Liberating Design Ideas from Great Dixter by Susan Harris

Great Dixter’s most famous view, by UK Garden Photos

I jumped at the chance to hear Fergus Garrett, head gardener at Great Dixter – undoubtedly England’s most famous garden – when the Horticultural Society of Maryland brought him to Baltimore to speak. Rush-hour traffic to get there be damned!

Here’s Fergus pointing to the same view of Great Dixter’s famous 200 x 15-foot border. It’s the ultimate in romantic cottage gardening; just don’t ask how much work it takes to make it all happen.

Here’s Fergus on stage and also posing with Christopher Lloyd, the gardening icon who lived his entire life in this house (built in 1460). Lloyd wrote about the garden he created there for 50 years until his death in 2006.

Now for my notes of the talk – lots of design and growing tips from Lloyd himself, with a touch of Garrett. It all resonated with me big-time.

• Be free in your garden, but follow the basic rules of ecology, like “Right plant, right place.”
• “Dixter has a handshake with the wild” and “Don’t be frightened of the countryside coming into your garden.”
• Lloyd’s greatest passion was seeing plants in the wild, studying plant communities.
• Asked when to move plants, Lloyd responded, “Whenever you bloody well please.”
• He used the word “magic” a lot.
• His “play” with conifers was ridiculed at first. Now it’s “chi-chi.”
• Good gardens need see-through plants and architectural plants.
• Don’t put too-similar things together; gotta have contrast.
• Grow something well and then find good plant partners. “Chris was always visualizing combinations.”
• Let plants self-sow and merge into each other. Then tweak the design.
• Break ALL the color rules if you want. Don’t be pigeon-holed into rigid color combos; just be yourself.

• It’s “absolutely fine” for visitors to have to walk around plants on a path (example above).
• “We make wads of mistakes.”

More about Dixter

Happy interns at Great Dixter

• Great Dixter is located in England’s equivalent of Zone 8 – which means its lowest winter temperatures are similar to Norfolk VA’s, but its summers aren’t brutal like Norfolk’s.
• The gardeners may not have deer to contend with, but the badgers are a challenge.
• The garden is managed as organically as possible. That means being okay with a bit of visible insect damage.
• Fergus lives near the beach in Hastings. (Can you imagine living at the beach and working at the best garden in the U.K.? I’m sick with jealousy at the thought.)
• He’s willing to leave all that and speak when invited because the extra income is used to pay the promising interns chosen from around the world.

Visiting

About 50,000 people visit Great Dixter every year. Click to find out more about visiting Great Dixter.

I’ve never seen the garden myself but if I ever do it’ll be with Carex Tours, whose leader Carolyn Mullet let me use some of her photos for this post. Carolyn has taken several groups to Great Dixter and since meeting Fergus this week in Baltimore, her next group can look forward to meeting with him in the garden.

Top photo by UK Garden Photos on Flickr. 

Liberating Design Ideas from Great Dixter originally appeared on Garden Rant on April 27, 2018.

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Planting Containers For Spring

Our local newspaper recently confirmed what all of the gardeners in my area already knew. One would have to go back 134 years to find an April as cold as the one we have just lived through. Who knows what gardeners did in 1887 given their blisteringly cold April. I am cautiously optimistic that better [...]

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In Search of the Perfect Plant by Bob Hill

Bob’s perfect plant

We are all forever perched on a learning curve in the horticulture business. There’s always way more to learn than any of us will ever master – and always more room to fall than we will ever know.

Which brings me, of course, to the endless quest for the Perfect Plant to deal with all that.

It’s a fun scene played out almost daily in the nursery business, where all level of experts and neophytes come through the doors.

Its opening act goes like this: A customer comes in looking around at all the plants. He or she is wearing an expression of concerned confusion.  They are new to gardening. They are leaning environmental. They wear Buck Naked Underwear from Duluth Trading. They have now subscribed to Fine Gardening, Organic Life and Garden & Gun and are making plans to visit Winterthur.

For the most part they are all early garden romance and no research. Their friends are coming over for a garden party next week. They need instant results. A garden in seven days. With just the perfect plant – or plants.

In many cases such customers are likable, willing to learn and know just enough to be dangerous to even marigolds, baptisia and Joe Pye Weed.

Maybe they have seen a picture of their perfect plant in a magazine ad. Its name was something like “The Amazing Yukon Yew.” The copy was in fine print. The accompanying picture was a tribute to bald-faced lies that come with computer enhancement. Three Eskimos and a dog team are perched under a 30-foot conifer. The customer’s cost is only $3.95 for each “Amazing Yukon Yew” plus $11.95 shipping and handling.

As we talk, the customer’s final goal becomes clear. What’s actually needed is a plant that will mature at maybe three feet tall and three feet wide – and it would be all the better if it came that size to begin with.  Yes, three feet by three feet would be perfect. No bigger. It would fit very nicely right there between the Knock Out Roses and the aluminum deck chairs.

We talk. The customer feels the need to garden – but doesn’t have much free time. As a result, their perfect plant must take full sun or shade, be disease- and pest-free, rarely need watering and remain a trusty vibrant green from April to October.

And what’s all this about pruning?

But short and tidy is not always perfect. Other customers will seek a monk-like plant for the corners of the house. Yes, precisely six feet tall is fine – but no taller. Bring it on with fragrant white flowers in spring and bright red berries in the fall. No pruning. No watering. No cedar wax-wings. Great fall color.

I bite my tongue at those marketing moments. The temptation is to ask the customer if the plant must also be trusty, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave and clean in thought and word and deed. A little fragrance would be nice, too.

Many of these Perfect Plant-Seekers are well aware of their shortcomings, and not the least bit self-conscious about it. They are willing to learn, but just to the point where their garden must learn to take care of itself.

The truth has risen: The customer wants a garden. He or she just don’t want to have to garden all that much to get one. Bring in the lawn services and weed whackers.

Aronia arbutifolia ‘Brilliantissima’

And yet, there are those who find themselves trapped in this voyage of garden discovery and sail through to victory. They purchased an Aronia arbutifolia ‘Brilliantissima’ and found themselves enchanted by the pinkish-white spring flowers, the later red fall berries and the screaming red autumnal foliage.

And what do you know, it will fit nicely in some sunny corners and can be kept about six feet tall. Not quite perfect, but three good seasons out of four ain’t bad.

Acer triflorum

If it’s all four seasons they want, they should consider the Acer triflorum ‘Three-flowered maple’ with its 365 days of amazing exfoliating bark and striking fall colors.

Bob’s perfect plant – Parrotia persica

More perfection for me is the Parrotia persica, or ‘Persian Ironwood’ which is utterly incapable of having a single bad day all year. Its leaves emerge reddish-purple in the spring, go glossy green all summer and finish with a yellow, orange and red flourish in the fall.

Oh yeah, the gray bark exfoliates over time, adding interest all winter, and its uprising limbs are so thick and stout no one could possible fall from one while climbing.

Totally, absolutely, wonderfully perfect.

Photo credits: Aronia, Acer triflorum. Parrotia persica foliage. Other Parrotia photos by the author.

In Search of the Perfect Plant originally appeared on Garden Rant on April 25, 2018.

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Not much to celebrate this Earth Day by Elizabeth Licata

Ringneck Marsh, Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge (photo by M. Davis)

Here’s a list that I hope future federal administrations and elected officials will keep in mind. It’s the growing roster of environmental actions that have taken place under the current presidency. Most of them are clearly aimed at limiting federal support for the environment, such as antipollution measures and efforts to curb climate change.

So far, the Trump administration:

•Has done as much as it can to cast doubt on the human role in climate change, and downplaying or just removing the term “climate change” in EPA policy documents

•Is working on a rollback of fuel efficiency standards for cars and light-duty trucks

•Has suspended an Obama-era clean water regulation, asserting that it will craft a new version, intended to be friendlier to developers, farmers, and others with waterways running through properties they are using. It is also weakening regulations that impede the fossil fuel industry from dumping matter such as coal ash near sources of clean drinking water.

•Is continuing to try, with each budget, to cut programs that study and mitigate climate change and research renewable energy. Fortunately, these efforts have not been surviving the budget process. So far.

•Has twice tried to kill the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which is helping the Niagara and Buffalo Rivers as well as the lakes, which provide fresh water for 40 million people in the US and Canada.

•Has declared that accidental/incidental bird deaths as a result of power lines, oil spills, and wind turbines no longer violate the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This decreases incentive for companies to consider steps that would protect wildlife.

•Has halted or suspended studies that look at health risks to those who live near coal sites.

•Is making moves with formerly protected areas like Bears Ears National Monument, which has been reduced in size by 85%. If fossil fuel extraction is in the mix, expect more depredations in protected areas.

There is both more and less to this. Some of these efforts can be stopped in Congress. Others might remain in the planning stages. But one thing is certain: don’t expect the environment to be a priority with this administration. By next year’s Earth Day, we might have even more significant—and damaging—policies.

Not much to celebrate this Earth Day originally appeared on Garden Rant on April 24, 2018.

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Amazing Mulberry Trees

The post Amazing Mulberry Trees appeared first on Miss Smarty Plants.

Imagine the surprise in my eyes when, while trying to follow a map to the next garden on our tour, I looked up to see these unusual trees! Like something out of a Dr. Seuss book, these “trees” were sprawling and climbing across the front yard of a historical two story home.  This just shows how the citizens of Buffalo, New York are so passionate about their gardens (learn more about their showcase at https://gardensbuffaloniagara.com/events/garden-walk-buffalo/)

 

What could these strange forms possible be?  While not part of the garden tour, it should come as no surprise that a group of us started exploring these unusual features. The surrounding garden was packed full of flowering bulbs and perennials, so I hope that the owner appreciated our interest in this unique garden.

Closer inspection showed that these appear to be mulberry trees that have been very carefully pruned and groomed to show these shapes. In the large sprawling form in the first photo there may be other vines wrapped in to create the fullness and show off the forms. Wow. A mulberry tree!  I was always told that these were “ditch trees” and here someone has very lovingly formed them into whimsical masterpieces.

I don’t know the technical term for this type of pruning. Would you consider these a topiary?  Just look at how the tree below has been trained to wrap around the post on the corner of the deck, kind of like it is giving it a hug. So cool!  To the mystery gardener who has created these beautiful trees, I congratulate you for your patience and vision. Wonderful!

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HighGrove Participates in Annual Day of Service in Honor of Earth Day

Nationwide Day of Service 

On April 22nd of each year landscape professionals across the country set out to volunteer their time and skills to reinvigorate a well deserved green space. The day of service unites the landscape industry by giving back to our nation’s backyards, parks and green spaces in honor of earth day. 

This year approximately 50 HighGrove employees and volunteers conducted four landscape projects for The Chanan Foundation in Hiram, Georgia. 

We were able to install permanent foundation planting at the facility's entrance in order to add a more welcoming feeling. Our team also completed an enhancement of mulch on the property along with mowing, weed-eating and thinning of pear trees. To dress up the space, our in-house design team chose colorful and textured plant varieties including crape myrtles, camellias, hollies and abelias.

Once the project was completed faculty and friends from the foundation had a chance to view the final product and learn the basics on maintaining their new landscape. 

It was great to have HighGrove’s senior leadership, middle management, client relationship managers, and accounting and office personnel dedicate their day to help transform this property into a more fun and efficient space. 

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GardenRant Welcomes Contributors Scott and Carol by Garden Rant

GardenRant debuted back in June of 2006 with the mission to “uproot the gardening world” and be a home to “opinionated” garden writers like founders Amy Stewart, Michele Owens and Susan Harris.

Twelve years later, Amy and Michele have moved on but GardenRant continues to attract strong voices in garden writing – like the new contributors we’re proud to introduce today. And as you can tell from their bios, these newest Ranters know a LOT about plants.

Scott Beuerlein is the Manager of Botanical Garden Outreach at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Scott is Chair of the Boone County Arboretum Collections Committee, past Chairman of Taking Root, past President of the Cincinnati Flower Growers Association, and Past Chairman of the Northern Kentucky Urban and Community Forestry Council.

He has published over 90 magazine articles, including in Ohio Gardener, Horticulture Magazine,and American Nurseryman. He currently writes the “Only in Ohio” column for Ohio Gardener.

Scott is an ONLA Certified Landscape Technician and an ISA Certified Arborist, and is somehow living in domestic bliss with a loving wife, a plotting cat, and an over-sized garden.

Visit Scott’s website: www.scottbeuerlein.com

Carol Reese is an Extension Horticulture Specialist housed at the University of Tennessee’s West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center in Jackson. She is a nationally known speaker, blending equal parts gardening knowledge, natural lore, and quirky humor.

Carol is the gardening and nature columnist for several newspapers, as well as a contributor to several gardening magazines. She has also been the Q&A columnist for Horticulture Magazine for several years.

Her B.S. and M.S. in Horticulture are from Mississippi State University, and she could also add her Ph.D. if she “had ever written that damn dissertation!” While there, she taught classes in Plant Materials, and co-taught Landscape Design for non-LA majors alongside a “real” landscape architect.

She attributes her love of horticulture to being raised on a farm by generations of plant nuts, including a grandfather who dynamited his garden spot each spring to “break up his hard pan.” Carol’s very personal appreciation of natural lore is at least partially a result of her near daily rambles through the wild areas near her home with her motley collection of mutts, also known as the strong-willed breed of “Amalgamations.”

GardenRant Welcomes Contributors Scott and Carol originally appeared on Garden Rant on April 22, 2018.

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DJ Khaled Loves his Garden by Susan Harris

I only know about hiphop impresario DJ Khaled because of his star turn as a garden-lover in this video for the New York Times.

Gazing adoringly at the plants in his garden, he says:

I love you.  I love you.

This is Jerusalem. I call this Jerusalem. This is so peaceful.

I drink my tea. I come out here, me and my son. We meditate and catch a vibe. It feels like a whole other country.

The sun is shining on me.

The key is respect your Mother. Respect Mother Nature at all times.

From the Times I also learned that gardening is “the pastime that has kept him grounded during his ascent from Miami disc jockey to auteur of ubiquitous club bangers…In his spare time, Mr. Khaled tends, along with some hired help, lush gardens at this home and another in Miami, or at least looks at them while doing other things.

“Say I had to get on a conference call, I’d go outside by the hammock, by the flowers, and just sit there, and if it’s a stressful call, I really get close to the flowers,” he said. “People say, ‘Respect your mother.’ I say, ‘Respect Mother Nature.”

In the courtyard was a waterfall-laden garden of hydrangeas and poppies that Mr. Khaled called Jerusalem, “because I feel like I’m not in America right now.”

I love that by “catching a vibe” in his garden, this Muslim-American (not an easy hyphenation to be in the current climate) can escape to his homeland in Palestine.

In another video, “DJ Khaled on Gardening” he says:

The other day the grass was brown.  Now it’s green coz I ain’t give up.

Never surrender. God is good.

I call the white flowers [white impatiens] the angels and I call this flower the protector of the angels. How beautiful, man.

I found one more garden video with Khaled – the music video of his megahit with Justin Bieber, “I’m the One.”

The garden in this video is owned by the Chance the Rapper (source) and has a whole other vibe, to say the least.

Grecian pools and hedges? Bikini-clad dancers? Obviously not style but hey, I’ll dance to “I’m the One” any day or night, in any garden.

DJ Khaled Loves his Garden originally appeared on Garden Rant on April 19, 2018.

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Garden Ideas To Make Your Neighbors Go Green With Envy

The post Garden Ideas To Make Your Neighbors Go Green With Envy appeared first on Miss Smarty Plants.

Have you ever gazed in envy at your neighbor’s lawn? If they have an immaculate display of color and wildlife that puts your humble garden into shame by comparison, you are probably jealous of the hard work they have obviously put into their creation. Sighing wearily, you resign yourself to the fact that they are clearly better gardeners than you, and you return indoors to make yourself a drink. If only you had what they had! Well, guess what? You can. It’s relatively easy to make a good-looking garden (so stop procrastinating), and with a little bit of work, you can make your neighbors go green with envy for a change. To get you started, take a look at the ideas below and transform your garden area into something special.

1. Keep on top of your garden

Before we look at ways to improve your outdoor space, you are never going to have a good-looking garden if you don’t stay on top of it. From mowing your overgrown lawn to trimming back your shrubs, you can make your garden look halfway presentable if you take the time to manage it. If you’re somebody who doesn’t have the time (or the inclination) to spend a lot of time working outdoors, consider these low-maintenance garden ideas to save yourself the bother. You can still have a beautiful garden, and if you follow some of the advice in the article, you will have a garden that looks incredible in the time it takes your neighbor to put on his gardening gloves. 

2. Give your garden character

Have you mowed your lawn, trimmed back your hedges, and everything looks fine? Well, fine and boring! Every garden needs something that gives it character, those small touches that make it stand out from all the other gardens on the block. So, what can you do? For starters, add the unique feature here and there. These can be themed, so whether you want to create a zen-paradise or a fantasy wonderland, you can buy statues online, as well as wall-art, ceramics, and other types of garden ornaments that can boost your garden space. Continuing the idea of a theme, you might also purchase a pergola for that renaissance feel, or fashion your topiary into something Edward Scissorhands would be proud of. When you have given your garden it’s own look and feel; it will stand out from the generic lawns on display around your neighborhood, and give you a sense of pride as you watch your neighbor drops his garden shears in wonder.

3. Make a splash

Water features are another way to give your garden character and a sense of style. Fountains are very popular, with a wonderful aesthetic look, and are a perfect complement to anybody looking to create a relaxing nook within their garden space. Another common water feature is the garden pond. You will need to take care if you have small children (pond mesh is a must), but it can form a perfect addition to your garden. Boost the aesthetics with underwater fountain lights, and surround the pond area with flowers (in your favorite color themes), embedded rocks, lilies, lanterns and other decor that takes your fancy. To make your pond area complete, add the requisite fish, and sit back as other wildlife take refuge in your garden, from pond skaters to mayflies. Then, to truly make your neighbors envious, consider a swimming pool. You don’t necessarily need a large garden area, either, as they can be built to size, and are perfect for anybody with an eye on keeping fit, or as a way to entertain friends and family. Top it off with a water slide and your neighbors will be lining up around the block to take their turn. Paid entry is entirely optional!

4. Build a patio

A patio is a great way to extend your living space and it can make for an attractive addition in its own right. Consider the kind of look you are going for and design your space accordingly. You might go for a modern feel, for example, with polished concrete underfoot and glass-topped tables and woven chairs for your dining and social needs. Your patio can also extend your garden space, with potted plants, hanging baskets on the walls, a vintage-style workbench for practical and aesthetic means, and a storage area to hold your tools. On the other hand, you could create your own private haven; that place where you can shut yourself off from the outside world and the prying eyes of your neighbors. With climbing plant-covered trellises or easy-grown hedges to protect your privacy you can enjoy a summer cocktail on an indulgent hammock.

5. Light up your garden

You can put a lot of work into making your garden look presentable in the daytime, but what about at night? During those warm summer nights, you want to be able to sit outside in your garden to survey the fruits of your hard work. For this reason garden lighting is a must, and it can also add another aesthetic as part of your garden design. You can purchase lighting online or at your local garden store, from lamps to hang onto your trees and walls to brightly colored solar lights that can make a useful (and attractive) addition along your garden path. If money is an issue, you can put your credit card away and create your own lighting. There are some fantastic DIY garden light ideas here, simple creations you can make yourself, from hanging basket lamps to solar lanterns. Whatever lighting you choose, arrange them according to your taste, and use them to highlight the other features that are populating your garden area.

6. Plan a garden party

A guaranteed way to make your neighbors jealous, especially if they didn’t receive an invite! Still, it is always worth extending an invitation over to them, if only to let them have a closer look at the fabulous garden you have created, and if you are also in need of their culinary skills that can make a delicious  addition to the food platter you are preparing for your social soiree. To prepare for the party, you will need garden furniture for your guests, so go for something in softer shades so as to compliment your foliage. Then consider a gazebo – it may not have been forecast rain, but you don’t want your party ruined with a sudden showery outbreak. Alternatively, when thinking about the weather, create a summer canopy, that is at once practical and a talking point if your craft skills are up to scratch. Top it all off with an array of cold drinks and tasty foods, and get some garden games going to turn your summer party into the social event of the season.

Final thoughts

By following our ideas, your garden will both look and feel wonderful. Continue looking for ideas elsewhere. You could always rob a few garden ideas from your neighbors, friends, and family, and there are plenty of resources online, from dedicated gardening sites such as ours, to Pinterest and the like. Be sure to let us know if you have any ideas you can share with our readers by leaving a comment in the space below. Thanks for reading, and enjoy your garden!

 

This contributed post may contain affiliate links. 

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Tweed Jackets: The Answer to Horticulture’s Waning Reputation? by Scott Beuerlein

The Problem of Looking Stupid

Here’s how to look stupid: start digging a hole. Einstein, himself, would look like an idiot while digging a hole. All through

Shovel, soil, sweat, is digging a hole as mindless as it looks?

history, people have needed holes, and no one has ever looked smart digging one. And no one has ever stood near a digging person, eagerly observing and taking notes, in order to better themselves. Unfortunately for horticulturists, we dig holes, often in full view of people dwelling in their homes or driving in their cars, and, lo and behold, the average American thinks we’re dumb. As such, many of them feel superior to us, awkward in our presence, and, determined to keep their children from entering the vocation. To this end, they also make damned sure to surround their homes with the blandest landscape they can afford. Nope. Nothing to be inspired about here. Suzie. Put down that flower and learn to type code. That there is a real career.

Ironically enough, the reason that WE horticulturists are thought to be stupid is because of EVERYONE ELSE’S ignorance. Sure, they see us digging holes, looking dumb, but do they know we have anywhere from a 2-year degree to a doctorate? Do they know that we need to stay current with our certifications? Have they thought it through enough to know that to be good at this crazy passion one must have a solid grasp of both science and art? Of course they haven’t. They just see us lifting dirt out of the ground, and, if they’re paying for it, dollars flying like monarchs out of their wallets as it happens.

Maybe We’re Not As Dumb As We Look

Meanwhile, it must be said that digging a hole isn’t mindless—not for someone with smarts and training. A good horticulturist is making all kinds of observations throughout the process, things that all add up to a successful planting. Even before starting, the horticulturist has probably gotten a soil test from a lab and evaluated the results. They’ve probably performed a perc test to determine drainage. This and a lot of experience informs, among other things, appropriate plant selection, which is an art and science all by itself. While digging, a hole a horticulturist is making note of the soil profile, its texture, and roots from valuable nearby plants. They are looking for signs of pests and diseases and evidence of problem weeds. All this and much more bounces around the bright, inquisitive, and invariably ADDHD minds of good horticulturists as they are doing something that casual observers might assume is bone crushingly mind-numbing.

Thee Competition and The Consequences

Let’s take a step back. Sad reality: most people digging holes to make gardens these days are not trained horticulturists and are remarkably free of any thought beyond repeatedly wondering where their next 12-pack is coming from. Their qualifications? Their parole officer is friends with the owner of a landscape company. Why? Because a good horticulturist is hard to find. Why else? Because people don’t want to pay any more than alcoholic, ex-convict wages for a good horticulturist. As might be expected, this is lowering the bar on the work.

Uninspired and Underwhelming? A multi-million dollar home, a two hundred dollar landscape.

This situation is having a terrible impact on the state of our yards, businesses, and communities. Look at what serves as horticulture out there around us–dismal designs, poor plant choices from a the same old/same old limited palette, inexcusably unnecessary chemical applications, invasive plants, topped trees, plants planted too deep, and mulch piled too high.

This last one, to say the least, is ubiquitously chronic. And here’s a telling truth about that. No vocational school, no university, no accredited professional associations, no extension service, no horticultural magazine, or book, or reference of any sort has EVER recommended mulching trees to the point where they look like toilet plungers. Not one of them even one time! In fact, all of them have assailed the practice. And what does this mean? It means that any company doing this work—and there are tons of them—has NEVER been to school, has NEVER belonged to a professional association, has NEVER taken advantage of expertise from extension offices, and has NEVER so much as read a book or magazine or even a credible online blog. And this is how the dumbest, most basic job any green industry company can do—mulching trees—gets screwed up in every community, every day, all across the nation.

The most basic job a person can do, mulching, done wrong over and over and over. Making this scene especially ironic is that these trees are ash that the community paid to save with expensive EAB treatments. At the same time, they also paid for the toilet plunger mulch job which will ultimately kill them.

Digging Our Way Out

If we’re looking for someone else to fix this, which of course is everyone’s dream, we’re not going to find them. This is horticulture’s problem. The typical American neither has the time nor the interest to learn the difference between the wheat and chaff in our industry, and, dammit, we’re not helping them any. As a rule, we drive the same beat up trucks as the riffraff, and we use the same tools. That much we can’t much control. Yet, how often do we explain our certifications and credentials? Who takes the time to really excite our customers with our work by teaching them about the plants and the reasons for the design? Because of this, we are losing business to people who know nothing about our craft, our customers assume we’re all dumb, nary a kid in American wants any part of our vocation, and horticulture programs at universities are closing.

Transformational horticulture-The High Line. Drawing millions of visitors a year and inspiring neighbors to do better.

Tweed Jackets and A Little Perspective

We can change this situation. Our arguments are rock solid if we just make them and play the game. So understand the crisis and care enough to actually market our life’s pursuit, and its remarkable history, and the transformational environmental, social, and economic benefits more and better horticulture provides, And here’s an idea–a good first step almost any horticulturist can start doing right away. Go to a thrift store and buy a tweed jacket and maybe a cap. Then learn how to fake an English accent. Suddenly, you’re not just another dumb American horticulturist, you’re an English Gardener. Boom, your stock just went up. Instant street cred! And you can double your prices. Yes, you’ll still look pretty dumb digging a hole, but, hey, every profession has its moment of looking stupid. How intelligent does a proctologist, a highly trained and respected physician, look while examining his 15^th butthole of the day…just before lunch? And how smart does a lawyer look on cable news, having been exposed paying a porn star money borrowed against his house to protect a politician? And, for that matter, how brilliant does that politician look, sitting on the can, misspelling yet another impulsive tweet? Fact is, they really don’t look any smarter than we do digging a hole. And when these people finish their day, have they made a garden?

The consequences of dumb plant choices, lost time and money.

Tweed Jackets: The Answer to Horticulture’s Waning Reputation? originally appeared on Garden Rant on April 18, 2018.

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Stop the dumb lists by Elizabeth Licata

Poisonous plant, to be avoided

Certain garden-related websites (and I use the term loosely) like to send out annotated lists—top ten this, ten worst that, six ways to do such and such. And the most disturbing mini-trend in this listicle clickbait is the alarmist listing of “Ten Plants You Should Never Grow,” or (from an eblast I just got) “The Worst Plants for Your Yard.”

There is rarely, if ever, any trusted gardening authorities or scientific studies cited as backup for these lists. No, just phrases like “the consensus is,” “generally speaking,” “studies have shown” (with no link to any), and “gardeners cite.”

You can rest assured that there will always be one or two plants that you’ve never thought would cause any problems and that a plant you’ve been coaxing along for two or three years will be called wildly invasive. The other thing these listmakers love is POISON. Beware! You and your pets are in danger! If you’re snacking on your herbaceous border, you do have some issues that should be addressed, but, as most gardeners know, many common perennials have some degree of toxicity. Fortunately, we and our pets are unlikely to be eating them, or eating them in the quantities needed for any ill effects.

The most recent list I saw (which I will not link to, or to any others) had, as its first direly awful plant, drum roll … ajuga. Really? That’s number one? Oh, but it spreads so vigorously as to “disqualify it for landscape use.” Coulda fooled me. I have several ajuga hybrids I have been trying to use a ground cover in dry shade. I’ve been trying for a while now.

Ajuga may very well be a problem in certain zones, but that’s the other thing with these lists; hardiness zones are never mentioned. The listmakers are assuming a universal authority that pertains over anyone gardening anywhere. Which is ridiculous. They also don’t get into differences between hybrids.

Sadly, I am sure newbie and other gardeners are seeing and believing these and other, sweepingly general lists. Not that certain plants aren’t recommended in a given situation. It’s just that there are better, more responsible ways to educate about them.

Stop the dumb lists originally appeared on Garden Rant on April 17, 2018.

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Who Can Take It?

Who can take it-this vile April weather? Mother Nature has been lavish with the bitter cold, snow, wind non-stop since last November. Today, we have significant icing on her cake. Everything outdoors is coated with it. 340,000 people in Michigan have no power. It is even too icy to walk out and take pictures.  I [...]

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Unique water features

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I love water features. Unique water features are usually what sticks in my mind after visiting a garden and the gardens of Buffalo are no different.

 

As I sit at home on this cold (winter?) day, I am looking back fondly at the photos of beautiful private gardens in Buffalo, New York from last August. You want to see great, creative gardens?  Go visit Buffalo for their Garden Walk this summer!

Possibly my favorite, the photo below shows this great large fountain, probably 4 feet tall, with a hidden basin underneath and a recirculating pump. I have no idea how the hole was drilled through to contain the plumbing, or if this is possibly a faux stone, but it definitely is a water feature I would want in my garden.

I almost don’t know where to start!  But looking through these images the unique water features that these gardens showcased were so wonderful I thought they deserved their own recognition. If you are considering adding a water feature to your garden, whether it be bird bath, reflection pool or fountain, I hope you find inspiration in these photos.

A fountain with a pool at the bottom is hard to beat.

Perhaps a small pool is enough for you?  This garden water feature will provide water for birds and wildlife and be very simple to install.

This small water feature was in one of my favorite gardens from the tour. It was tucked in among the plantings, yet the sound of a small trickle of water permeated through the gardens. Perfect.

A birdbath is an easy way to provide water for birds and wildlife and can be moved year to year or throughout the season.

Simple and not taking up too much space, this fountain was tucked into a small side strip next to the drive.

The sound of water next to a seating area is a huge benefit of this water feature.

One of the more elaborate, this pool is certainly the focal point of this garden.

Yes, this works for rainy days, but this was also plumbed with a recirculating pump to add the sound of a trickle of water– even during the sunny days.

With individual pieces from a ceramic artist, this fountain is truly a unique piece of art.

This whimsical fish/serpent/fountain adds a fun water feature and without too much water flowing, actually adds quite a bit of sound.

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Springing Into Summer: Imaginative Ideas For Your Garden

The post Springing Into Summer: Imaginative Ideas For Your Garden appeared first on Miss Smarty Plants.

The winter that will not end.  At least we can think of summer and start making plans. Not sure where to start? Our grass areas can suffer, your flower beds may have been overtaken by weeds and even patios, brick work and fence panels can all look a little rugged and rough.

However, if you are fortunate to have some outside space in your home, then you may like the idea of investing a little time and effort into it to make it a more usable space. Somewhere where you can enjoy your morning coffee. A place to sit and eat your lunch or enjoy a good book. 

Create an outside kitchen

Many people like the idea of cooking outside and so you may want to consider an outside kitchen to make this easier.. It can be part of an amazing entertaining space or you simply might just like the idea of cooking your food outside. You could add a general grill area like a BBQ, or you could add other aspects to it like gas generated hobs for sauces or a pizza oven. Some even add a sink and food prep area to really make it an authentic kitchen and cooking experience.

Have an area dedicated to al fresco dining

Cooking outside is one thing, but many people love to eat outside. There is just something so lovely and relaxing about enjoying a nice meal with the sun out, a nice cool breeze and a cold beverage to enjoy with it. So if you haven’t really got a good space for this why not create one? A new decked area or a patio can make the world of difference. 

Take care of your flower beds

Your flowers and the beds may have took a bit of beating thanks to all the brutal weather that winter can bring with it. Perhaps some of the flowers are no longer around or you suddenly have a huge surge of weeds that need getting rid of. Take some time to organise your flower beds and maybe even take a trip to the local garden center to invest in some new plants for them.  Creating a colourful garden can be  a very therapeutic process.

Camellia ‘Lallarook’ (Lalla Rookh)

Add a water feature

If you garden allows for it, why not create a little water feature. A nice pond perhaps, a little fountain or something a little different maybe. The sound of water running is actually extremely relaxing. A pond can also have some fish in it and even some pond flowers. However, you may even come across Weed Razers pond weeds so you might want to also bear that in mind. It can be a fantastic addition to a garden and give it another dimension. Making it a lovely unique space that you enjoy spending time in.

Give your lawn some love

Just like your flower beds may have struggled in winter, so can your lawn and grassed areas. Giving your lawn some TLC can make one of the biggest differences to your garden due to the sheer surface area it can cover. Cutting it down to size, trimming the edges and given your lawn some grass seed and plant food can make all the difference to this area of your garden. 

Think about your fencing panels

Your fence panels are what boxes your garden in and sometimes they can be a last thought when it comes to a garden makeover. But actually the fence panels can make a garden appear shabby and unloved if they are needing some treatment and attention themselves. Fence panels can look brand new simply by being repainted. You could choose a different colour to add a new look to your garden, or stick with the same one and just give it a refresh. 

Could the exterior of your home need sprucing?

Sometimes you have to look beyond the garden to make the area look fantastic, and the exterior of your home could be letting you and your garden down. Does your brickwork need repointing? Do your gutters need clearing? Could your windows and doors do with a clean? Getting some of these chores done can make a big difference to your garden area. You could also add some pots of plants and flowers around the doors or on the patio, and even add some window boxes to give your home that cottage look.

What about storage to keep things tidy?

Finally, during the spring and summer you may find that you tend to pull out more chairs and even toys for children to pay with, leaving them out can make your garden appear untidy. This is when a new storage option like a garden box or a shed can make the world of difference. Not only is the perfect lace for chairs and garden toys, but you can also store your garden tools and keep things neat and tidy. Painting it to match the fence panels and even adding some flowers could make it very pleasing on the eye.

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Bringing The Garden Indoors

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Why not consider injecting some life into your home this summer by bringing the garden indoors? Not only is it extremely fashionable to have lots of deep green foliage and colourful plants around the house, there’s a number of health benefits associated with bringing the garden indoors.

With spring approaching, a lot of people will be focused on getting their garden ready for summer parties by planting beautiful flowers and tending to their lawn, yet with so many benefits to bringing the garden indoors it might be worth considering making this an equal priority.

1. THEY IMPROVE AIR QUALITY

We often forget how important the quality of the air we breathe each day is to our health. There are many old wives tales about the remedial effect of some “fresh air” on our physical and emotional health but this is now being recognized within the scientific community.

Plants are a great solution for air pollution because they absorb carbon dioxide and emit the oxygen that is so vital to our survival, let alone our health and wellbeing. They cleanse the air from toxic chemical such as benzene and formaldehyde that are often found in paint and cigarettes.

Plants also raise the air’s humidity by releasing moisture vapour which can be beneficial to people with respiratory problems or who often suffer from sore throats.

2. THEY CAN HELP YOU SLEEP BETTER

Indoor plants such as jasmine, lavender, and aloe vera can increase the quality of your sleep as they are known to have a soothing effect on the body which can lower heart rate and anxiety. However, in reality, using aromatherapy oils such as lavender and jasmine as a blended massage oil or in a vaporizer might have a more potent affect in terms of helping you get a good night’s sleep.

3. THEY INCREASE HAPPINESS LEVELS

Studies have found that patients in hospitals that are surrounded by flowers or have a view of a garden are quicker to recover than those that are not in the presence of plants. In a more day-to-day sense, plants contribute to a general feeling of wellbeing and optimism. The vibrant colours, fresh scents and psychological association with celebration combine to offer a truly uplifting experience.

4. STRESS REDUCTION

Several studies have found that putting plants near your workspace (i.e. on your desk) lowers stress and fatigue; specifically, they help lower heart rate and blood pressure in a natural and holistic way. Many would agree that this is a much safer way to reduce anxiety and stress than to take medicine to do the same task.

5. THEY PRODUCE HEALTHY FRUIT AND VEGETABLES

When it comes to thinking about indoor plants, we forget that there are several plants such as tomatoes, avocados, carrots, lemons and mandarin oranges that can be grown indoors. This is a great way to boost self-esteem, eat fresh and naturally grown produce, save money on vegetables and brighten up your home.

Need ideas where to start?  Check out my 5 Houseplants You Won’t Kill

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