:::Canada Blooms:::
Canada Blooms (arguably Canada's Largest and most prestigious Garden Show) was held last weekend in Toronto. While I did not go this year, I visited their photo gallery and decided to post some here for you to see. It seems (from the gallery anyway) that Living Walls are en vogue this season. Or is it something easy for vendors to display in an indoor arena? 
If I were to design an indoor space where air quality was a concern ( ie old office buildings) This would be functional and a great conversation piece. Not to mention afforable! Outside in Newfoundland could be done with a bit more planning (and shelter!)
I searched around the Canada Blooms site to give credit to the Designers and Photographers but no credits were given. For More information about the 2008 Canada Blooms, click here
Canada Blooms (arguably Canada's Largest and most prestigious Garden Show) was held last weekend in Toronto. While I did not go this year, I visited their photo gallery and decided to post some here for you to see. It seems (from the gallery anyway) that Living Walls are en vogue this season. Or is it something easy for vendors to display in an indoor arena? 
If I were to design an indoor space where air quality was a concern ( ie old office buildings) This would be functional and a great conversation piece. Not to mention afforable! Outside in Newfoundland could be done with a bit more planning (and shelter!)
I searched around the Canada Blooms site to give credit to the Designers and Photographers but no credits were given. For More information about the 2008 Canada Blooms, click here
::Landscape and Garden Show::
Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador will be hosting their 6th Landscape and Garden Show at the Glacier, Mount Pearl, April 26-27.
I am pleased to annouce that I will be partnering with Award winning Bowering Ponds and Gardens at the show! Our Display will surely catch and eye or two!
Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador will be hosting their 6th Landscape and Garden Show at the Glacier, Mount Pearl, April 26-27.
I am pleased to annouce that I will be partnering with Award winning Bowering Ponds and Gardens at the show! Our Display will surely catch and eye or two!
::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.
::Informal Design Lesson::Plant in Groups of Three::
Think about planting in threes and in creating natural shapes. One plant by itself looks lonely, unless it's a specimen plant. More than three is okay if you want a "drift" look in a large space. But for the average space, groups of three work best. Think about texture, color, how the plants might complement each other. Tall plants go at the back of the border, working down to smaller plants in front. When deciding on an area to plant, think of curved edges rather than thinking in straight lines. Generally, only formal gardens utilize straight lines well. A natural curve always adds warmth and appeal to a garden.
Think about planting in threes and in creating natural shapes. One plant by itself looks lonely, unless it's a specimen plant. More than three is okay if you want a "drift" look in a large space. But for the average space, groups of three work best. Think about texture, color, how the plants might complement each other. Tall plants go at the back of the border, working down to smaller plants in front. When deciding on an area to plant, think of curved edges rather than thinking in straight lines. Generally, only formal gardens utilize straight lines well. A natural curve always adds warmth and appeal to a garden.
:::Prune Japanese Maples:::
Prune Japanese maples in winter, while they are dormant, removing any dead or damaged branches. They adapt well to pruning and are easily thinned and sculpted to accentuate their graceful shape. You may prune further to control the size, or create the shape which suits your landscape needs.
Fertilize in spring with 10-10-10 (slow release) around the dripline of the tree ( the dripline is usually the canopy of the tree measured down to the ground) Make sure you water thoroughly after fertilizing!
Prune Japanese maples in winter, while they are dormant, removing any dead or damaged branches. They adapt well to pruning and are easily thinned and sculpted to accentuate their graceful shape. You may prune further to control the size, or create the shape which suits your landscape needs.
Fertilize in spring with 10-10-10 (slow release) around the dripline of the tree ( the dripline is usually the canopy of the tree measured down to the ground) Make sure you water thoroughly after fertilizing!
:::Wanna know a Design Secret?:::
Take a look at this colour wheel. Find your house colour. What colour is opposite your house colour? That's the flower colour you should plant to compliment your house!
Take a look at this colour wheel. Find your house colour. What colour is opposite your house colour? That's the flower colour you should plant to compliment your house!
::Winter is imminent :(
no bees
No fruit, no flowers, no leaves,
no birds! -- No-vember!
–Thomas Hood (1799-1845)
no bees
No fruit, no flowers, no leaves,
no birds! -- No-vember!
–Thomas Hood (1799-1845)
::Winterizing container Trees and Shrubs::
This is taken directly from this month's Gardening Life Magazine:
Option 1-Keeping Container Outdoors:
Wood, fibreglass and plastic containers weather best; clay may crack. To insulate roots, sink containers into the ground or wrap the container in layers of heavy duty plastic or bubble wrap and then burlap to endure the cold. Place stakes in the pot and wrap burlap around the plant to protect from wind and heavy snow.
Option 2-Move into a garage or unheated shed:
Water the plant until frost and then throw snow on soil surface to supply gradual moisture. Elevate the pot on bricks or chocks.
This is taken directly from this month's Gardening Life Magazine:
Option 1-Keeping Container Outdoors:
Wood, fibreglass and plastic containers weather best; clay may crack. To insulate roots, sink containers into the ground or wrap the container in layers of heavy duty plastic or bubble wrap and then burlap to endure the cold. Place stakes in the pot and wrap burlap around the plant to protect from wind and heavy snow.
Option 2-Move into a garage or unheated shed:
Water the plant until frost and then throw snow on soil surface to supply gradual moisture. Elevate the pot on bricks or chocks.
::Circular Driveway that gets a lot of snow::
This client's driveway had a a center circle that was open to many possiblities. A fountain? a nice shrub border with seating? All options were considered but mother nature won out. A nice pattern in stamped concrete proved to be both stylish and low maintenance.
This client's driveway had a a center circle that was open to many possiblities. A fountain? a nice shrub border with seating? All options were considered but mother nature won out. A nice pattern in stamped concrete proved to be both stylish and low maintenance.
::Daisy Design on CBC::
We are taping two gardening episodes for the TV Show Living Newfoundland and Labrador with Krista Rudofsky. We'll keep you posted of date and time!
We are taping two gardening episodes for the TV Show Living Newfoundland and Labrador with Krista Rudofsky. We'll keep you posted of date and time!
::What's Happening to my Snowball Bush? and other Viburnums?!!::
The east coast of North America is particularly affected by the viburnum leaf beetle. Common names of pest stricken shrubs are Snowball bush, High bush cranberry, arrowwood viburnum, nannyberry, wayfaring tree. Here's a picture of the Larvae
And the Adult:
The good news is that the larvae pupate into adults within one season and the adults are killed by frost. But, if your shrub is attacked two or three years in a row it can kill the plant.
I NEVER recommend the use of pesticides for obvious reasons. Nature takes care of itself. Insects usually attack for only 3 years and by that time a natural predator will discover the abundant population and eat it's prey.
The idea is to keep the tree alive until that time.
A spray made of dish liquid spraying the leaves (both top and underneath), picking off the grubs by hand and spraying the ground around the shrub as well.
Patience is a virtue. No truer words can be written about gardening!
The east coast of North America is particularly affected by the viburnum leaf beetle. Common names of pest stricken shrubs are Snowball bush, High bush cranberry, arrowwood viburnum, nannyberry, wayfaring tree. Here's a picture of the Larvae
And the Adult:
The good news is that the larvae pupate into adults within one season and the adults are killed by frost. But, if your shrub is attacked two or three years in a row it can kill the plant.
I NEVER recommend the use of pesticides for obvious reasons. Nature takes care of itself. Insects usually attack for only 3 years and by that time a natural predator will discover the abundant population and eat it's prey.
The idea is to keep the tree alive until that time.
A spray made of dish liquid spraying the leaves (both top and underneath), picking off the grubs by hand and spraying the ground around the shrub as well.
Patience is a virtue. No truer words can be written about gardening!
::Exterior Fireplaces and Firepits::
Newfoundland has a wealth of talent when it comes to custom outdoor fire areas. Here are some ideas for your new outdoor recreation area:
Fire is a great way to enjoy the view. If you have a lot with a view, locate fire features at the edge of the property in a place where people will have a chance to enjoy the fire while taking in the surroundings.
Consider the view from indoors too. Place features where they can be easily seen from your interior living and entertainment space so people can enjoy the show indoors and out. Fire pits are almost always preferred on view lots over fireplaces.
Newfoundland has a wealth of talent when it comes to custom outdoor fire areas. Here are some ideas for your new outdoor recreation area:
Fire is a great way to enjoy the view. If you have a lot with a view, locate fire features at the edge of the property in a place where people will have a chance to enjoy the fire while taking in the surroundings.
Consider the view from indoors too. Place features where they can be easily seen from your interior living and entertainment space so people can enjoy the show indoors and out. Fire pits are almost always preferred on view lots over fireplaces.
::Maple Trees::
To keep your Maple healthy, fertilize once in spring with tree fertilizer spikes inserted into the ground at the edge of the plant. If your Maple requires any limb removal, it can only be done in summer. Sap runs so quickly in a Maple in late winter and spring, it won't stop if cut at the wrong time of year. Be sure to rake all Maple leaves off the lawn before winter as their accumulation can seriously damage your grass!
To keep your Maple healthy, fertilize once in spring with tree fertilizer spikes inserted into the ground at the edge of the plant. If your Maple requires any limb removal, it can only be done in summer. Sap runs so quickly in a Maple in late winter and spring, it won't stop if cut at the wrong time of year. Be sure to rake all Maple leaves off the lawn before winter as their accumulation can seriously damage your grass!
::Hanging Baskets::
I got this great tip from Mark Bowering of Bowering Ponds and Gardens:
Line the bottom of you hanging basket with a diaper- yes, I said diaper!!!
This only works if you are making the baskets yourself of course. Open the diaper up, spread it as wide as possible. Remove the thin top guaze layer so the fuzz is exposed. Put you soil and plants on top! The diaper will retain moisture so the basket will not dry out as quickly. I still recommend watering everyday throughout the summer. If you forget, your diaper will act as a back up!
I got this great tip from Mark Bowering of Bowering Ponds and Gardens:
Line the bottom of you hanging basket with a diaper- yes, I said diaper!!!
This only works if you are making the baskets yourself of course. Open the diaper up, spread it as wide as possible. Remove the thin top guaze layer so the fuzz is exposed. Put you soil and plants on top! The diaper will retain moisture so the basket will not dry out as quickly. I still recommend watering everyday throughout the summer. If you forget, your diaper will act as a back up!
::Rhododendrons::
Rhodos have shallow feeder roots so some care is required when working around the base of this shrub. Use caution when using your hand weeder! Spread at least 2-3 inches of mulch around the base to retain moisture and prevent weeds. Rhodos love moisture but they do not like standing water. If you have drooping leaves this may be an indicator of root rot from poorly drained soil. You can also underplant a rhododendron with shade-loving perennials like bleeding hearts or ferns to keep their roots protected and cool.
Rhodos have shallow feeder roots so some care is required when working around the base of this shrub. Use caution when using your hand weeder! Spread at least 2-3 inches of mulch around the base to retain moisture and prevent weeds. Rhodos love moisture but they do not like standing water. If you have drooping leaves this may be an indicator of root rot from poorly drained soil. You can also underplant a rhododendron with shade-loving perennials like bleeding hearts or ferns to keep their roots protected and cool.
::Over-Pruning Evergreens::
We all have a tendancy to 'limb' our evergreens very high up the trunk. While this may have a purpose for safely walking through the woods, aesthetically in your garden, it is best to keep the limbs low to the ground. Grass is difficult to grow underneath evergreen trees so, by keeping the limbs low you can hide bare patches!
We all have a tendancy to 'limb' our evergreens very high up the trunk. While this may have a purpose for safely walking through the woods, aesthetically in your garden, it is best to keep the limbs low to the ground. Grass is difficult to grow underneath evergreen trees so, by keeping the limbs low you can hide bare patches!
Homeade(Organic) Pest Control
You can make your own organic pesticide in from simple things you have on hand in the kitchen. Blend 1/2 cup hot peppers ( jalepeno or scotch bonnett) 1 crushed garlic clove and two cups of water. Pour into a spray bottle and spray all over affected plant. Say good bye to bugs and harmful chemicals!
You can make your own organic pesticide in from simple things you have on hand in the kitchen. Blend 1/2 cup hot peppers ( jalepeno or scotch bonnett) 1 crushed garlic clove and two cups of water. Pour into a spray bottle and spray all over affected plant. Say good bye to bugs and harmful chemicals!
::Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador::
When choosing a company to help you with your outdoors this year, choose an LNL member. LNL members must abide by a code of ethics. You can be sure you will get quality and trustwothy workmanship. Check out our website here.
When choosing a company to help you with your outdoors this year, choose an LNL member. LNL members must abide by a code of ethics. You can be sure you will get quality and trustwothy workmanship. Check out our website here.
::Acid Soil::Arrrgh!!
Our soil has the same Ph as a TOMATO! Can you imagine growing and thriving in that type of soil condition? Kudos to Newfoundland flora for just surviving! We fortunately can adjust our soil so more plants can flourish in your garden. You can add lime in the spring and fall. You can also choose plants that actually love acid soil:
saxifraga, primula, blueberries, raspberries, hydrangea, rhododendrhon, heather, holly, radish, potato, sweet potato and some trees like birch, spruce and fir.
Our soil has the same Ph as a TOMATO! Can you imagine growing and thriving in that type of soil condition? Kudos to Newfoundland flora for just surviving! We fortunately can adjust our soil so more plants can flourish in your garden. You can add lime in the spring and fall. You can also choose plants that actually love acid soil:
saxifraga, primula, blueberries, raspberries, hydrangea, rhododendrhon, heather, holly, radish, potato, sweet potato and some trees like birch, spruce and fir.