One of the most beautiful and relaxing water features that you can install in your garden or yard is a Koi pond. Koi ponds are a great way to enhance the appearance of your home, and they can help reduce your stress and negative energy. There is something calming about watching brightly-colored fish swimming peacefully in tranquil water: the effect is soothing, almost hypnotic. Koi fish symbolize good fortune, courage, and perseverance; and they are fairly easy to take care of. However, keeping your Koi pond well-maintained will require some work on your part. Your friends here at Pacific Dreamscapes want to offer up three tips to keep your Koi pond (and fish) in great condition.

• Check your water – Regularly perform checks on the pond water to ensure that is has the right temperature and is free of algae, which spreads quickly and hogs the oxygen that is meant for your plants and fish. Water is generally checked for ph, nitrate and nitrite levels, and hardness. The best way to ensure that your pond’s water is clean is by the use of water filtration systems, but these filters also require regular checks and cleaning. Include plants like Anacharis, a type of plant that filters the water as they grow. You can also keep your pond water fresh by draining one-tenth of the current water and replacing it with “new” water regularly; as well as changing your pond’s water every month.
• Check your fish – Check to see if your fish have any diseases or injuries. Koi fish are easy to take care of, so there shouldn’t be any problems as long as they are properly fed. And while we’re on the subject of feeding, make sure that your Koi aren’t overfed; as this could increase the levels of nitrite and ammonia in the pond, which in turn could lead to problems such as fish parasites or fin rot. Also, make sure that your pond isn’t overpopulated, and that the Koi have enough space to feed and breed properly.
• Check your pond and items – When changing your pond water, clean all of the items that are in your pond such as decorative rocks, sculptures, tiles, and other pond features to keep them algae -free. Clean the sides of the pond as well. Use a proper algae scrub and plenty of hot water. Then, remove items that can harm your fish such as dead plant life, harmful insects, and even the residue that builds up and gets caught in your pond’s water pump and water filter.

Pacific Dreamscapes can help you design and build a Koi pond in your yard or garden, or; if you already have one, we can help maintain it for you. Our ponds are constructed with durable rubber liners and a layer of pebbles which allows beneficial bacteria to colonize and break down pond muck, and helps prevent UV breakdown. We provide Landscape Contracting and Design services in San Diego, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Chula Vista, La Jolla, Coronado and all nearby cities in San Diego County. Call us at 858-583-4105 for a consultation, or contact us online.

For homeowners in San Diego, a huge part of owning a house is landscaping the backyard. Whether it is front yard landscaping or backyard landscaping, the work should be done. While the front lawn is necessary because it’s more visible to others and neighbors who drive by, the backyard is no less important. The backyard is where pals and families collect for bbqs and birthday parties and where some families place their pool. The majority of backyards are landscaped with careful thought and preparation. Unique factor to consider is taken into the positioning of every blade of lawn, each ornamental stone and all of the species of flowers that beautify a yard. Flowers, stones and yard are simply some of the ways to landscape a backyard. Big shade trees, waterfalls and natural gardens are some other methods. The style of your landscape will depend upon your pastimes, interests and goals for your yard. Yard landscaping can be a lot of enjoyable, specifically when you make it individual. Landscape your yard to reflect your character and your houses personality. Include a bar to your back patio if you and your household like to captivate. Clean up the bbq grill and don’t forget the citronella candle lights to keep the bugs away. Maybe you’ll wish to construct a croquet course, miniature golf course, or put in a sand lot for some sand volleyball. Whatever your preference, make backyard landscaping fun for the whole family. Keep your household in mind too, when it comes time to maintain the backyard landscaping. Big backyards will need a lot more upkeep and grooming. Taking care of the yard can be a good household activity. You can cut the lawn, pull the weeds and get the kids involved in watering the plants. If you have a fruit tree in your yard, you’ll most likely be spending a long time picking up the fallen apples or cherries. And of course, you’ll likewise have to reserve time to have the tendency to your natural garden. It can be surprisingly gratifying to grow your very own herbs and use them in unique dishes that you cook when you’re entertaining good friends and neighbors. If you are the type who would rather keep your yard to yourself, then perhaps you do not have to worry about the huge, green lawn. Perhaps you ‘d rather have a quaint yard with standard backyard landscaping. You can put in some turf, tactically position some shade trees and plant a few of your preferred flowers. You may wish to consist of some bigger bushes, if area enables as they will add some beautiful green to your colorful yard. This kind of yard might require the exact same maintenance as a large backyard, however not nearly the time dedication. No matter what your character states about your yard landscaping, something’s for sure– house owners all over will tell you to develop your backyard just the way you want to. Front yard landscaping or backyard landscaping, the work must be done. Whatever your choice, make backyard landscaping fun for the whole household. Keep your household in mind too, when it comes time to keep the backyard landscaping. Possibly you ‘d rather have a quaint lawn with standard backyard landscaping. No matter what your character says about your yard landscaping, one thing’s for sure– property owners all over will inform you to develop your yard simply the way you desire to. If you are interested in getting expert opinion for your San Diego County Backyard or other Landscaping in San Diego, contact Pacific Dreamscapes at  (858) 583-4105 or email us at info@pacificdreamscapes.com

  When spring comes to San Diego, Outdoor BBQ season is in full swing! Many people have traditional barbecues that are movable, but for the homeowner with a backyard, built in Outdoor Barbecues are the most fun way to enjoy the sun. Here is an Outdoor Barbecue Project Idea that our San Diego Landscapers built recently.

Outdoor Barbeque Project Ideas

This outdoor kitchen with barbecue project was built in Poway, CA. The outdoor kitchen components for this project were manufactured by Turbo and were purchased at Barbeques Galore in San Diego. We installed a barbeque grill with stainless steel cover along with a Turbo elite side burner, sink, storage drawers and refrigerator for the complete outdoor dining experience.

Outdoor Kitchen and BBQ Island Combination

An outdoor kitchen is the perfect compliment to an Outdoor Barbeque Project. The outdoor kitchen and BBQ island were constructed using concrete masonry units (CMU) block. We installed a stone veneer to compliment the concrete and flagstone patio floor and to enhance the beauty of the landscape project. To give strength to the outdoor kitchen and barbeque island we used #4 rebar to reinforce the concrete block. Each CMU block was filled with 2500 psi strength concrete. The outdoor kitchen and barbeque island was completed when we installed a granite tile counter and wall capping to allow the customer to have a beautiful as well as smooth counter to cook and serve on. Enjoying late afternoon sunsets and mid summer cookouts with this Outdoor Barbecue Project Idea will last a lifetime! For more San Diego outdoor BBQ ideas or for making an on-site appointment on an outdoor barbeque in San Diego county, contact Pacific Dreamscapes at 858-583-4105 or email estimates@pacficdreamscapes.com  

[metaslider id=10444] Patio covers are an extension of your home that add color and basic safety for your patio region. Although some San Diego Residents contain awnings developed of vinyl or metal, our wooden patio covers are created by knowledgeable carpenters and offer you considerable elegance as well as security. Countless homeowners confuse pergolas and patio addresses. A cover is supported on one side from your home residence and from the other side as a result of pillars. A pergola is a stand-alone option that doesn’t connect to the edge of the house. The moment it starts raining, a pergola won’t let you avoid against becoming wet while coming in and out of the house. Patio Covers provide the greatest security when you wander outdoors. Once you have decided that a patio cover is what you want for your San Diego Home, picking out what it ought to look like may be extremely hard. Consequently, there are numerous choices! As educated, longtime designers, we can assist you in the direction to identify the best style that complements the style and design of your household, both within and out. No matter if you require anything at all straightforward or complexly innovative, we can help. Contact us for an on-site appointment: estimates@pacificdreamscapes.com or 858-583-4105