G&L Bark & SupplyG&L Bark & SupplyFamily-owned since 1989

Practical advice from our landscape supply team

Landscaping tips & ideas

Browse 52 articles on bark and mulch, compost and soil, drainage, gravel, gardening and landscape projects in the Pacific Northwest.

What to Plant in Your Garden: 5 Amazing Native Species
Gardening

What to Plant in Your Garden: 5 Amazing Native Species

Have you ever had difficulty keeping plants thriving in your gardens? Are you unsure of what to plant in your garden? Perhaps you run through fertilizers, watering schedules and playing with more or less light, but you still can’t seem to get your plants to thrive. Sometimes it’s

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DIY Rock Beds & Pathways: Amazing Design Ideas with River Rock
Rocks & Gravel

DIY Rock Beds & Pathways: Amazing Design Ideas with River Rock

After a long, wet winter in the Pacific Northwest, April is when many homeowners start reassessing their outdoor spaces. Lawns are often saturated, garden beds look uneven, and high-traffic areas turn into mud zones. It’s also the point in the season where you can clearly see wha

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Seasonal Landscaping: Maintenance Schedule for Gardens in Pierce County
Bark & MulchLandscaping

Seasonal Landscaping: Maintenance Schedule for Gardens in Pierce County

Gardening in the Pacific Northwest can be very rewarding—but only if it is done at the right time. The mild temperatures in Pierce County, the wet winters, and the dry summer mean your yard has different needs depending on the time of year. The secret to successful seasonal lands

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Backyard to Porch: Firepit Bases Using Quarry Rock & Flagstone (January Edition)
Fire Pit

Backyard to Porch: Firepit Bases Using Quarry Rock & Flagstone (January Edition)

January may bring chilly air and shorter days, but it’s also the perfect time to plan and build a firepit area that extends your outdoor living into the cold season. At G&L Bark and Supply, we offer the foundational materials; quarry rock, flagstone, and decorative rock that make

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Christmas Tree Season at G&L Bark Supply: Your Guide to Local Holiday Cheer
Christmas

Christmas Tree Season at G&L Bark Supply: Your Guide to Local Holiday Cheer

There’s something magical about a real Christmas tree; its scent, its glow, and the way it brings the holiday spirit alive in your home. Every November, G&L Bark and Supply in Spanaway transforms into a festive hub for families searching for the perfect holiday tree. Whether you’

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From Soil to Bowl: Composting Success for Edible Gardens     (Fall Q&A Edition)
Compost & SoilGardening

From Soil to Bowl: Composting Success for Edible Gardens (Fall Q&A Edition)

As the summer harvest wraps up and cool temperatures return to Western Washington, fall becomes a powerful opportunity to prepare your edible garden for success in the seasons ahead. At G&L Bark Supply, we believe composting in autumn sets the foundation for a thriving spring. In

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French Drain Solutions: Choosing the Right Rock for Your Yard (Fall Edition)
DrainageGardening

French Drain Solutions: Choosing the Right Rock for Your Yard (Fall Edition)

As the golden leaves start to fall and the rainy season creeps back into the Pacific Northwest, many homeowners in Spanaway and the greater Pierce County region begin to notice familiar problems: puddling water in the yard, soggy flower beds, and water creeping toward foundations

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Maximizing Moisture: Best Mulch & Bark Strategies for a PNW Summer
Bark & MulchGardening

Maximizing Moisture: Best Mulch & Bark Strategies for a PNW Summer

As summer temperatures climb and rainfall slows in Western Washington, maintaining soil moisture becomes critical for gardeners and homeowners. One of the most effective tools in your landscaping toolkit is mulch and bark. Mulching not only conserves water but also improves soil

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Essential Soil Mixes for Raised Beds and Vegetable Gardens
Compost & SoilGardening

Essential Soil Mixes for Raised Beds and Vegetable Gardens

Raised beds and backyard vegetable gardens are thriving across the Pacific Northwest, and for good reason. Not only do they provide a convenient way to grow fresh produce, but they also allow gardeners to take control of their soil conditions. But even the most beautifully built

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Top Mulching Tips to Protect Your Summer Garden
Bark & MulchGardening

Top Mulching Tips to Protect Your Summer Garden

When summer heatwaves roll in, your garden feels it just as much as you do. Intense sun, drying winds, and fluctuating rain levels can stress your plants, dry out the soil, and invite stubborn weeds. But with one simple, time-tested strategy, mulching, you can give your garden th

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Low-Maintenance Flowers for Effortless Beauty
Compost & SoilGardening

Low-Maintenance Flowers for Effortless Beauty

For many homeowners and gardeners in the Pacific Northwest, summer is a season to enjoy the outdoors and not spend all of it tending to flower beds. If your idea of a perfect summer garden includes beautiful blooms without the high-maintenance fuss, you’re in luck. There’s a wide

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How to Create a Low-Maintenance Garden You’ll Love: A Guide for Beginners
Gardening

How to Create a Low-Maintenance Garden You’ll Love: A Guide for Beginners

A low-maintenance garden can be your personal escape—an ideal space to unwind after a long day or enjoy warm Spring and Summer afternoons. But for many people, the idea of starting a garden can be overwhelming. Thoughts like “I don’t have a green thumb” or “I’ll just kill everyth

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Starting Your Garden: A Guide for Washington State
Gardening

Starting Your Garden: A Guide for Washington State

As winter fades and spring approaches, it’s time to start planning your garden. Whether you’re growing vegetables, flowers, or houseplants, understanding Washington’s unique climate and planting schedule is key to a thriving garden. With its diverse geography, including coastal,

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Winter to Spring Landscape: 10 Steps to Transition for Warmer Days

Winter to Spring Landscape: 10 Steps to Transition for Warmer Days

As winter loosens its grip on Washington State, it’s time to start preparing your spring landscape for vibrant growth. Late winter and early spring around February and March are the perfect months to lay the groundwork for a thriving yard, ensuring your plants, lawn, and garden b

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Managing Gravel Driveway: Tips for Maintenance and Repair
Rocks & Gravel

Managing Gravel Driveway: Tips for Maintenance and Repair

Driveways play a crucial role in providing access to homes, farms, and businesses. Whether paved or gravel, driveways experience constant wear and tear from the elements, heavy traffic, and everyday use. Over time, issues such as potholes, muddy patches, and uneven surfaces can a

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G & L Bark Supply: One Stop Shop for Your Christmas Tree and Decorations

G & L Bark Supply: One Stop Shop for Your Christmas Tree and Decorations

G&L Bark is your stop for the best variety of Christmas Trees in Spanaway and Graham! We have been professionally selling flocked and unflocked Christmas trees here at G&L Bark and Supply for 25 years. Being a local seller enables us to provide the best value around with great qu

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The Christmas Tree: A Tradition of Joy, Symbolism, and Beauty

The Christmas Tree: A Tradition of Joy, Symbolism, and Beauty

The Christmas tree is one of the most recognized symbols of the holiday season. It is an evergreen tradition that dates back centuries. Over time it has evolved becoming the centerpiece of modern Christmas celebrations worldwide. Representing joy, warmth, and togetherness, the Ch

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Winter Garden Prep in 3 Steps
Bark & MulchCompost & Soil

Winter Garden Prep in 3 Steps

In the Pacific Northwest, we enjoy mild fall temperatures with plenty of rain but little snow. That makes autumn the perfect time to prepare your garden for harsher weather in winter. Think of your garden like a bear. During winter, it hibernates, and it needs protection and nutr

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Compost 101: Everything You Need to Know About Composting
Compost & Soil

Compost 101: Everything You Need to Know About Composting

If you’ve ever admired a lush, thriving garden and wondered how to achieve similar results, composting might just be your secret ingredient. You might recognize composting as a buzzword in sustainable gardening; It can transform your garden and significantly reduce waste. In this

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Revitalize Your Garden This Summer with G&L Bark Products
Bark & Mulch

Revitalize Your Garden This Summer with G&L Bark Products

As summer unfolds, your garden becomes the perfect canvas for creativity and rejuvenation. Whether you’re an avid gardener or a weekend warrior, revitalizing your garden can be a rewarding endeavor, especially with the right products. G&L Bark in Pierce County offers a wide range

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Unlocking the Potential of Crushed Rock
Rocks & Gravel

Unlocking the Potential of Crushed Rock

Crushed rock, a cornerstone of landscaping and construction projects, holds immense potential for transforming outdoor spaces into functional and aesthetically pleasing environments. At G&L Bark in Spanaway, WA, we take pride in offering a diverse range of crushed rock options th

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What to Plant in the Fall – Tips from Your Favorite Bark Supply Location
Gardening

What to Plant in the Fall – Tips from Your Favorite Bark Supply Location

As the vibrant hues of summer start to fade and the cool, crisp air of fall settles in, gardening enthusiasts know that it’s time to transition their green spaces for the changing season. Fall is an excellent time to refresh your garden and prepare for the next year’s growth. If

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Year Round Gardening: Embrace the Seasons with Expert Tips from G&L Bark
Gardening

Year Round Gardening: Embrace the Seasons with Expert Tips from G&L Bark

Are you ready to elevate your gardening game and to enjoy year round gardening? G&L Bark is here to guide you through the exciting world of year round gardening. In this blog, we will delve into the joys and benefits of year round gardening, along with essential tips to help you

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The Ultimate Summer Gardening Tips from G&L Bark and Supply in Spanaway, WA
Gardening

The Ultimate Summer Gardening Tips from G&L Bark and Supply in Spanaway, WA

Do you need summer gardening tips? Summer is upon us, and it’s time to put on those gardening gloves back on and get outside. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time gardener, it’s always helpful to have a few tricks up your sleeve to help you make the most of your summer g

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Need a Bark Supplier? Choose G&L Bark
Gardening

Need a Bark Supplier? Choose G&L Bark

G&L Bark, located in Spanaway, Washington, is the premier bark supplier in Pierce County. For years, G&L Bark has been providing the highest quality bark products to our customers, and we have gained a reputation for excellence in the process. In this blog, we will discuss why G&

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Planting for Spring: 5 Seeds to Sow and How to Use Mulch and Bark for Optimal Growth
Bark & MulchCompost & Soil

Planting for Spring: 5 Seeds to Sow and How to Use Mulch and Bark for Optimal Growth

Spring has arrived, and it’s time to fill your garden with hope, joy, and stunning blooms. As the winter season fades, many gardeners look forward to planting new seeds and sprucing up their gardens. Early spring is the perfect time to start sowing seeds that thrive in cooler tem

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Your Bark Supplier in Pierce County is G&L Bark Supply in Spanaway!
Bark & Mulch

Your Bark Supplier in Pierce County is G&L Bark Supply in Spanaway!

Welcome to G&L Bark, your premier bark supplier in Pierce County! We are proud to provide the highest quality bark for all of your landscaping needs. Our bark is sourced from local supply and comes in a variety of colors and sizes to meet any need. Whether you’re looking for deco

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10 Great Ways to use Drain Rock
LandscapingRocks & Gravel

10 Great Ways to use Drain Rock

Drain rock is a versatile and cost-efficient material that can be used for numerous home improvement projects. From directing water flow away from the foundation of your house to adding unique decorative accents, drain rock offers many choices when it comes to sprucing up outdoor

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Your Premier Bark Supplier in Pierce County is G&L Bark
Bark & Mulch

Your Premier Bark Supplier in Pierce County is G&L Bark

G&L Bark is your premier bark supplier in Pierce County and we can’t wait to see you! With years of experience in the landscaping supply industry, G&L Bark is the company to choose for your project. G&L Bark provides bark for all types of projects, from small gardens to large, co

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Planning Your Garden For Spring
Gardening

Planning Your Garden For Spring

Are you already planning your garden for spring? If you’re like us, you’re already looking forward to planting your spring garden , so you’ve come to the right place. Time to start planning your garden!

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Find Your Christmas Tree at G&L Bark!
Christmas

Find Your Christmas Tree at G&L Bark!

At G&L Bark, we like to go big with Christmas trees for the Christmas and holiday season. With trees galore and artfully crafted wreaths in addition to all your regular landscaping supplies, we have all you will need to deck the halls and the outdoors this holiday season. Hang ou

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Fall Lawn Fertilizing: 2022 and Beyond!
Gardening

Fall Lawn Fertilizing: 2022 and Beyond!

Fall is a great time to fertilize your lawn in Washington State. While some people fertilize their lawns in the spring, fall lawn fertilizing is a great option as well. Some people even fertilize their lawn twice a year – in the spring and fall. To us at G&L Bark & Supply, fall s

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Get Inspired by the Flora at these Local Gardens
Gardening

Get Inspired by the Flora at these Local Gardens

The Pacific Northwest is home to countless local gardens that are flooded with flora. From towering shrubbery mazes to rose gardens with painted blooms of every color and rhododendrons as far as the eye can see, there are local gardens to satisfy anyone’s inner botanical enthusia

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Why Keeping Houseplants is Good for You
Gardening

Why Keeping Houseplants is Good for You

From the biggest succulent to towering monsteras, it’s no secret that keeping houseplants can transform a house into a home. Houseplants not only offer a pop of color and homey feeling, they also have significant other benefits that you can reap. As we head into planting season o

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The Best Ways to Conquer your Spring Cleaning
Gardening

The Best Ways to Conquer your Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning is a term that refers to the process of cleaning a home and clearing it of any dirt or debris that has built up during the previous winter. It is an ancient practice that goes back many centuries. In some instances, it is believed to have begun as an agricultural

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5 Amazing Facts About Mulch You Didn’t Know
Bark & Mulch

5 Amazing Facts About Mulch You Didn’t Know

Mulch is an essential and natural substance in our gardens. This even happens naturally in the environments around us. No matter if we add leaves, sawdust, special mixes from places like G&L Bark or a special mix of your own, it is a mulch and this technique goes back to time unr

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What are Drain Rocks & How Do You Use Them?
Gardening

What are Drain Rocks & How Do You Use Them?

Rock is among the earliest, simplest, and most practical resources available to landscape architects today. Although we might never actually think about it, there’s a massive variety of rock materials, shapes, and designs that may be utilised in building applications. One type of

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Facts About Soil
Compost & Soil

Facts About Soil

Soil is overlooked Although it’s the foundation of a vegetable

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