“Threat of Rain?”

by | February 11, 2025 | Creative Gardening, Gardening, Landscape Design, Plants, Sustainable Practices | 0 Comments

An on-site analysis and consultation can determine which plants will thrive, ultimately saving on replacement costs—not to mention the disappointment of watching something struggle and fail.

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D.I.Y. or NOT

by | December 3, 2012 | Creative Gardening, Drainage, Landscape Design, Screening, Storm Water Management, Structure, Sustainable Practices | 0 Comments

When it comes to doing something myself; either for the adventure of it, as means to create a healthier product or just save some money, I’m interested. Sometimes my efforts and time prove to be worth it in the short and long term. Other times, things have not gone as...
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Hide and Seek

by | September 27, 2012 | Drainage, Storm Water Management, Structure, Waterproofing | 0 Comments

So; here I am again at another newly purchased home where the previous homeowner has implemented additions that have compromised the safety and structure of the home and left the new owners with unexpected cost. As the Washington, D.C. population continues to grow,...
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Beware of the “End-of-Season Nursery Sales”

by | September 25, 2012 | Creative Gardening, Gardening, Landscape Design, Plants | 0 Comments

The weather has cooled, after a record hot summer, and what a perfect time to get your yard back in shape.  It’s always the best time to plant (warm soils with cool air) and the nurseries are desperate to reduce their inventory before winter sets in.  The sales are...
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Experience Matters

by | July 15, 2012 | Drainage, Networking, Storm Water Management, Sustainable Practices, Uncategorized | 0 Comments

About 25 years ago I was called to provide pricing for a rather extensive drainage project in Bethesda, Md. The homeowner had consulted with an experienced builder and drainage expert who had provided recommendations for keeping existing underground water (springs)...
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Melting Snow and Molds

by | July 15, 2012 | Drainage, Storm Water Management, Sustainable Practices | 0 Comments

OK, it's going to melt....we hope.  This is when the saturation starts along the exterior walls of the foundation. If the gutters have pulled away from the house it's only going to get worse.  I don't know about you, but my mold allergies keep me vigilant year-round...
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Mulch Mania!!!

by | July 15, 2012 | Creative Gardening, Drainage, Gardening | 0 Comments

are you continuing to “Pile on the Mulch”…?

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What difference does 1 Lousy Rain Barrel make?!

by | July 15, 2012 | Rain Barrel, Storm Water Management, Sustainable Practices | 0 Comments

Through a series of coincidental meetings (the third being a clear indication for action) I enrolled and was accepted into the Watershed Stewards Academy (WSA). For the next several months I have/will attend evening classes at the Arlington Echo Outdoor Education...
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First Impressions…

by | July 15, 2012 | Gardening, Landscape Design | 0 Comments

First Impressions…

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Spring Garden Inspirations

by | July 15, 2012 | Drainage, EVENTS, Gardening, Landscape Design | 0 Comments

Looking for more than ‘pretty’ gardens; spring offers opportunities to expand your awareness.

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Petro has on staff LEED AP!

by | Sep 13, 2011 |

Landscape Architect, Colleen Bathon is LEED AP certified! LEED stands for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, and is an internationally recognized certification system highlighting the importance of green building and sustaining our environment. The program...

Benefits of replacing Asphalt with Pervious Pavement

by | Aug 30, 2011 |

Montgomery County Department of Environmental Protection defines pervious pavement as having more air spaces than regular pavement, allowing water to drain through the surface into the underlying soil. Most paved surfaces are currently impervious, but Environmental...

Petro is Growing a Vegetable Garden

by | Aug 12, 2011 |

Petro’s yearly vegetable garden is growing, Growing, GROWING… This year, with the expert guidance of Kathleen, we have cultivated habanero chili peppers, tomatoes, figs, and several herbs, including basil, dill, and rosemary.  Our staff lunches have been supplemented...

Good Neighbors

by | Jul 28, 2010 | , ,

Oftentimes the best neighbors are the ones that you get to see when you want to see them and who get to see you when you want them to see you. Not that we all want to be recluse but, after a long day at work, it would be nice to relax on your deck or patio...

F.A.C.T.S. 2010 Student Built House Dedication

by | May 5, 2010 |

This Friday Petro's Kathleen Litchfeild, FACTS Vice Chair in her "spare time", will be helping to dedicate the 2010 Student Built House.  This is the 35th house built by the FACTS Program (Foundation of Automotive & Construction Technology for Sutdents).  Friday's...

Earth Day 2010

by | Apr 21, 2010 | , , ,

Happy Earth Day from Petro Design Build Inc. Branch out and celebrate Earth Day this Thursday!  April 22, 2010 marks the 40th anniversary.  Events, lectures, etc. will be taking place through the weekend in celebration.  We've listed a few below around the metro area...