journal

Notes from around the lake

Practical notes on planting, drainage, lighting and property care in the Lake Norman area, written by the person doing the work.

Hands planting into a garden bed
When to plant in the Lake Norman area

Most planting around the lake fails for one reason: it went in at the wrong time of year. Here is the calendar we work to.

A trench dug through a grassy yard filled with drainage stone
Five signs your property has a drainage problem

Drainage problems rarely announce themselves. They show up as dead patches, mossy grass and a mulch bed that keeps washing out.

A garden path lit at night by low landscape lighting
What landscape lighting actually costs and why

Lighting quotes vary more than almost any other landscaping job. Here is what sits behind the number.