Plant Gardens 101

Tenacity is a key word for cacti and succulents. They make a good choice of plant for gardeners who lack the knack that sees plants flourish, but who yearn for something green in their immediate surroundings. They are also very good subjects for indoor container growing, and can prove a successful introduction to gardening for young people: I still remember with affection the “mother-of-millions” (Kalanchoe daigremontiana) succulent I was given by a neighbor when I was a pre-teen.

All succulents have the virtue of tolerating an erratic watering schedule, since that is what nature provides them and what they have adapted to manage; but some have the additional virtue of tolerating dimly lit growing conditions, which is indeed a bonus if you are looking for a house plant to keep an invalid company. Ideally, some rotation of plants from poorly lit to window sill locations will increase the probability of achieving flowering: but that does require additional discipline on the part of the gardener.

There are some cautions to be observed with growing any plants on a window sill (or any other surface close to a window). On a sunny day temperatures close to the glass can exceed 100?F; and in winter, without insulation or adequate air movement plants can literally freeze. (more…)

Planting a wildflower meadow garden is a project that appeals to a lot of folks simply because they look good and require very little maintenance. Also, a wide assortment of flowers, grasses and plants can be grown together without any rigid specific design. This can be a simple way to create a surprisingly beautiful garden that is also very environmentally friendly. The blooms are colorful and plentiful so they provide a much appreciated, natural habitat for birds, butterflies and many other critters.

While being an ideal garden style for some locations, a wild meadow garden may seem like clutter to some folks. So there may be some things you should consider before creating one of your own.

If planting a wildflower meadow garden appeals to you because of no maintenance, you might want to reconsider. First, there ain’t no such thing as a no maintenance landscape or garden. It would be nice if it was so easy but all gardens need some maintenance. Wildflower meadow gardens only need a small amount of upkeep. However, you still have to watch out for weeds and keep the garden tidy. (more…)

By definition, the main element in a courtyard is that it is an enclosed space. The degree of enclosure will vary, but in a small courtyard we can expect it to be quite marked. How can we choose plantings that help to dispel any tendency to claustrophobia? In this example I will discuss a possible treatment for a city courtyard six feet wide by ten feet long.

The first thing we need to do is to emphasise the horizontal dimension, since the enclosing walls already strongly define the vertical. In such a tiny space, likely to have limited exposure to the sun because of the shading effect of the walls around it, we must avoid (as much as possible) dark tones and all clutter. Light and geometry will save us. We begin by defining a straight path of two foot width across the center of the yard. Whether it is ten feet long or six feet long will depend on the orientation of the yard to the sun, as we aim for the best fit to a north-south orientation that we can get. The path is paved in a lightly toned color, with materials chosen according to budget. We now have at our disposal two areas for development, each of twenty or twenty-four square feet (depending on the length of the path). (more…)

A garden, even a small one, can accent and add beauty to a home. If you’ve avoided creating a garden because you think that you don’t have the space, you may want to rethink it. You can make a nice little garden in an unused corner or even an area as small as a table top and it doesn’t matter whether you are living in a condominium or an apartment. It simply takes a little creativity and focus on detail to make it happen.

Small gardens, whether a small vegetable garden or flower garden, obviously don’t require as much work compared to a larger plot. However, they do require the same degree of passion, interest, and like I said, a lot of attention to detail. If you’re not a master gardener or if you have little time to putter around with your plants, you can still condense a beautiful garden into a small space in the backyard or on the balcony of your condo. (more…)

By definition, the main element in a courtyard is that it is an enclosed space. The degree of enclosure will vary, but in a small courtyard we can expect it to be quite marked. How can we choose plantings that help to dispel any tendency to claustrophobia? In this example I will discuss a possible treatment for a city courtyard six feet wide by ten feet long.

The first thing we need to do is to emphasise the horizontal dimension, since the enclosing walls already strongly define the vertical. In such a tiny space, likely to have limited exposure to the sun because of the shading effect of the walls around it, we must avoid (as much as possible) dark tones and all clutter. Light and geometry will save us. We begin by defining a straight path of two foot width across the center of the yard. Whether it is ten feet long or six feet long will depend on the orientation of the yard to the sun, as we aim for the best fit to a north-south orientation that we can get. The path is paved in a lightly toned color, with materials chosen according to budget. We now have at our disposal two areas for development, each of twenty or twenty-four square feet (depending on the length of the path). (more…)

We humans develop passions for classic cars, postage stamps and great art: and among the planet’s collectors are those who have a passion for a particular plant. Plant collections can be more or less broadly defined to include whole plant families or just the cultivars of a particular species. Such collections can spread over vast tracts of land, or be held in a single greenhouse or urban conservatory.

One area worth considering for a plant collection is the alpine zone, either of a particular area such as the Rocky Mountains or the European Alps, or more generally, to include specimens from various continents.
Botanically, the alpine zone is generally considered to be between the limit of tree growth and the area under permanent snow. It contains an abundance of plants, some found only on a single mountain, others in a particular ecological system, or in a certain hemisphere, while yet others are common to alpine zones in different continents. (more…)

Certain factors come into play when designing your yard. A well-planned landscape should suit your lifestyle, your family’s needs, your site’s plot plan, and topography. Of course, there is also personal preference as well as the fact that your landscape should complement the architectural style of your home. In general, it helps if you decide whether you want a landscape design that is formal or informal. Think about your hardscape needs and permanent structures first. Any structures such as greenhouses, tool and storage sheds, garages, etc. require level topography along with easy access for traffic, be it pedestrian, wheelbarrow, lawnmower, or vehicular. Once structural and traffic considerations have been planned, then you can consider where to site your gardening areas and plantings. (more…)

Okay, not all of us have the time to water every hanging plant, window box and every square foot of yard. Even if we did, it is easy to predict that most of us have had enough of watering once our hanging and potted plants have been tended. So, what are other viable options for our lawn, gardening areas, vegetable beds, and water features? Some are self-tending; all of them are efficient with little maintenance once installed.

Installed systems can reduce water consumption, especially handy in areas where water conservation is key. If you have a concern about the view of your garden with permanent irrigation devices showing, know that there are pop-up sprinklers which remain virtually hidden amidst your landscape to accommodate your needs. There are a number of different irrigation systems to choose from to ensure that your garden is kept sufficiently well-watered.

Drip systems can be installed below ground. They are extremely effective, releasing water directly to the root systems of the plants in your garden or even your greenhouse with no run-off or evaporation loss. As water is applied to the roots, not the leaves of your plants, drip systems reduce the possibilities of fungal and insect damage. They suit all soil, topography, and plant types, too. (more…)

Border garden beds are wonderful additions to your landscape when you want to highlight an edge, such as a driveway, fence, walkway, front porch, or patio. They can be used to delineate visual boundaries or create physical compartments in your landscape. When it comes to highlighting permanent features, such as a trellis or gazebo, or dividing spaces in your yard or vegetable garden, border gardens are just the thing. As they often follow an edge, they are usually rectangular in shape, but can also be designed to include gentle curves for less formal gardens.

Most gardeners plant taller annuals and perennials to the back of these beds, placing shorter items towards the front. Border beds can be created to spotlight long seasons of bloom on a continuum or focused around a one-season spectacular show. If you opt for the one-season showcase, be sure to plan the rest of your landscaping to balance out the seasons during which your border bed lies fallow. (more…)

Throughout the spring and summer, we are treated to the melodious songs and chattering conversations of a variety of birds in our trees and shrubs. As summer turns to autumn, then autumn to winter, the songs die down and the conversations are less frequent. Is there a way to keep the birds around during the winter too? You bet! Every region is blessed with a variety of non-migratory birds. With just the right tasty treats, you can draw these non-migratory birds to your yard. Food, water and protection are the three things you need to provide for your feathered friends.

When you consider feeders, have mercy on the little birds who will visit your yard. Be sure to supply tube feeders for them, designed in such a way to keep out larger birds. Thistle feeders are a favorite of finches. Thistle ocks Shepherd hooks make great thistle feeders and come in various sizes. Green feeders with weighted trap doors will keep out squirrels and crows. (more…)

Whether you are a novice gardener, lack time for maintenance, are planning your garden from scratch, or simply desire added appeal in your yard, there are many features you can include in your landscaping besides plants. Be sure to use features of personal interest that will complement your home and your lifestyle. The following options offer a few attractive and creative ways to make your yard and gardening areas more functional and inviting.

• Arbors – Arbors are a versatile and unique addition to your landscaping. If properly placed and screened, they provide a very attractive personal space. Arbors can be used to fill space or to direct your attention to another part of your yard or garden. They are perfect for adding a vertical dimension to your landscaping and offer an easy venue for landscaping with vines.
• Fences and Edging – Styles and materials vary for fences and edging, but they can provide beauty, privacy, security and a valuable place for pets to hang out. They can provide privacy, protect and define beds, and add to the aesthetic appeal of your garden. For more on edging and borders, see our website.

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Just as with home construction, most landscaping projects are a series of smaller projects. Some are confined to the realm of landscaping and some are basic construction projects that just happen to be part of the landscape. Things such as decks, sheds, walls, fences, steps, and etc. which are considered the hardscaping, would all fit the discussion.

Deciding on which elements and features your yard needs and what will fit your budget can sometimes be a challenge. A simple assessment might help determine it for you. While some hardscaping may be created purely for looks and beauty, some may be added to the project due to necessity. Look around your yard and see what might be necessary.

- Retaining Walls, Rock Walls – Retaining walls can be used to create raised garden beds, to prevent erosion, and to stabilize steep-sloped banks. They can be crafted from large river rocks, field stone, railroad ties, heavy timbers, concrete blocks, or even small boulders. Quality of construction is critical: they must be sturdy enough to support the weight of the fill behind them. Seek professional help for best results. Even if you want to build walls yourself or if they don’t need to be extensive, you should always get advice on specifications. (more…)

You’ve started to plan your next garden in terms of needs and desires, your budget, and amount of time you have to devote, and created a preliminary garden design. What comes next?

- Analyzing Your Garden Sites -
Once you have an idea of how you are going to use your garden, consider it as it is during the different seasons. What plants are indigenous? What times or the day does each area get sunlight and for how long? How much shade do your gardening spots receive over the course of each season? How does your soil measure up in terms of content, texture, aeration, pH? Are there tree roots, wet areas, or other issues that may need to be worked with or around? Consider your plant ‘recipes’; which combinations of plants will work best with your particular garden spot conditions.

- Plant Selection -
Though plant selection should actually be fine-tuned towards the later stages of your planning, it definitely helps you to avoid breaking the bank and prevents disappointment down the road. What should you consider when selecting your plants, shrubs, and trees? (more…)

In keeping with our theme of features you can use in your landscaping other than plants, we’re now going to take a look at some more elements that aren’t generally thought of as garden decor or accents. Common and functional elements storage sheds can be accent or decorative additions to your landscape which can fill blank spots, create a sense of depth, and give your yard a more ‘complete’ and fulfilling appearance.

While objects such as sheds or lighting aren’t usually thought of as design elements, they can be. And many others not mentioned here can be hand-crafted or obtained inexpensively at yard sales and flea markets. Without further ado, here are a few more attractive and creative ways to make your yard and gardening areas more functional and inviting. (more…)

You have a brand new site – a blank canvas – and it’s decision-making time. What will you plant? Of all the landscape changes you can make, adding plants is possibly the most important. When you are at the choosing stage, there are three major considerations: the sort of site you are planting, what function the plants will perform, and the conditions your plants will encounter on the site.

The sort of site you have – its “character”– is determined by its position and its size. Is it a large acreage in the country, a tiny spot in the city, or something between in the suburbs? Large plantings, especially trees, which look magnificent in a country setting, may be out of place or a downright nuisance in an urban setting. Plants that thrive in mountainous regions may not do so well at sea level (although they can be grown there if suitable conditions are provided) and so on.
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Tenacity is a key word for cacti and succulents. They make a good choice of plant for gardeners who lack the knack that sees plants flourish, but who yearn for something green in their immediate surroundings. They are also very good subjects for indoor container growing, and can prove a successful introduction to gardening for young people: I still remember with affection the “mother-of-millions” (Kalanchoe daigremontiana) succulent I was given by a neighbor when I was a pre-teen.

All succulents have the virtue of tolerating an erratic watering schedule, since that is what nature provides them and what they have adapted to manage; but some have the additional virtue of tolerating dimly lit growing conditions, which is indeed a bonus if you are looking for a house plant to keep an invalid company. Ideally, some rotation of plants from poorly lit to window sill locations will increase the probability of achieving flowering: but that does require additional discipline on the part of the gardener. (more…)

Birds can create some annoyance in the garden by scratching up seeds or pecking ripening fruit but most gardeners consider their feathered friends a desirable part of the gardenscape. If you want to create a bird-friendly zone in your garden, you can combine fulfilling that wish with adding a decoration or two to your landscape plan as well.

Food and shelter are two basic requirements for life. Feeding stations, birdbaths and nesting boxes can all be attractive features in any garden.

Feeding stations are excellent for attracting a variety of birds to your garden. You get maximum satisfaction if your feeding station is near a window, so you can enjoy watching the birds. (more…)

If you live in the city and are fortunate enough to have access to a balcony or a flat portion of roof, you have the potential to create a thing of rare beauty – a “garden in the sky”. These areas present a unique challenge to the landscape designer, because they are liable to be in the path of every wind that blows, and scorched by sun. However, with careful planning and planting you can create a screen to block much of the wind, and some shade, either manmade (screens, awnings, canopies) or natural, to give protection from the worst of the sun.

The first essential in planning such a garden is to research the construction of the building. Find out what the roofing material comprises, or, if a balcony, how it is constructed. A balcony can be quite a small area – if it is to be loaded with containers (which, with their contents, can be very heavy) it must be able to support the weight. If you are building a garden on a roof, the roof must be made of waterproof material so that leaks do not occur, and there must be a good drainage system to carry away excess water. There also needs to be safe access to the roof from the floor beneath, if it is to be enjoyed readily.    (more…)

The word “espalier” is both a verb and a noun. It means to create a wall of fruit. That is done by creating a framework to support the limbs of the fruiting plant. The structure can be free-standing, in the middle of a lawn or garden plot; or it can be erected against an exisiting (preferably south-facing) wall that will provide warmth and shelter, as is often done in more northern areas.

In either case the espalier will have an upright post (at least four inches by four inches in section) spaced at ten foot intervals, to a height of about six feet, and preferably oriented to get the best all-day sun. These posts must be very securely embedded, because they will be required to accept huge physical forces. You may want to employ the services of an experienced landscape contractor for this part of the operation. Once the posts are in, horizontal wires are strained at vertical intervals of about 15 inches along the posts. The posts at either end have diagonal stays secured to the ground to help them combat the forces they will eventually support. Once again, straining the wires is a technical job. If you do not have wire strainers you will need to hire them, or employ a professional: hand-straining the wires may look satisfactory at first, but they will not have enough tension and once the fruit begins to grow the wires will sag. When the espalier has been constructed you can plant fruit trees at appropriate intervals along the fence. Apples and pears are most commonly selected, although apricots are also suitable. There are those who use espaliers for growing soft fruits, although you may judge it something of a waste of effort to build quite such an engineered structure just to support blackberries or raspberries. (more…)

Despite the best efforts of landscape planners, sometimes parts of a garden are used for purposes for which they were not originally designed. If you notice tracks or worn patches on a lawn, or, worse, across a flowerbed, it is a sure sign that a hard surface of some sort is needed there for protection, because a pathway is in the process of being created.
However, you may not want a full path, with its hard lines, in that position.

One way around the problem is to insert stepping stones to form a path. The stones can be circular, rectangular, square, or even irregular in shape. You will need enough stones so they are easy to walk on without changing stride – no one enjoys jumping from stone to stone. A distance of 2 ft 6 in from the centre of one stone to the centre of the next will suit the stride of most adults. It is best to place the stones where you want them and to try walking on the stones before committing to laying them in their final position. (more…)