​Recently, Solscapes sat down with Jerry and Tana Nasser to hear a little bit more about their experience with Solscapes and their landscaping. With a grass lawn past its prime and a government rebate offer of $2 per square foot of turf removal in order to help with state water conservation, the Nassers were ready for a fresh start with their front yard. Jerry and Tana chose Solscapes for their landscaping needs after finding us online. They appreciated the creative eye that Jeff brought to the table in the process of designing their yard.

Within weeks, Jerry and Tana’s yard was looking quite different. Using stunning drought-resistant plants, including Agave Century Plant, lavender flowered lantana, and wispy acacia trees, Jeff worked with Jerry and Tana to include many beautiful features in their landscape. A fountain trickles right outside their window. Beautiful LED lights highlight its evening beauty, and accent their gorgeous front walkway.

Breeanna and Jay Gordon found Solscapes online while looking to fix a broken sprinkler and diseased tree in their front yard. They appreciated the professional feel of the Solcapes website and were inspired to take advantage of Solscapes’ specialization in drought-resistant landscaping. Breeanna, being a graphic designer herself, had an eye for design and used Pinterest for inspiration in the recreating of their yard.

After a little less than two weeks of work, the Gordon’s new front yard stood refreshed and renovated. The Gordons went with a contemporary, structured look centering on a circular design in the center of their yard. Alongside the driveway is a set of stairs and planters that compliment the house with a fresh, modern feel.

​Readers get confused when they hear about Epsom salts.

“Isn’t that what you take a bath in?”

“Is it good for my garden?”

“Won’t it burn my plants?”

“Is it really a salt?”

The answers, in order, are: yes, yes, no, and no.

Epsom salt is nothing like the salt we use at the dinner table. In fact, Epsom salts’ scientific makeup is that of magnesium sulfate, a form of magnesium and sulfur crystal that is easily dissolved in water and readily used by plants. However, due to its depleting nature, oftentimes your average plant is lacking in a healthy amount of magnesium sulfate. Typically, western soils, especially, known for their high alkalinity, are low in magnesium.

This is where Epsom salts save the day. Magnesium sulfate helps your plants utilize two other nutrients that you apply frequently, nitrogen and phosphorus. Mixed with water, they are a sure pick-me-up for your foliage, taking almost immediate effect. You will witness your magnesium-starved plants perk up quickly, set new buds, break out of their winter doldrums, and start to flower; you will even notice an increased rate of germination in your seeds. Epsom salts are also a nifty tonic to use if you are “pushing” plants to bloom, say, before a big event.

The Epsom Salt Industry Council says, “Don’t worry, it can’t be overused.”

They recommend:

Sage lovers, beware: sage is the only plant that does not respond kindly to magnesium sulfate, as stated by the Epsom Salt Industry Council.

In addition, Epsom salts also appear to help Japanese maples struggling through the summer season. Some experts believe that it is not the heat that hinders these plants, but months of watering with salty municipal water. A few tablespoons of Epsom salts to a gallon of water used as a drench helps reduce lime buildup and lowers alkalinity and the salt levels of soil.

With all these uses for Epsom salts, it is a welcome relief that you can invest in Epsom salts without a strain on your wallet. You can often find Epsom salts in grocery and pharmacy stores starting at around $2.

So, what are you waiting for? Invest in the health and happiness of your yard and buy Epsom salts today!

Read all about Epsom salts at www.epsomsaltcouncil.org.

Source: Cindy McNatt, O.C. Register.