Who is J.P.C. Landscapte Designs?

J.P.C. Landscape Designs, Inc. has been offering creative landscape designs that enhance each individual property’s unique natural landscape and managing the installation of these custom residential landscaping projects for over 20 years.

As specialists in our field who are committed to the highest standard, we are with you every step of the way.

We offer a full line of quality landscape design and installation services in the Folsom, El Dorado Hills, Rancho Murrieta, Granite Bay, Fair Oaks and Roseville/Rocklin areas.

We would love to work with you to create the landscape of your dreams. No job is too small or too large.  Click HERE to learn more.

Preparing Your Landscape for Winter

Preparing Your Landscape For Winter

There are a number of things to prepare your landscape for winter. Though a lot of the plants in your garden will be dormant soon they are still growing. So, to prepare for winter and perform some things that will give your garden a boost now for a great spring let’s talk about what will have the largest impact.

Fertilize- During winter months the fertilizer you choose can make a huge difference. Plants that go dormant like perennials and shrubs that loose their leaves won’t need nitrogen being that there are no green leaves to green up. So, look for fertilizers blended to be used in winter months that are low in nitrogen but higher in phosphorus and potassium. When looking at a bag of fertilizer the three numbers represent in order Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium. Find the fertilizers and gardening supplies you need here! Yardiac.com - The Ultimate Garden Center

Pruning- Some plants can be pruned going into winter however we avoid a lot of winter pruning of evergreens. This is especially true in areas that are prone to freezing temperatures. Too late of pruning on evergreen shrubs can sometimes cause them to flush with new growth which is tender and can get burned by a freeze. If you have questions of what to prune when a good resource is your local county agricultural extension office.

 Once a freeze has occurred most of your perennials will need the dead growth cleaned up. This is not really necessary for the health of the plant as much for aesthetic reasons. Also enough can't be said about quality pruning equipment. Don't settle on cheap tools, your results will be well worth the money invested.

Because You're Serious About Your Yard - Find The Tools You Need Here

Mulching- Mulching is one of the most beneficial things that can be done on the winter. You should keep a 3” layer applied consistently throughout the year for the overall health of your landscape. The benefits are many. Mulch helps suppress weeds, holds moisture, adds organic matter to the soil as the mulch breaks down and insulates the root zone during the winter months.

We hope that this information is helpful in preparing your landscape for winter.  Want to learn more, Click HERE for JPC Landscaping Designs

End of Summer Tips: Part II

Overseed Where Necessary

Fix bare patches on your lawn by overseeding or applying a grass repair kit. Usually a mixture of sand, grass seed and a slow release fertilizer, these repair kits work wonders on dead spots.

Did you set up a kiddy pool or temporary gazebo? Chances are that the grass underneath has died over the summer and needs a boost to bounce back. Keep this area evenly moistened until the new seeds root and try to redirect traffic wherever possible.

Service Your Lawnmower

Grass cutting duties tend to slow down in the heat of summer, but as temperatures drop and rain falls again your lawn will need attention. Be ready by servicing your lawnmower now. A seasonal lawnmower service includes blade sharpening, an oil change and spark plug inspection, depending on what type of lawnmower you own (electric, gas or manual).

Take the time to service other essential landscaping tools, such as your trimmer (a new string or wire helps to chop down pesky weeds and keep the edges neat), pruners (oil joints and disinfect blades) and shovels (clean the blade and inspect handles for cracks and weak points).

Choose Bulbs

Start thinking about which bulbs you would like to plant this fall, providing excellent color the following spring. Your local garden center should have reputable bulb catalogues available now, and online retailers provide plenty of selection and information, including growing habits, hybrids and planting instructions. It pays to think ahead and plan, allowing you to act quickly in early winter just as bulb-planting season begins.

Start Late Summer Seedlings

Adventurous gardeners will find a wide selection of seeds to sow in late summer, including wildflowers and late annuals like icicle pansies. Investigate which flowers should be seeded now, ready for planting out in fall. Some can be sown directly into the garden with adequate watering, while others need to be established inside.

Keep an Eye Out for Pests

Many pests hit your landscape in spring, only to disappear as the summer heat rises. Others become established and enjoy the summer as much as we do, wreaking havoc in your gardens and throughout the grass.

Tackle grubs and other lawn pests with organic solutions and safe pesticides. Grub control this year often leads to fewer pests next year, so think long term and do the hard work now. Get a handle on flying pests like Japanese beetles and red lily beetles with traps, insecticidal soaps and other pest solutions.

Rest and Relax

The most important end of summer task is to relax. Make the most of every warm moment left by spending time with your family and friends outdoors. Keep your landscape tidy, attractive and comfortable by following these landscaping tips, but remember to schedule time for rest. Hang out in the backyard, by the pool or in the garden to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Stay on top of your outdoor tasks by tackling these end of summer landscaping tips. Be sure to stay hydrated with plenty of fresh water and get started early in the morning to avoid the high heat of the day. Your lawn and garden will look great and prosper when these simple, yet vital tasks are taken care of.

Click HERE to see more about end of summer tips at JPCLandscapeDesigns

Top Ten End of Summer Tips: Part I

Top Ten End of Summer Landscaping Tips

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Spring and fall remain full of landscaping tasks, but there are plenty of ways to spruce up your lawn and garden as the summer ends. Check out these easy and effective end of summer landscaping tips, designed to extend the season and keep your outdoor living area healthy and comfortable.

Water What You Can

Watering your lawn and garden can be problematic, depending on local limitations. Use your rain barrel to keep containers and hanging baskets moist, and consider watering the grass weekly when rain is scarce. About 1-inch of water is all that your lawn needs to push through the dog days of summer.

Deadhead and Harvesting

Deadhead your flowers to encourage growth and maintain a neat appearance. Annuals like petunias and pansies take just a few minutes to deadhead, while other annuals and many perennials require cutting. Cut flowers provide fresh, fragrant blooms for the interior of your home, and help to direct energy and nutrients toward growth.

At this time of year a large selection of hearty vegetables is just beginning to flourish in your garden. Make room where necessary by cleaning up early crops and get ready to harvest pumpkins, squash, potatoes and corn. Many of these vegetables can be canned for the winter, and staying on top of the harvest helps to keep your landscape manageable.

Start Light Pruning

Most plants require pruning in early spring and mid-winter, but summer provides a good opportunity for light pruning. Trimming roses helps to promote an additional series of blooms, and many flowering shrubs and trees could use a quick pruning at this time.

Be sure your pruners are clean and sharpened; otherwise you risk harming vulnerable plants. Always clean your tools after dealing with diseased plants, and keep the blades free from debris and sap.

Repair Pet Damage

Pets can do a number on your landscape.http://www.jpc-designs.com/ From digging holes to marking their territory, chewing plants and knocking over containers, your furry friends often leave a mess in summertime. Get the yard cleaned up and repaired by filling those holes, patching up the grass and gardens and securing your containers, furniture and garden structures.

This is also a good time of year to consider building a fence or repairing an existing fence. Contractors often experience a slow down in August, before picking up again in September. Talk to your local contractor about fixing up gaps, replacing worn or broken sections and securing gates to help maintain a safe, comfortable outdoor play area for your pets.

Overseed Where Necessary

Fix bare patches on your lawn by overseeding or applying a grass repair kit. Usually a mixture of sand, grass seed and a slow release fertilizer, these repair kits work wonders on dead spots.
Did you set up a kiddy pool or temporary gazebo? Chances are that the grass underneath has died over the summer and needs a boost to bounce back. Keep this area evenly moistened until the new seeds root and try to redirect traffic wherever possible.

Want more information about landscaping, click HERE for JPC Designs Landscapes.

Project Management

Project Management

Based on over twenty years in the construction and landscape industries, our project management services are invaluable in ensuring that your garden is built as designed, by skilled contractors.

Most people do not have the time or the expertise to organize and oversee their landscape project. We handle all the phases of your construction project from scheduling to project coordinating, to insure the utmost in quality installation.

The proof is in the final result. Check us out at JPC Landscape Designs.

Testimonial for JPC Landscape Designs

We just had to let you all know that we are so pleased with our new backyard in every way. We know it can only get even better from here!

To have a real backyard that we helped to plan and design is so very rewarding. It is so beautiful and we just love it! We appreciate everyone’s hard work and energy to make this happen.

We were so impressed every step of the way with each and every person’s attention to detail, hard effort and professionalism. Each person played a significant role in this project and you all deserve to be proud of a job well done!

We are glad to see you all getting more work in the neighborhood! Paul, feel free to forward this email to your team of dedicated people!”

~ Catherine and Jeff

See other examples of JPC Landscape Designs at JPCDesigns.com

Outdoor Kitchen Designs

Outdoor kitchen Design Ideas

Backyard kitchens with cooking surfaces, sinks, bars and storage areas are all the rage in the growing outdoor living trend.

Concrete countertops are being noticed as the number one material that is both highly functional as well as decorative for taking cooking and entertaining activities outdoors. Designing with concrete countertops outdoors is also attractive because of their easy maintenance and vast design flexibility.

 Take a look at these great design ideas.

Click HERE if you want to learn more from JPC Designs Landscapes

Check Out Some Happy Customers!

Here are a few customers that commented on their experience with JPC Landscape Designs.

We just had to let you all know that we are so pleased with our new backyard in every way. We know it can only get even better from here! To have a real backyard that we helped to plan and design is so very rewarding. It is so beautiful and we just love it! We appreciate everyone’s hard work and energy to make this happen. We were so impressed every step of the way with each and every person’s attention to detail, hard effort and professionalism. Each person played a significant role in this project and you all deserve to be proud of a job well done! We are glad to see you all getting more work in the neighborhood! Paul, feel free to forward this email to your team of dedicated people!”
~ Catherine and Jeff

“I wanted to thank you for all of your hard work as well as advice and consultation. The results are great and I enjoyed working with you and Tamara very much.”

~ Craig

Want to see more click HERE for JPC Landscape Designs, they are true professionals.

Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete
Stamped concrete
is concrete that is patterned and/or textured or embossed to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile, wood, and various other patterns and textures. Stamped concrete is commonly used for patios, sidewalks, driveways, pool decks, and interior flooring.

The ability of stamped concrete to resemble other building materials makes stamped concrete a less expensive alternative to using those other authentic materials such as stone, slate or brick.

There are three procedures used in stamped concrete which separate it from other concrete procedures; the addition of a base color, the addition of an accent color, and stamping a pattern into the concrete. These three procedures provide stamped concrete with a color and shape similar to the natural building material. It also is longer lasting than paved stone, and still resembles the look.


Procedures
Adding Base ColorThe base color is the primary color used in stamped concrete. The base color is chosen to reflect the color of the natural building material. The base color is produced by adding a color hardener to the concrete. Color hardener is a powder pigment used to dye the concrete.

The color hardener can be applied using one of two procedures; integral color or cast-on color. Integral color is the procedure where the entire volume of concrete is dyed the base color. The entire volume of concrete is colored by adding the color hardener to the concrete truck, and allowing all the concrete in the truck to be dyed. Cast-on color is the procedure where the surface of the concrete is dyed the base color. The surface of the concrete is colored by spreading the color hardener onto the surface of the wet concrete and floating the powder into the top layer of the wet concrete.

Concrete can be colored in many ways; color hardener, integral liquid or powder, acid stains to name a few. The process of integrally coloring the concrete offers the advantage of the entire volume being colored; however, the surface strength is not increased as with the use of color hardener. Dry shake color hardener is another popular way to color concrete. You broadcast the hardener on the concrete as soon as it is floated for the first time. After letting the bleed water soak into the hardener you float and trowel it in. This method only covers the surface about 3/16 of an inch but it gives the concrete surface a longer wear life.

Adding accent color
The accent color is the secondary color used in stamped concrete. The secondary color is used to produce texture and show additional building materials (e.g. grout) in the stamped concrete. The accent color is produced by applying color release to the concrete. Color release has two purposes. Color release is a pigment used to color the concrete and color release is a non-adhesive used to prevent the concrete stamps from sticking to the concrete.

The color release can be applied in one of two procedures based on the two forms it is manufactured in: powdered (cast-on color release made up of calcium-releasing powders that repel water); or liquid - which is a light aromatic-based solvent, spray-on color release. Cast-on color release is a procedure where the powder color release is applied by spreading the color release on the surface of the concrete before the concrete is stamped. Spray-on color release is a procedure where liquid color release is sprayed on the bottom of the concrete stamps before the concrete is stamped.

Stamping patterns
Concrete being stamped with an Ashlar Slate pattern

The pattern is the shape of the surface of the stamped concrete. The pattern reflects the shape of the natural building material. The pattern is made by imprinting the concrete shortly after it has been poured with a "concrete stamp". Most modern concrete stamps are made of polyurethane, but older "cookie cutter" style stamps were made of various metals. The old style stamps lacked the capabilities of forming natural stone texture.

Concrete stamping is the procedure which uses the concrete stamps to make the pattern in the stamped concrete. Concrete stamps are placed on the concrete after the color release has been applied. The concrete stamps are pushed into the concrete and then removed to leave the pattern in the stamped concrete.

In most cases concrete stamping is made to look like ordinary building products. Whether it be flagstone, brick, natural stone or any other common exterior looks, but there are many ways to personalize your own kind of stamp. It could be a homemade stamp or a recycled stamp, you can be as basic or as ornate as you wish. The Process is easy, first find a design that you, the homeowner, or contractor thinks will be a good fit. After making a mold of the desired stamp design, plan out the way it will look and fit in your designated area. The hardest part of stamping is the waiting, you must make sure the concrete is hard enough that the stamp won't sink but loose enough that it will make a clean stamp. Do not be afraid of trying new and creative stamps around your house. However, remember to be sure to test the stamp on a demo before stamping onto the permanent surface.

History
   Stamping concrete increased in popularity in the 1970s when it was first introduced in the World of Concrete. Builders saw it as a new way to satisfy the customer and make their budget work simultaneously. This technique of stamping concrete has been done for the past 50 years. When stamping concrete first began, there were very few choices of design and colors. However, as the industry grew more stamping patterns were being created along with many different types of stains to give us the vibrant colors we have today. Another advantage to using stamped concrete, is that it can be applied to many differents surfaces and textures. Such as driveways, highways, patios, decks, and even floors inside the home.Want to learn more from an expert? Click HERE for JPC Landscape Design.

Hardscapes Renovation In Your Backyard

Hardscapes In Your Backyard !



With Spring on it's way, many of us are looking forward to going out to our backyard and tending to the garden, or enjoying our outdoor fireplace or just taking the time to relax and unwind from our hectic and stressful schedules, (and dreaming about laying out by the pool!)

The hardscapes in our backyards play an important role in how we enjoy our backyard environment. If you are considering a backyard renovation for your home, here are some options you may want to consider:

The patio is more than just a place to lay muddy shoes, it should have a floor layout that flows and furniture that is fashionable and functional.

If you have a large landscape that you enjoy taking a stroll through, make it easier on the eyes and on the knees with sturdy pathways and walkways to guide you along.

Whether you are using them to separate a space, enclose the garden or create different levels within the landscape, retaining walls are a great option for enhancing aesthetics while performing a much needed function.

Wnat to see and learn more, click HERE to visit JPC Landscape Design to more great information. Need a quote for landscape work, give them a call.

Spring Landscape Design!

Even while we are in the midst of winter, you should still be thinking ahead to your spring landscaping design.

Now is the perfect time for pre-planning your spring landscape because it gives you an opportunity to list out all the features you like about your landscape and those you want to change.

It may be that you just want to enhance the look of something you already like within your landscaping.  For example, a pond.

If you already have a beautiful pond but want to add a stone wall or seating area near your pond to enjoy the landscape better, that’s an excellent idea.

What about hardscapes? In your spring pre-planning, think about what type of hardscapes you want in your overall landscape.

These are just a few things for you to plan for, but there is such a variety of different materials and styles, it’s best if you consult a landscape designer before trying to figure it out all on your own.

JPC landscape Designs,Inc. can help you decide on what landscape design will work best for your home and we can get the job done right.  You can stay stress free knowing your landscape is in the care of professionals.

Click HERE to get in contact with JPC Lascape Designs for all your landscaping needs.

Spring Bulb Planting

Plant Bulbs for Spring

Here is a good reference for bulb planting to keep in your garden files for next years planting season for bulbs.
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Step 1. Choose Your Bulbs
It's important to choose healthy bulbs. Avoid bulbs that are dry and withered or spongy and moldy. The best bulbs are firm and plump. As a rule of thumb, larger bulbs tend to produce more flowers.
Before picking your bulbs, consider the color scheme you'd like to create. If you want a natural and varied look, choose bulbs that produce contrasting colors and a range of heights. For a more uniform garden, choose flower bulbs that will bloom in shades of the same color. Check the plant's height on the package and plant low-growing bulbs in front of taller ones.

Step 2. Choose a Site

Since bulbs prefer full sun exposure, choosing the right gardening site is essential. Bulbs also need to be planted in rich, well-draining soil, which will help feed the bulbs underground, improving the quality of your springtime bloom. You must also have proper drainage in your garden because bulbs can easily rot in conditions that are too wet.
Helpful Tip: If you need to improve drainage in the area where bulbs are planted, add compost or peat moss to your soil.

Step 3. Ready the Soil

Bulbs need to be planted before the ground freezes so they have time to develop strong roots. Planting in autumn gives the roots plenty of growing time before spring. Use a garden tiller or trowel to loosen your soil. Remove any weeds or unwanted vegetation from the area using a Rototiller to splice the garden. Go over the area again crosswise to cut the soil up further.
When you're ready to begin planting, dig 8" holes for larger bulbs and 5" holes for smaller bulbs using a bulb planter. If you don't have a ruler handy, a good guide is to plant the bulbs twice as deep as they are tall. Check the bulbs' packages to determine spacing and exact planting depth. The larger the bulbs, the more space you should allow between them.
Helpful Tip: Add a thick layer of compost into the soil using a tiller or spade for ultimate bulb health.

Step 4. Plant Your Bulbs

Bulbs grow best when they're planted in groups. In a small garden, plant bulbs in groupings of 6 to 12. In a large garden, plant them in groups of 12 to 24.

Be sure to plant the pointed end of the bulb up. If you can't tell which end is correct, place the bulb on its side and it will right itself. Cover bulbs lightly with soil and sprinkle bulb food and blood meal on top. Blood meal is a popular fertilizer that is often used for roses and other bulbs. Next, add a 2" layer of mulch or leaves. Keep the soil moist by watering thoroughly.
Helpful Tip: To protect your bulbs from pests, plant bulbs in a cage made of hardware cloth. The roots and stems grow through, but rodents won't be able to get to the bulbs.

Step 5. Give Your Bulbs Care and Attention

Bulbs don't require heavy feeding, but they do need an annual application of fertilizer to look their best. Remove bloom seed heads immediately after the bloom period, but let the bulb foliage die naturally. This keeps the bulbs a healthy size so they can thrive. To help prevent weed seeds from growing, consider mulching with organic matter or use weed barriers.

Great job! You should have a beautiful garden come spring.

Want to learn more: Click HERE for JPC Landscape Designs