Blog - FSI Landscape Supply

Turn your yard into an additional living space

Attention to detail on the exterior part of your home is just as important as designing the interior. Big or small, your backyard has the potential to become an additional living space. Hosting barbecues, spending time with family or get togethers with friends, the backyard has become the new living room space. Adding a patio, outdoor kitchen, fireplace and even mounting a TV makes for a great space to enjoy the outdoors comfortably. Lavish or low key, any additions you choose to apply can give your yard that “wow” factor and make it the perfect place to be for everyone to enjoy.

Using stone

Flagstone is tried and true, with its earthy tones and durability, adding this stone will create a natural yet polished look to any landscaping design. It can be specifically cut to suit your design idea or appear as irregular shapes for a natural look. Flagstone can be used as a perfect surface for an outdoor kitchen, dining area, or simply providing a smooth area for patio furniture. This permeable stone allows for its durability no matter the weather.

Limestone, a durable paving stone with its versatility, colour variations and weather friendly composition, can be used as a great surface area, boarder, and trim. This stone is common and popular for both indoor and outdoor use such as patios, terraces, surrounding pool area, steppingstones, driveways, and porches. Just like flagstone, limestone can be cut to suit your design idea.

Armour stone, these large naturally occurring stone can add texture to any yard. Decorative and functional, these accent pieces are perfect for water features such as pools, waterfalls, or ponds and make for great natural steps or retaining walls. An eye for design? If placed strategically armour stone can be used as additional seating areas, with a few outdoor seating pillows you can create a rustic outdoor living space for a full house.

Outdoor lighting

No matter the time of day, how can you enjoy your yard if you can not see it? Providing safety, comfort and accenting design features, outdoor lighting is a simple way to enjoy your yard space. A decorative upgrade, lighting can be used to illuminate patios, water features, walkways and steps, garden light, pot lights and wall lights. The possibilities are endless, showcase your yard with outdoor lighting.

Gardening touches

Adding a garden bed of floral accents, greenery, trees, and shrubs could dress up any space and can be done on a budget. Multi-functional, the addition of garden plants can be aesthetically pleasing but also provide sanctuary for wildlife. Certain plants could also be used to deter wildlife creatures (including insects), so be sure to ask a professional to choose the right garden plants for you. Needing some additional privacy for your new outdoor living space? Adding trees, bushes and shrubs can create an additional sense of privacy. Using them to surround the property can secure some comfort (perhaps from nosy neighbours). Gardening touches include topsoil and mulch which can clean up garden beds creating a finished look.

Big or small, your backyard has the potential to become an additional living space for everyone to enjoy.

Top 3 landscaping supplies for an at home garden

Floral garden beds add pleasure and joy to your outdoor landscaping experience, especially if you have a green thumb. Gardens are not only for hosting garden plants and floral but can provide food for the whole family to enjoy. Why go to the grocery store when you can grow your own produce and herbs right from the comfort of your backyard. Agricultural concepts have been passed down from generation to generation, ancestors have shared their wisdom on how to eat off the land you owned, and you could be proud of. It is easier than you think, if you never had the chance to experience wisdom being passed down, not to worry, here are the top 3 landscaping supplies for an at home garden to get you started.

Tools

Gardening tools, the basics are perfect to start with if you are a beginner and want to maintain a garden bed.
Your basic gardening tool can include:

Gardening gloves, a kneeler (usually a cushion or foam piece to support your knees and joints) a trowel
a weed removal tool
a rake
a garden spade or shovel
cultivator
pruning shear
gardening knife and/or scissors
wheel barrel or trolley

Tools make life so much easier when transferring/inputting garden plants, moving stone accents or heavy items such as bags of mulch and soil.

Soil

Naturally, soil is needed to effectively grow anything, but the correct soil is needed to ensure your garden will grow and ultimately flourish. Using topsoil, planting soil and compost will provide nutrients and minerals but also supply water to keep gardening plants healthy. Planting soil, 50/50 mix which is the perfect mix of shredded topsoil and organic content required for excellent planting. Ask a landscaping professional or garden expert to guide you in finding the specific soil needed for your gardening requirements. Be sure to mention what type of garden you have decided on planting.

Raised Garden Bed

A raised garden bed is a great option, traditionally using wooden planks, gravel and soil, or stone is an innovative way to keep your garden in the best condition. Providing aesthetic appeal but most importantly keeping wildlife away from eating your produce and other plants. Before you choose a preferred stone, the first thing to do is to map out where you would like the garden bed. Making sure to measure the area while keeping in mind how many items you would like to plant. Design the structure of your raised garden bed would be your next task, having an idea will guide you to the third step. Lastly, choosing the stone for your outdoor project. Brown armour stone is a perfect option providing a secure structure while accenting garden aesthetic.

If you are new to gardening, start small, herb gardens do not take much time or effort and are low maintenance. All you need is a small planter and a few basic gardening tools. With the top 3 landscaping supplies mentioned above, and the right guidance, creating an at home garden will be an easy, enjoyable outdoor project.

Gardening Landscaping Tips

The importance of outdoor lighting

Lighting is not an option; it is a priority. Lighting is used for functionality, for both you and your loved ones to navigate your surrounding whether you are indoors or outdoors. When it comes to the exterior premises of your property the ability to see after sunset is quite important, necessary, and practical. No matter what you are doing, illuminating pathways to see where you are headed or to simply enjoy your surroundings should be an important factor not only for safety but for amusement purposes as well.

Security and safety

Whether you are relaxing in the comfort of your own home or vacationing away from home, outdoor lighting can create peace of mind. Outdoor and motion sensor lighting can intimidate a potential threat, deter crime, or scare away pesky animals. Especially for those who live alone. Outdoor illumination can help you feel safe and comforted when moving in and around your property. With advances in technology some lights can be controlled remotely as well. When you are on vacation you can relax and enjoy knowing that your home shows activity which will discourage nosy onlookers.

Highlighting creativity

Take pride in your home and show it off! Landscape design takes time and effort, Showcase the creativity highlight of your designs with outdoor lighting. Lighting adds texture and helps create ambiance in a unique way by contouring different elements of your home. Just like an intricate painting, a focus light is used to highlight and shadow certain characteristics and features to bring the painting to life. Therefore, in the same respect, outdoor lighting provides illumination to architectural features, landscape designs and water features which can elevate aesthetic appeal. Not to mention, if there are features you would prefer to remove focus, lighting can spotlight where you want the attention driven.

Selling your home

Decided to sell? Lighting is everything, enhance the size of certain areas, focus attention to detailed areas which are key elements and helps create an ambiance for potential buyers. Lighting is a technical addition and an essential feature when coupled with any outdoor extension. If you decide to sell your home, having these areas warm and inviting can help encourage sales. Entice potential buyers by creating an environment they envision themselves enjoying with family and friends. Enhance the mood with outdoor lighting.

Entertainment purposes

Lighting can encourage the way you use your outdoor space. If you enjoy alone time or you love to host, lighting can make your outdoor living space welcoming and comfortable for your guests. Outdoor living spaces can include dining, lounging, cooking, and grilling areas. Lighting is used not only for aesthetics but for practicality and functionality as well.

There are many lighting features which will enhance the exterior appearance of your property and promote practicality. Always consult a professional to know which products are best suited for your landscape and home design.

Tips

How to keep weeds out for good

Spring brings a sense of excitement to the air, as the saying goes “April showers bring May flowers”, however, do you know what spring also brings? unsightly, allergy causing weed infestations that last until autumn. No matter how many times we pull the root out from the ground, no matter how many compost bags we fill, weeds seem to make their way through the cracks. Time and time again, year after year we find ourselves struggling with pesky weeds. There is a light at the end of the tunnel, there are ways to keep weeds out for good!

Filter fabrics

Weed prevention and control, using a filter fabric (also known as landscaping fabric) is used for outdoor areas, under decks, underneath garden beds and laid under patios. Filter fabric will block out the sunlight which prevents growth but is permeable enough to allow moisture through. Which brings us to the next point, environmentally friendly, filter fabric allows moisture to travel where it is needed. This improves the health of the soil therefore less evaporation results in using less water for your yard. Filter fabric is cost effective, making it inexpensive to handle a seasonal problem.

Mulch

Mulch is just as effective as filter fabrics, preventing sunlight while allowing moisture to seep through. However, as it decomposes it can also become a breeding ground as seeds can make their way through the spaces. It is important to always top off the area with fresh mulch as needed. The best effective method is to use filter fabric first then layer mulch on top. Making sure that any weeds underneath have been removed manually from the root. There are many tools that can be used to make existing weed removal easier for extraction. Landscaping tools can make weed removal easier on the body as well. No need to be hunched over or putting constant pressure on your joints.

Between the lines

Stones and sealers are also a great way to keep weeds out for good. What happens when the weeds start emerging from the crevices of the patio stone? Depending on the aesthetic appeal, concrete sand is a coarse sand that can be used as a bedding for patio slabs or concrete pavers. The sand will fill in the gaps and prevent weed growth. Some sand mixtures contain additives that when mixed with water expand and secure the stone slabs, therefore, encouraging further weed prevention.

Chemical solutions

There are many DIY solutions you can make using ingredients found around the house however this is a band aid approach and not a permanent solution. Ask a landscaping professional which product are best and safe to use. Not only safe for the environment but for the health and safety of yourself, loved ones and your pets.

Weeds are an annual issue, however with the right foundation and using a combination of methods mentioned above, weeds will be the last thing on your mind. Enjoy being outdoors and spend time relaxing without worrying about the aggravation of weed removal.

Design Landscaping

Ideas for a Natural Stone Walkway

They say you never get a second chance to make a first impression. So from the moment guests step onto your property, you want them to take notice of your home. Designing a natural stone walkway is one great way to ensure you capture your guests’ attention from the beginning. The variety of style options allows you to be as creative as possible.

Before getting into the actual design of your walkway, you need to keep a few things in mind. The first is the climate of where you live. Each natural stone reacts differently to certain weather conditions. So knowing what the stone you choose can and can’t handle should be top priority.

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Design Landscaping

Why is Mulching Important?

Of all the steps you can take to help encourage garden growth, mulching is right up there with watering your plants and flowers. The benefits of mulching are numerous, and the growth results make the additional work more than worth the effort. So while you may feel that simply watering your garden is enough, mulching adds another layer of healthy growing options to your repertoire.

Choosing the right mulch is very important when deciding to include mulching as part of your gardening. Some mulch is better suited for trees while others work best with specific parts of your garden. Knowing which to use and when will also jump start growth and ensure the health of your plants.

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Gardening Landscaping

How to Choose the Right Retaining Wall for Your Project

One positive thing to look forward to when deciding to build a retaining wall is that you have options. Although this is certainly not a task for the rookie DIY homebuilders, you should, of course, have a say in the style and material used in your retaining wall design.

In addition to the aesthetic value created by putting together a retaining wall, there is also a functional use, as it will prevent soil from sliding. A bonus for retaining walls is that they can also act as seating if they are low enough, which typically is reserved for walls around a garden.

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Design Landscaping

Choosing the Best Patio Stone for Paving

Of course it’s a lot of work, but any home improvement or home renovation project is always exciting and something to look forward to. Realizing that once all the upgrades are finished, your home will look that much better and you’ll be that much happier knowing it’s all yours is a comforting thought.

Besides the work, the tough part of any home renovation project is deciding on material. And when doing your front yard, choosing a patio stone can be a little confusing considering the scope of selection that’s currently available. We’ve taken the time to outline the benefits of the more popular types of stones so you know what will be the right fit for the look and feel you’re striving for.

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Landscaping

FSI Weighs in on Renovation Scam Aimed At Seniors

Toronto, Canada July 17, 2015 — FSI Landscape Supply (www.fsilandscapesupply.com), a leading provider of high-quality landscaping materials for both residential and commercial landscaping in the GTA, is commenting on a renovation scam targeting seniors, specifically of Italian heritage.

The most recent case was reported on CTV news on July 8th. A man named Matteo De-Paola was charged with one count of fraud over $5,000 when it was discovered that an elderly woman had given him $25,000 over three years for landscaping work that was never done.
(Source: Balca, D., “Man accused of renovation fraud targeting Italian seniors,” July 8, 2015. http://toronto.ctvnews.ca/man-accused-of-renovation-fraud-targeting-italian-seniors-1.2459391)

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Press

The Benefits of Triple Mix Soil

It’s pretty much agreed that triple mix is the universally accepted soil best used in gardening or any kind of planting of trees or grass. When mixed properly, triple mix incorporates all the proper nutrients needed to let the garden or grass grow healthy and last for the duration of the warm months and beyond.

The funny thing is that many people don’t know exactly what triple mix is or what’s actually inside the one they are using. Knowing the ingredients is important. Homeowners should be questioning their landscaper as to what’s inside the mix so they know what they’re dealing with. If you are a DIY homeowner choosing each portion of the triple mix yourself, you need to understand which ingredients to choose and why you are choosing them.

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Design Gardening Landscaping

Monthly Garden Maintenance Tips and Tricks

If you’re a DIY homeowner, you know that maintaining your garden is a year-round commitment. From mowing the lawn to installing turf to watering the garden—keeping up with the monthly duties can certainly be a chore! By following these garden maintenance tips, you’ll have results that show year-round discipline is worth the trouble.

Since the winter and spring are already over, we’ll focus on the summer and fall months. For example, did you know that during the summer season, it’s best to water your lawn during the dawn and dusk hours, when evaporation risks are lower? By now you should have already pulled out all your weeds, fertilized and reseeded thinning grass, and pruned any damaged branches! Let’s take a look at a few more garden maintenance tips for the upcoming months:

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Gardening Tips

Housing Boom in Canada Leading to Increase Landscape Market

Unless you live completely off the grid, you know that Canada has been experiencing a real estate boom over the past decade. Though most of this growth has been reserved for cities like Toronto and Vancouver, the overall impact has been pronounced and continues to forge its imprint onto the Canadian economy.

As a result of the housing boom, other sectors have also seen an increase in activity and opportunity, most notably landscaping and renovations. Landscape design in Toronto and other cities where real estate has taken off is a market showing considerable growth and one that can be expected to continue its expansion even as the housing market cools.

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Press

Importance of Aggregate in Concrete

Concrete is used in so many building or home renovation projects. And at first glance, concrete looks like fairly simple material. But any DIY specialist, professional contractor, or aggregate supplier in Toronto knows that good concrete requires good aggregates, and aggregates actually make up the large majority of concrete mixtures.

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Design