Benefits of Garden Designs

When you think that your home needs to have a makeover, you really should not dive right away to tearing every part of your house down and renovating it. This is costly. Sometimes, all it takes to give your house a refreshing look is to introduce a great garden design right on your front lawn.

Garden design surely takes a good amount of time but the benefits it offers are various. There are a lot of benefits that a home owner can get from garden design, benefits include:

One reason for designing a property is to improve the quality of life, not only to the home owner, but also to the guests who would generally observe and appreciate the garden design. Quality of life, can be measured personally, it could be by the increased intimacy or privacy or by the peace and tranquility that a garden could give. Landscape gardening is also an environmentally responsible way to protect the future and provide a beautiful environment for future generations to come. It gives out a sense of responsibility to protect the environment and beautification is thereby passed down to future generations, to enjoy and to embrace the beauty and grace of nature.

Gardening is a fantastic hobby and good exercise. Gardening takes a lot of time and patience because a person can’t expect the flowers to bloom as soon as he sowed the plant. However, patience, as they say is a virtue. It would be very rewarding for the gardener if he will see the product of his hard work, like flowers blooming or even a new leaf. Theres something about nature and helping things grow that just brings out the best in some people. Gardening is also a good way of exercising regularly. A garden design would need constant care, to maintain its beauty. An hour of work a week such as weed pulling, watering and digging will energize and strengthen one’s body at the same time. It actually equates to an hour of aerobic workout.

Garden design can also be a family activity, this kind of activity can be time consuming, but it is often one that the entire family can get into and enjoy. Each member of the family can pick up a task and devote time together in doing it. It would also add a sense of responsibility to each member, because that would create a personal bond with the garden in regards with tending to the plants and maintaining it. In no time, a home owner might be shocked at how much this kind of hobby can be good for family bonding.

Garden design can also increase the value of a property. When a great plan is created and executed to garden design, it can really add curb appeal. If the home owners desire is to sell the property in the future, they can actually get a good price out of it owing it up to a well maintained garden. The amount of value increase will vary, but if the landscape design is lush green and creative enough, property value will be much higher than other properties in the market.

It is possible to turn an ordinary landscape into a retreat for rest and relaxation for every family member, as a great stress reliever. A beautiful landscape exudes a sense of peace and harmony, because one is visually surrounded by something beautiful and also it attracts species like butterflies, birds and other delightful creatures. A home owner will experience immense joy by seeing a garden that can also be home to some of nature’s most delightful creatures, adding up to the whole vibe that a garden creates.

Landscape gardening can be very costly. Hiring a landscape designer can save money down the road, as they will not make the mistakes that could be avoided. Most trained landscape designers are also arborist or more commonly known as “tree surgeons”. They incorporate horticultural knowledge to create a garden that will thrive for years to come in context of the landscape ecosystem, since would focus on the overall health and safety of an individual plant or tree. It is a given factor in garden design since it will add up years to the garden itself and achieve the overall balance and harmony at home as well as in the ecosystem.

Learn more on : Landscape Design Princeton NJ

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May Days The Garden in May

In May we are gardening gods. This is the month where the fullness of spring meets the opening of summer, creating a moment in time where the garden in our heads matches reality. May is the month for horticultural hubris. For a few weeks, we are the masters of our plots. Like Midas, all we touch turns to flower.

Of course, May’s glory has nothing to do with us. Even the abandoned lot down the street looks like a field of Arcadia. The florets of the unmown bluegrass hold and toss the morning light like water, and drifts of dandelions emerge from of islands of lilac ground ivy. For a few blessed weeks, the cool nights and warm days grant us the perfect gardening climate. I know what it’s like to live in coastal California or Britain, or one of those places that the glossy garden magazines obsessively feature.

But that’s no matter. My plot is a result of my gardening genius. It has nothing to do with the fact that all of the plants have freshly leafed out, coating even the dowdy foundation shrubs with the glow and firmness of adolescence. Or that all of the perennials have recently emerged low and tight, as if the ancient gardeners of Kyoto had spent decades clipping them. It doesn’t even matter what you planted next to each other. The swelling border makes my impetuous April shopping spree at the nursery look wise and carefully composed. I look over my plot like a champion chess player, confident of my strategy. Gardening mistakes won’t show themselves this month.

May is the month for plants whose glory is short lived. The late spring geophytes—the tulips and the scilla—overlap with the early summer ephemerals like trilliums, bluebells, and trout lilies. These plants emerge from nowhere between the gaps and crannies of plants, bloom for a week or two of glory, then vanish as the heat of summer comes. Why can’t all plants behave this way? They do their thing, and then poof, they’re gone, making room for the other fat hens to swell during June. Gardeners know these are cheap tricks. Stick a few alliums in the ground in the fall, and voila!: nodding purple baseballs declare to your neighbors that you are, indeed, a plant whisperer.

It’s May, and gardeners everywhere should enjoy their mastery. For August is coming and will judge us all.

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Flowering Ferns

Osmunda

A small genus of large Ferns that are native to North America. They prefer partial to full shade however may grow in sun if on very moist sites. They require moist to wet, neutral to acidic, humus-rich soil. Deer resistant. Insect pests and disease are rare, rust may occur on the foliage but not very often. Propagation is from seed or division done during fall.

Osmunda cinnamomea ( Cinnamon Fern )
A fast growing, very large, deciduous Fern, with clumps reaching a maximum size of 6 x 13 feet. It is native to swamps in North America, from Minnesota to Newfoundland; south to New Mexico to Florida.
The upright fronds, up to 6 x 1 ( rarely over 4 ) feet, are white woolly at first, turning to deep green. In autumn the fronds become cinnamon-brown in color. This Fern is one of the first to emerge new fronds in spring.
Hardy zones 2 to 8 in partial to full shade on moist to wet, fertile, acidic soil. It is soil tolerant but grows most vigorously on wet soil. It can tolerate some lime and some sun.

* photos taken on May 6 2010 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD






Osmunda claytonii ( Interrupted Fern )
A stately, deciduous Fern, very similar to the Cinnamon Fern, that reaches a maximum size of 6 x 13 feet. It is native to moist woods of northern Asia and also North America from Manitoba to Newfoundland; south to Arkansas to Georgia.
The fronds, up to 36 x 18 inches, are woolly white at first, turning deep green and leathery.
It is one of the first Ferns to emerge during spring.
Hardy zones 2 to 8 in partial to full shade.

* photo taken on May 1 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum








Osmunda japonica
A deciduous fern that is native to moist woods of the Himalayas, Sakhalin, China, Korea and Japan, south into southeast Asia.
The fronds, up to 40 x 20 ( rarely over 20 x 16 ) inches, are bright green, turning to bright golden-yellow in fall.
Hardy zones 5 to 10


* photo taken on May 8 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.



* photo taken on May 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC

Osmunda regalis ( Royal Fern )
A huge, prehistoric-looking, deciduous Fern that can form a massive clump up to 6 x 13 feet, sometimes as much as 13 feet in height on ideal sites.
It is among the most widespread of all plants worldwide; it is native to North America from Manitoba to Newfoundland and south, as well as in northern Eurasia.
It looks great planted next to water or massed in a woodland understory.
The huge graceful fronds are coppery at first, turning to luxuriant deep green, turning intense butter-yellow in autumn. Royal Ferns of Eurasian origin remain green very late in autumn, often until hard freezing weather though often lacking in autumn color. The tall fronds are divided into narrow oblong leaflets, resembling Robinia- Black Locust in appearance.
Many botanists divide the Royal Fern into Osmunda regalis var spectabilis ( North American Royal Fern ) and Osmunda regalis var regalis ( European Royal Fern ).
Hardy zones 2 to 8 in partial to full shade on moist to wet, fertile, acidic soil. It is tolerant of alkaline soil and also full sun if planted on a wet site.

* photos taken on May 6 2010 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD








* photo taken on annual Horticultural Society of Maryland Garden Tour

* photo taken on Sep 14 2012 in Baltimore Co., MD

* photo taken on May 19 2013 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Oct 17 2013 in Columbia, MD

Cristata
Similar except lower growing, only reaching up to 4 feet in height, with fronds that have crested segment tips.

Purpurascens ( Purple-Stemmed Royal Fern )
A tall growing form, reaching up to 10 feet in height with foliage that is purplish-red at first, turning to blue-green. The stems that remain purple all season.

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Colorful Evergreens in the Landscape Part II Blue Evergreens

Blue Evergreens in the Landscape

Are you looking to add permanent vibrant color to your landscape?  Well look no further.  In the previous segment I discussed the implementation of colorful golden evergreens into the backbone or foundation of the landscape.    There are also several varieties of blue evergreens that can act as a stand alone piece or complement the golden evergreens in your garden.  These varieties are hardy in a number of areas including USDA hardiness zones 2-8.

Cedrus atlantica glauca Pendula (Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar)

The first in our series is among the most popular of the blue evergreens. Known for its graceful pendulous silvery-blue branches, Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus Atlantica Glauca Pendula) is an outstanding specimen.  Weeping Blue Atlas Cedar is hardy to USDA Zones 6-8, prefers an acidic-slightly to alkaline well-drained loam soil and location in full sun (6-8 hours sunlight). They are tolerant of many soil types but will not fare well in soils with poor drainage such as clay.  These magnificent trees can be trained as an upright or spiral trunk and can be maintained at a desired size through selective pruning.   Depending on the structure of your tree it can reach a height of 10-15 feet and a width of 8-10 feet across and would be difficult to transplant once established. Be sure to give it room to grow.  As your tree matures its cascading branches will drape down to the ground giving your tree grace and charm. 

Cedrus atlantica Glauca

Belonging to the same genus, Upright Blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica Glauca) is the upright larger form of blue cedar.  Reaching to a height of 40-80 feet this pyramidal evergreen is a wonderful stand alone piece.  This specimen enjoys a moist, well-drained acidic-slightly alkaline soil in full sun and is hardy to USDA zones 6-8.  Majestic in every way, Cedrus atlantica is one of the true cedars named after its native area, the Atlas Mountains of Algeria and Morocco.  Blue Atlas Cedar rapidly grows upright over its first ten years then spreads to a width of 10-15 feet in the landscape.  Give it plenty of room preferably on its own berm and allow this showpiece to shine.

Picea pungens Montgomery (Globe Blue Spruce)

For a smaller area in the garden add some blue by incorporating Picea pungens Montgomery or Montgomery Globe Spruce.  Dwarf in stature, this globe-shaped evergreen exhibits compact bright blue needles on a flat-topped and densely branched shrub.  This specimen is excellent in tight spaces since it only reaches a height and width of 2-3 feet.  Globe spruce prefers to be grown in a moist, well-drained acidic soil and is hardy in zones 2-8.  Use this beauty as a focal point in the garden.  It serves nicely as a foundation planting or as an accent in an evergreen-perennial garden.

Picea pungens Fat Albert

Used as an anchor in a foundation planting or as a privacy screen, Colorado Blue Spruce Fat Albert is definitely a beauty.  Fat Albert is a slow grower, reaching to a height and width of 10-15 feet and gets its name from its wider appearance.  It is hardy in USDA zones 2-7 and prefers full sun and a moist but well-drained acidic soil.   Avoid planting this tree in a heavy clay soil as the roots will suffer from poor drainage.   Also it is very important that this tree receive  "full" sunlight meaning 6 or more hours of daylight daily in order to thrive and prevent fungal disease.   Give it this tree plenty of space to grow and it will provide color and structural interest to your landscape.  Picea pungens Hoopsi is a narrower pyramidal form of this tree growing to a height of 15-18 feet.  

Picea pungens Bakeri

Next is a more compact form of blue spuce-Picea pungens Bakeri or Bakeri Spruce.  Bakeri spruce is hardy to USDA zones 2-7 and stays more pyramidal at a height of 15-18 feet and width of 6-8 feet.  This blue-green spruce prefers to be grown in full sun in a slightly acidic, well-drained soil.   This beauty also has a wide variety of uses such as a focal point in a foundation planting or as an accent tree in an informal garden.

Juniperus squamata Blue Star

For a little blue along the perimeter of your garden try Juniperus squamata Blue Star. Juniperus Blue Star exhibits bright silver-blue foliage on low branching needles and grows to a maximum height of 2-3 feet making it an excellent foreground planting. This welcome member is hardy to USDA zones 4-8 and prefers to be grown in full sun in a semi-moist well drained slightly-acidic soil.  Once established this evergreen requires minimal watering.  Juniperus squamata Blue Star works well as a mass planting, rock garden plant, seacoast planting or as an accent in a perennial border.
Next time you are looking to add some everlasting color and interesting texture to your landscape try adding a little bit of blue.  Complement the blue color of these fabulous evergreens with a little bit of gold, burgundy, purple or yellow.  The mixture of cool and warm colors will create a dramatic impact in your garden that will bring much enjoyment to your landscape.

As Always...Happy Gardening.

Author:Lee@ A Guide To Northeastern Gardening Copyright 2012. All Rights Reserved

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garden landscaping

garden landscaping

Normal water backyards are probably the many desirable forms of landscapes. In addition to the plant life about this, the actual within a boating all around the drinking water gardens water-feature causes it to be energetic and different.

H2o garden landscaping is a lot more complicated when compared with landscaping an average backyard. There are many regarding stuff that might be of interest mainly because it requires lots of excavation along with h2o treatment method.

Considering that h2o garden landscaping provides particular difficulties, it is very important program the spot out there. Initial, the look along with panorama from the yard must be stolen cardstock. Moreover, the style ought to include the magnitude of the backyard, precisely how strong it is actually as well as the design in the whole place.

Following your design and style can be selected, a versatile merchandise like a piece of string or perhaps a hose can be used to determine the particular ponds kind. Right after paying attention to design together with bottle of spray fresh paint, the particular excavation in the fish-pond may start. This can be a tiresome and also accurate work therefore men and women may wish to employ pros or perhaps excavators for the task.

While each of the dirt will be obtained, its about time to the 2nd a part of drinking water garden landscaping, which would be to set up the actual domestic plumbing. This can be essential to help make ornamental rapids or perhaps water fountains operate. Once the domestic plumbing is completed, the actual earth towards the bottom and round the excavation must be concealed having a type of ship in order to offer the drinking water. Many boats are manufactured beyond water-proof bare concrete.

During this period, additionally it is vital that you increase the risk for ponds lips added tough by simply progressing in which region away and also filling up this along with bare concrete. This kind of border is termed a dealing ledge also it gives assistance to the gardens other functions.

In the event the managing ledge will be dried out and also engrossed in soil, rocks which work as accessories for that ponds border needs to be set up. Lay down these out there based on the program, setting up the greater types very first. The particular rocks may also be used to hide tubes, domestic plumbing, aquariums, cables and also other performing tools. Absolutely nothing may ruin natural appeal of the h2o back garden when compared with seen piping stuffed with the landscaping.

The subsequent period water garden landscaping will be growing the particular plant life themselves. For this function, lower servicing vegetation is generally preferred. Using the plant life rooted within the dirt, thick mulch ought to be put into increase the risk for plant life rich.

Even though the border can be bristling along with vegetation as well as stones, water-feature really should not be overlooked. Boulders along with water vegetation must be very carefully organized towards the bottom in the water-feature. If this is performed, its time to refill water-feature along with drinking water.

Including the actual fish will be the closing point water garden landscaping. Carps and also goldfishes tend to be well-known selections because theyre really vibrant.

Normal water landscapes put in a lots of living with a position. Though it is actually complicated and dear, the astonishing attractiveness can be definitely worth the expense.

garden landscaping ideas

garden landscaping ideas for sloping gardens

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Compliment Your Fire Pit with Certain Flowers and Bushes

So we do a lot of blogs on Fire Pits and they can enhance the comforts of outdoor living. We also do blogs on the benefits of propane or natural gas burning systems over wood burning pits. We also have showcased some great landscape design ideas and in this edition of the Warming Trends blog, we will focus on how to compliment your fire pit with particular flowers that add texture and accents to the flame that a fire pit produces.

The DIY Network is a great resource for anyone who wants to tackle their backyard modifications themselves. This article helps you plant complimentary flowers and bushes to accent fire pit flames.


Princess Lilies orange peachy color compliments the flame quite well.


Golden euonymous is a nice bright colored floral bush that will accent the flame as well.


Crown of Bohemia has a vibrant yellow to orange bloom and fills out quite well for a flower.


Dwarf Bottlebrush is an interesting plant which has bright red plumes which remind one of a paint brush tip. The color really pops and will be a great compliment to any flame.


Finally, the Tropicana canna is a unique and interesting plant with orange veins running through the leaves and a bright orange blooming flower. This variety is a two-for-one in my book and would make the perfect accent for any outdoor fire pit.

There are a few other examples in the article which I neglected to mention, so if you are looking for more options, check out the article.

I hope these examples provided help you round out your outdoor living area.

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Get Ready for Spring with PatioOutfitters net

Spring is just around the corner and what better way to welcome the sunshine back than by sprucing up your outdoor patio living area. PatioOutfitters.net has everything you need to make your backyard a "staycation destination."



From patio furniture and umbrellas, to high quality grills and accessories, to pathway lighting, outdoor fire pits, stone pavers and retaining walls and more, PatioOutfitters.net will help you create the backyard entertainment space you always dreamed of.



What I like about their options is that you can purchase a freestanding cart grill, or if you want really make your patio something special, there are options for do-it-yourself outdoor kitchens.


Not only does PatioOutfitters.net have all the accessories for your outdoor living room, but they also have landscape design option and a portfolio of work they have completed to give you ideas on how to create a comfortable and modern outdoor living space.

So for all of your patio furnishing needs, check out PatioOutfitters.net and for all of your outdoor custom fire pit ideas, check us out online or call today. 1-877-556-5255.

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MNLA Landscape Awards 2011 Design

MNLA Landscape Awards 2011 - Design

Looking for a new design in your backyard? How about a different look to your front yard? Would you like a professionally-managed landscape that ...

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Design Because Before We Had Drawings Of Buildings At A Perspective older Blog

design because before we had drawings of buildings at a perspective (older blog).

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Fire Burning Seasons Heeds Fire Safety Common Sense

In Seattle, local fire officials are urging homeowners and others to use simple fire safety when enjoying the summer festivities. You can watch this short video on what they suggest to do. Or you can read below for a synopsis:



As Memorial Day unveils the unofficial (well, lets call it the official) start to summer bbqs and parties etc, people are lighting up their fire pits, bbqs, bonfires and more. Local fire officials in Seattle urge people to use common sense when utilizing fire pits and more. If the wind kicked up that day, its probably NOT a good idea to burn anything as it poses a greater fire danger to your home as well as your neighbors.



Fires cannot be larger than three feet wide and two feet high and only clean, dry wood may be used in a fire pit. you cant just throw anything in there. Propane or natural gas burning systems are preferred as you can control the size of the flame, they are safer for the environment and you can turn it off with the flip of a switch.

Finally, all fires must be burned at least 25 feet away from home and structures, someone should monitor the fire at all times and you should have a garden hose, bucket of water or fire extinguisher on hand at all times just in case theres an emergency.

For all of your outdoor custom fire pit and accessory needs, contact us at any time and well be happy to answer any questions you may have.

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Which Fire Pit is Right for You

When selecting a fire pit for your backyard or patio, there are several considerations you must take into account before selecting one. How much space do you have to work with in your backyard? What are your local law ordinances like concerning open flames? Would an outdoor fireplace make more sense? Are you the type of person who wants a tidy, no mess situation? Do you want to entertain guests by your fire pit or just stay warm? What type of personality do you have and how could a fire pit reflect that as well as the way you decorate your home? These are all concepts to think about before you install a fire pit in your backyard.



There are several styles of fire pits out there, ranging from custom built fire pits finished with stone, to cast iron wood burning bowls, to stylistic metal fire pits carved with design and portable fire pits you can move around your yard. This article displays several of these styles and encourages you to pick the one that suits your style.

Natural gas or propane burning systems are a great option because there is no clean up, you can control the flame height and you can turn them on and off with the flip of a switch. Natural wood burning fire pits require maintenance and supervision as they can spew ashes and embers into the air, smoke is an issue and when you go to extinguish the fire you need to monitor the progress as the fire can remain active for hours afterwards.



Stone hearths are a great way to entertain guests as they have a built in table-top surrounding the flame where you can place drinks, share a meal and engage in conversation with family and friends.

No matter what style is best suited for your personality and needs, make sure to take care of your fire pit by covering it when not in use to help prevent weather damage to it. Keep a fire extinguisher or garden hose near at all times to prevent any accidents from the fire pit and make sure an adult is monitoring the fire at all times.

For all of your custom fire pit needs, or if you have any questions about fire pit safety, please contact us at any time and well be happy to assist you.

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Stephanandra

A small genus of 4 species of shrubs native to eastern Asia, that are closely related to the Spirea. They are grown mainly for their attractive foliage which emerges early in spring, remains lush green all summer, then turns vibrant colors in autumn.
They prefer full sun to partial shade on moist, acidic light, fertile soil. A mulch with pine bark or pine needles will increase growth. Stephanandras are very easy to grow and not all that fussy about soil.
Overgrown and straggly plants can be cut back hard in early spring to renovate.
Propagation is from softwood cuttings taken during summer, hardwood cuttings during winter or division in autumn.

Stephanandra chinensis
A graceful arching shrub reaching around 6 feet, that is native to China. Some records include: largest on record - 10 x 8 feet.
The deeply toothed, oval to triangular leaves are up to 2.5 inches in length.
The foliage is green turning to attractive yellow and orange during autumn.
The small white flowers are borne in dense racemes during summer.
The twigs are smooth and light brown.
Hardy zones 7 to 9


Stephanandra incisa ( Cutleaved Stephanandra )
A fast growing, dense, suckering, medium size arching shrub reaching around 5 feet, that is native to Japan. Some records include: 10 years - 8 x 10 feet; largest on record - 10 x 10 feet.
The deeply toothed, 3 or 5 lobed, oval to triangular leaves are up to 5 x 3 inches in size.
The foliage is lush deep green, turning rich red in autumn.
The small creamy-white flowers are borne in dense panicles, during late spring to early summer.
The rich brown shoots are attractive during the winter.
Hardy zones 3 to 8

Crispa
Low and mound forming, reaching a maximum size of 3 x 10 feet with small crinkled leaves. It makes an excellent groundcover.

* photo taken on Oct 17 2011 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.

* photos taken on Aug 1 2013 @ Stratford, Ontario

Stephanandra tanakae ( Yedo Stephanandra )
A graceful arching shrub reaching around 6 feet, that is native to Japan. Some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 8 feet; 10 years - 13 x 13 feet; largest on record - 13 x 16 feet.
The deeply toothed, 3 or 5 lobed, oval to triangular leaves are up to 8 x 4.5 inches in size.
The foliage is pinkish at first, turning to green.
The small white flowers are borne in airy panicles, up to 4 inches in length, during early to mid summer.
Hardy zones 3 to 9, it is very tough and easy to grow.

* photo taken on August 2005 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.

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