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Tag: Carson Arthur

Ask a Pro: Carson Arthur’s Outdoor Sweeps Edition Part 2

Check out Part 2 of Carson Arthur’s best outdoor maintenance tips from our recent Facebook Q&A, here on Ask a Pro!

Q. Hey Carson. I have a rooftop patio. I want to buy artificial grass. What kind/brand do you suggest? Where should I buy it? How do I maintain it?

–Lisa R.

A. The tricky part about artificial grass is how it is used afterwards. A majority of the products on the market are made from recycled materials but cannot be recycled after they become turf. Either look for a biodegradable or recyclable option, or choose an outdoor rug made of natural sisal. Maintenance is easy, wash it with a hose!

–Carson Arthur

Q. How do I create height in my gardens without pulling all my plants out? Do I start over again?

–Kristin D.

A. No way! Save the plants! Consider adding a lattice panel with a nice vine on it. It’s an easy way to create the exact height even in the middle of a bed.

–Carson Arthur

Q. I have 3 agapanthus, aka lily of the Nile. Can I take the pods after the flowers are gone, dry them out, and plant them to make new ones?

–Tisa J.

A. You definitely can… but it’s a SLOW SLOW SLOW process to get them to a stage where they will bloom.

–Carson A.

Q. I have violets growing in my grass. What’s the best product to use to kill them once and for all without killing the grass?

–Max W.

A. Patience, sadly. I know there are a lot of chemicals, but if you want to go the natural route…it’s all about ripping them out one at a time. Sounds like fun?!?

–Carson A.

Q. Is it too late to start a small garden?

–Robin C.

A. Not at all! Go for it! Try some lettuce and radishes. They grow they fastest! Also spinach, kale, even some tomatoes and peppers will work for you now!

–Carson A.

June 30, 2016
Ask A Pro Q&A: Carson Arthur’s Outdoor Sweeps Edition

Missed our Facebook Q&A on the best outdoor design, advice, and gardening tips with outdoor design expert and Dream Team member Carson Arthur? Never fear! We’ve gathered up the answers from the expert himself in our latest Ask a Pro.

Q: I am trying to eradicate spearmint from a very small garden, but it is covered. I’ve put most of my plants in pots so the roots don’t get mixed with the mint. I just keep pulling the mint. Is there a better strategy?

–Tara P.

A: Oh no. That’s evil stuff! Unfortunately, the mint sends roots under the ground making it tough to pull out. Instead, bury the entire area with 7 layers of newspaper (working around the plants you want to save). Cover the newspaper with mulch and voila! An effective mint barrier that will smother the noxious weed and safely biodegrade into the garden.

–Carson Arthur

Q: Hi Carson. I recently planted a jalapeno plant as well as some cilantro in my small garden. Do you have any tips on how to best grow these plants specifically? Thanks!

—Victoria D.

A: Hot! As in, they love it hot! The more heat the better. Consider doing a 6″ cardboard ring around the bottom of pepper plant to allow it as much exposure as possible without any competition from other plants.

–Carson Arthur

Q: I have a 12-foot square area that we have tilled that is literally sandy soil. Mostly sand and rocks. What will grow here? We can’t plant grass because there is just no way to get rid of the rocks. Help!

—Pam M.

A: Tricky problem. I would consider doing a mass planting of some decorative grasses. They will handle the soil and give you amazing fall colour. Look for Northern Rye as a great option.

–Carson Arthur

Check back for Part 2!

June 20, 2016
Ask a Pro Q&A: Starting an English Cottage Garden

Garden season is here and we can’t wait to fill our backyards with flowers, sculptures, and so much more! Hope A. in South Carolina is a garden-lover and wants to style her yard after an English cottage garden. We loved the idea so we sent her question to Dream Team member and outdoor design expert Carson Arthur for his best advice, because the more you know, the more you grow!

Q: I would love to have a cottage garden in front of my home here in South Carolina! Unfortunately, my house is built on a slab and the garden area is mostly in the shade. Right now I’m growing dwarf gardenias, hosta, calla lilies, astilbe, Japanese painted ferns princess lily, and colocasia. The current plants are dispersed throughout the space and look sparse even though the space is small. What can I do to bring my garden together and create an English-inspired look? Thanks!

-Hope A.

A: Everyone always assumes that an English cottage garden is all about the cute plants. The truth is, this style of garden started in part because of the terrible rocky soil that they were grown on. It sounds like you have lots of plants, but now it’s time to start adding the rocks! You can create extra depth in the garden using large and small stones. Consider building tiers using the stones as well. Just make sure to go with moss-covered rocks or rocks that are clearly aged. There are two crucial things to remember when adding rocks to the landscaping. First, the bottoms of the rocks should be under the level of the soil so that they look like they have always been there. Next, plant in the pockets of the stones… just like you would see in nature! Happy gardening!

-Carson A.

May 2, 2016
Ask a Pro Q&A: Building an Outdoor Kitchen

Warmer weather is on the way and we can’t wait to spend time in the backyard! We know our readers feel the same way, especially Faye T. and her family. They’re planning to build an incredible outdoor kitchen, complete with a combustion stove. But how can they ensure a safe, family-friendly space? Dream Team member and outdoor design expert Carson Arthur has the recipe for building their backyard oasis!

Q: We’ve made 2016 the year of creating our dream home! We’ve been working on a few updates inside, but we can’t wait to start building an outdoor kitchen. We would love to include a combustion stove but, of course, we want to be careful and not run into any issues down the road. How can we proceed?

-Faye T.

A: The trick with combustion stoves is to give them adequate space away from anything flammable or heat-retaining. It makes for a tricky design in an outdoor kitchen. You might want to consider going with a style almost like a galley kitchen with an outdoor island. That way you can have the workspace without the threat of catching it on fire from the heat.

-Carson A.

February 26, 2016
Ask a Pro Q&A: Sloped Yard Solution

Welcome to another installment of Ask a Pro! Today we are talking to Dream Team member and outdoor design expert Carson Arthur! Let’s see what he has to say about adding a terrace to a sloped backyard!

Q: How would you terrace a downsloped back yard?

-Abigail M.

A: It all comes down to your budget! They best way to create a terraced slope is to use a series of retaining walls to add level spaces down the slope for plants and shrubs. Of course this is the most expensive! If you are on a budget, collect large stones to create planting pockets behind them, working your way down the hill.

-Carson A.

October 28, 2014