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 [...]
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. [...]
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.
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.
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 [...]
Trees
Acer Palmatum – Japanese Maple
Amelanchier Spp. – Serviceberry
Carpinus spp. – Hornbeam
Cercis canadensis – Redbud
Cornus florida – Flowering Dogwood
Cornus kousa – Kousa Dogwood
Nyssa sylvatica – Tupelo
Oxydendrum arborium – Sourwood
Stewardia spp. – Stewardia
Styrax spp. – Snowbell
Tsuga canadensis – Hemlock
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.
Perennials offer a wide range of variegated options. Some of the most common include Variegated Autumn Sage, Variegated Perennial Wallflower, and Variegated Hosta.
Variegated Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii ‘Desert Blaze’) is a round bushy plant with bright red flowers nestled amongst its beautiful cream-edged foliage.
Perennial Wallflower (Elysium ‘Bowles Variegated’) has attractive grey-green and cream foliage. As an added bonus, this plant produces stunning purple blooms from spring through fall.
each season to help reduce pest problems.
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. For instance, the incorporation of white sand in the garden may symbolize a water feature such as a pond or river. Stone in the sand may symbolize islands.
Shagbark Hickory (Carya ovate) has a unique, shaggy bark which gives this species its name. Its jagged overall structure and thick twigs give this tree a striking appearance in winter. This deciduous shade tree has deep green leaves in summer and a yellow fall color. It is a slow-growing long-lived tree. The wood also makes excellent firewood, and often is used in smoking meat. As with other edible nuts, squirrels compete with humans for this fruit. It grows well in both wet and dry areas, but prefers well-drained soils.
Deciduous variegated shrubs are an effect way to brighten up shady areas of the garden.
Variegated Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Variegata’) has beautiful blue or pink lacecap flowers but is commonly planted in the landscape for its striking variegated foliage. Perfect in the shrub border or grouped together with other hydrangeas..
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.
Water gardens are a wonderful addition to any property. They incorporate stonework, interesting plants and lighting. Water gardens which encompass waterfalls and fountains provide the garden with the soothing sounds of running water and all water gardens create a sense of coolness and tranquility as well a place to include exotic species of plants.
