In urban areas the woodland garden is often started from scratch perhaps taking advantage of the space beneath a large tree. Both evergreen and deciduous trees are perfect for a woodland garden. Some light pruning may be necessary to allow some dappled sunlight into the space. Remove some lower branches will also increase the air flow through the garden and allow access. Usually preparing a site for a woodland garden involves only some light soil conditioning. In the city, however, the soil is generally of poorer quality than in country or suburban gardens so some additional site preparation may be necessary.
Archive for the ‘environment’ Category
Alternatives To The Traditional Lawn
On January - 2 - 2010
Across the country, the tradition lawn is the dominant landscape feature. Lawns are quite labor intensive as they need weekly moving and other tasks such as aerating. Also, since they are not a natural occurrence they depend on chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides to really flourish. Some lawn space can be managed with little trouble but the vast, weed-free lawn can be rethought. Think about reducing the size of your lawn and replacing it with a more low maintenance, environmentally friendly alternative. The possibilities are endless and often result in a more attractive garden.
10 More Native Shrubs For The Garden
On December - 21 - 2009
Native shrubs are among some of the easiest to grow, useful and most beautiful plants available to the gardener. This list of native shrubs for the garden is a continuation of a previous post on the same subject.
Lowbush Blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium) blooms in spring with white flowers. Flowers are followed by blue berries, which ripen in summer and attract wildlife. Lowbush blueberry has lustrous blue-green leaves that turn bronze & scarlet in fall. It grows well in dry, acid, nutrient poor soil.
More Native Deciduous Trees
On December - 7 - 2009
There are numerous native trees which are both beautiful and easy to care for. The following list describes 9 native deciduous trees which provide gardeners with low maintenance and attractive additions to the landscape.
10 Native Shrubs For The Garden
On December - 5 - 2009
Native species of shrubs are under utilized in the garden. Many native plants are beautiful and easy to grow. The following are few prized native shrubs which are perfect for the garden.
Common Witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana) is a desiduous shrub with fragrant yellow flowers that open in late October or early November. It takes a full year for the fruit to mature. When the seed capsule splits open in fall, 1-2 black seeds explode out of it, landing up to 30 feet away. Various birds and wildlife eat the seed after it falls to the ground. Upright spreading branches are perfect nesting sites for a variety of birds. Deep, golden yellow fall leaf color can be outstanding.
Creating Wildflower Gardens
On December - 1 - 2009
Wildflower 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.
The Natural Garden
On November - 29 - 2009
Natural gardens utilize easy to grow, low maintenance native species of plants. These plants have adapted to certain environments and are generally self sustaining. They’ll need little, if any, fertilizer and no more water than is provided by rain. Natural gardens include a rich and diverse selection of plants. They introduce trees, shrubs and perennials not found in some gardens. Natural gardens also provide the landscape with a sense of place as they draw inspiration from the local landscape.
Native Deciduous Trees
On November - 20 - 2009
There are numerous native trees which are both beautiful and easy to care for. Native trees are generally able to tolerate even the harshest of conditions. The following list describes 8 native trees which provide gardeners with low maintenance and attractive additions to the landscape.
Micro-Climates
On November - 20 - 2009
One factor gardeners often overlook is the micro-climate, small, but noticeable variations on conditions with the landscape. Micro-climates within your specific site determine what plants are appropriate for your garden. A sunny spot against a southern facing stone wall, for instance, will be warmer than its surrounding environment. In a space such as this, plants which are borderline hardy have a better chance at survival than if planted elsewhere in the garden.
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.
