July is National Picnic Month What a perfect excuse to enjoy your yard, fire up the grill, and soak up the summer under our beautiful Texas sky. Help keep mosquitoes from crashing the party with an update to your garden! Certain plants not only enhance your landscape but also help to naturally repel mosquitoes. And it gets even better… Many of them grow exceptionally well in our North Texas climate. Here are some top mosquito-fighting plants to add to your landscape this season, ALL AVAILABLE NOW at Landscape Systems Garden Center! Mosquito-Repelling Plants That Thrive in the Dallas Fort Worth Area’s Heat 1. Citronella (Pelargonium citrosum) Often referred to as the “mosquito plant,” citronella is a type of scented geranium with pink-purple flowers and lemony foliage that mosquitos dislike. When the lacy leaves are rubbed or brushed, you’ll notice the scent that sends mosquitos elsewhere. It does best in containers and bright sunlight. 2. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) This fragrant tropical grass contains citronellal, the natural oil found in many mosquito repellents. Lemongrass grows well in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant it in your seasonal borders or in large containers, which can easily be moved nearer to seating areas to keep mosquitos away from your gathering. 3. Catmint (Nepeta spp.) Catmint is a relatively easy-to-grow perennial that thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. It grows well in North Texas, tolerates heat and drought, and produces soft lavender-blue flowers that pollinators absolutely love - but mosquitoes don’t. It contains nepetalactone, an essential oil that is a strong mosquito repellent, even potentially more effective than DEET, according to some researchers. 4. Lavender (Lavandula spp.) A fragrant favorite, lavender’s soothing scent is pleasant to us but off-putting to mosquitoes. It thrives in full Texas sun and well-drained soil, making it perfect for beds, borders, and patio pots. Plus, it’s drought-tolerant once established. 5. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) Rosemary is a heat-loving herb with a strong scent that deters mosquitoes and other flying insects. It thrives in DFW’s dry, sunny conditions and can be planted directly in the ground or in containers. Try placing rosemary sprigs on the grill while barbecuing to release the scent and keep mosquitoes away from the chef! Tips for Planting in the DFW Metroplex Choose sunny spots. All of these plants thrive in full sun, which our area has in abundance! Prioritize drainage. Use raised beds or well-draining soil to prevent root rot. Use containers for flexibility. Potted plants can be moved to patios, porches, or picnic areas as needed - right where you want to be, bug free! Enjoy a More Comfortable Outdoor Space Adding mosquito-repelling plants to your landscape is a smart, natural way to enjoy more of your outdoor space this summer. Not only do they help keep mosquitoes at bay, they also add beauty, fragrance, and function to your garden. Not sure where to start? Come visit Landscape Systems Garden Center in Keller ! Our team can help you choose the right mosquito-deterring plants that will thrive in your specific yard conditions. Celebrate National Picnic Month with a landscape that works FOR YOU—and against mosquitoes!

1. Start with a Fresh Foundation A freshly cut lawn is the foundation of any outdoor party. Whether you mow it yourself or pay for a service, schedule your lawn maintenance a day or two before your outdoor party to allow the clippings to settle. If you have a pool, make sure it’s clean, functional, and safe for guests, with precautions like secure fencing and designated supervision for children. Store away any garden tools, toys, or equipment that may be out in the open. Creating a clean and orderly space makes a great first impression and allows your guests to move about easily. 2. Incorporate Plants and Flowers Potted plants, hanging baskets, and flowerbeds can enhance the beauty of your space. We have a variety of beautiful seasonal and perennial flowers and flowering shrubs at Landscape Systems Garden Center. Our expert sales staff can help you choose a mix of colorful flowers and greenery that can withstand the summer heat. This week, we have potted ferns at 50% off … a perfect statement of southern charm on any porch or patio! 3. Clean up the Patio & Outdoor Furniture Sweep the patio or deck to remove large debris. And while you're at it, make sure to clear any cobwebs lurking in the corners. Fences, walkways, and outdoor furniture may need some attention, too. Power washing these areas can bring life back into outdoor spaces! Wipe down windows and clean any cushions. Need help getting ready? Landscape Systems has our own preferred window washing service and pressure washing service to meet your needs. Contact us today to schedule! 4. Have Plenty of Comfortable Seating Spread-out seating areas can help prevent damage to your lawn from heavy foot traffic. Adding throw pillows will make your seating area more inviting. Use the canopy of your trees or large umbrellas to provide shade for your guests. If you don’t have a lot of seating options, it is perfectly acceptable to ask guests to bring their own lawn chairs. If rain is a concern, be prepared to move the party indoors or have a large party tent on standby. 5. Create Ambiance with Lighting and Music Use string lights, lanterns, or solar lights to illuminate your space as the sun goes down. This not only adds charm but also ensures safety for guests navigating your yard at night. Pay special attention to walkways, slopes, and steps. Have a way to incorporate a subtle soundtrack. A mini sound system such as a Google Home, Alexa, or portable speaker, provides background music to fill lulls in conversation. Play your favorite music to match the vibe of your party. Whether it’s a kid’s birthday party or a casual gathering of friends, the music you choose will help set the tone. 6. Set Up a Food and Drink Station Food is an essential part of any gathering. Plan a menu that suits your guests' tastes and any dietary restrictions, but keep it simple enough that it isn’t a strain on your hospitality. A relaxed and pleasant host is far more important! Designate an area for drinks and snacks, making sure it’s easily accessible. Consider using a bar cart or a dedicated table, stocked with summer essentials like iced drinks, fresh fruit, and finger foods. And don’t forget the napkins! 7. Enjoy Your Guests and Have Fun! You may want to set up some popular summer yard games, such as cornhole, bocce ball, or giant Jenga, to give your guests a fun way to stay entertained throughout the party. Additionally, make sure pets have a safe and comfortable space, providing shaded areas, fresh water, and a quiet spot for relaxation. If loud noises upset your pets, be sure to keep them away from fireworks and ensure they’re comforted and secure during celebrations. With a bit of planning and preparation, you can transform your yard into a beautiful venue for summer celebrations. By focusing on comfort, ambiance, and accessibility, you’ll create a space where memories can be made all summer long. Enjoy your summer parties and happy hosting!

Grill tools, tube socks, a new necktie? This Father’s Day, skip the predictable and give Dad something he’ll truly appreciate—a little help around the house, and the gift of time well spent. Whether he’s the kind of guy who enjoys DIY projects or someone who'd happily skip them, giving the gift of time, convenience, and a little pampering can go a long way. Landscape Systems offers home services that make perfectly thoughtful Father’s Day gifts. Contact our office to arrange any of the following services for the dad in your life. We are happy to assist you! 1. Automotive Detailing If your dad loves his car almost as much as he loves you, a full-service auto detailing is a slam-dunk gift. Interior shampooing, waxing, tire shine—let the pros give his ride a showroom glow while he sits back and relaxes. 2. Window Washing Crystal-clear windows can totally change how a home looks and feels—but most people avoid doing it themselves. Gift Dad a professional window washing and let him enjoy the view without the ladder and elbow grease. 3. Pressure Washing Service From the driveway to the deck, a good pressure washing can make the exterior of a home look freshly renovated. If your dad is the type who loves a sparkling clean patio or walkway, this is a simple gift that makes a big visual impact. 4. And of course, we offer Landscaping Services! If your dad takes pride in his yard, a professional landscaping installation is a great way to keep things looking sharp—without him lifting a finger. From a complete overhaul to a simple landscaping refresh, we are here for you! Book services like mulching, tree trimming, or planting seasonal flowers to spruce things up. Home services are more than just tasks—they’re time-savers, stress-reducers, and elevations to daily life. Whether you book a one-time treat or purchase a gift card for flexible use, this kind of gift says, “I see how hard you work—and you deserve a break.” This Father’s Day, give a gift that’s practical, thoughtful, and far more appreciated than another pair of slippers. Home services give Dad what he really wants: more time to enjoy the things—and people—he loves most.

Landscape Systems Garden Center is thrilled to introduce Edward Gates as our primary landscape architect! Originally from New Zealand, Edward grew up on the wide, open plains of Canterbury, surrounded by farmland and a culture of practicality. He studied horticulture and later landscape architecture, blending a hands-on knowledge of the land with an eye for design. Over the years, Edward has worked on a wide variety of projects—from small backyard makeovers to large-scale community spaces—always with the belief that every landscape has a story. Edward comes to us from Carrgate Design, a firm he helped create in the mid-90s with a straightforward mission: solve problems, create beauty, and treat every project as unique. He brings a collaborative, grounded approach to design, always open to new ideas and passionate about working closely with clients and teams to bring shared visions to life. He believes the landscape is more than just physical elements—it’s part of what shapes who we are and how we live. That philosophy, along with his creativity and experience, makes Edward a perfect fit for our team and our clients. Please join us in welcoming Edward to the team! We are excited for the fresh perspective and skill set that Edward brings to his new role.

Caring for a new tree can be difficult if you are inexperienced. Here's how a local tree nursery can help with advice and information about your tree.

There are a few ways your local landscape designer can create a beautiful yard for your home. Keep reading or contact us today to learn more.