Almost every house has a foundation planting, something that should help the large, man-made structure somehow blend with the natural landscape it was dropped into. More often than not, the foundation planting is done by the builder, who adds a line of common, usually evergreen shrubs to make things seem not so out of place in the hope that the buyer will be much happier with the property. The plantings are often bland and not in scale with the house. Even worse, these humdrum plantings are often ignored until they become so large that making changes is more of a job than one is willing to take on.
But you should take it on—or at least address your lackluster planting before it is too late. These two approaches show how a little creativity and skill can give you something most houses don’t have: a successful foundation planting.
Your first thought when encountering a small space might be that you won’t have room to do much. Jane LaFlash’s small garden in Madison, Wisconsin, proves that isn’t true.
The short distance from the sidewalk to the house means that this foundation planting can’t employ a deep bed to soften the connection of the ground level and the two-story house. Jane uses a framework of small trees to quickly provide height to the bed and a certain level of screening for the house. These trees are underplanted with shrubs and perennials that carry the eye down from the trees to ground level.
The plant density and wide array are impressive and reveal one of the benefits of a small space. This much variety in a larger bed would feel chaotic; but, on a limited scale, it is exciting and impactful. Still, there needs to be some harmony to make it feel like a design rather than a bunch of plants in the ground. The
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Plant pots are a staple of the garden and are fantastic for displaying your favourite flowers and plants both indoors and out. They’re great for all types of gardens and allow those without the luxury of green space to display their work on balconies, decked areas, and conservatories.
The winding peaks and troughs of Arizona’s Verde Valley, weaving through jagged ochre mountains, dreamy cactus-clad deserts and deep volcanic canyons, make up some of the most iconic images of the American West. For thousands of years, the valley has been home to both the Verde River, one of Arizona’s only perennial wild rivers, and to Indigenous communities from the ancient Sinagua and Hohokam peoples to present-day tribes including the Yavapai, Hopi, Apache and Zuni. It is also home to 270 species of birds, 94 species of mammals and 76 species of native amphibians and reptiles. All this makes the Verde River key to the history, culture and ecosystem of central Arizona.
What if we told you that there are plants you can grow once, and then multiply for years to come with free seeds? Sounds tempting? Well, these options will put a smile on your face!
House plants in the office can help to reduce stress levels, increase concentration and therefore prductivity, and generally make the office a nicer environment to work in. The types of house plant that are suited to an office depend on your particular office – is it bright, shady, warm or cold? Many offices may have air conditioning, which can be drying for plants and unsuitable for house plants from tropical regions. Assess your office before buying house plants, whether it’s at home or in the work place.
For gardeners who love to raise their plants from seed, the beginning of March is not unlike the build-up to Christmas. There’s lots of hustle and bustle, with flurries of intriguing parcels from favourite suppliers arriving in the post, accompanied by the making of wish lists and enthusiastic sorting of essential tools and equipment.
Maximize Your Vegetable Harvest with Succession Planting Learn the secrets to extending your vegetable harvest through succession planting from Minnesota gardener Meg Cowden. 4 ways to get the most out of your vegetable garden
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I’M OPENING my garden on Saturday June 8 from 10 AM to 4 PM as part of a weekend of events in my Hudson Valley, N.Y., community, that also includes the spectacular garden of Peter Bevacqua and Stephen King (above) nearby, two plant sales, and more. Tickets are on sale now (links at the bottom of the page); last year they sold out, so we’ve upped the numbers a bit but….don’t dally!
March unfolds, garden enthusiasts eagerly prepare to breathe life into their outdoor spaces. This month marks the beginning of a vibrant gardening season, filled with promise and potential. The earth starts to awaken from its winter slumber, making it the perfect time to sow the seeds for a spectacular garden. Among the many choices, carefully selecting the right plants in March is crucial for a thriving and colourful garden.
Back in June, friend of the GPOD Cherry Ong attended the Vancouver Hardy Plant Study Weekend and was kind enough to share photos of some of the gardens that she toured. Today she’s taking us along to visit Gwen and Paul’s gorgeous garden and nursery.