Blog

Natural stone is a beautiful addition to the landscape around your home. Sturdy and rugged, natural stone adds an exquisite, polished look to any backyard when correctly incorporated, and a natural stone patio can be the perfect accent to your overall aesthetic. There are multiple ways that landscaping stones can be infused throughout the design of a yard that also have practical purposes. They can not only enhance outdoor patio spaces, but also create a walkway, steps, retaining walls, and other elements such as fireplaces. Although entirely natural, this type of stone comes in a variety of different colors to help complement and personalize your space. Let’s take a closer look at the five key ways to use natural stone to diversify and add to your landscape.

If you’re thinking of updating your landscaping, then natural stone for your patio is a great choice. Not only can you enhance the appearance and comfort of your garden, but you can use a natural and reliable product for entertaining areas, patios, and walkways, giving you a space that will perform well for many years to come. Here are a few key steps to follow when laying natural stone as well as different flagstone patio ideas.

Is your summer yard looking a little messy? There are always a few leftover piles of debris from your list of gardening tasks that get pushed off to the side rather than put into bags. Whether you have a small task or a larger project, removing old stone, digging out a garden bed, or disposing of old grass can be a hassle to clean up after. So, what do you do with the dirt you unearth when you’re putting in a new garden feature? What about the concrete, stone or aggregates that you no longer need? You can rely on Van Beek’s Landscape Supply’s bin services. We’ll pick up your landscaping debris and take it all away so you don’t have to worry about it. The most frequent question we receive about our bin services is, “Where does the soil or concrete end up?” You’ll be happy to hear that we are dedicated to responsible re-use or disposal of your yard waste. In fact, your soil may be treated and incorporated into our own soil mix after a few years, which is a wonderful way to give back to Mother Nature. Find out more about what we do with your yard waste in our bin services process below.

Choosing the right type of mulch for your gardens is a tough but important decision. The wrong mulch can not only have a drastic effect on how your home looks overall but can also have other negative effects such as being less insulating and not repelling insects as well as other mulches. Use our mulch guide to help you make an informed decision on the best mulch for your gardens and flowerbeds.

For a better-looking lawn find out why artificial grass is a key low maintenance alternative and what tools you need to keep it looking its best. Artificial grass is a key choice for many homeowners and businesses as it’s much easier to maintain than natural grass and requires little cleaning and maintenance. Consider that artificial turf doesn’t need to be watered, mowed or fed anything to keep it looking beautiful and full. Think about all the energy, time and money you could save. Learn more about how simple the upkeep is for artificial grass and why it’s a preferred alternative for many families and business owners.

With these tips for ground prep for sod installation you can install your sod yourself, like a pro. When it comes to ground prep for sod installation, there are several factors to consider before starting your new sod installation project. Whether you are looking to repair patches in your lawn or hope to replace a whole area, these tips will leave you satisfied with your ability to create a lush green lawn that will thrive throughout the year.

If you’re looking to get ahead on planting grass seed, keep in mind that you still need the help of Mother Nature. So, what conditions and temperature does grass seed germinate in? For your grass seed to thrive, it requires the right amount of warmth and moisture. This is why it’s typically recommended to seed in the fall. If you are seeding in the spring, know that it will take slightly longer for the seeds to germinate. Ideally you need two weeks of continuous daily temperatures that sit between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. This should allow the soil to reach a temperature of 10 to 18 degrees Celsius.

Like any home project, starting a landscaping endeavour can be a lot of work and you need to have a plan in place to help ensure things go smoothly. A project can go off the rails quite easily, so having a landscape budget can help in a variety of ways, including...

A wood burning stove can be a lovely addition to any home, something that can be enjoyed year round. But with the colder months drawing in, there’s really nothing better than popping in a log or two, feeling the heat envelop you, and listening to the embers crackle. Of course, it takes a little bit more effort than that! Allow us to give you some simple guidelines on how to effectively and properly use a firewood burning stove.

It is sad to accept the reality that summer is coming to an end when we see the leaves change and the temperature starting to drop. While there are months of cozy sweaters and warm drinks to look forward to, there’s one thing you shouldn’t forget: taking care of your fall lawn maintenance. There is a lot to do to get your yard ready for fall, but by following this guide and using our recommended products, you’ll be able to tackle everything on your fall “to do” list.

If you want to plant a brand new lawn or you’re looking to fix dry patches, grass seed is a great way to improve the quality and growth of your lawn. Whether you’re an amateur gardener or an experienced lawn care specialist, grass seed is your companion when it comes to growing a lawn that is robust, healthy and beautiful.

A well-constructed retaining wall can offer functionality and beauty. They are everywhere, you may not even notice them, but they’re an excellent way to solve a landscaping problem while still keeping your property looking its best. The question is: do you need one? Let’s take a deeper look at retaining walls and what you need to consider before deciding whether it’s time to put one up on your property.

If you’re considering replacing a driveway or patio this summer, consider choosing interlocking concrete pavers. Interlocking concrete pavers are a multi-diverse product produced in a variety of colours and styles to work with the existing architectural design of any home. Interlocking pavers offer many benefits to homeowners. Here are a few of the top reasons to choose interlocking pavers for your home this summer.

Are you bored of the way your lawn and yard looks? Luckily, your grass can be greener on the Van Beek’s side! There are many ways to alter your lawn look to meet your personal design vision. Here are five ways to improve your lawn and yard.

Garden season is upon us once again! It’s time to get out our gloves, seeds and tools ready, but what about soil? Nobody wants to make multiple trips to the garden centre to lug around heavy bags of soil. Well, that’s where Van Beek’s soil delivery comes into play. Here are five reasons why you should get soil delivery this spring.

Spring has sprung, and that means it’s time to get our green thumbs ready for some gardening. Whether you’re a novice or experienced gardener, it’s important to know how to get the best out of your gardens, plants and flowers. Using the right materials for the job is a great way to start. With that in mind, here are some guidelines to better understand the difference between topsoil, triple mix and mulch.

We all know we need to protect ourselves in the winter. Hats, gloves, scarves and boots are essential during the colder months. But what about protecting our property? Similarly, our lawns, shrubs, trees and stonework need to be properly maintained and protected. Here are some landscaping winter prep tips that will help your landscaped property survive the winter.

During the warmer months, many people spend a lot of time working on their gardens and landscaping. When winter arrives it’s important to ensure your garden and landscaping are properly prepared for the cold and snow. Here’s how you can protect your gardens and preserve your efforts: