September 2, 2026 - Letter from Marcus

School has been back in session for almost a month for most GA-ATL students. Summer is dwindling in its last month, but the heat is still ever present. This past week we have been eating 95+ degree days. HOT! We are still experiencing a true southern summer not only with the heat, but with the cloying humidity. The heat won't slow me down or the arrival of Labor Day or dreams of cooler weather. There is some relief in the mornings with a cup of coffee before the heat sets in and and ice cold up of water in the warm evenings. Enjoy the gardens and landscapes around you and encourage your kids to get OUTSIDE AND PLAY.

LAST WEEK I installed 2 projects for a client:

• The first project was a backyard, 98' fence line running track for their large dogs using Vevor grid and mini bark. The dogs were destroying the grassy area in front of the fence line.

• The second project was the heavy pruning of the front yard trees and the installation of landscaping in the front yard garden beds.

THE WEEK AFTER LABOR DAY finds me hopefully on track installing another fire pit patio area surrounded by landscaped garden beds full of plants, shrubs, a Japanese Maple, and herbs for the incredible home cook in this family.

Stay tuned for project photos. Fire pit patios are fun to install and offer endless memories for families and friends. On the heels of this I am installing my first fall sod project. Fall is a great time to plant grass seed or sod.

I love chatting with prospective, new clients! This summer I met really cool people and new clients that had passionate ideas about home and gardens. I learned as much from them as I hope they learned from my design processes. Designing and installing landscaping projects is my jam! Some include large clean-ups, hardscape, drainage and garden bed makeovers My favorite part of the design process is when the whims of my clients make their way into my designs. I love seeing my clients excitement when they realize they have an entire new yard space on the way for their friends and family. I am in my element. There is nothing like summer and fall in the south!

It is never too late to dream big dreams for yard yard and garden spaces. Get the ball rolling for your summer - fall outdoor time with a residential yard space discussion with me.

Happy last month of Summer,

Marcus Sommers

Horticulturist and Principal