The Best Spring Ever! Hydrangeas...?
There can't be anyone in Newfoundland right now who is NOT thankful for the wonderful spring we are having. In the landscaping industry, we are a full month ahead and most of all of our plants are as well.
I've been visiting many of your beautiful gardens on the Northeast Avalon and one shrub doesn't seem to as ahead as one might think it should be: the Hydrangea.
The first picture is a Nikko Blue Hydrangea ( very common in Newfoundland the non-woody macrophylla). A few weeks ago, I pruned it lightly and the leaves are slowly coming out. This shrub is very sheltered and in full sun. If your blue hydrangea is more exposed, it may not be out as far as this one. Don't worry! It will come along. I personally think we didn't have enough snowfall for them this year.
The second photo is a panicle hydrangea Limelight. Another common woody hydrangea you may be familiar with is the Pee Gee. These are even slower to come along- and I have a whole hedge of these! I immediately called my colleagues Mark Bowering and Sean Kennedy over at Bowering Gardens and they say "whatever you do, don't prune it back too hard because it won't bloom!" So I haven't. But I'm anxious. I keep reminding myself that this is only May. This is Newfoundland.
I'm so grateful to see green leaves and feel the warm sun on my skin. I think I'll go make some compost tea to give my hydrangeas an extra boost.
:::Getting ready to Pretty the Place up with Final Plantings::
This was a project designed by Daisy Design and executed by Bowering Ponds and Gardens
Special Thanks to Tom Lacey of Milestone Landscape and Bowering Pond and Garden's Construction Team: Neil White, Joe Quinton and Keith Abbott.
Great job everyone!
Jeannette
This was a project designed by Daisy Design and executed by Bowering Ponds and Gardens
Special Thanks to Tom Lacey of Milestone Landscape and Bowering Pond and Garden's Construction Team: Neil White, Joe Quinton and Keith Abbott.
Great job everyone!
Jeannette
:::Hiring a Landscape Designer:::
Expert tips for creating a beautiful landscape
(ARA) - It may be cold outside, but homeowners are already dreaming of
creating beautiful garden settings around their homes come spring.
Landscaping success doesn't have to be hit or miss, and if it has been
for you, it may be time to call in a professional landscape designer.
Why? Because in the long run, hiring a landscape designer can cost
less than doing it yourself. You'll get a "doable" design created right
the first time, saving you the cost of repeated tries at getting it
right or planting the wrong plants in the wrong spots. A professional landscape designer envisions creative solutions to the most difficult outdoor challenges - problems they've more than likely solved before.
Plus, a high-quality landscape increases home sale prices up to
10.8 percent, compared to a home with a simply average landscape,
according to the Journal of Environmental Horticulture.
Here are some tips from professional landscape designers to create your dream garden.
First, consider your space and any "issues" that it has. Hiding an
unsightly air conditioning unit, adding privacy and changing boring
views to beautiful ones are issues that landscape designers face with many clients.
"As a certified landscape designer through the Association of
Professional Landscape Designers, I see the big picture," says
Boston-based landscape designer Maria von Brincken, APLD. "A designer
sees the problems that you see, and often the ones you don't, and can
offer solutions to create beautiful, functional and earthy-friendly
landscapes to add to your lives."
Next, do your homework. Tear out favorite pictures from gardening
magazines, and start making a file on what you would like for your
dream garden. While not everything might be possible for your garden,
it will give your landscape designer a visual starting point. Don't
forget about hardscape such as patios, decks and fencing; designers can
help with these also.
Take your time. Brincken warns of the temptation to impulsively buy
plants at a garden center and attempt a garden make-over. This can be a
costly gamble for those without experience. Many homeowners find that
it takes the help of a designer to create a well-planned landscape project that includes both plants and hardscape.
While there is a cost to hiring a landscape designer, it is
ultimately more economical to work with an expert to create a plan
specific to your yard. The project is completed in a timely manner and
within budget when you take your time and create a landscape plan.
Expect to spend about 10 percent of the total cost of the project on
the design.
Consider what you want to achieve with your landscape. "People are
busy, and they want to have an outdoor space that makes them feel
comfortable, not frustrated and worn out from gardening chores," says
Judy Nauseef, APLD, of Iowa City, Iowa, and president of the
Association of Professional Landscape Designers (www.apld.org).
"They also want to maximize their investment in their home," she
adds. 'Having a well-designed landscape gives the homeowner more living
space and also helps with resale value."
Research and reach out to a few landscape designers. Be sure to
interview several designers to find one who meets your needs and
personality. Review the portfolio or Web site of each designer, and
visit some of their work if possible. Finally, if you have a budget in
mind, share this with the designer up front.
Get ready to get dirty. "You can hire a landscape designer for a
range of services. You might choose to hire a designer for a two hour
consultation for ideas and suggestions that you might implement
yourself," says Patricia St. John, APLD, of Berkeley, Calif., and APLD
incoming president. "You could also hire a designer to give you a
complete design for your garden. When it comes to implementing the
design you have choices -- involve the designer while you hire a
recommended landscape contractor or even do some of the work yourself."
Also, you do not have to complete the whole plan at once. A
landscape can be installed over a period of time as well. Homeowners
can decide what areas are most important and start there.
Take the first step to a dream garden. With the help of a
professional landscape designer, you can create a plan that will work
for your landscape and you. Finding a designer is easy: visit
www.apld.org.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
- You should follow us on Twitter
Expert tips for creating a beautiful landscape
(ARA) - It may be cold outside, but homeowners are already dreaming of
creating beautiful garden settings around their homes come spring.
Landscaping success doesn't have to be hit or miss, and if it has been
for you, it may be time to call in a professional landscape designer.
Why? Because in the long run, hiring a landscape designer can cost
less than doing it yourself. You'll get a "doable" design created right
the first time, saving you the cost of repeated tries at getting it
right or planting the wrong plants in the wrong spots. A professional landscape designer envisions creative solutions to the most difficult outdoor challenges - problems they've more than likely solved before.
Plus, a high-quality landscape increases home sale prices up to
10.8 percent, compared to a home with a simply average landscape,
according to the Journal of Environmental Horticulture.
Here are some tips from professional landscape designers to create your dream garden.
First, consider your space and any "issues" that it has. Hiding an
unsightly air conditioning unit, adding privacy and changing boring
views to beautiful ones are issues that landscape designers face with many clients.
"As a certified landscape designer through the Association of
Professional Landscape Designers, I see the big picture," says
Boston-based landscape designer Maria von Brincken, APLD. "A designer
sees the problems that you see, and often the ones you don't, and can
offer solutions to create beautiful, functional and earthy-friendly
landscapes to add to your lives."
Next, do your homework. Tear out favorite pictures from gardening
magazines, and start making a file on what you would like for your
dream garden. While not everything might be possible for your garden,
it will give your landscape designer a visual starting point. Don't
forget about hardscape such as patios, decks and fencing; designers can
help with these also.
Take your time. Brincken warns of the temptation to impulsively buy
plants at a garden center and attempt a garden make-over. This can be a
costly gamble for those without experience. Many homeowners find that
it takes the help of a designer to create a well-planned landscape project that includes both plants and hardscape.
While there is a cost to hiring a landscape designer, it is
ultimately more economical to work with an expert to create a plan
specific to your yard. The project is completed in a timely manner and
within budget when you take your time and create a landscape plan.
Expect to spend about 10 percent of the total cost of the project on
the design.
Consider what you want to achieve with your landscape. "People are
busy, and they want to have an outdoor space that makes them feel
comfortable, not frustrated and worn out from gardening chores," says
Judy Nauseef, APLD, of Iowa City, Iowa, and president of the
Association of Professional Landscape Designers (www.apld.org).
"They also want to maximize their investment in their home," she
adds. 'Having a well-designed landscape gives the homeowner more living
space and also helps with resale value."
Research and reach out to a few landscape designers. Be sure to
interview several designers to find one who meets your needs and
personality. Review the portfolio or Web site of each designer, and
visit some of their work if possible. Finally, if you have a budget in
mind, share this with the designer up front.
Get ready to get dirty. "You can hire a landscape designer for a
range of services. You might choose to hire a designer for a two hour
consultation for ideas and suggestions that you might implement
yourself," says Patricia St. John, APLD, of Berkeley, Calif., and APLD
incoming president. "You could also hire a designer to give you a
complete design for your garden. When it comes to implementing the
design you have choices -- involve the designer while you hire a
recommended landscape contractor or even do some of the work yourself."
Also, you do not have to complete the whole plan at once. A
landscape can be installed over a period of time as well. Homeowners
can decide what areas are most important and start there.
Take the first step to a dream garden. With the help of a
professional landscape designer, you can create a plan that will work
for your landscape and you. Finding a designer is easy: visit
www.apld.org.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
- You should follow us on Twitter
:::This is going to be a waterfall!
In Newfoundland, we are blessed a million times over with rock. Yes, I said blessed. This huge piece of bedrock is being used as a waterfall with top and bottom ponds for recirculation. It's 20° C here today, just fantastic for October!
In Newfoundland, we are blessed a million times over with rock. Yes, I said blessed. This huge piece of bedrock is being used as a waterfall with top and bottom ponds for recirculation. It's 20° C here today, just fantastic for October!
::Layering Bulbs and Spot Composting
So today was taping day for the TV show Living Newfoundland and Labrador. The shows will air in the coming weeks so hopefully Paul (the camerman and editor) will make us look good. Frankly, I need all the help I can get!
We demonstrated layering fall bulbs ( yes you can do this ) it's a great idea for small garden beds and an opportunity to have a full season of colour.
Spot composting allows you to decompose your kitchen waste right where you need it..in the garden. Perfect for lazy gardeners!
Pictured below: Gerry, Me, Paul and Sue.
Thanks CBC for the opportunity to work with you and a special thank-you to Ms. Alison Milley for being such a great photographer!
So today was taping day for the TV show Living Newfoundland and Labrador. The shows will air in the coming weeks so hopefully Paul (the camerman and editor) will make us look good. Frankly, I need all the help I can get!
We demonstrated layering fall bulbs ( yes you can do this ) it's a great idea for small garden beds and an opportunity to have a full season of colour.
Spot composting allows you to decompose your kitchen waste right where you need it..in the garden. Perfect for lazy gardeners!
Pictured below: Gerry, Me, Paul and Sue.
Thanks CBC for the opportunity to work with you and a special thank-you to Ms. Alison Milley for being such a great photographer!
:::Fall Burn-out:::
I admit it. My fuel guage is getting low. Our season is so short and demand is high and I'm getting a little tired! I speak to many people in the industry and this happens this time of year. I can guarantee you though, we all love our jobs and wouldn't have it any other way!
Hopefully we can escape hurricane season unscathed and have a productive fall. Autumn is beautiful in Newfoundland!
Watch your local garden centres for sales begining soon. Some fall bloomers that work well here are echinacea, rudbeckia, and sedum.
I admit it. My fuel guage is getting low. Our season is so short and demand is high and I'm getting a little tired! I speak to many people in the industry and this happens this time of year. I can guarantee you though, we all love our jobs and wouldn't have it any other way!
Hopefully we can escape hurricane season unscathed and have a productive fall. Autumn is beautiful in Newfoundland!
Watch your local garden centres for sales begining soon. Some fall bloomers that work well here are echinacea, rudbeckia, and sedum.
:::Trying to Find a Landscape Professional?::
Well, it may be late in the season but, here is the current list of Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador's Association members:
http://www.landscapenf.org/member_list.php
Hiring a member is (as Martha says) a good thing.
Well, it may be late in the season but, here is the current list of Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador's Association members:
http://www.landscapenf.org/member_list.php
Hiring a member is (as Martha says) a good thing.
:::It's a long weekend: Are you doing some planting? Keep this in mind.
Plant Selection
Proper plant selection for the sites soil conditions, exposure and spacial requirements will reduce future maintenance and problems caused by crowding and obstacles. The International Society of Arboriculture points out that
- large shade trees, i.e. oaks, should be placed about 50 feet (15 m) from each other.
- Medium sized trees, such as red maple, should be spaced about 35 feet (10 m) apart.
- Hawthorns, crabapples, and redbuds would be considered small trees and should be planted about 15 to 20 feet (4-6 m) apart.
- Placing shrubs at a distance of half of their ultimate spread away from the building will allow for adequate growth.
Generally the spread of a tree's crown is equal to that of its height. When planting close to a building, a tree should be placed about half its ultimate height away from a building to allow the crown to develop freely.
Plant Selection
Proper plant selection for the sites soil conditions, exposure and spacial requirements will reduce future maintenance and problems caused by crowding and obstacles. The International Society of Arboriculture points out that
- large shade trees, i.e. oaks, should be placed about 50 feet (15 m) from each other.
- Medium sized trees, such as red maple, should be spaced about 35 feet (10 m) apart.
- Hawthorns, crabapples, and redbuds would be considered small trees and should be planted about 15 to 20 feet (4-6 m) apart.
- Placing shrubs at a distance of half of their ultimate spread away from the building will allow for adequate growth.
Generally the spread of a tree's crown is equal to that of its height. When planting close to a building, a tree should be placed about half its ultimate height away from a building to allow the crown to develop freely.
::Top 3 Flowering Shrubs::
If you love plants, it is extremely hard to choose just three. So why am I limiting myself? Well, because, there's always next year to choose 3 more!
Forsythia 'Northern Gold'
Weigela 'Wine and Roses'
Purple foliage is very popular these days and why not? The foliage is quite showy even when not in bloom. Last year I got a second bloom in the fall. I think it likes my compost! This tree looks great paired with a 'glauca' type evergreen. I'll get into pairings in future posts.
Hydrangea 'Limelight'
These shrubs are suitable for our climate but you need to consider exposure, soil, and a few other factors. I can help with that!
If you love plants, it is extremely hard to choose just three. So why am I limiting myself? Well, because, there's always next year to choose 3 more!
Forsythia 'Northern Gold'
Weigela 'Wine and Roses'
Purple foliage is very popular these days and why not? The foliage is quite showy even when not in bloom. Last year I got a second bloom in the fall. I think it likes my compost! This tree looks great paired with a 'glauca' type evergreen. I'll get into pairings in future posts.
Hydrangea 'Limelight'
These shrubs are suitable for our climate but you need to consider exposure, soil, and a few other factors. I can help with that!
:::Living Newfoundland and Labrador
Last fall, we did a few pieces for the lifestyles show Living Newoundland and Labrador. I just found some pictures of one of the tapings. Here is a shot of a new tree border and we are discussing basic tree planting. It was a fun experience and I hope to do more!
Last fall, we did a few pieces for the lifestyles show Living Newoundland and Labrador. I just found some pictures of one of the tapings. Here is a shot of a new tree border and we are discussing basic tree planting. It was a fun experience and I hope to do more!
::2008 Top 3 Tree Picks::
Cornus kousa var. chinensis. Chinese Pagoda Dogwood
Chamaecyparis nootkatensis 'Pendula' Weeping Nootka False Cypress
Last but not least:
Rhus typhina Staghorn Sumac (very showy in the fall and has a spreading tendancy)
These are my choices for 2008. They are specimen trees and have special needs. If you have any questions about these trees email me.
Cornus kousa var. chinensis. Chinese Pagoda Dogwood
Chamaecyparis nootkatensis 'Pendula' Weeping Nootka False Cypress
Last but not least:
Rhus typhina Staghorn Sumac (very showy in the fall and has a spreading tendancy)
These are my choices for 2008. They are specimen trees and have special needs. If you have any questions about these trees email me.