June 2023 Newsletter

String Algae

How Do I Get Rid of String Algae?

 

It can be challenging to eliminate string algae. We recommend the following solutions:

1) Begin prevention before the algae starts to form by making sure you have enough plant material and fish in the pond. If you already have algae, first remove as much of the string algae as you can by hand and then add Aquascape SAB™ Stream & Pond Cleaner.  

2) In addition, Aquascape’s IonGen system is uniquely designed to kill string algae particles and keep water clear.  

3) And finally, pay attention to how often you are feeding your fish since too much food adds to excess debris and algae.

The Secret of Watering

watering plants

Be sure to water your plants regularly, particularly during hot and dry periods. Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth, and consider using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to deliver water directly to the roots.

Applying mulch around your plants can also help to retain moisture in the soil and reduce water loss due to evaporation.

 

White in the Water Garden

white waterlily

Everyone loves the pop of a pink lotus or bright yellow waterlily, but have you ever considered adding whimsical white to your water garden? White is the magical reflection of all colors and all wavelengths. If one of the colors is subtracted from white light, you see the complementary color.

For example, if yellow is subtracted from white light, you see blue. Nature is amazing and white aquatic plants certainly prove that point!

This breathtaking, night-blooming tropical Trudy Slocum water lily pictured will delight you as the sun sets on the horizon. Its crisp white petals play off the cool blue of the pond and deep green of the lily pads.

 

5 Suggestions for a Beautiful Garden

Beautiful garden
  • Pace yourself. It’s OK to take breaks. Split jobs over several days instead of one-day marathons. You may even be able to spread work into the off-season, such as clipping spent perennials or edging beds during the winter.

  • Zone it. Carve the landscape into zones (front, back, vegetable garden, etc.) and worry about just one of them at a time. Tackle each by priority. This breaks one mammoth job into a series of manageable small ones.

  • Get help. Hire out the toughest or most time-consuming jobs first. Spreading truckloads of mulch might be a good place to start.

  • Vary the work. Don’t overdo it repeating the same motion hour after hour. Do a little digging, a little weeding, a little watering. Variety reduces soreness, blisters and repetitive-motion injuries.

  • Simplify. Walk the yard and assess which plants or gardens are causing an unacceptable amount of work. Bite the bullet and replace them with plantings that need less care.

June 19, 2023
Salvador G.

Salvador G.

Mowing Crew Member

Salvador began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March 2017.

Noe G.

Noé G.

Landscape Crew Member

Noé began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in July of 2020.

David R.

David R.

Landscape Crew Member

David began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March of 2019.

Fredi O.

Fredi O.

Landscape & Mowing Crew Member

Fredi began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March of 2003.

Miguel B.

Miguel B.

Mowing Crew Leader

Miguel began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in June 2014.

Nelson H.

Nelson H.

Landscape Crew Leader

Nelson began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March 2019.

Arturo D.

Arturo D.

Landscape Crew Leader

Arturo began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in September of 2011.

Antonio S.

Antonio S.

Landscape Crew Leader

Antonio began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in March 2001.

Mark Q.

Mark Q.

Pond Manager

Mark began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in September 2010. Mark holds the following certifications; Aquascape Academy Certified, Maryland Certified Pesticide Applicator, and Maryland Certified Fertilizer Applicator.

Shawnee T.

Shawnee T.

Office Assistant and Customer Care

Shawnee began working with Damascus Enterprises in April 2021.

Mike B.

Mike B.

Landscape Designer, Plant & Lawn Care Specialist

Mike is a 3rd generation landscape professional and has worked in the field of horticulture for over 20 years. He has an AAS degree in landscape technology from Montgomery College. Mike is a Certified Professional Horticulturist through the Maryland Department of Agriculture and Landscape Industry Certified in softscape, and hardscape installation certified through PLANET. Mike began working with Damascus Enterprises, Inc. in February 2014. 

Scott Brown

Scott Brown

President / Owner

Damascus Enterprises, Inc. was established by Scott in 1998 as strictly a landscape company. Under his leadership and through continued training the business has grown and expanded to now offer a full array of services that include pond and waterfall installation and maintenance, lawn care, landscape design, custom stonework, and outdoor lighting.Scott is an Aquascape Certified Contractor, Vista Certified Design & Installation Specialist and regularly attends industry education and networking events like Pondemonium and Pondeminium. He has previously been recognized as a top young entrepreneur by Maryland’s Governor and the Small Business Association. He currently serves on the board of Montgomery County Farm Bureau and is Co-chair of the entertainment committee of the Montgomery County Agricultural Fair and is involved in the Damascus community through various activities. Scott and his wife Melody live in Damascus with their two children.