Spring is an important time for the health of our trees in the gulf coast area. With the effects of last year’s drought still lingering, we need to make sure we give our trees a good start to the year. By following these tips you can help ensure that your trees have a healthy, long life in your landscape.

We have developed a relationship with Aqua Management, an engineering and water management firm. We can now offer an Irrigation control device that uses wireless technology and cloud data storage to efficiently manage and track water use in the Landscape.

We have invested in our own Weather Station, which Aqua Management’s engineers have retrofitted to provide “real time” weather data using their patented wireless modem.

We are already seeing significant reductions of Irrigation water usage, where this system has been installed. The most obvious reductions have been due to the systems ability to control Irrigation settings with remote access and implement shut off during unexpected rain events. We are seeing consistent reductions (ranging from 20- 25 percent), from the transmitted weather data communicating to the controller throughout the night.

We have developed a calculator to produce a mock ROI chart on a case by case basis. Silversand Services would like the opportunity to find out more about your current water costs.  We would like to share with you how this substantial return on investment could occur on your property.

“Water is a precious resource with costs that appear to be on the rise. Silversand Services would like to assist in reducing what you are spending on water in 2012”

Blotch-Face Pansy

Clear-Face Pansy

The pansy flower ranges from 2-3 inches in diameter and can grow up to nine inches long. Pansies come in a variety of colors and bicolors including yellow, gold, orange, purple, violet, red, white, and even black (very dark purple). They also contain distinct face markings that are broken into two types, blotch-face, which contains a dark blotch in the center of the flower, and clear-face, which is simply a solid-color flower without the blotch.

We suggest you mix the two, by grouping all the blotch-face pansies together and all the clear-face pansies together.

Pansies thrive in moist soil and need at least 6 hours of sunlight every day. Their natural enemies include slugs, aphids, snails and fungal diseases. Using a slug repellent or a bowl of beer nearby can help deter slugs from destroying pansies.

Interesting Facts about Pansies

• The delicate, sweet fragrance of the pansy flower is most evident in the early morning and at dusk, with the yellow or blue pansy flowers emitting the strongest scent. (Garden Guides)
• “Pansy” comes from the French word “pensee,” which means “thought.” It was thus named because the flower, resembling a human face, seems to nod forward as if in deep thought. (Garden Guides)
• Both the leaves and flowers of pansies and violas are edible and high in vitamins A and C. They have a taste reminiscent of grapes and mint. (Designs by Susan)
• Pansy flowers are used to make syrup, honey and salad because of its strong flavor. (Designs by Susan)

What are some of your favorite winter seasonal color options?