New Trees: Recent Introductions to Cultivation by John Grimshaw, Ross Bayton and illustrated by Hazel Wilks. Amazon
20.07.2023 - 21:35 / gardeningknowhow.com
A new awareness of ecological and conservation concerns has resulted in a rising interest in growing native plants and trees. Why are native trees important? One of the main benefits of planting native trees is their adaptability to their specific region. Living in their natural habitat means native trees require less water and fewer herbicides and pesticides to keep them healthy. Trees in their natural environments are also hosts to local wildlife, providing them with food and habitat.
Trees growing in their own native areas are not only important for local wildlife, but are also beneficial for those of us who grow them. Native trees in your region have adapted over time to their particular climate and region, which means they grow happily with your particular weather, precipitation level and soil, requiring no chemical support from you to survive and thrive.
Of course, every good idea has a downside, and it’s important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of planting native trees before you jump in.
When trees are described as native to an area, it means they grow naturally in that region in the wild, and have adapted over time to thrive there. If you live where it’s hot and dry, your local native trees thrive in hot, dry landscapes. If you live where it’s cold in the winter, your native trees are hardy enough to survive. If the soil happens to be poor and rocky, certain trees grow well in that environment.
Unlike imports, trees that are native to an area do not require kid gloves, green houses, or special expertise to grow. Generally they are satisfied with the amount of rainfall they can obtain there, and do not require soil amendments or fertilizer. In short, they are easy-care, “plant and go” trees that will
New Trees: Recent Introductions to Cultivation by John Grimshaw, Ross Bayton and illustrated by Hazel Wilks. Amazon
A prickly subject is our Berberis unless you pick with care.
The Brown Turkey fig, Ficus carica, produces large, sweet, juicy figs even in British conditions.
The ancient Chinese have cultivated Tree Peonies for over 1500 years. Prized specimens are and were grown for medicinal purposes as they contain glucocides and alkolides. The imperial palace gardens had many specimens that became quite valuable.
The flowering crab apples, Malus Rosaceae, are excellent floral trees with the added bonus of small usually edible fruit. The Malus Red Sentinel above has a profusion of small hard red autumn fruit that can be admired in the garden, left to feed birds, converted into a jelly or added to other food dishes. Crab apples generally contain a deal of pectin and are seldom eaten uncooked.
Giving trees what I call the ‘Royal Chop’ is not as drastic as it sounds. It is one way of controlling the low growing branches that restrict light, create unwanted shade and generally get in the way. The technical term may be to ‘Lift the Crown’ which has the result of leaving the lower trunk clear of branches and letting the growth starting at an acceptable height.
I have been inspired later in life by trees and all things with a tree connection. My previous lack of knowledge and propensity to skirt over a massive subject will be developed into a more active skirmish but probably in my normal skittish manner.
There is no reason why you should settle down for an empty, boring backyard when there is so much that can inspire you. Check out our post on how Your Backyard Can Be the Best Hang Out Place with these DIYs!
While gardening, people often stick to the classic, tried-and-true plants we all know and love. But, with endless available options, all of us are missing out on some blooms in bright yellow and purple hues that would add character and charm to our landscapes.
December is the month we celebrate Arbor Day. So, consider planting a tree in honor of this day. Start by selecting the right plant for the site. First, analyze the chosen site by checking the soil drainage, number of sunlight hours, and amount of available space for a tree to reach its mature height and width. Once these factors are determined a tree species can be selected. CAUTION: Call 811, two to three working days before you dig. This service will mark underground utility lines.
Butterflies have this unexplainable allure that seems to appeal to people of all ages. The key to enticing these winged beauties to your yard, is utilizing adult nectar sources and larval (caterpillar) host plants in your plant palette.
When designing the perfect landscape, plants often take center stage. However, the “hardscaped” areas of our yard are where we often relax and enjoy the fruits of our botanical labor. Rather than simply installing concrete patios and walkways, consider using permeable materials to create the perfect conversation areas to augment your gardens, landscaped beds, and lawn.