More landscaping tools transformed into art

 Once again Steven Smith Landscape, Inc. got a request  from our friends at Stone Brewing Company.  This time Chris Cochran, Community Relations Manager asked for well worn pickaxes, for the September 2012 groundbreaking ceremony of Stone's new, 22,000-square-foot restaurant and brewery in Liberty Station. Our President, Steve Smith, and Chris Cutler, our Maintenance Superintendent gathered together a great collection from our 'tool archives', not a shiny new one in the bunch.  Thank you guys for unearthing these vintage axes for the project. The Stone's artists then transformed them into objets d' art for groundbreaking day.  After the ceremony  pickaxes were presented to former City of San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, Kevin Faulconer and Brian Bilbray (shown in photo flanked by Stone Pres. Steve Wagner and CEO Greg Koch) And we also received one which for display at our Escondido headquarters. Don't forget to check in with stevensmithlandscape.com to see our portfolio of projects.

Holiday color

Cyclamen persicum  (red and white varieties pictured ) is a beautiful choice for holiday color beds and planters.  Unlike the Poinsettia, Cyclamen is a hardy tuberous perennial with longer lasting blooms (3-4 months vs. just a few weeks for Poinsettia).  The red and white Cyclamen blooms are offset by dark green  heart shaped leaves that have a silver marbling effect.  Cyclamen is widely available for your winter color  needs and can provide a spectacular Christmas presentation.

Please visit stevensmithlandscape.com for  information on drought tolerant plants, our latest projects and much more.

Steve Smith rides in the 2012 Million Dollar Challenge for the Challenged Athletes Foundation

Steve Smith made an incredible journey this October in the 2012 Million Dollar Challenge for the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

'The 620 mile journey down the California Coastline from San Francisco to San Diego is a week filled with iconic scenery, epic mileage, and friendship. Every year, this journey delivers a life-changing experience for all participants. This event is unique in the world of cycling, it builds a community of riders with a deep and lasting appreciation for life- and for those who overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges to live life to the fullest. Helping to raise $1 Million dollars to help challenged athletes is deeply satisfying. But it is the journey that will change your life forever.'

For Steve and the other participants the experience was exhilarating and inspiring.

In Steve's own words from Day 3:

"It was difficult for me - I can't imagine what the double below- the-knee amputee felt like. All these guys have the greatest outlook on life. They don't feel that anything is owed to them and have a 'never give up' attitude."

We are so proud of Steve for what he accomplished!

Beware the falling Bunya-bunya cone!

Araucaria bidwillii, Bunya-bunya pine or false monkey puzzle tree is native to rainforest areas near the coast in SE Queensland, Australia. The Bunya-bunya has gigantic cones and razor sharp needles, and can grow up to 120 ft. of more. Close relatives are the Norfolk Island palm (Araucaria heterophylla) and true monkey puzzle tree (A. araucana). The large, female fruiting cones of the Bunya-bunya are the size of a small watermelon and can weigh up to 15 lbs. or more. They generally mature in summer through to early autumn but they are not formed every year (approx.once every three years).

It was considered a sacred tree and an important food source to the Australian Aborigines.  The cones contain wedge shaped nuts that are similar in flavor to a chestnut.

This cone was collected on the ground by one of our Supervisors, Armando Diaz.  (not on a property we maintain!)  There is some real concern during fruiting season, as these extremely heavy cones can cause injury or damage to property.  
Author: Leslie C.   Photo credit, cones: Debra Moore

Day at the Races 2012

Marketing Director Gigi Golden-Smith and friend at CAI's Day at the Races on August 15, 2012. Read more about Gigi and the rest of the Steven Smith Landscape team on our website.

Landscaping tools transformed into art!

We got a request last month from our friends at Stone Brewing Company.  Chris Cochran, Community Relations Manager specifically asked for 'used shovels', NOT shiny new ones to be used at the groundbreaking ceremony for their new 59,815 sq ft Stone Packaging Hall in Escondido on August 2nd. We never realized that some of our old, broken-in, but still quite useful shovels would be such a hot commodity.  Or that their resident artist 'Chili' would see the potential in the mottled, patinated surface.  As you can see our old shovels were transformed into really cool commemorative art pieces.  After the ceremony two of the shovels were presented to Escondido Assistant City Manager Charles Grimm and Escondido Mayor Sam Abed. And we also received one which we proudly display at our Escondido headquarters.  You can read about the groundbreaking and see more photos of our shovels on the Stone Blog.

 Author: Leslie C.

One way to cool off........

A Red Tail Hawk beats the heat at one of our maintenance jobs.

Photo Credit: Nicole Smith

Plant of the Month: August 2012

Searching for a worthy plant to use for this month's blog post, I had only to step out onto our loading dock - to capture these bright yellow blooms. Lantana montevidensis is an evergreen vining shrub from the tropics.  The small flowers are arranged in clusters and range from white to yellow, orange to red, pink to rose, and in unlimited combinations. The genus Lantana has over 100 species, is very easy to grow, has low water requirements and is excellent for bank covering and to help control erosion. Use also for raised beds, planter boxes or hanging boxes. Attractive to birds and butterflies.

To see suggestions for drought resistant landscape plants, visit stevensmithlandscape.com
Author: Leslie C.

2012 Susan G. Komen 3-Day

Our Marketing Director Gigi Smith is participating in the 2012 Susan G. Komen 3-Day!  To support Gigi in her efforts, please visit her personal donation page.

Plant of the Month: July 2012

Hydrangea macrophylla in a beautiful shade of pink, snapped by Gigi-Golden Smith.  Variety: unknown

Hydrangea macrophylla is a deciduous shrub which can grow up to 8-9ft in height and the same in width. Flowers on most hydrangeas are pH-sensitive, with dark purple or blue flowers in acidic soil, white or dull green in neutral earth, and pink in alkaline soil. Flowers are easily air dried and are long lasting.

To see suggestions for drought resistant landscape plants, visit stevensmithlandscape.com
 Author: Leslie C.

Before and After Gallery

We've just added some photos to the 'Before and After' section of our installation gallery at stevensmithlandscape.com .  I will be adding more whenever our roaming team of photographers set up some before and after shots that have the same perspective.  That can be tricky, but I know they will rise to the challenge!  This photo is from a recent residential installation in Carlsbad, which included some hardscape and plant installation.
Author: Leslie C.

Residential Hardscape and Planting

 A sneak peak at a recently completed residential project, featuring backyard hardscape and planting.
Check out our galleries at stevensmithlandscape.com to see the range of projects we are involved in.
Stay tuned for some 'before and after photos' of this project and others.

Plant of the Month: June 2012

I spied these flowers on our loading dock recently and they were new to me!  I discovered that this beautiful annual is known both as Godetia and Clarkia amoena,  and also the descriptive name “Farewell to Spring” because it blooms just as spring temperatures begin to rise.  A wildflower native to California and British Columbia, Godetia gets up to 2 feet tall and blooms from May through July.  The white, pink, lavender and magenta blooms are attractive to bees and butterflies.  Drought tolerant once established. Good for containers, beds and borders.   Posted by Leslie Cochran

To see more suggestions for drought resistant landscape plants,
visit stevensmithlandscape.com

Reminder: 1st Annual Mountain Bike Ride for CAF

Reminder from Steve and all of us at SSL - this Saturday - Don't miss the 1st Annual Mountain Bike Ride to benefit the CAF! By participating in this fun outdoor event, you are helping physically disabled individuals receive the support they need to live active lives. This event has 3 different distance courses 10, 15 and 25 miles and we are encouraging all levels of mountain bikers to come out and join us. If you don’t ride, please join us for food, live band, beer garden, give aways, raffles and more on:
Saturday, JUNE 2, 2012 9:00am Lake Hodges, Escondido
For all the info and to register/donate, please visit mountainbikeforcaf

A feast for the eyes......

"Pride of Madeira" Echium candicans on a slope at one of our large HOA's.  Striking purple and lavender blooms set off by white African daisy groundcover makes for a winning combination.  All beautifully maintained by one of our hardworking crews!  Photo Credit: Armando Diaz

"Planter" of the Month: May 2012

This month we are featuring a planter from one of our large HOA's, displaying a profusion of color.  Thanks to Supervisor Armando Diaz for providing the great photo!

To see more suggestions for drought tolerant and water wise landscape plants, visit stevensmithlandscape.com

Congratulations to our new CLCA Certified Water Managers!

Our own Steve Smith and Chris Cutler have just become certified as CLCA Certified Water Managers.
For details on the benefits of working with a CLCA Certified Water Manager and how they can help you save water, visit the CLCA website.

Please visit stevensmithlandscape.com and visit us on Facebook!

April 2012 CAI Trade Show

Our Marketing Director, Gigi Smith at the  April CAI  Trade Show at the Doubletree.  Lots of people stopped by our spring display to say hello!

1st Annual Mountain Bike Ride for the CAF

 Steve is very excited about a very worthy cause, The Challenged Athletes Foundation for which he has a  fund raising event that is coming up:  The 1st Annual Mountain Bike Ride to benefit the CAF.  By participating in this fun outdoor event, you are helping physically disabled individuals receive the support they need to live active lives.  This event has 3 different distance courses 10, 15 and  25 miles and we are encouraging all levels of mountain bikers to come out and join us. If you don’t ride,  please join us for food, live band, beer garden, give aways, raffles and more on: Saturday, JUNE 2, 2012 9:00am    Lake Hodges, Escondido
For all the info and to register/donate,  please visit:
Mountain Bike for CAF

Steven Smith Landscape now on Facebook!

Steven Smith Landscape has joined Facebook.  Please visit our Facebook Page and continue to check in for all the latest news on our blog as well as Facebook!

Volunteer Work at SanTree Fest, March 17, 2012

 For years Steven Smith Landscape has been a part of SanTree fest in the City of Santee.  Along with other volunteers and sponsors, we have planted many trees and plants throughout the City.  This year it was the City of Santee Aquatic Center's turn (The center is operated by the Cameron Family YMCA).  Approximately 35 trees, 60 plants and a dry creek bed were installed.  Not even the stormy  weather could stop us!!!  Pictured below with the wheelbarrow is high school student and part time SSL employee Jeremy Cutler.

Text and photos: Robert Garcia

Please visit stevensmithlandscape.com

Spring color baskets

When Chris came back with these photos, I had to find out more about these brilliantly flowered beauties.

Calibrachoa, commonly known as 'Million Bells', is an herbaceous flower native to South America with small bell-shaped petunia-like flowers. Calibrachoa's range in color from pink, purple and magenta, to deep red. A prolific bloomer, it reaches the peak of flowering in the spring and summer months. An excellent choice for containers and window boxes and a lovely trailing plant for hanging baskets.
To see more suggestions for drought tolerant and water wise landscape plants, visit stevensmithlandscape.com

Posted by: Leslie
Photo Credit: Chris Cutler

Plant of the Month: April 2012

Euryops pectinatus viridis, the Green Leaved Euryops Daisy, or Bush Daisy

A native of South Africa, this evergreen shrub has deeply divided green leaves and cheerful, bright yellow flowers.  Heat and drought tolerant, the Euryops daisy can grow to 5 feet tall and about 4 feet wide and blooms year round. Great used as a filler, low screen or background plant. Photo by Armando Diaz
To see more suggestions for drought tolerant and water wise landscape plants, visit stevensmithlandscape.com

Plant of the Month: March 2012

Primula vulgaris,  English primrose is a vibrant bedding and container plant available in every shade of the rainbow.  The name Primula of which there are over 600 species, is derived from the Italian word for spring "primavera". Considered a perennial, a few short lived perennials are treated as annuals.

To see more suggestions for drought tolerant and water wise landscape plants, visit stevensmithlandscape.com

Plant of the Month: February 2012

Osteospermum are a member of the Asteraceae/Compositae (Daisy) family.  Originally from South Africa, Osteospermum is commonly knows as African Daisy or South African Daisy, Cape Daisy and Blue-eyed Daisy. Can be found in a wide range of colors including white, cream,  and yellow, with pinks and purples (shown)  most commonly available.  The petals close at night, but there are varieties recently developed that stay open all the time. This easy to grow, annual plant thrives in full sun or part shade and moist, well-drained soil. It prefers cool weather, so in hot-summer areas, it blooms best in spring and fall. Plant height:1-3 feet tall  Plant width:1-2 feet wide  Landscape uses: containers, beds and borders.
To see more suggestions for drought tolerant and water wise landscape plants, visit stevensmithlandscape.com

Plant of the Month: January 2012

Calendula officinalis or pot marigold
Pictured is a bright yellow variety but Calendula also comes in shades of orange, apricot, cream and soft yellow.

A popular and versatile plant, that provides color from late fall through spring in mild winter areas, it produces flowers that are 2-1/2- 4-1/2" across.  Effective in borders, parking strips, along drives and in containers.  These photos are of a recent winter color installation at one of our large H.O.A.'s

To see more suggestions for drought tolerant and water wise landscape plants, visit stevensmithlandscape.com

Day at the Races 2011

Steven Smith Landscape, Inc. was a CAI Sponsor for Day at the Races 2011. Our lovely Marketing Director: Gigi Golden-Smith is at right.  Read more about Gigi and the rest of the

Steven Smith Landscape team on our website.

Plant of the Month: December 2011

Bougainvillea spectabilis (pictured is a Magenta (Pink-Purple)variety, is a vine with dramatic blooms in a variety of colors.  It is native to South America.  Sometimes referred to as the ‘Paper Flower’, as the bracts are thin and papery.

Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

Full sun Water Needs: Drought tolerant once established.

Average landscape size: Reaches 10 to 20 feet tall and 20 to 30 feet wide.

To see more suggestions for drought tolerant and water wise landscape plants, visit stevensmithlandscape.com