How to Mow After a Weed & Feed Application

2012-02-23T18:30:47-08:00

Weed and feed fertilizers have both fertilizer ingredients in them and herbicides targeted to broadleaf weeds. Most weed and feed fertilizers are pre-emergent, meaning they are used on weeds before the seeds germinate and begin growing. Spring applications are often recommended to stop seeds that overwintered from sprouting; as well as a fall application, as weed production ramps up in the cooler weather. In order for the weed and feed application to be successful, follow special watering and mowing considerations so the fertilizer and herbicides have time to work on your lawn.

Step 1

Mow your lawn two days before applying the weed and feed product. Avoid mowing right before the application as this may burn the grass and the herbicide works better when grass isn't compacted from mowing.

Step 2

Water the lawn the morning before application so that the weed and feed can stick to the ground and weed plants. Water just enough to wet down the lawn, not make it soggy.

Step 3

Apply weed and feed at the recommended rate listed on the package, as this differs by brand and time of year. Avoid applying too much as this will damage your lawn.

Step 4

Avoid watering for at least two days after the weed and feed application to prevent washing it away before it has a chance to work. Avoid mowing for one week, otherwise the weed and feed will be collected in the grass bag of the lawn mower, where it does no good.

Beau Monde Landscape LLC Installs Low Voltage Lighting

2012-02-13T15:23:03-08:00

Outdoor lighting is the landscaping trend sweeping the nation, and is one of the most dramatic improvements you can make to your landscape! Contemporary outdoor lighting systems are a smart investment. Professionally installed and maintained outdoor lighting systems increase the safety and beauty of your home or business, while also adding resale value.

Security: Lighting can reveal dark areas in your landscape where someone might try to hide.

Safety: Outdoor lighting ensures resident and visitors can safely navigate around the property at night. No more stumbling over steps in the dark, low-voltage lighting gives you and your guests the confidence to get around after the suns gone down.

Usability: Illuminating private areas of a property allow enjoyment on in to the evening on your decks, sitting areas, and recreational spaces. You will be able to enjoy you patios party on into the evening hours!

Beauty: Low voltage lighting highlights the architectural elements of your home, and accentuates the features of your landscape. We can design a dramatic lighting display lighting your focal point; a fountain, a stature, the weeping branches of your Japanese Maple tree, focus a light onto the gentle splashes of your waterfall and get more bang for your buck from the features of your landscape by being able to view them even after dusk.

Economy: Low-voltage lighting consumes about 1/3 the electricity compared to high-voltage systems and is far less expensive to install.

At Beau Monde Landscape LLC we install exclusively low-voltage lighting. Uses a lower amount of power and costs less to operate. We also offer free lighting estimates.

Changes/ USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map 2012

2012-02-12T17:52:49-08:00

The 2012 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a location. The map is based on the average annual minimum winter temperature, divided into 10-degree F zones.

For the first time, the map is available as an interactive GIS-based map, for which a broadband Internet connection is recommended, and as static images for those with slower Internet access. Users may also simply type in a ZIP Code and find the hardiness zone for that area.

For Lafayette, Louisiana we are now 9A.

http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/

River Birches

2011-03-04T08:06:23-08:00

Question: Rochelle, I have a question for you. The two river birches on the side of our house have drops of water dropping from the limbs. The water is enough to cause a puddle on our driveway. Is this something unique to river birches? Do you have any idea why this would happen? It has us curious.

Answer: Yes this is normal. River Birches transpire a great amout of water-this is especially true in the spring when the pressure is higher to push the sap from the roots to the new leaves. Normally you see this after branches have been pruned in the spring or maybe broken off. It can happen with no wounding of the branches. I would not be concerned it will lessen as the warmer months come. Nothing really needs to be done.

Plants : Care, Uses, Design

2011-02-09T20:09:44-08:00

Plants : Care, Uses, Design

Learn about the care for and uses of landscape plants, including trees and shrubs. Some landscape plants have a practical function. For instance, groundcovers on hillsides can prevent erosion, shrubs in a foundation planting can reduce your heating bill, and trees can serve as windbreaks. Other plants of course, will be grown mainly for their beauty.

SOD Install

2010-02-17T11:29:34-08:00

This year, 2012, Beau Monde Landscape LLC will be able to provide customers with the following sod.

St. Augustine

Centipede

Celebration

Tifway

Email us with any questions you may have.

beaumondellc@cox.net