A new year is upon us, and we’re feeling optimistic. We’re imagining 2023 to be a year of calm, peace, and prosperity, which is backed up by it being the year of the rabbit in the Chinese zodiac. The upcoming 12 months are predicted to be full of hope, and we at Mirage are already looking forward to all we can achieve together.
As a full-service commercial and residential property maintenance company, Mirage Landscaping provides commercial and residential landscape design, landscape maintenance, landscape construction, and snow removal services. Our job is to keep your property maintained, tended to, safe, and attractive.
We recognize, however, that there are plenty of people who love to perform their own property maintenance tasks. That’s why we’ve put together this list of projects that will help add value to your property while increasing your use of and satisfaction with your outdoor space.
1. Treat yourself to snow removal
You may love to garden, but does anyone really love to shovel snow? Well, we actually do at Mirage. To start the new year off right, treat yourself to snow removal services. You’ll never have to worry about keeping your sidewalks and pathways clear and have a lot more time to plan your outdoor projects for the spring.
2. Use your garden space to grow food
Vegetable and herb gardens are becoming more and more popular in Calgary. They are a great way to always have a ready supply of fresh food and to teach children about what it takes to care for and grow living things.
3. Plant a native plant
Find space in your garden to introduce a native Albertan plant. They are extremely hardy, as they are used to our climate, and also help to save water. Natural meadows are also wonderful for ecological diversity if you happen to have a little bit of extra space.
4. Bring on the bees
Bees are vital pollinators and need to be supported to thrive. Plant a good variety of annuals and perennials that will bloom from spring through to late fall. Bees are drawn to flowers by their colours and their odors, and seem to prefer those that are on spikes, such as lavender, veronica spicata, salvia and liatris spicata. Also, be careful not to disturb slumbering bees with an overly rigorous early spring clean-up.
5. Put up a bird feeder
Birds are pleasant visitors to our properties and perform the important function of gobbling up creepy crawlies and mosquitoes that could be harmful to your plants and annoying to have to deal with. Given its location where two large rivers meet, Calgary is home to a number of different bird species and it’s great fun to start a bird-watching book for the family. Birdbaths also work to welcome birds, as they very much enjoy splashing around and cleaning their wings.
6. Bring in a fruit tree
You certainly won’t find the same variety of fruit trees in Calgary as you will in the Okanagan, but there are several species that will survive our climate. Different types of apple trees grow nicely, plus bloom spectacularly, and cherry, pear, and plum trees are other options.
7. Consider an underground irrigation system
At Mirage, we also specialize in underground irrigation installation. Underground irrigation saves you time (think about never having to drag hoses around again), saves on water, and subsequently, money. The sprinklers are far more efficient and systems can be set to shut themselves off if there has been enough natural moisture.
8. Flatten out your yard
Retaining walls are multi-functional and environmentally friendly. Our expert landscape construction professionals build beautiful, long-lasting retaining walls that can completely transform your property. They help reduce water, as they provide more level surface area, and are great for controlling erosion. You’ll be able to increase the variety of plants you have, and retaining walls add tone of visual appeal.
9. Consult a landscape designer
Professional landscape designers can help you bring your ideas to reality. While you tell us your ultimate dream for the look and utility of your yard, we are here to provide our design expertise, our landscape construction services, and our landscape maintenance knowledge. Together we can ensure you get everything you were hoping for while also ensuring the health and longevity of your yard and property.
10. Add more outdoor living space
Upgrade your outdoor oasis with a new deck or patio to enable you to spend even more time outdoors. We are experienced with deck and patio construction and have helped many clients incorporate additional features such as fire pits and outdoor kitchens.
We at Mirage are wishing you and yours all the very best for 2023! With over three generations of experience landscaping in Calgary, our commitment to individualized customer service has made us a leader in our industry. Our talented staff of loyal landscaping and maintenance professionals are able to provide their years of expertise to any sort of commercial or residential project. View our portfolio here, and contact us for a quote on your next outdoor project.