Designs By Gringos

01/22/2026

Freeze coming this weekend. If you want your hose bibs and backflow protected, I’m offering cover installs.
• $30 per hose bib cover
• $100 per backflow cover
Message me your address and how many bibs you have and I’ll get you on the schedule.

06/14/2024

Today, I mourn the loss of a cherished friend and longtime customer, Ray. Our bond was rooted in a shared passion for plants, landscaping, and lawn care, but it blossomed into something much deeper. Ray and I spent countless hours walking around his yard, brainstorming ways to enhance its beauty and make it a true sanctuary. His dedication to every detail was inspiring, and his love for nature was evident in every conversation we had.

Ray wasn't just a client; he was a companion in the art of cultivating life and beauty. Our walks were filled with laughter, shared dreams, and the simple joy of watching our ideas come to life in his garden. I'll miss those moments dearly.

Beyond his green thumb, Ray had a deep love for fly fishing. I find comfort in imagining him now, in heaven, casting his reel in the most exotic and serene places, finding peace and joy in the activity he adored.

Rest in peace, Ray. Your legacy will live on in the vibrant landscapes you helped create and in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know you.

11/23/2023

🙏🦃 Thanksgiving Gratitude 🦃🙏

Dear Valued Customers,

As we gather with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you. Your trust and support have been the cornerstone of "Nick Guillermet Designs by Gringos," and we are truly thankful for your continued patronage.

Our team has worked tirelessly to serve you, and we're thankful for their dedication and hard work. We couldn't have done it without them.

Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday; it's a time to reflect on the blessings in our lives. It reminds us to be thankful for the people who make a difference, like our wonderful customers.

We hope you have a joyful and fulfilling Thanksgiving surrounded by loved ones.

With sincere thanks,
Nick Guillermet and the Designs by Gringos Team

11/21/2023

Are you looking to schedule services with us? It's easy and convenient! Just click on the link below to access our online service request form. This form is a straightforward way for you to tell us what you need. Once you click the link, you'll be taken to a secure page where you can fill out your details and specify the services you're interested in. Whether it's for a one-time job or regular maintenance, our online form is the first step to getting the professional service you deserve. We look forward to serving you!

Schedule Services with Us

05/10/2023

St. Augustine grass 🌱, like many lawn grasses, typically needs about 1 to 1.5 inches of 💦 per week to maintain its health and lush appearance. In the hotter ☀️ summer months, this requirement may increase due to increased evaporation, and the grass may need closer to 1.5 to 2 inches of water per week.

How much water your sprinkler system applies can vary based on its settings and efficiency. As a general rule, it's better to water deeply and less frequently than to water a little bit every day. Deep watering encourages the grass to develop a robust root system 🌳, which can help it withstand dry conditions better.

To ensure you're not over or under-watering your St. Augustine grass, you can use a rain gauge or a simple straight-sided can to measure how much water your sprinkler system is applying. Run your sprinklers for 15 minutes ⏲️, then measure the depth of the water in the gauge or can. Multiply this by 4 to get the amount of water your sprinklers apply in an hour.

Adjust your sprinkler run time to deliver the right amount of water based on your measurements. For example, if you find your sprinklers apply 1 inch of water per hour, and you want to apply 1.5 inches of water per week, you might run your sprinklers for about 45 minutes twice a week.

Remember, it's better to water in the early morning 🌅 when temperatures are cooler and winds are calmer. This reduces evaporation and ensures more water reaches the roots of the grass.

For the best care of your St. Augustine grass or any other landscaping needs, don't hesitate to reach out to Designs by Gringos. Visit our website at [DesignsbyGringos.com](http://designsbygringos.com) or call us at 📞 281.755.1452.

Building a reputation one yard at a time.

05/09/2023

💧🌿 **The Importance of Rain for Your Home and Landscape** 🏡🌳

Rain is not just weather – it's a vital resource that nourishes your landscape, providing numerous benefits:

1. **Hydration for Plants** 🌻: Rainwater is a 100% natural source of hydration for plants in your landscape. It is typically more beneficial for plants than tap water because it is free from chlorine and other chemicals.

2. **Nutrient Distribution** 🌾: Rainwater helps distribute essential nutrients through the soil, aiding in the health and growth of your plants.

3. **Erosion Control** ⛰️: Light rain helps in preventing soil erosion by gradually wetting the soil. It helps maintain the landscape's shape and prevents loss of soil from your garden beds.

4. **Groundwater Replenishment** 💧: Rain helps to replenish groundwater supplies, indirectly contributing to your landscape's health by maintaining the water table.

5. **Free Irrigation** ☂️: Using the natural rainfall for landscape irrigation is an eco-friendly and cost-effective way to keep your garden healthy.

6. **Air Cleansing** 🌬️: Rain purifies the air by removing dust and pollutants, providing a cleaner and healthier environment for you and your plants.

7. **Promotes Wildlife** 🐦: Rain creates a vibrant ecosystem in your garden, attracting beneficial wildlife like birds, bees, and butterflies, promoting biodiversity.

Remember, too much rain can cause problems like waterlogging and erosion. Consider implementing rain gardens, rain barrels, and proper drainage systems to manage excess water and make the most of this natural resource.

For more tips on how to utilize rainwater effectively in your landscape, contact us at Designs by Gringos, your trusted partner in creating and maintaining beautiful, sustainable landscapes. Visit our website at [DesignsbyGringos.com](http://designsbygringos.com) or call us at 281.755.1452. 💚🌎

05/05/2023

The 5️⃣th of May, or Cinco de Mayo 🎉, is a significant day that is widely celebrated, particularly in the United States 🇺🇸 and Mexico 🇲🇽. It commemorates the Mexican Army's victory ✊ over the French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862 ⚔️. The battle took place during the French intervention in Mexico, when the French aimed to establish a Latin empire in the region 🌎. The Mexican victory at Puebla was significant because it boosted the morale of the Mexican people and helped to foster a sense of national pride 🇲🇽❤️.

While Cinco de Mayo is not Mexico's Independence Day (which is celebrated on September 16 🗓️), it has become a symbol of Mexican heritage and pride, especially among Mexican-American communities in the United States 🌮🎶. The day is marked by various festivities, including parades 🎊, music 🎵, dancing 💃, and traditional Mexican food 🌯. The celebrations provide an opportunity for people to honor Mexican culture and history and to recognize the contributions of Mexican-Americans to the United States 🙌.

05/05/2023

Controlling and getting rid of flies in the southern United States can be challenging, but with the right techniques and preventive measures, you can effectively reduce their presence. Here are some tips to help you get rid of flies: 🦟

1️⃣ Maintain cleanliness: 🧹 Keep your home and surroundings clean. Dispose of trash regularly, and ensure that your garbage bins have tight-fitting lids. Clean up food spills and crumbs immediately.

2️⃣ Eliminate breeding sites: 🥚 Flies lay eggs in moist organic materials, like decomposing food and animal waste. Remove any potential breeding sites in your yard, such as piles of leaves or grass clippings, and clean up pet waste regularly. 🐶💩

3️⃣ Install screens: 🪟 Install window and door screens to prevent flies from entering your home. Make sure that all openings, including vents and gaps around windows and doors, are properly sealed.

4️⃣ Use fly traps: 🕸️ There are various fly traps available on the market, such as sticky traps, light traps, and flypaper. Place these traps near windows or other areas where flies are commonly seen.

5️⃣ Natural repellents: 🌿 Some plants, such as basil, lavender, and mint, can act as natural fly repellents. Plant these in your garden or place them near windows and doors to help deter flies.

6️⃣ Essential oils: 💧 Flies can be repelled by certain essential oils, like eucalyptus, peppermint, and lemongrass. Mix a few drops of your chosen oil with water in a spray bottle and spray around windows, doors, and other entry points.

7️⃣ DIY fly repellent spray: 🧴 Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the solution around doors, windows, and other areas where flies tend to gather.

8️⃣ Use fans: 💨 Flies have difficulty navigating in strong air currents, so using fans near windows or doors can help keep them at bay.

Remember, prevention is key when it comes to controlling flies. By maintaining a clean environment and taking proactive measures to deter flies, you can reduce their presence and enjoy a more comfortable living space. 🏠

05/03/2023

Choosing the Right Fertilizer for Your Flowering Plants and Shrubs

Are you looking for the best way to promote healthy growth and blooming of your flowering plants and shrubs? Choosing the right fertilizer is key to achieving vibrant, healthy, and beautiful plants. Here are some things to consider when selecting a fertilizer:

Understanding NPK:
- The numbers on fertilizer bags refer to the three primary macronutrients that plants need for healthy growth: nitrogen 👎, phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). These three elements are often referred to as NPK, and the numbers on fertilizer bags indicate the percentage by weight of each of these elements in the fertilizer. For example, a bag of fertilizer labeled 10-10-10 would contain 10% nitrogen, 10% phosphorus, and 10% potassium.

Chemical Fertilizer:
- Pros: Chemical fertilizers are often more potent than other types of fertilizers and provide nutrients to plants quickly. They are often less expensive than other types of fertilizers and can be customized to meet the specific needs of different plants.
- Cons: Chemical fertilizers can be harmful to the environment if overused, and can lead to nutrient runoff and pollution of waterways. They can also deplete soil health over time and lead to long-term soil problems.

Liquid Fertilizer:
- Pros: Liquid fertilizers are quick-absorbing, easy to apply, and can be customized for different plant needs. They are especially useful for plants that require a quick boost of nutrients or that have nutrient deficiencies.
- Cons: Liquid fertilizers are short-lived and require more frequent applications than other types of fertilizers. They can also be more expensive than other types of fertilizers.

Organic Fertilizer:
- Pros: Organic fertilizers are made from natural materials and are often more environmentally friendly than other types of fertilizers. They release nutrients slowly over time and can improve soil health and fertility.
- Cons: Organic fertilizers can be less potent than other types of fertilizers and may take longer to show results. They can also be more expensive than other types of fertilizers.

Best Fertilizer for Flowering Plants and Shrubs:
- Balanced NPK: Most flowering plants and shrubs benefit from a balanced fertilizer that contains equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This type of fertilizer promotes healthy growth and blooming.
- Micronutrients: Some flowering plants and shrubs may benefit from fertilizers that contain micronutrients, such as iron or calcium. These nutrients can help support specific plant needs and promote optimal growth and blooming.

In summary, choosing the right fertilizer for your flowering plants and shrubs depends on your specific needs and preferences. Chemical fertilizers can provide a quick boost of nutrients, while organic fertilizers can improve soil health and fertility. A balanced NPK fertilizer with micronutrients is generally best for promoting healthy growth and blooming. Nitrogen promotes leaf growth and green color, phosphorus promotes root growth and flower production, and potassium promotes overall plant health and disease resistance. Be sure to consider the specific needs of your plants and soil conditions before making a choice.

Remember, over-fertilization can be harmful to plants, so always follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and apply the appropriate amount for your plants. With the right fertilizer and care, your flowering plants and shrubs can thrive and bring joy and beauty to your garden or landscape.

04/28/2023

🌱 Fun Facts: The Surprising Signs of Overwatering and Underwatering Your Plants 🌱

Discover these fascinating fun facts about the often-confusing symptoms of overwatering and underwatering your plants. Learn how to spot the differences and keep your garden thriving!

Overwatering Fun Facts:
1. Yellow leaves: Overwatering can cause leaves to turn yellow, especially the lower ones.
2. Wilted plants: Even with wet soil, overwatered plants can still wilt!
3. Root rot: Too much water creates a perfect environment for harmful fungi and bacteria, leading to root rot.
4. Mold and fungus: Excess water can cause mold, mildew, and fungus to grow on your plants.
5. Edema: Overwatered plants may develop blisters or water-soaked areas due to edema.
6. Weak roots: Plants that receive too much water can develop weak or shallow root systems.

Underwatering Fun Facts:
1. Crispy leaves: Underwatered plants often have dry, brown, and crispy leaves.
2. Wilting: Just like overwatered plants, underwatered plants can also wilt due to insufficient water intake.
3. Stunted growth: A lack of water can slow down or even stop a plant's growth.
4. Drooping leaves: Underwatered plants may have leaves that droop or curl inward to conserve water.
5. Root damage: In severe cases, underwatering can lead to root damage.
6. Flower drop: Insufficient water can cause plants to drop flowers or fruit prematurely.

Here are some simple tricks you can try to determine if you're overwatering or underwatering your plants:

1. Check the soil moisture: Use your finger to test the soil's moisture. Insert your finger about 2 inches into the soil near the plant's base. If the soil feels wet and sticky, you may be overwatering. If it feels dry and crumbly, you're likely underwatering. The soil should ideally be moist but not soggy.

2. Use a moisture meter: A moisture meter is a handy tool that can help you determine the moisture level in the soil. Simply insert the probe into the soil, and the meter will give you a reading indicating whether the soil is too wet, too dry, or just right.

3. Observe plant behavior: Look for signs like leaf color, leaf texture, and the overall health of your plants. As mentioned earlier, overwatered plants typically have yellowing leaves, weak root systems, and may be prone to mold or fungal growth. Underwatered plants exhibit dry, brown, and crispy leaves, slow growth, and drooping or curling leaves.

4. Check the drainage: Ensure your plant containers have drainage holes and that they're not clogged. If your plants are in the ground, ensure the soil drains well and doesn't become waterlogged. Good drainage helps prevent overwatering.

5. Monitor the weather: Keep an eye on the weather and adjust your watering schedule accordingly. During hot, dry periods, your plants may need more water than usual, whereas they may need less during wet or cooler periods.

6. Know your plant's water requirements: Different plants have different water needs. Research the specific water requirements for each type of plant in your garden, and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.

By using these tricks, you can gain a better understanding of your plants' watering needs and maintain a healthy balance. If you need further assistance or advice on proper watering techniques, contact Designs by Gringos at (281) 755-1452 or visit DesignsbyGringos.com for expert help.

04/28/2023

🌳 List of 100 Shade-Loving Plants for South Texas Landscapes: Create Your Dream Shaded Garden 🌳

Transform your shaded garden areas into a lush, vibrant oasis with this ultimate list of 100 shade-loving plants suitable for South Texas landscapes. These plants will bring life, color, and texture to your garden, creating an enchanting retreat.

1. Hostas
2. Ferns (Southern Wood Fern, Autumn Fern, Holly Fern, etc.)
3. Columbine
4. Coral Bells (Heuchera)
5. Impatiens
6. Caladium
7. Texas Sage (Salvia)
8. Turk's Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus)
9. Ajuga (Bugleweed)
10. Bleeding Heart (Dicentra)
11. Astilbe
12. Japanese Anemone
13. Hellebores (Lenten Rose)
14. Lamium (Dead Nettle)
15. Lungwort (Pulmonaria)
16. Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum)
17. Foamflower (Tiarella)
18. Hydrangea
19. Camellia
20. Begonia
21. Foxglove (Digitalis)
22. Cardinal Flower (Lobelia)
23. Vinca (Periwinkle)
24. Brunnera (Siberian Bugloss)
25. Liriope (Monkey Grass)
26. Aucuba (Spotted Laurel)
27. Fatsia Japonica
28. Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia)
29. Japanese Maple (Acer palmatum)
30. Gardenia
31. Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium)
32. Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia)
33. Yellow Archangel (Lamiastrum)
34. Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata)
35. Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)
36. Ostrich Fern (Matteuccia struthiopteris)
37. Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis)
38. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
39. Elephant Ear (Colocasia)
40. Ligularia
41. Mondo Grass (Ophiopogon)
42. Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla)
43. Mahonia (Oregon Grape Holly)
44. Oakleaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia)
45. Skimmia Japonica
46. Snowberry (Symphoricarpos)
47. Japanese Forest Grass (Hakonechloa macra)
48. Toad Lily (Tricyrtis)
49. Wild Ginger (Asarum)
50. Witch Hazel (Hamamelis)
51. Anise Hyssop (Agastache)
52. Leopard Plant (Ligularia)
53. Bear's Breeches (Acanthus)
54. Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)
55. Canna Lily
56. Carolina Allspice (Calycanthus floridus)
57. Chinese Fringe Flower (Loropetalum chinense)
58. Chrysogonum (Goldenstar)
59. Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnamomea)
60. Coralberry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus)
61. Cotoneaster
62. Dwarf Crested Iris (Iris cristata)
63. European Wild Ginger (Asarum europaeum)
64. Fairy Wings (Epimedium)
65. False Solomon's Seal (Maianthemum racemosum)
66. Flame Azalea (Rhododendron calendulaceum)
67. Golden Hakone Grass (Hakonechloa macra 'Aureola')
68. Heartleaf Brunnera (Brunnera macrophylla)
69. Heucherella (Foamy Bells)
70. Indian Pink (Spigelia marilandica)
71. Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)
72. Kirengeshoma (Yellow Wax Bells)
73. Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis)
74. Mountain Laurel (Kalmia latifolia)
75. Nandina (Heavenly Bamboo)
76. Oyster Plant (Tradescantia spathacea)
77. Pacific Bleeding Heart (Dicentra formosa)
78. Partridgeberry (Mitchella repens)
79. Redtwig Dogwood (Cornus sericea)
80. Rhododendron
81. Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis)
82. Serviceberry (Amelanchier)
83. Shooting Star (Dodecatheon)
84. Siberian Bugloss (Brunnera macrophylla)
85. Spicebush (Lindera benzoin)
86. Star Jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides)
87. Sweet Flag (Acorus calamus)
88. Sweetshrub (Calycanthus)
89. Trillium
90. Twinflower (Linnaea borealis)
91. Umbrella Plant (Darmera peltata)
92. Variegated Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum')
93. Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
94. Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera)
95. White Baneberry (Actaea pachypoda)
96. White Wood Aster (Eurybia divaricata)
97. Wild Hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens)
98. Wild Sweet William (Phlox divaricata)
99. Yellowroot (Xanthorhiza simplicissima)
100. Zebra Grass (Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus')

These shade-loving plants will help you create a beautiful and diverse garden in your South Texas landscape. Enjoy designing your dream shaded garden with this extensive list.

If you would like any help creating your dream shaded garden, don't hesitate to contact us at Designs by Gringos! Our team of experienced professionals is ready to assist you with plant selection, landscape design, and maintenance. Give us a call at (281) 755-1452 or visit our website at DesignsbyGringos.com. Let us bring your garden vision to life!

04/27/2023

🌺 Brighten Your Garden with Vibrant Blooms 🌺

Summer in Texas, brings warmer temperatures and abundant sunshine, creating an ideal environment for many beautiful flowers to thrive. Here are some of the best summer flowers to plant in your garden for a stunning and colorful display:

1. Black-Eyed Susan:

Black-Eyed Susans are a summer favorite with their bright yellow or orange petals surrounding a dark brown center. They are drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making them a great choice for Texas gardens.

2. Zinnias:

Zinnias are a popular summer flower that comes in a wide range of colors, sizes, and shapes. They are heat-tolerant and easy to grow, making them an excellent choice for adding a burst of color to your garden.

3. Coneflowers (Echinacea):

Coneflowers are hardy perennials that thrive in the summer heat. They produce large, daisy-like blooms in colors such as pink, purple, white, and yellow. Coneflowers are also known for attracting pollinators like butterflies and bees.

4. Lantana:

Lantana is a heat-loving, drought-tolerant perennial that produces clusters of vibrant flowers in various colors, including red, orange, yellow, and pink. It's an excellent choice for borders, containers, or hanging baskets.

5. Sunflowers:

Sunflowers are a classic summer flower that can add a dramatic statement to your garden. They thrive in full sun and can grow quite tall, depending on the variety. Sunflowers are also known to attract birds and pollinators.

6. Marigolds:

Marigolds are a versatile annual flower that can add a pop of color to your summer garden. They come in shades of yellow, orange, and red and are known for their pest-repellent properties.

7. Salvia:

Salvia is a drought-tolerant perennial that produces spikes of tubular flowers in various colors, including blue, purple, red, and white. It's an excellent choice for adding height and color to your garden while also attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.

8. Coreopsis:

Coreopsis, also known as tickseed, is a low-maintenance perennial that produces daisy-like flowers in shades of yellow, pink, or red. These heat-tolerant flowers are perfect for adding a touch of brightness to your summer garden.

9. Geraniums:

Geraniums are a popular summer annual with showy, colorful flowers in shades of pink, red, white, or purple. They can be grown in beds, containers, or hanging baskets and prefer well-drained soil and full sun to partial shade.

When choosing summer flowers for your Texas garden, consider factors such as sunlight, soil type, and available space to ensure a successful and vibrant display.

For expert advice on selecting and planting the perfect summer flowers, contact Designs by Gringos at 281.755.1452 or visit our website at DesignsbyGringos.com. Our team of skilled professionals will help you create a stunning garden that showcases the best of summer in Texas.