GardenLeap

tips, guides and articles to jump start your garden

Designing A Year-Round Garden

Posted by plantsman On December - 22 - 2009

An ideal garden design is one which offers something during every season. In spring and summer, ornamental trees and flower beds are full of colorful blooms. Vibrant foliage adds beauty to the fall landscape and in the winter the berries, evergreens and bark color provide color. Also important in the winter is the silhouette of [...]

An Introduction To Japanese Gardens

Posted by plantsman On December - 6 - 2009

Japanese gardens are designed to portray a scene that mimics nature, through symbolization and abstraction, by using trees, shrubs, rocks, sand, artificial hills, ponds, and flowing water as art-forms. Often Japanese gardens reduce the scale of the natural environment, which may consist of  mountains, rivers, trees, and ponds, through the use of  symbolization and abstraction. [...]

7 More Spring Flowering Trees

Posted by plantsman On November - 25 - 2009

After a long cold winter, small ornamental flowering trees are a very welcome sight as they are among the first garden plants to brighten up the landscape and announce the arrival of spring. The following are a few classic spring flowering trees for the garden.

Shade Gardens

Posted by plantsman On November - 19 - 2009

Gardening in the shade presents gardeners with the opportunity to work with a wide variety of beautiful plants. There are virtually an end number of plants which can grow in a garden. Many plants, in fact, prefer at least some protection from full exposure to the sun.

Woodland Gardens

Posted by plantsman 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 [...]

Shrubs For Acidic Soils

Posted by plantsman On December - 30 - 2009ADD COMMENTS

white rhodoHere in New England soils are quite acidic in part due to the pine and oak forests. When the leaves and needles of these trees break down the resulting organic matter raises the acidity of the soil. This post lists a few beautiful shrubs which are tolerant acidic soil.

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plant lists, shrubs

Groundcovers, such as ivy or vinca, are…

Posted by plantsman On December - 30 - 2009ADD COMMENTS

very low maintenance and are ideal as an alternative to the traditional lawn.

quick tips

Designing Gardens For Early Spring

Posted by plantsman On December - 29 - 2009ADD COMMENTS

flower colorsColorful flowers, whether bulbs, shrubs or perennials, are always a welcome sight. Incorporating these early bloomers is a great way to brighten up the landscape after a long barren winter.

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design, flowers

Using stone found locally can…

Posted by plantsman On December - 29 - 2009ADD COMMENTS

help give your garden a sense of place. It will seem as though your garden belongs to the site rather than it being imposed upon the landscape.

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Juxtapose colors,…

Posted by plantsman On December - 28 - 2009ADD COMMENTS

sizes and shapes to create interest when design your garden.

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Hydrangeas For The Summer Garden

Posted by plantsman On December - 28 - 2009ADD COMMENTS

hydrangea-fallA common concern among gardeners is that there seems to be a lack of color in the landscape during late summer. There are, however, quite a few late blooming shrubs and hydrangeas, with their wonderful flowers, are perhaps the most beautiful.

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shrubs

Ornamental Grass

Posted by plantsman On December - 28 - 2009ADD COMMENTS

132110_morning_mistOrnamental grasses are a versatile, easy to grow and a wonderful addition to the garden. The wide variety of ornamental grasses offer a wide range of colors, textures and sizes. Many ornamental grasses are perennials returning year after year while annual varieties live for only one season.

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flowers

Weekly Garden Photo: Chinese Pavilion at The St. Louis Botanical Garden

Posted by plantsman On December - 27 - 2009ADD COMMENTS

garden photography

5 Easy To Grow Perennials

Posted by plantsman On December - 27 - 2009ADD COMMENTS

purple-flowersPerennials reliably bloom season after season and are prized for their texture, fragrance and vibrant colors. Perennials generally require a bit maintenance though there are those which need almost none. These perennials are some the easiest to care for.

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flowers

Climbing vines and ivy, such as clematis and…

Posted by plantsman On December - 27 - 2009ADD COMMENTS

Virginia creeper, are well suited to hiding unsightly walls or fences.

quick tips