Landscaping Tricks of the Trade. Photos and presentation by Susan Arlene Bell Landscape Designer and Contractor

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Arabella Bruce
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1 Landscaping Tricks of the Trade Photos and presentation by Susan Arlene Bell Landscape Designer and Contractor

2 Landscaping Tricks of the Trade Part One - Design uses 6 basic principles: Unity a cohesive theme, harmonious style (no palm trees/flamingos) Repetition repeating elements to create rhythm/harmony Contrast adding different elements for interest (spice it up) Sequence visual and physical movement through a garden Proportion - scaling of elements in pleasing relationship to each other Balance sense of equality using mass and weight, symmetry Part Two Garden maintenance the right way Keeping a garden healthy through diversity and natural controls Solutions for common problems

3 Sequence When you cannot see everything at a glance, you create mystery Straight walks are intended to move you quickly to your destination Curved walks purposely slow you down and help you relax

4 Proportion or Scale At left a shade tree overpowers and targets the building and foundation Below the tree is at proper scale and distance to frame the two story building mgmont@umd.edu

5 Balance at Wm Paca House Assymetrical informal, random placement Symmetrical formal Mirror image placement

6 Plan ahead to reduce impulse buying Mistake: no plan, just a collection, one of each Solution: use the principle of repetition

7 Liriope edge Too many points create confusion, violates the principle of sequence

8 Removing competing focal calms the view Redistribute Liriope to pull garden together, remove one spiral

9 Remove shrub competing with focal Proper sequencing creates a dramatic focal point

10 Homeowner doesn t like her house Same plant soldiered in single row Out of balance with no height at this end of building

11 Add balance to frame and create symmetry Before Proportion determines plant sizes to compliment architecture 10 Acoma Crape Myrtle

12 Improving curb appeal Before Cryptomeria japonica Planting the right sized plants, enhance entrance, screen AC/meters and side yard, drainage issues

13 Solutions: Raise beds, native wetland plants for improved drainage Correct sequence: block view to utilities back/side yard Improve view from inside home

14 This planting island to balance mature trees other side of driveway

15 Add depth, layers, color to bed and height between windows Before Hinoki Cypress Native Serviceberry After

16 Mountain Fire Pieris japonica A garden is not just plants Rose arbor take center stage swing invites you to sit and relax

17 Example: intention was low maintenance bench as focal point Before

18 Tucking in a bit of whimsy

19 Creating harmony in garden theme or style Anything out of place?

20 Planting too close to house unhealthy for plant and can damage siding Before Juniperus procumbens nana

21 Give trees room to grow Redbuds Cercis canadensis spread 20 feet Note natural symmetry growing at woodland edge

22 Ask How big does this get? April After 4 months After 24 mos.

23 Before Updates to house entrance and painting stone installed over damaged concrete new accessories storm door

24 Screen out eyesores

25 Create a better view and borrow too

26 Spring tulips Include interest through all four seasons Winter berries Summer blooms Fall leaves

27 Winter interest added to large flower bed Added stones, Buxus DeRunk with Juniperus procumbens nana

28 Plant groundcovers to reduce maintenance

29 Use evergreens to compliment shade trees Evergreens provide interest in all seasons Great variety through color, shape, density and texture Nesting, shelter and berries for wildlife Great for sequencing: creating garden rooms, screening

30 Filter run off and erosion on slopes

31 Part two Garden maintenance - the smart way

Pest management without chemicals Non toxic methods I have seen or used successfully: Bagging (see photo Asian Pear on right) Hand removal: scale, hornworms, tent

32 Pest management without chemicals Non toxic methods I have seen or used successfully: Bagging (see photo Asian Pear on right) Hand removal: scale, hornworms, tent caterpillars, etc. Hosing off as in aphids, whitefly Entrapment saucer of beer traps/drowns slugs Bird netting protect fruit or flowers from deer Continued on next slide

33 By the time you notice plant pests the beneficial predators or parasites have also spiders dragonflies praying mantis

34 Provide food, water, shelter and nesting sites for birds

35 Don t fear wildlife by providing habitat they will help control most pests naturally

36 Complex gardens attract more beneficials and wildlife

37 Solutions for common problems

38 Overcrowding - separate converging plants increase sunlight and air circulation reduce nutrient, disease and pest problems

39 Grass absorbs 15% Water management plant native, water-loving plant along foundation, downspouts empty onto splash block filtering through gravel, mulch or plants, if needed

40 Most universal mistake in landscaping

41 Over-mulching may kill your air conditioner too! The shrub is in trouble too already lost half of its foliage

42 topping Which tree would you prefer to look at all winter? Crape Myrtles are available in lots of sizes: pot sized and up to 40 tall thinning or heading

43 Proper pruning: don t leave stubs to rot Tree cuts don t heal, instead a tree seals off wounds

44 Pay attention to performance and health Azaleas planted in full sun is stressed, yellows and attracts insects

45 Your garden will provide warning signs e.g., fungi grow on rotting wood woodpecker is eating from insect infestation

46 Any questions?

Landscape design. Presented by Village Garden Design

Landscape design. Presented by Village Garden Design Landscape design Presented by Village Garden Design Plan ahead The planning process is the most important part of landscape design, but it is often neglected. A good landscape design provides for the desires