GardenLeap

tips, guides and articles to jump start your garden

Archive for December, 2009

8 Beautiful Specimen Evergreens

Posted by plantsman On December - 2 - 2009

Mugo Pine (Pinus mugo ‘Rock Garden’) is a true dwarf variety. Many mugo pines have an unpredictable grow rate and size, this variety however has been propagated to remain a dwarf. This mugo pine is a low-growing, spreading evergreen. It has dark green, stiff needles that are 2-3 inches long. Its easy to grow as it is tolerant of a wide range of conditions. Widely used in foundation plantings and is an excellent choice for bonsai projects and Japanese gardens.

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Creating Wildflower Gardens

Posted by plantsman On December - 1 - 2009

purple-flowersWildflower meadows are a wonderful alternative to the traditional lawn and garden. Wildflower meadows are ever changing, easy to care for and offer a wide range of flowers with vibrant colors and interesting textures. Most flowers in the wildflower meadow are perennial and will survive year after year. Others may last only one season then be replaced with something new. Meadows are also ecological beneficial since they only need to be mowed once a year, increase plant diversity, introduce native species of plants and provide a home for wildlife.

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Perennial Selections For Season Long Color

Posted by plantsman On December - 1 - 2009

I started to plan a couple perennial gardens for next season. Here’s what I’m thinking of planting in the garden.

Early Flowers -  iris, poppy, aneome, primrose, lily of the valley, coral bell, Solomon’s seal, leopard’s bane, foam flower, lungwort, globe flower, epimedium, bleeding heart, speedwell

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Small Trees: Part 2

Posted by plantsman On December - 1 - 2009

cherry_tree_pathSmall trees are great additions to just about any landscape. For gardens with limited space they’re essential. In any garden, small trees can often beautiful specimen plants.

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Plant fragrant shrubs,…

Posted by plantsman On December - 1 - 2009

such as, Korean Spice Viburnum, along walkways and near patios.

Courtyard Gardens

Posted by plantsman On December - 1 - 2009

courtyardCourtyard gardens are outdoor spaces which are enclosed on 3 or 4 sides. Generally courtyards are open to the sky though some incorporate garden structures, such as pergolas, on which to grow vines and to create shade. Most courtyards are small. There are, however, those, such as the ones found in urban areas between large buildings, which are quite large. Courtyard gardens are common in urban areas, where homes are closer together.

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