Though most of the flowers have finished blooming by fall, there’s still a number of ways to keep your garden beautiful late into the year. There are a number of fall blooming perennials as well as shrubs and trees with vibrant foliage which can provide fall color.
Archive for the ‘design’ Category
Fall Gardens
On November - 16 - 2009
Small Gardens
On November - 16 - 2009
Having a small yard does not prevent you from having a beautiful outdoor space and in some ways small gardens are easier to design than large ones. They generally usually have a distinct shape and well defined edges. You’re basically working within a confined area and are able to design, in detail, every part of the entire space.
Woodland Gardens
On November - 16 - 2009
Working with the existing conditions of site rather than overhauling the site often times result in very successful garden. Woodland gardens are generally planned in such a way. A shady spot beneath a stand of trees, for example, is the ideal location for a woodland garden. Prepare the site for plants such shade tolerant shrubs and perennials. This generally means that organic matter should be tilled into the soil to increase its nutrients. Also, removing some lower or dead branches may be required to allow at least some sunlight to reach the ground.
Garden Design: Part 2
On November - 13 - 2009
Composition in landscape design refers to the layout of garden structures and plants, the spaces they create (patios, lawns, etc.) and the transitions between them (paths, steps, etc). Successful garden compositions strive for unity which is realized when elements of the design have a harmonious relationship to each other.
Planting Roses As Groundcover
On November - 10 - 2009
Some roses grow so close to the ground that they’re often used as groundcovers. Most of these low growers bloom continuously throughout the summer. Some, such as the white flowering ‘Kent’, spread though low arching branches, while others, such as the pink flowering ‘Nozomi’, spread close the ground and root as they grow. They are generally easy to grow and maintain, needing only light pruning. These low growing roses are ideal for growing on embankments, over walls or at the front of a shrub border. There are a number of great roses to use as groundcovers. Some of the most vigorous and beautiful variety include: ’Avon’, ’Berkshire’, ‘Blenheim’, ‘Pink Bells‘, ‘Red Trail‘ and ‘Suffolk’.
Garden Design: Part 1
On November - 9 - 2009
Creating an outdoor living space which is both practical and beautiful is the job of the garden designer. Before undertaking a garden design project be sure to have a clear understanding of a site’s natural conditions. This includes sun and shade conditions, wind exposure, soil quality and potential views. Only after a thorough site evaluation should you begin plant selection and design.
Hillside Gardens
On October - 29 - 2009
Designing gardens for sloping yards can be a challenge. Because hillsides are subject to erosion, a design must be sure to stabilize the soil. A well thought out garden design can help prevent soil runoff.
Most hillsides can be made relatively stable with plants, even shallow rooted groundcovers, such as ajuga and lily-of-the-valley are effective in preventing topsoil erosion. Plantings on a hillside should be diverse with a mix of groundcovers, shrubs, trees, and perennials. Utilizing a diverse mix of plants creates layers of vegetation which will help reduce the force of rainfall hitting the ground.
Gardening With Moss
On September - 29 - 2009
Moss is a great addition to the shade garden, woodland garden, or rock garden. It can give the garden a lush look and feel. Moss is a low maintenance plant; it requires no mowing or fertilizer, once established it requires no watering. It grows in thick massings, making it difficult for weeds to take hold, as a result there’s little need for weeding.
Indoor Gardening
On September - 2 - 2009
For those living in an urban setting with little or no outdoor space, gardening indoors, which utilize hanging pots and planters, is a great alternative to traditional gardening.
When picking out plants for indoor gardening, make sure the plants are adaptable and will be able to survive in the conditions within your house. Consider how much time you will be able to spend caring for the plants, how much light your house offers, and also how much money you want to spend on your indoor garden. Also consider if you want year-round or seasonal plants.
Water Efficient Gardens
On August - 3 - 2009
Water efficient gardens require designs which will minimize water usage. To be most efficient, design your landscape so that plants with similar water requirements are located next to each other. Also, proper plant selection is also an important step when planning a garden less dependant on water.
