As summer fades and the crisp air of autumn takes over, September is a pivotal month in the landscape calendar. At WLDflora Landscape, we see this as an opportunity to shape outdoor spaces that not only embrace the beauty of fall but also transition seamlessly into winter and beyond. September is the perfect time to consider landscape designs that offer all-season appeal, combining bold structure, vibrant fall color and elements that make outdoor living enjoyable year-round.
August is a month of transition, a time when the garden whispers its final notes of summer before the symphony of fall begins. The air, heavy with the lingering warmth of the season, starts to cool in the evenings, and the landscape offers a last burst of color and fragrance as if bidding farewell to the long days of sunlight.
As summer fades and the crisp air of autumn takes over, September is a pivotal month in the landscape calendar. At WLDflora Landscape, we see this as an opportunity to shape outdoor spaces that not only embrace the beauty of fall but also transition seamlessly into winter and beyond. September is the perfect time to consider landscape designs that offer all-season appeal, combining bold structure, vibrant fall color and elements that make outdoor living enjoyable year-round.
Do you ever want to just shake up the dull suburban neighborhood vibe with your containers - maybe some shocking oranges and some creepy colored succulents? Here are some tips from our WLDflora Landscape Hort Care Department to help you make some unique container compositions this year.
1. PLANT SIZE To make a visually pleasing design you need to incorporate the rule of 1/3s.- A plants mature size should be 2/3s taller than the size of the pot or vice versa. Plants with similar hues are unifying.
2. POTS The larger the pot the more dramatic the displays. Allow for plant growth and root spread. Use either foam or an upside down container to fill space and keep the planter from getting too heavy.
3. SOIL Use an all purpose soil except when planting succulents - which need a more coarse soil. We suggest either gravel or pumice for better drainage with succulents. Use a slow release fertilizer in the top 6-12”s of the soil for healthier plants.
4. PLANTING When planting the first thing you should do is cover the drain holes with a chicken wire or some kind of screening material. Clay pellets or a small pea gravel can be used to fill space above the screening for proper drainage. Next place the soil in the container leaving a couple inches of space from the top of the container. Pack it down gently and water to eliminate any excess air spaces. Now place your plants. When placing plants always start with the largest and then work your way down - large to medium to small and then fillers. Try not to cover the entire soil space with plants. It will fill in soon.
5. AFTER CARE Water is critical to your containers health and well being. Water profusely at first - at least until water begins to seep from the bottom of the containers drain holes. A good rule of thumb when watering containers is the finger test. Before watering poke a finger into the soil of the container and then pull it out - if soil is sticking to your finger watering may not e necessary.. On the other hand, if no soil is stuck to your finger it means the container is dry and water needs to be applied accordingly.
If watering is too time consuming we suggest a drip line irrigation system be installed - a 1.4” drip line or a spray emitter.
August is a month of transition, a time when the garden whispers its final notes of summer before the symphony of fall begins. The air, heavy with the lingering warmth of the season, starts to cool in the evenings, and the landscape offers a last burst of color and fragrance as if bidding farewell to the long days of sunlight.
Kids often have a sense of adventure and curiosity that extends to their own residential spaces. Here are the top 10 outdoor residential adventure requests commonly made by kids:
Treehouse or Fort Building: Kids often dream of having their own treehouse or fort in the backyard, where they can play and use their creativity to build a secret hideout.
Backyard Camping: Children frequently request to have a camping experience in their own backyard, complete with tents, sleeping bags, and a campfire for roasting marshmallows.
Trampoline or Swing Set: Many kids request trampolines or swing sets to have fun and exercise right at home.
Zip Line and Rock Walls: Some adventurous children ask for a backyard zip line and Rock walls, which provides an exciting and challenging activity.
Obstacle or Ninja Warrior Course: Kids love to create obstacle courses using household items, but some request more elaborate setups in their yard for physical challenges and fun competitions.
Gardening Space: Some kids express a keen interest in gardening and ask for a dedicated space to plant and tend to their own flowers or vegetables.
Basketball Hoop or Mini Soccer or Lacrosse Field: Sports-loving kids may request a basketball hoop or a small soccer field in their backyard.
Batting & Pitching Cages: Baseball and softball players request a place where they can practice their hitting & pitching skills in their own backyards. Also indoor/garage cages are commonly requested as well.
Outdoor Art Studio: Children with a creative streak may request an outdoor space with art supplies, encouraging them to draw, paint, and create.
Pet Keeping: Some kids ask for pets like rabbits, chickens, or a small fish pond, fostering a sense of responsibility and outdoor interaction.
These residential outdoor adventure requests allow children to explore, play, and learn right at home. They encourage physical activity, creativity, and a deeper connection to the natural world.
Using native landscape plants offers several significant benefits to the community, both ecologically and socially. Here are some of the ways in which native plants benefit the community:
Conservation of Local Biodiversity: Native plants provide habitat and food sources for local wildlife, including birds, insects, and pollinators. By using native plants, you support the preservation of local ecosystems and biodiversity.
Improved Air and Water Quality: Native plants filter pollutants from the air and water, helping to improve overall air and water quality. This contributes to the health and well-being of community members.
Reduced Water Usage: Native plants are adapted to local climate conditions and generally require less water, reducing the demand on local water resources and promoting responsible water conservation.
Enhanced Resilience: Native plants are more resilient to local environmental conditions, such as climate, soil, and pests. This means that they often require fewer chemical inputs, making the community more sustainable.
Reduced Maintenance: Native plants typically require less maintenance than non-native species because they are well-suited to local conditions. This can lead to cost savings and reduced labor needs for community landscaping.
Aesthetic and Educational Value: Native landscapes can be aesthetically pleasing and can serve as outdoor classrooms for residents, providing opportunities for education about local flora and ecosystems.
Promotion of a Sense of Place: Using native plants can create a sense of place and identity within a community. It connects residents to their local environment and fosters a deeper appreciation for the region.
Increased Property Values: Well-designed native landscapes can enhance property values, contributing to the economic health of the community.
Community Engagement: Initiatives to incorporate native plants in public spaces can bring community members together, fostering a sense of pride and ownership in local landscapes.
Climate Adaptation: Native plants often have traits that make them more resilient to climate change impacts, helping to mitigate some of the effects of global warming in the community.
In summary, the use of native landscape plants benefits the community by promoting environmental sustainability, supporting local wildlife, reducing resource consumption, and contributing to a stronger sense of place and community identity. It also leads to healthier ecosystems and more resilient landscapes, which, in turn, enhance the overall well-being and quality of life for community members.
Having a native or localized landscape and vegetable garden landscape plan offers numerous benefits, including:
Environmental Sustainability: Native plants require less water, pesticides, and fertilizers, which reduces the overall environmental impact and conserves resources.
Water Conservation: Native plants are adapted to local conditions and require less irrigation, helping to conserve water and reduce water bills.
Biodiversity: Local plants attract and support native wildlife, such as birds, insects, and pollinators, enhancing the overall ecosystem and promoting biodiversity.
Low Maintenance: Native plants are well-suited to the local climate and soil, reducing the need for extensive maintenance and lawn care.
Resilience: Indigenous plants are naturally adapted to local conditions, making them more resilient to pests, diseases, and extreme weather events.
Reduced Pest Management: Native landscapes often require fewer pesticides, as they are less susceptible to invasive pests and diseases.
Energy Efficiency: Trees and shrubs planted strategically can provide shade and windbreaks, reducing heating and cooling costs for your home.
Improved Soil Health: Native plants can enhance soil health by promoting beneficial microbial activity and reducing erosion.
Aesthetics: Local landscapes reflect the natural beauty of the region and can be designed to create a unique, aesthetically pleasing outdoor environment.
Cost Savings: Reduced water and maintenance needs, lower pest management costs, and energy savings can result in significant cost savings over time.
By incorporating native or localized plants into your landscape and vegetable garden, you not only benefit the environment but also enjoy a more sustainable, cost-effective, and visually appealing outdoor space.
Promoting a more eco-friendly and sustainable way of living is crucial for several reasons, as it directly impacts our well-being, the health of the planet, and the future of generations to come. Here are some key aspects of the importance of sustainability and eco-friendliness:
Environmental Preservation:
Perhaps the most immediate and pressing reason for sustainable living is environmental preservation. Our planet faces critical challenges such as climate change, deforestation, habitat loss, and resource depletion. By adopting eco-friendly practices, we reduce our contribution to these problems and help protect the environment for future generations.
Climate Change Mitigation:
Sustainable living aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, which are a primary driver of climate change. By adopting sustainable practices, such as reducing energy consumption, using renewable energy sources, and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, we can help mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Resource Conservation:
Many of the Earth's resources, including water, fossil fuels, and minerals, are finite. Sustainable living practices promote the efficient use of resources, reducing waste and ensuring that resources are available for future generations.
Biodiversity Conservation:
Sustainable land use and habitat preservation are essential for protecting biodiversity. By maintaining diverse ecosystems, we help ensure the survival of countless species and the overall health of the planet.
Economic Benefits:
Sustainable living can lead to cost savings. For example, energy-efficient homes and transportation reduce utility bills and fuel costs. Sustainable agriculture practices can lead to higher yields and lower input costs. In addition, sustainable businesses often enjoy greater consumer trust and loyalty.
Health and Well-being:
Eco-friendly and sustainable living practices can have a positive impact on personal health. Cleaner air, sustainable food sources, and reduced exposure to harmful chemicals all contribute to improved well-being.
Resilience to Shocks:
A sustainable lifestyle often includes practices that make individuals and communities more resilient in the face of natural disasters, economic downturns, and other shocks. For example, local and sustainable food sources can help communities weather food supply disruptions.
Ethical and Social Responsibility:
Sustainable living reflects ethical and social responsibility by considering the impacts of our choices on others. It supports fair labor practices, responsible consumption, and respect for cultural and natural diversity.
Education and Awareness:
Promoting sustainable living helps raise awareness about environmental issues and encourages the adoption of environmentally friendly practices. It fosters a sense of responsibility and encourages people to become more informed and engaged global citizens.
Global Equity:
Sustainable living can help reduce global disparities in access to resources and opportunities. By using resources more efficiently and equitably, we can work towards a more just and equitable world.
Long-Term Planning:
Sustainable living encourages long-term thinking and planning. It's an investment in the future that focuses on the well-being of future generations, fostering a sense of intergenerational responsibility.
In summary, promoting eco-friendly and sustainable living is essential for the health of the planet, the well-being of individuals and communities, and the equitable distribution of resources. It represents a commitment to responsible, ethical, and forward-thinking choices that benefit both the present and the future.
Here are some ways in which it can positively impact the local environment, economy, and overall quality of life:
Conservation of Native Species: Planting native species helps conserve local plant and wildlife species that have evolved to thrive in the area. This contributes to the preservation of biodiversity.
Habitat for Wildlife: Native plants provide food and shelter for local wildlife, including birds, insects, and pollinators. This supports the local ecosystem and can enhance the presence of desirable wildlife in the community.
Reduced Water Usage: Native plants are adapted to local conditions and often require less water than non-native plants. This can lead to water conservation, especially important in areas prone to drought.
Improved Air Quality: Native plants help filter pollutants from the air, contributing to better air quality, and passion for their craft are truly commendable.
Lower Maintenance Costs: Native plants are well-suited to local soil and climate conditions, reducing the need for fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation. This lowers maintenance costs for individual property owners and the community.
Erosion Control: Native plants with deep root systems help control soil erosion, which can be a significant issue in some areas. This is essential for preserving the local environment.
Enhanced Aesthetics: Native landscapes can be aesthetically pleasing and can enhance the overall beauty of the community. They offer unique, region-specific landscapes that highlight the local character.
Educational Opportunities: Native gardens and landscapes can serve as valuable educational resources for schools and community organizations. They can teach residents about local flora and fauna and the importance of conservation.
Improved Health and Well-being: Being in proximity to natural environments and native landscapes has been linked to improved mental health, reduced stress, and increased overall well-being among community members.
Increased Property Values: Attractive and well-maintained native landscapes can increase property values, benefitting homeowners and the community as a whole.
Community Identity: Native landscapes can help define a sense of place and community identity. They reflect the unique natural features and character of the region.
Climate Resilience: Native plants are often more resilient in the face of climate change and extreme weather events, which can help protect the community's green infrastructure.
Overall, using native landscape plants benefits the community by creating a more sustainable and ecologically balanced environment, enhancing the aesthetics of the area, and improving the overall quality
Starting a tree off right is very important for its long-term health. Know your garden conditions, what is the ideal species and select a good specimen. Minor issues with the tree can generally be fixed at the time of planting, however major issues can be hard to fix - so do your due diligence when selecting a tree for your landscape. Here are several things to consider prior to purchasing and planting a new tree.
1. Potential locations in your yard:
a. Consider how much sun or shade your yard gets.
i. For a tree to develop a nice symmetrical shape it needs full sun.
ii. Too much shade can result in a lopsided tree.
b. Soil moisture level: Examine how dry or wet the soil is where you are considering a new tree/
i. Some native trees can be drought tolerant while other species may need a lot of water or be “wet footed” and are not bothered by some excess watering.
ii. To determine wet or dryness of your chosen location dig a test hole to see what is below the surface. Fill the hole with water and see how soon or how long it takes for the water to drain out … if it does.
c. Measure available space: Make sure there is enough space for the tree when mature.
2. Identify your regions native tree species:
a. Join or link to your local native plant communities or extension office.
b. Visit near by botanical gardens or arboretums to see mature sized trees.
c. Browse nurseries and garden centers to see what is available and new
d. A tree that grows near your home or local will most likely be successful
e. Understand that each tree on your wish list needs to meet its optimal conditions.
i. Soil – texture, PH level etc.
ii. Moisture
iii. Light
iv. Altitude
v. Tolerance – salt, wind, drought etc.
vi. Mature height and spread
vii. Maintenance issues
viii. Select trees that only grow in your local area or zone
f. Purchase trees during the optimal growing season for the variety and region.
3. Choose a healthy well shaped specimen:
a. Carefully examine the trees foliage for damage, unhealthy leaves or signs of distress
b. Check for wounds to the trunk or a lot of dead branches.
c. Inspect the top of the root ball for excess soil and remove
d. Container trees should be removed from container and inspected for root girdling or circling roots.
Popular Native trees used in Ohio/Kentucky Landscapes:
Tupelo – Nyssa Sylvatica Dogwood - Cornus Florida
Sweetgum – Liquidambar styraciflua River Birch – Betula Nigra
American Smoke Tree – Cotinus obovatus Northern Red Oak – Quercus Rubra
Eastern Redbud - Cercis canadensis Sweetbay Magnolia – Magnolia Virginia
Fringe Tree – Chionanthus Virginicus Serviceberry - Amelanchier x grandiflora
Before planting your new tree it is important to properly prepare the planting area/hole and fix any issues with the root ball to prevent problems later on. Before planting do some research or checkout Part 1 of our Landscape Tree Series.
Some Guidelines and requirements:
1. Water the root ball thoroughly prior to planting – either the day of or the day before.
a. Container trees should be freed from their containers.
b. Do not remove burlap from balled and burlapped trees unless you are certain the soil will stay intact upon installation.
2. Prepare the planting hole:
a. Dig to a depth slightly less than the height of the root ball. The root flare should be above ground level when planted
b. Dig the hole 3-4xs wider than the root ball, with straight sides that have been scarified with a shovel.
c. Do not put a layer of gravel in the bottom for drainage.
3. Score thin vertical channels every 10-12” around the root ball – mostly done with container plants.
4. Move the tree onto a tarp and gently spray away excess soil from around the roots (balled and burlap – leave in hole). Tease apart roots to eliminate compacted oil and aid in the roots ability to grow in the native soil.
5. Address any other issues and then plant right away.
Proper tree care is essential for the prolong health & growth of your new tree – for at least 2 years.
1. Watering
a. In dry weather you should water your tree every week. Do not let the soil get squishy or swampy or to collect surface water.
b. Monitor signs of stress, watering, no water, wind and disease/insects.
2. Disease and Pests - Vary according to different tree types and species.
Some general symptoms to look out for:
a. Leaf discoloration
b. Dropping leaves
c. Sticky or chewed on leaves or stems
d. Holes in the bark of the trunk or leaves
e. Mushrooms
f. Signs of animals.
3. Staking
Generally staking is not required but occasionally trees need a little bit of support to counter wind or soil conditions. Do Not leave cords or wiring wrapped around the tree trunk once the tree has been established – sme goes for trunk protectors or shipping material wrapped around the trunk generally at a time of delivery.
4. Pruning - How and when to prune your tree depends on the following:
a. Variety
b. Time of the year
c. Tree shape goals
Remove and dead or broken branches or those obviously crossing. Do not make cuts flush with the trunk.
Its best to let the tree establish for a year or so before any major structural pruning occur.
5. Contact WLDflora Landscape, your local nursery or certified arborist if you have any further questions.
DESIGN IDEAS ON HOW TO MAKE A LANDSCAPE INVITING, EXCITING AND YOUR OWN
1. STAGE YOUR ENTRANCE
If space allows, stage a series of vignettes or garden doors to your front door. Things like gates, arbors, a manicured or loose hedge, or a trellis make a walk exciting and draws people to your door – make them want to see what’s next. Use fragrance, color and texture to make it a pleasant garden experience from the driveway or sidewalk to your front door.
2. ELEVATE- CHANGE THE PERSPECTIVE
Add a step up or a step down to create a movement into a space. Just like stepping into a house makes you feel welcome warm a step in the garden can be seen as an invite into something new – a new perspective or a new opportunity.
3. ENCLOSE TO ENLARGE
Again creating vignettes or separate rooms in the garden allows one the sense of something larger than what is really there. Through the use of hedges, trellis works or walls you can define areas and create pathways that not only slows down your visitors but also entertains and amuses them.
4. BALANCE EXPECTATION WITH SURPRISE
“Every wall, path, stone and flower should have a relationship to a central axis. Repeat elements throughout the garden – plants or structural hardscape material like a stone wall or steel edging. Top it off by adding a few surprises or follies to catch your guests off guard or create a sense of discovery and excitement.
5. REPEAT ARCHITECTUAL SHAPES
Strong shapes such as columnar shrubs, boxwoods or rows of small or large trees have a tendency to lead people where they need to go and where you want them to go. For a strong pull align a hedge along a straight path. To get a loose flowing pathway that seems to dance with movement space the plants in a fixed distance apart.
6. BRING THE HOMES ARCHITECTURE INTO THE GARDEN
Repeat shapes of windows and doors in the architectural features in the garden - such as gates and walls. Repeat colors from inside the home with paint and plant colors in the garden and create a strong connection between home and garden by continuing indoor features outside – like tile, stone and furniture.
Craft each space in your garden so that they seem knitted together with an element that draws you deeper and deeper into garden or towards a distinct feature or element.
Benefits
· Long Lasting, Less Labor, No shotgun fungus
· Renewable Resource, Insulates Plants
· Larger in diameter and longer than the competition
· Slightly acidic (favorable for most plantings)
· Decomposition adds nutrients to the soil
· Cheaper than bag or delivered mulch
· 20lbs per bale = lightweight & easy to spread
· 2 Bales = 1 cubic yard or 100sq ft of coverage at a 3" depth
Pine Straw Uses
Pine Straw is excellent landscaping mulch for either residential or commercial properties. Longleaf is the preferred straw, as its higher resin content makes it retain its bright color longer than other varieties. Pine Straw does not harbor termites or artillery fungus, and it preserves soil moisture. The interlocking nature of the needles of longleaf straw makes it excellent for erosion control on hillsides. The straw is hand raked and baled for the best possible quality. It is less expensive per square foot than wood mulches, and no trees are destroyed in Pine Straw production. The one precaution we recommend is to avoid placing Pine Straw in contact with a building constructed of flammable siding to minimize the fire hazard. This precaution should also be taken when using shredded wood mulch or any flammable mulch material.
Longleaf Pine Straw - (14 Inch Pine Needle - a.k.a. - Long Needle Pine Straw, Pinus Palustris ) The thickest needle with the heaviest wax coating resulting in extreme durability. Very few companies actually carry this premium product due to the fact that it's scarce. This is the only product that we carry due to its superior qualities.
Is a 100% organic product made from composted ingredients harvested from local farming operations. Used as a mulch, its rich dark color, sweet earthy aroma, and natural texture are the perfect enhancement to any landscape setting. With a high moisture retention value, it is excellent for amending your soil as well as mulching your perennial, ornamental and vegetable gardens, spot seeding lawns and mulching around the base of trees and shrubs.
Sweet Peet is safe for children, pets, plants and all living things!
What is it?
Bull Country Compost is a nutrient dense soil conditioner produced from cow and horse manure. During production, compost is heated naturally, without the use of chemical enhancements, to 150 degrees for at least 72 hours to eliminate weed seeds and harmful bacteria. After 6-9 months of curing, the final product is screened to ensure a uniform, easy to spread product.
BULL COUNTRY COMPOST is approved for Organic use by Organic Materials Review Institute.
Where to use it.
• Feed existing lawns
• Boost soil to establish new lawns and gardens
• Mulch existing gardens for weed control
• Condition vegetable gardens annually before planting
• Create potting soil (Mix 50% topsoil and 50% compost)
Why use it?
• Environmentally friendly - Chemical free
• Beneficial to acid soil and plants requiring a high Ph
• Contains no weed germination
• Helps retain moisture
• Enhances soil condition
• Promotes earthworm population
• Builds deeper root systems
• Aerates compacted soils and increases drainage capacity
• Replenishes natural mineral content
• Releases nutrients for 2 years after application
It is 100% composted chicken manure from our own chicken farm. This way you know what you are getting every time. Our compost works great mixed with top soil, and mulch giving your lawn and gardens the best nutrients and minerals for better growth. You could actually say you are getting 4 products in 1. Not only are you getting a great composted manure, you are also getting a soil conditioner, a protector against soil born diseases, a weed reducer, and more!! That’s more bang for your buck!
NATURAL WOOD
As the snow begins to melt and temperatures rise it will soon be time to pull out our outdoor furniture for a good spring cleaning and prepare for some summer al fresco dining. Where to start? Check out our WLDflora Hort Care Clean + Care Guide checklist below:
1; Furniture Covers There are protective covers available for most lines of furniture.
2. Weather Resistant Woods The key to longevity of outdoor wood furniture is find good quality pieces made with wood that is appropriate for outdoor use. Teak, cedar, white oak, and even the less expensive acacia woods are naturally rot resistant and durable enough to withstand all kinds of weather conditions.
3. How to Clean Outdoor Furniture A moistened cloth with water or a mild soap solution is best when cleaning your outdoor furniture. For tougher stains or mold a soft scrub brush with a mix of dishwasher solution or oxygen bleach may be required. Scrub in the direction of the wood grain. Remove challenging stains by lightly sanding (again, with the direction of the grain) and rinsing the surface afterwards.
4. Silver Patina for Outdoor Furniture Most woods left untreated will develop that silver weathered patina – if that’s the look that you are looking for. Due to the natural rot resistance of the wood they will require little to no maintenance or upkeep.
5. Sealants To keep your wood furniture looking like new, it can be treated with several different kinds of sealants to preserve the color or look that you desire as well as provide protection. To apply a sealant, you will need to first wash and lightly sand your furniture. Please consult the manufacturers recommendations on your products.
Care and Cleaning Tips
Always start with a light cleaning, sweeping surfaces as needed with a soft brush or cloth.
Non-detergent liquid soap is best used when cleaning outdoor furniture. It will clean but not harm your furniture. For tougher stains and mildew, use water and white vinegar.
Read the manual. Unless you inherit or purchase vintage pieces, outdoor furniture should come with instructions about care and cleaning.
Sunscreens and bird droppings can be particularly damaging and cause permanent stains and corrosion. They should be cleaned off as soon as possible
Consider covering your furniture when not in use for long periods of time or during long bouts of inclement weather.
Cleaning will extend its life and make maintenance easier after the outdoor season begins again. Use breathable covers to avoid creating a mold incubator.
If you live in an area with especially harsh winter weather, consider storing your furniture indoors or building a storage bin/shed.
Wicker Furniture Care
Here’s everything you need to know about caring for your outdoor wicker furniture:
Wicker is a word used to describe nearly any woven material. Generally outdoor wicker furniture falls into two categories: natural and man-made fibers. Wicker furniture is usually made from weaving flexible rattan, twigs or other thin branches, or manmade fibers. How to care for and clean wicker furniture:
1. Natural Fibers The most common natural fiber wicker furniture is made from rattan reeds or paper fiber rush. Some are left in their natural finish, while others are painted or treated with some type of clear coating. Natural wicker should be indoors or under a covered garden element away from inclement weather. If exposed to the elements rattan will eventually rot the fibers causing the furniture to decay, collapse or break after a period of time. Painted wicker; exposed to the weather may cause the paint to get damaged and peel or flake off as well. The best way to keep wicker clean is to use a vacuum with the brush attachment or a hand held brush to remove surface dirt and dust. Spills or stains can be washed with a dampened cloth, mild soap and water. In case mildew has formed, wipe the wicker with a mixture of vinegar and water followed with a dampened cloth. Untreated reed wicker can be rinsed with a hose and left in the sun to dry, but paper wicker should never be sprayed with water. We recommend avoiding excess water as best possible as it can get trapped in the cracks and crevices of the furniture and create a mold and mildew issue.
2. Man-made Weatherproof Fibers Wicker woven with resin fibers, (plastics), can be left outside year-round and they are highly resistant to mildew, fading, staining, and cracking. Dirt and debris can be prevented by placing a cover over the furniture during periods of non-use to reduce cleaning when you head back outdoors. Like natural wicker you can vacuum or use a dry, clean brush to dust the furniture. For deeper cleaning, spray with a hose and wipe dry with a soft cloth. Avoid letting water stand on the surface.
How to Care for Metal Patio Furniture
SPRING is around the corner its time to liberate our outdoor furniture from storage and give it a good once over for the summer months ahead. Here’s our guide to cleaning and caring for metal furniture:
1. Furniture Covers Do not protect your treated metal furniture with a plastic tablecloth. It can trap water, humidity, and heat that can damage the finish and metal over time.
2. Metal Furniture Basics Metal can last a lifetime and is considered the most durable material for outdoor furniture - if taken care of it properly. Most metal outdoor furniture is finished with paint, varnish, or powder coating to prevent rust. However, it is recommended for use in areas other than places near salt water due to oxidation which causes pitting and can dull the finish - aluminum will not rust.
*If you do like that rusty, earthy, Tuscany colored steel look try some Corten steel products to accent your gardens.
3. Soaps & Cleaners Metal furniture is best cleaned with a wet cloth or sponge using water and mild, non-detergent soap – then wiped dry. Abrasive scrubbers or cleaners should not be used as they can scratch the finish, potentially exposing the metal to rust-inducing moisture. For ingrained dirt, use window cleaner or a non-abrasive multi-purpose cleaner. Keep an eye out for scratches or any signs of rust, especially at furniture joints. Apply touch-up paint to scratches to prevent rust. If rust or mold is present, sand the area lightly using fine-grit sandpaper and apply rust-proof touch-up paint if available. To remove oxidization from aluminum furniture, use a solution of equal parts of white vinegar and water; avoid alkaline cleaners that may cause oxidation.
Rust vs. Patina Our WLDflora Hort Care General Outdoor Furniture Care and Cleaning Tips:
Always start with a light cleaning, sweeping surfaces as needed with a soft brush or cloth.
Non-detergent liquid soap will clean without harming your furniture or use water and white vinegar for tougher stains and mildew.
Read the manual. Unless you inherit or purchase vintage pieces, outdoor furniture should come with instructions.
Sunscreens and bird droppings should be cleaned off as soon as possible. They are particularly damaging and can lead to permanent staining and corrosion.
Consider covering your furniture when not in use for long periods of time. This will extend the life of your furniture and make cleaning easier after the outdoor season begins again. We recommend breathable covers to avoid creating a mold.
For best protection from inclement weather we suggest storing your furniture indoors or an outdoor storage bin/shed - if possible.
