Walkways, Patios and Steps – How to Choose the Perfect Stone

Stones which we use for driveways, patios, walkways etc are called Pavers.  Pavers are valued for their versality, colour choices and shapes.  They are a great alternative to cement.

If you are looking for a do it yourself project here are some simple guidelines to figure out how many pavers are required:

1

Mark the perimeter of your planned patio on the ground by using landscaping paint in a can. Measure each of the individual sides of this area and record them, using feet as the units.

Step 2

Using the dimensions of these sides, make a top view drawing of your patio area to scale on the graph paper.

Step 3

Determine the mathematical area of your patio in square feet (we’ll call the area of the patio “P”) . You may want to use the area calculation tool in the resources section. For more complex patio shapes, divide the shape into simpler shapes, calculate their individual areas, and then add the areas together.

Step 4

Measure the sides of the paver you will be using for the patio and calculate its area (we’ll call the area of one paver “p”). If you measured the paver in inches, convert any square-inch calculations to square feet.

Step 5

Take the total calculated square feet of area of your patio (P) and divide this by the area in square feet of one paver (p).

P/p = # of pavers needed

This will give you the total number of pavers needed to complete your project

OR…you can call Rainbow Landscaping ( for landscaping in the gta) and receive a free drawing with your signed contract when you tell us you read our blog!  Call Rainbow Landscaping at 905-731-7220 today for your free in home consultation.

Do It Yourself Tree Planting

Planting a tree may sound simple, dig a hole and stick the tree in, hope for the best.  Planting a tree is really not so simple.  Follow these guidelines to give your tree a good chance of surviving and flourishing.

1) pick a planting site that is clear of power lines and has room to grow upward and outward.  Keep in mind that you are going to have this tree around for many many years to come.  Don’t plant the majestic oak right next to the house; instead plant it further away from the house so it has a chance to be a full-grown specimen.

2) Select a tree that suits your weather and region.  If in doubt consult your local gardening centre and give them as much information about the location you are planning to plant your tree.

3)  Once you have decided on the location you are going to plant your tree, prepare the area.  You will likely need a spade or sod cutter to remove the sod, a rounded shovel to dig with, a hard rake to help break up soil clods and rake the soil smooth, and a garden hose with a water source to water the planted tree.

4)You will need a spade or sod cutter to remove the sod, a rounded shovel to dig with, a hard rake to help break up soil clods and rake the soil smooth, and a garden hose with a water source to water the planted tree.

5) Now your are ready to dig your hole and be ware! This is where most people make their mistakes.  about two-thirds of the root ball will be under the soil surface. The hole does need to be fairly wide, roughly twice the diameter of the root ball, dig a sauce like hole that is wide and shallow. Planting the tree too deep can kill it.

6) Remove the tree from its pot or lining and place it in the hole. Backfill the hole, gently tamping the soil firmly into place around the sides of the root ball to remove air pockets.

7) Now you are ready to water your tree.  Set the garden hose on a slow trickle, which will periodically need to be repositioned around the root ball to ensure even watering.

It is a good idea to now layer about 3 inches of mulch but make sure that the mulch doesn’t sit at the trunk of the tree.

9) Make sure to give your new tree a good drink of water regularly. If any branches are broken or are crossing or rubbing other branches, prune them away.

10) If all else fails, call Rainbow Landscaping and we will plant your trees for you!

Walkways, Inviting and Beautiful!

Do more than great your guests!  Welcome them to your front door with a beautiful, natural stone walkway.

Looking for a landscaper in the GTA? 

 Call Rainbow Landscaping at 905-731-7220 today, let us know you read our blog and received a free drawing with your signed contract!

Toronto Landscaping Ideas

Looking for landscaping ideas?  Rainbow landscape construction and design is definitely the place to start! 

Take a look at our newly designed website featuring pictures of landscape work that we have done in the GTA.  Toronto landscaping at its finest! http://www.rainbowlandscaping.com

Preparing Your Garden for Fall

The most common question when looking for answers on how to prepare your garden for fall is when to start preparing your garden.  We have found that the best time to start preparing your garden is approximately 6 weeks before the first freeze.

A basic requirement for Fall is lawn preparation.  Six weeks before the first freeze the ideal time to sow cool-season grasses such as fescue and rye.   This time will give them the opportunity to germinate and develop a good root system before freezing temperatures arrive.

It’s also the right time to fertilize turf grasses, preferably with slow-release, all-natural fertilizer (available in any garden centre.)  Turf grasses store food in the form of carbohydrates during winter months when given the proper nurtients.  This is the preparation to a lovely looking lawn in the spring.

Hardscaping, Landscaping, Homescaping

Do you dream of a home with gardens, pathways and hidden spots for quiet reading?  When you are planning your dream landscaping around your home don’t forget that a functional landscape plan is the best plan no matter what your needs (and dreams) are. 

Adding hardscaping to your landscaping helps to define areas and spaces set aside for certain functionality such as play areas, walkways, patios and pergolas.  Hardscaping can even solve problem areas such as that stubborn area where you can get grass to grow.  The area under that beautiful old tree.  Try adding some hardscaping to that area and create a meditation bench!

Mention this blog and receive a free drawing with signed contract at Rainbow Landscaping.

Ornamental Grasses

Looking to complete your fall garden?  Try ornamental grasses!  These beautiful additions to your garden are easy to plant and easy to care for.  The blades of ornamental grass provide an array of color from golds, yellows, reds to purples. The beautiful plumes open in the fall and stay throughout winter.

Mention this blog and receive a free drawing with signed contract at Rainbow Landscaping.

Lawn Care – 5 Simple Steps

With fall upon us and winter just around the corner your lawn needs all the attention you can give it now more than ever.  You can easily attain “lawn nirvana” by following the following steps:

1) If you have the need, sprinkle lawn seed and make sure to keep the seeds moist (not too wet)

2) Turf grasses love to be fertilized in the fall but beware of the type of fertilizer you choose.  Too much nitrogen is not a good thing!

3) Keeping your grass a bit taller is a great idea in the fall.  Grass roots tend to grow as deep as the blade is high so a taller blade = a deeper root system.4).

4) Rake up your leaves.  Fallen leaves that are left can lead to insect and disease problems.

5) Avoid walking on lawns once the ice has set in.  This can lead to damage to the grass blades.

Mention this blog and receive a free drawing with signed contract at Rainbow Landscaping.

Fabulous Fall Gardens

As fall approaches many of us consider putting our gardens to rest.  As challenging as autumn gardening can be it can also be quite rewarding.  Fall colors are fabulous, yellows and oranges, greens and golds.  Let your imagination take over, picture warm and cozy garden niches.  Plan your garden carefully, adding not only beautiful flowery plants but structure and form will help to create a garden of beauty and interest.

You will find that often adding just one of the following plants will add the desired look for your garden:

• Rhododendrons
• maple
• beech
• willow
• yew
•  holly
•  juniper
•  pine

After creating the structure to your garden you can start to add the color.  Some of the late bloomers for fall gardens are:

• fall chrysanthemums
• ornamental cabbages
•  kale,
•  asters

Do you have any questions?  Feel free to email us at info@rainbowlandscaping.com

Hardscape = Escape

Hardscaping your backyard can create the perfect escape for you and your family.  Get creative!  Let your imagination take over!

A stone wall can create charm and character to your backyard as well as a garden border.  Large, oversized planters can create small lush gardens on patios and decks. Cover a seating area with a flower covered arbour to create a small and peaceful area.

There is no end to the possibilities for hardscaping projects, let Rainbow Landscaping help you plan and implement.  Mention this blog and receive a free drawing with your signed contract.