![]() Landscape Design Ideas | Filmed at Blue Hill Country Garden Upbeat pace set to gentle music Click for description and more info Three Seasons in a Maine Country Garden | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
EvergreensThe beginning of easy care landscaping
is to find and use plants that
are of the 'plant once and enjoy' types. In the Northern part
of the US this can certainly mean evergreen trees and shrubs.
Save time and energy by planting an evergreen, also known as
conifer. After an evergreen is established, it needs little care
except for an occasional trim and look over for broken branches,
signs of deficiency or bugs. A couple inches of bark mulch keeps
the evergreens content. Generally speaking you would want to
arrange evergreens by size, largest mature size to the back and
shortest to the front. Estimated mature size could be important
because evergreens cast shadows all year round. Unless your home
is exceptionally large or tall, stick with dwarf and semi dwarf
evergreens as foundation plantings. Leave room for them to fill
in the space comfortably. Dwarf and semi-dwarf evergreens require
very little trimming. Read more about evergreens here |
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Neat Edges No matter what the particular design is beds
and borders look neater when they have some sort of edge. That
can be either a hard landscape item like bricks or stones or
you can use plants. When using plants look for something with
similar light and watering requirements as the rest of the bed.
Ideally the plants you choose as an edging would be neat looking
on their own. Dwarf boxwoods and cedars are wonderful evergreens
to use for edgings. Hostas are an excellent choice but select
carefully for size as some will get very wide. We have used the
Hosta 'lemon lime' {very small} with very good success as an
edging. For the sunny border Hosta "Goldedger" shines.
Some of the smaller daylilies make nice edgings. Daylilies 'THREE
SEASONS' - 'EARLY AND OFTEN' and 'BOOTHBAY HARBOR GOLD' although
not overly short or compact would all be good choices because
of their long bloom times. Annuals, can be worked into many
designs, again using a compact variety that looks neat. Compact
Marigolds, Ageratum, Geranium and Zinnias are all good plants
for edgings that will have flowers most of the summer.
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Ornamental Trees Usually of smaller proportions than shade
trees, ornamental trees are perfect in size for many of today's
landscape designs. They are neat in appearance and will delight
with showy spring flowers. Ornamental trees include among others
Flowering Crabapples, Cherries, Dogwoods and Magnolia trees.
Height varies greatly over these species. Very dwarf cultivars
can be used in foundation plantings or perennial shrub borders
or set just beyond into the yard a bit. Avoid the temptation
to plop one of these ornamental trees right in front of a large
window. In no time it will take over your view. An ornamental
tree set right in the middle of the front lawn by itself will
look lonely. Work these beautiful additions to your yard into
beds and borders.
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![]() Newport Flowering PlumDark burgundy leaves all season Charming single petaled, sweetly scented flowers very early in Spring. ![]() A graceful Camperdown Elm in bloom.This tree isn't popular so much for it's flowering abilities as it is for it's artistic style. It attracts attention even it mid winter due to it's interesting growth habit. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Replace a small lawn areawith ivy, heather, small perennials or a low growing herb as the ground cover. Besides saving time and money and not having to mow a lawn these other plants will add a different plant texture to the yard. This will look especially nice with a slightly taller perennial planted at the back edge to soften the height transition to trees and shrubs.Plantin ground or place large tubs of ultra sweet scented flowers like Sweet Peas and Oriental Liliums near to sitting areas in the yard. Place them close by entrances and gates and anywhere that people will come in close proximetry to them. The bright colors and wonderful scent will add more magic to the atmosphere of the summer landscape. |
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Revive fading flower beds Put some Autumn color into
your landscape designs. When Summer flowering garden beds begin
to fade add fall color with Chrysanthemums, Asters and/or Sedums.
These plants can still be found at most garden centers in the
fall. Usually several size containers will be available, almost
all will be easy to manage. Even just one or two bright colored
Chrysanthemums can liven up a fading flower bed. Add a bit of
fun to the autumn landscape with pumpkins. They can be set right
into and amongst existing plantings. Their bright orange color
is wonderful to mix with the Mums, Asters and Sedums as well
as Burning Bushes and Hydrangeas.
Arrange plantsfor
fall color. Incorporate
plants specific for their fall color into the landscape design
in an area close by a favorite entrance door. Burning Bush -
Euyonomus - signals the beginning of fall foliage change with
it's bright red {dwarf} or pink leaves {full size}. The ever
popular Pee Gee Hydrangea {paniculata grandiflora}, has a long
season of color beginning here in Maine in mid to late August
forming large football shaped blooms of bright white and lasting
well through November or till snow fall. As the nights begin
to cool the white blooms turn pink and eventually gold. A planter
to hold a colorful chrysanthemum and a bright orange pumpkin
may be all you need to complete your Fall landscape designs. Perennials:When planting smaller perennials use a minimum
of 3 to 5 plants of one variety in a group to make a noticeable
splash of color. Color and color combinations in the landscape
are totally in the eye of the individual gardener. Shades of
all one color can look and feel very serene. Contrasting colors
will show more of a party atmosphere. When blending perennials
use a minimum of three colors or shades to avoid a spotted look.
Pay attention to bloom times when grouping perennials. Try to have groups in bloom at the same time or at least overlapping in their flowering times because many perennials will naturally begin to die back after they bloom. The leaves will not look as pretty as before flowering. You probably do not want to have browning leaves mixed in with fresh blooms. By making groups that flower at different times you can draw the eyes attention away from fading flowers to fresh just opening blooms. |
Plants with colorful autumn foliage &/or Flowers:Ash Tree - Leaves purrple (ish)Artemesia - silver foliage Aster - colorful late fall flowers Bittersweet - Yellow husks cover bright orange berries. INVASIVE Blueberries - Bright red to orange leaves.Twigs can be red orangy or yellow. Burning Bush - Euyonomus Pink to red leaves. Catalpa - Leaves yellow Chinese Lantern - Bright Orange Seed pods. INVASIVE Chrysanthemums - Colorful fall flowering tender perennials. Available at garden centers. Cotoneaster - Red leaves. Flowering Crabapple - Many culitvars have colored berries. Heather - Leaves and flowers. Honeysuckle - Persistent Flowers Japanese Maple - Leaves Korean Spice Bush - Leaves soft orange Lamb's Ears - Silver leaves Miss Kim Lilac - Leaves turn purple(ish) Ornamental Cabbage & Kale - Green & Blue with colorful edges. Hydrangea - Flowers shades of pink, blue, purple & green. Red Maple - Leaves Red Rose - leaves yellow & orange also some have bright red hips. Peony - purple(ish) leaves Poplar - Leaves yellow Sedum - pink flowers Sugar Maple - Leaves brilliant scarlet & orange Many cultivars to choose from in these species. Not all will fit the above discriptions. Check individual cultivars for specific colors, sizes, etc. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Large Shade Trees
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Landscape Trees for ShadeTrees are a natural form of air conditioning
in the landscape.
Looking to shade your house or deck ? First ask yourself - do you want or need shade in this location year round or just during the heat of summer? Year Round ? Plant large evergreen trees like a Spruce, Pine or Fir. These will throw shade during all four seasons. Leave enough growing room, all of these types of trees can get very large. Most large growing evergreen trees can reach heights of 50 feet or more and will cast very long shadows all year long. Shade just during the heat of summer ? Plant a deciduous tree like Maple, Birch, Linden, Oak and Ash varieties. Spring brings a flush of gentle color as first flowers then leaves appear. Almost like magic the deciduous trees grow their leaves as temperatures warm in mid to late spring. In full leaf during the summer they make an enormous contribution to cooling your home, deck and yard. They provide more color in the fall with the changing of the leaves. Then again as if by magic the deciduous trees lose their leaves and allow the winter sun to shine through. Check the width proportion as well as the height on specific cultivars. Most large shade trees will reach heights of 30 - 50 feet in Maine. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Annuals around newly planted trees.Putting
some annuals around the base of a newly planted tree will not
only look nice but will also help to keep the tree watered. Both
the annuals and the tree will need extra water when first planted.
Water the annuals regularly and the tree gets watered by default.
If it is a deciduous tree and in the sun put in sun lovers like
petunias, marigolds or zinnias. The Wave series of petunias are
exceptionally nice as an under planting for your new tree. As
the season progresses the plants will shade the soil under your
new tree thus holding moisture in the soil.
For under planting of an evergreen tree or in shade try putting in impatiens or coleus. Arrange Plantings by water needs. Make life easier
on yourself by keeping water and arid plant lovers apart. Whether
using automatic or hand watering systems it is much more efficient
when all the plants in a group have the same requirements. Remember
this also when adding annuals to established beds. The annuals
will need drinks more often than established plants. Water lovers
won't mind but some trees, shrubs and plants like Sedum and cactus
will. |
Filmed at Blue Hill Country Garden Upbeat pace set to gentle music Click for description and more info Three Seasons in a Maine Country Garden | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Foundation PlantingsA minimum of three feet is essential for a foundation
bed next to a building. Six feet is better. Landscape shrubs
planted any closer will grow with a noticeable lean out from
the building. Be aware of the drip line of water off the roof
- it would be best to place shrubs in front of that line and
leaving room to grow.
Foundation PlantingsUse dwarf and miniature evergreen trees and shrubs
for landscaping around buildings. The evergreens retain their
foliage, in this case needles, year round. Deciduous shrubs may
be used nicely for accents but remember in winter they are just
sticks no foliage {leaves} and no flowers. Evergreen Rhododendrons
work well. They have year round foliage and gorgeous huge showy
flowers in Spring. Watch sizes on these some get very large and
may dwarf or overtake your building. Many though are excellent
size wise growing less than 8 feet tall.
Time floral showsWhen does it flower ? Give some thought to when
you would like to have landscape shrubs in bloom. If you are
landscaping a summer cottage for instance you would concentrate
on shrubs and perennials that bloom in the summer not early spring.
While most plant tags indicate a bloom time you must also consider
where in the world you are and make adjustments for anticipated
flower times. Ask at local nurseries and keep your eyes open
during your routine travels for landscape shrubs and flowers
in bloom. Make mental or written note of local flowering times.
Combine beauty with practicality. Dwarf and semi dwarf fruit trees can do double
duty service. At 6 to 20 feet the smaller trees fit just about
anywhere. All have beautiful flowers in Spring so can be used
just like ornamental landscape trees in the home landscape. In
the fall you will be rewarded with fruit fresh from the tree.
Seasonal Landscape Design Tips
Ideas to help keep all your landscape designs looking good !
Winter
Protect tender evergreens from
drying wind and sun. When temperatures stay below freezing long
enough to penetrate the soil the roots of evergreens also become
frozen and for that time are unable to pump water to the needles.
During this time tender evergreens should be shaded from the
sun and wind. Snow cover is perfect for shorter evergreens like
Heathers, Daphne and spreading Junipers. But snow cover is not
always dependable. Evergreen boughs are good to place around
these plants after the ground is frozen. Taller tender evergreens
can be protected with stakes and a piece of burlap. Place the
stakes in the ground around the shrub to be protected.{This is
much easier to do before frost has sunk in.} Staple the burlap
to the outside of the stakes surrounding the plant.
Fall
Add an extra layer of insulating protection to your plantings
by being sure there is three or four inches of natural mulch
covering the roots of landscape trees and shrubs. Leave *breathing
room close to the trunks with no mulch for five to six inches
out from around the neck. The mulch should extend out at least
to the drip line. Don't over mulch landscape plants, especially
Maples. The roots need to breathe.* The breathing room around the neck is for air and
protection for your landscape trees and shrubs from mice
**During the winter
months, some of your trees and shrubs are going
to need protection from mice. Once snow covers the ground, mice
will eat just about anything they can find. They will tunnel
through the snow and when they run into plant life they will
gnaw on the bark and soft wood. They can cause serious damage
to or even kill a tree or shrub. The bark on a tree or hardwood
shrub is like our own skin, anytime it is broken an entrance
is created for bacteria, virus and fungus.
To keep annuals and tender perennials goingpast Autumn's first light frost cover them when there is
even a chance of frost. Use sheets, blankets, paper bags, pillow
cases, whatever you have. Even here in Maine this will let you
enjoy your Chrysanthemums and other annual flowers and vegetables
for a few more weeks in the fall. Leave the covers on until after
the area has warmed back above freezing next day. SummerSoaker hoses & drip lines - Soaker hoses & drip lines save you time. If you pay for water the use of soaker hoses or drip lines will probably save you money. Using them will save water. Anyone with the ability to hook up and use an outdoor spigot for yard and garden hoses will be able to hook up a soaker hose or drip line. Remove spent blossoms
from Spring flowering shrubs. Preventing your flowering shrubs
from making seeds enables them to instead grow faster and make
more flowers for next year. Lilac bushes and all Rhododendrons
and Azaleas especially appreciate this little extra step.
Fertilize container plantings often.Any plant that has been
stuffed into a pot, window box, hanging basket, or other container
will begin to look exhausted quickly if not fertilized. Yellowing
leaves and dwindling flowers scream hungry plants. A liquid fertilizer
will show quick results.
First year transplants need extra water.When setting out landscape
trees and shrubs and perennials be generous with the water. If
planting early enough in the season you can take advantage of
Spring rains to do much of that watering. But for dry years and
later in the season planting, apply water every other day for
a week. Longer for large trees. Then water thoroughly twice a
week until the fall rains come. Water needs are different with
every plant in every yard so one must pay close attention to
the actual watering needs of individual plants. Ask at your favorite
local garden center for more precise watering recommendations. © Blue Hill Country Garden 2005-2011 *Above information is based solely on how we do things here in Blue Hill Maine. Please seek more information in your local area. Blue Hill Country Garden Blue Hill, Maine |







