With more than 35 years of installation and maintenance experience, our landscape professionals address some of the most frequently asked questions for businesses and homeowners with these Irrigation System Tips:

What is the best sprinkler for my purposes?

Rotor Sprinklers: Efficient for covering large open areas such as yards, fields, sports fields, golf courses and more.

Spray Head Sprinklers: Ideal for small, difficult to cover small, odd shaped, or difficult areas where there is little room to apply water, such as narrow walkways along the house, the strip of grass between hardscape fixtures, etc. Unfortunately sprays are not as water efficient, requiring twice as much water per square inch as Rotors, and can not be put on the same zone together.

Multiple-Projectile Rotator Sprinklers (MPs):  MPs are some of the newest technology available, combing flexibility to design systems with spray heads, with the functionality to pair with rotors. When paired with large rotors, MP’s correct a lot of the deficiencies of spray heads. MPs can be used to cover those difficult areas that can’t be reached by the larger rotors and are designed to apply the same amount of water per inch as a larger rotor.

Can I add a new zone or sprinkler to my existing irrigation system?

Unlike many competitors, Studley’s recent designs include the ability to more easily add additional zones or sprinklers to your existing irrigation system. Older Studley systems and any system not installed by Studley’s, will require a system inspection to determine how easily we can accomplish this request.

How are irrigation plumbing needs handled?

You can choose to use your own plumber, or you can use our recommended plumber provided with our estimate. Make sure to let us know so we can provide you with details on how your backflow should be installed!

How long does it take to install an irrigation system?

Installations usually happen quickly and are completed within a day or two, barring special circumstances.

How soon can I start using my newly installed irrigation system?

Your new system will be up and running the same day we finish the installation. There is no need to wait!

How will my lawn look after installation of an irrigation system?

Typically, most homeowners will have minimal scarring of the lawn from where the pipes have been installed. We can never predict what is waiting for us under the ground, so while we look to provide the cleanest possible results, there are times where the lawn needs more care after installation is complete. Most scars are typically healed and hidden within 1-2 years, based on conditions.

My Pro Tip:

Whether considering a new system or upgrading an existing one, you will benefit by consultation with our irrigation specialist. We’re trained in the latest technology and work with the most reliable brands. We’ll come out for an onsite evaluation to understand your needs and propose tailored solutions for maximum efficiency and effectiveness. Get more about our Irrigation Services tips and Schedule An Appointment for your free pro consultation today.

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Ornamental grasses are the late season heroes of the garden. Just as the profusion of summer blooms begin to fade, grasses bring new interest to the landscape.

There are some grasses we like for their reliability in foundation, form and structure in the landscape. There are others we like simply because they are a bit sassy!

We’re sharing our sassiest grasses picks to bring some unexpected fun and texture to the garden:

Quaking Grass

Briza Media

This herbaceous perennial grass has a shapely form and gracefully arching stems of erect green leaves to provide color throughout the season. In spring, showy plumes of chartreuse hop-like flowers on airy panicles rise above the foliage til early summer. By mid-summer, purple seed heads have formed and will fade to tan over time, but are displayed in abundance until mid-fall. We think this grass has sass because it lives up to its name, with both the flowers and seed heads “quaking” on their stems with the slightest breeze, creating interest in the garden with their unique movement.

Gracillimus Maiden Grass

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’

The most popular selection of the maidens, and deservedly so…With graceful form, in an upright mound of fine green foliage, this variety features dainty plumes of pink flowers that can take it to heights of 6′ tall, creating subtle, yet bold curbside impact from late summer til early fall. With violet seed heads appearing on her plumes around mid-fall, this is a grass that remains attractive from summer right through winter.

Morning Light Maiden Grass

Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’

The name alone invites peace and serenity, but do not be fooled; this herbaceous perennial earns a place on the sassy list because it boldly defies it’s name. It’s distinctive narrow green foliage with a sharp white edge will also catch the moon light for your moon garden most of the season. By late summer, plumes of coppery-bronze flowers will rise above the foliage to a height of about 4′ tall. Foliage fades to tan in the fall, when creamy white seed heads remain until late winter.

Landscape Attributes

All of the sassy grasses on our list are perennials, meaning in our regional zones 4-6, they will return every year with proper care. They require only occasional maintenance and upkeep. All are appropriate in a minimalistic design, and applicable to full beds, mass plantings, ground covers and naturalist areas.

Check out more of our Ornamental Grass Top Picks, use our Plant Finder to check our full inventory and ask about our Residential & Commercial Landscaping Services for pro consultation. As always our Garden Center staff is available in store to help you make the right selections for your landscape application.

My Pro Tip

We incorporate a wide variety of grasses to meet many requirements of landscape design. Their versatility allows for creating privacy, color, texture, movement, vertical objectives, and year-round interest. Grasses are often used in a minimalist design to achieve a sophisticated look for simple aesthetics, or in true minimalist form to serve a greater purpose, with mindful plantings of native grasses to facilitate wildlife habitats or erosion control.

A favorite is using grasses for cut flower design to enhance bouquets, as dried accents or to create wreaths for home decor, for parties, and to adorn tablescapes during the holidays. Whether you grow your own or find what you can in nature, grasses always add value.

See you at Studley’s!

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Here are some of our favorite water-wise drought tolerant plants, that once established, will survive dry conditions and heat up your garden landscape with colorful blooms and texture all summer long![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”20px”][vc_column_text]

Favorite Drought Tolerant Plants

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Bandana Pink Lantana

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Happy Hour Banana Portulaca

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Cherry Tart Stonecrop

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Belleza Gaura

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Spice Hot Paprika Tickseed

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Sunburst False Sunflower

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”35px”][vc_column_text]The right drought tolerant plant choices with minimal water needs can make a big difference in your water bill and toward conservation for a better environment.

Learn more about how to save water and still have healthy plants from the UNH Cooperation Extension.

Visit our Garden Center for more drought tolerant plants and to get pro advice from our staff on making the right selections for your garden space. Ask our Landscaping Pros about the water wise Benefits of Irrigation and installation of a RainBird automatic sprinkler system.

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=”35px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]My Pro Tip:

For more beneficial landscaping practices, consider native plants. Native plants are those that occur naturally in a region in which they evolved. When you plant something native, you not only help to preserve biodiversity for the sustainability of pollinators, birds and other wildlife, you can also reduce watering needs, maintenance requirements, and soil erosion.

Native plants are not only a great option as drought tolerant plants, but also because of their striking visual quality. Ask us about the many benefits of native plants and our pro conservation landscaping services.

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