Landscaping Tricks of the Trade Photos and presentation by Susan Arlene Bell Landscape Designer and Contractor
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
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
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
Balance at Wm Paca House Assymetrical informal, random placement Symmetrical formal Mirror image placement
Plan ahead to reduce impulse buying Mistake: no plan, just a collection, one of each Solution: use the principle of repetition
Liriope edge Too many points create confusion, violates the principle of sequence
Removing competing focal calms the view Redistribute Liriope to pull garden together, remove one spiral
Remove shrub competing with focal Proper sequencing creates a dramatic focal point
Homeowner doesn t like her house Same plant soldiered in single row Out of balance with no height at this end of building
Add balance to frame and create symmetry Before Proportion determines plant sizes to compliment architecture 10 Acoma Crape Myrtle
Improving curb appeal Before Cryptomeria japonica Planting the right sized plants, enhance entrance, screen AC/meters and side yard, drainage issues
Solutions: Raise beds, native wetland plants for improved drainage Correct sequence: block view to utilities back/side yard Improve view from inside home
This planting island to balance mature trees other side of driveway
Add depth, layers, color to bed and height between windows Before Hinoki Cypress Native Serviceberry After
Mountain Fire Pieris japonica A garden is not just plants Rose arbor take center stage swing invites you to sit and relax
Example: intention was low maintenance bench as focal point Before
Tucking in a bit of whimsy
Creating harmony in garden theme or style Anything out of place?
Planting too close to house unhealthy for plant and can damage siding Before Juniperus procumbens nana
Give trees room to grow Redbuds Cercis canadensis spread 20 feet Note natural symmetry growing at woodland edge
Ask How big does this get? April After 4 months After 24 mos.
Before Updates to house entrance and painting stone installed over damaged concrete new accessories storm door
Screen out eyesores
Create a better view and borrow too
Spring tulips Include interest through all four seasons Winter berries Summer blooms Fall leaves
Winter interest added to large flower bed Added stones, Buxus DeRunk with Juniperus procumbens nana
Plant groundcovers to reduce maintenance
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
Filter run off and erosion on slopes
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 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
By the time you notice plant pests the beneficial predators or parasites have also spiders dragonflies praying mantis
Provide food, water, shelter and nesting sites for birds
Don t fear wildlife by providing habitat they will help control most pests naturally
Complex gardens attract more beneficials and wildlife
Solutions for common problems
Overcrowding - separate converging plants increase sunlight and air circulation reduce nutrient, disease and pest problems
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
Most universal mistake in landscaping
Over-mulching may kill your air conditioner too! The shrub is in trouble too already lost half of its foliage
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
Proper pruning: don t leave stubs to rot Tree cuts don t heal, instead a tree seals off wounds
Pay attention to performance and health Azaleas planted in full sun is stressed, yellows and attracts insects
Your garden will provide warning signs e.g., fungi grow on rotting wood woodpecker is eating from insect infestation
Any questions?