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.
Urban Woodland Gardens
On January - 5 - 2010
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.
Spring Flowering Trees, Shrubs & Perennials
On January - 2 - 2010
To start of the gardening season with color, incorporate in your design some of the following plants. Just be sure they are hardy for your zone.
Trees
Allegheny Serviceberry (Amelanchier laevis)
Bradford Pear (Pyrus calleryana)
Camelot Crabapple (Malus ‘Camzam’)
Eastern Redbuds (Cercis canadensis)
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
Higan Cherry (Prunus subhirtella)
Kwanzan Flowering Cherry (Prunus serrulata “Kwanzan”)
Little Leaf Linden (Tilia cordata)
Native American Plum (Prunus Americana)
Purple Leaf Sand Cherry (Prunus cistena)
Royalty Crabapple Tree (Malus ‘Royalty’)
Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia x soulangiana)
Star Magnolia (Magnolia stellata)
Sweetbay Magnolia (Magnolia virginiana)
Washington Hawthornes (Crataegus phaenopyrum)
Deciduous trees provide…
On December - 26 - 2009
welcome shade during the hot summer months and allow the sun to shine through in the winter.
Creating A Planting Plan
On December - 23 - 2009
Often gardeners plants on impulse, without a overall garden plan, only to realize later that there is nowhere in the garden to place the new plants. Having a planting plan helps. There are a few factors to consider before buying plants for your garden. It is important to carefully analyze the existing conditions of your garden. Check to see how much sun and shade it gets, whether the soil is well or poorly drained and whether your garden is exposed to winter winds. Knowing these conditions is important and will help inform your plant selections.
Planting And Selecting Trees
On December - 23 - 2009
Before planting new trees, determine both your needs and the existing conditions of your site. Remember that many trees grow quickly and continue to grow for many years. Once a tree is planted and begins to establish itself, it won’t be easy to transplant so be sure to work from a garden plan.
Fast Growing Trees
On December - 10 - 2009
Aristocrat Flowering Pear (Pyrus calleryana ‘Aristocrat’) is a beautiful tree which produces clusters of white flowers in early spring. The flowers are followed by glossy green, disease resistant leaves. In fall the foliage turns to tones of red and purple. Aristocrat Flowering Pear trees have a more dominant trunk and open form that helps this tree to be less susceptible to wind damage. Ideal for prominent areas of the garden.
Selecting The Right Tree For Your Garden
On December - 8 - 2009
Selecting the appropriate for your garden depends on your specific needs, the environmental conditions and size of your site and your own personal taste. Tree have specific sun and soil requirements which can influence its health. The amount of space you have will also inform your tree selection. Some trees, such as the white oak, are huge and will require lots of space while others such as river birch, grow tall and narrow and can fit into smaller gardens.
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.
Trees For Large Open Spaces: Part 2
On December - 6 - 2009
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.
