Archive for the ‘Landscaping’ Category

Planting Hydrangeas For Late Season Flower Garden Color

A common complaint among gardener is that late in the summer, before the fall foliage, there seems to be lull in garden color. There is, however, no shortage of shrubs which bloom in later in the season. Hydrangeas are one the most versatile. In fact, they are indispensable in the garden for summer color and foliage texture. No shrub border is complete without them.

Hydrangeas prefer part shade and rich organic soil. They prefer morning sun with afternoon shade; this will protect them from the hottest part of the day. If they get shade in the morning and sun in the afternoon they may look stressed due to the sudden rise in temperature. Hydrangeas need lots of water especially young plants since they tend to dry out quickly during the hot weather.

After planting be sure to mulch well, this will help the soil retain moisture as well as help prevent weeds from encroaching on your garden. Fertilize the shrubs in the spring and then again in late summer. Adding compost to the soil around the base of the hydrangea each spring will keep the soil rich.

Lacecap and nikko blue hydrangeas are both cultivars of (Hydrangea macrophyllla). Lacecaps are recognized by its ring of flowers surrounding a center of florets and nikko blue by it large pom-pom like flowers. You can

change the color of the blossoms of these varieties by changing the acidity of the soil. Add aluminum sulfate to make the soil acid. A pH level somewhere between 5 and 5.5 will result in blue flowers. Alternately, for pink flowers, make raise the pH level to 6.0 by adding lime, making the soil alkaline. You will need to repeat the this 2 or 3 times over the growing season and continue the process for as long as you want the change to continue.

The large (up to 15″ long) white flowers of the PeeGee hydrangea (Hydrangea paniculta) turn to a faded pink in the fall and are great for cutting and taking indoors. Because their large flowers often weigh down its stems, PeeGee hydrangeas require staking.

Oak Leaf Hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia) has a much different appearance than the other hydrangeas. Its foliage resembles that of the American oak. Its white blooms fade to pink in fall. Oakleaf hydrangeas grow to about 6′ and can tolerate more shade than other hydrangeas.

Climbing hydrangea (Hydrangea petiolaris) is a deciduous vine which clings to garden structures, walls and fences with aerial roots. Its flowers are white and have the characteristics of the lacecap hydrangea.

Though there are numerous choices when it comes to types of hydrangeas, there are some general rules of thumb to follow when planting and caring for them. When planting new hydrangeas you’ll need to add a mix of compost and peat moss to the existing soil. This will give the plant plenty of nutrients and the soil ability to retain water. Dig a hole approximately twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Place the hydrangea in the hole, making sure the top of the root ball matches the existing grade of the garden. Never install any plant below grade, its often detrimental to the health of the plant. Backfill about half way and water to remove air pockets. Finish filling the hole, water again and mulch. Planting in the spring or fall is best as the hot summer weather can stress hydrangeas.

In the spring prune broken branches and old flower blooms from the previous season. Don’t prune new shoots; they are where the new blooms will be. Prune in late summer, after blooming. Thinning the plant by reducing its number of stems by half will yield larger flower clusters.

Noted for their long lasting, late blooming flowers and their unique foliage, hydrangeas are one of the most versatile shrubs in the garden. Whether among a shrub border, climbing a garden structure or planted on its own as a specimen shrub hydrangeas are a wonderful addition to any garden.

This article was written by Tim Birch and he is the owner of GardenLeap, a garden magazine for garden enthusiasts.

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Posted in flowergardening, Landscaping, Perennials |

Common Landscape Problems And How To Fix Them

There are plenty of common landscape problems that can really mar the beauty of your yard. These problems range from something aesthetic to things that can actually affect the over all health of your landscape. When you encounter these problems, it is a good idea to fix them as soon as possible.

If you have ideas of your own to fix landscape problems, so much the better. If not, here are some suggestions for making simple improvements to the landscape.


Side yards are usually among the most common of landscape problems. They are so narrow that they may be hard to maintain as far as lawn is concerned, and they also make better passages than practical places to play or sit. Sometimes they seem like the perfect place to “store” odd items and then simply turn into junk heaps. To prevent junky or barren side yard from tainting an otherwise beautiful landscape design, turn into a cottage garden or courtyard garden.

Perennials and ornamental grasses, all in a variety of colors, are perfect for side yards. Turn it into a kind of wild little garden full of color. It will look beautiful and will not be an inviting place to stack junk. If you would still like to use the side yard as a pathway, it is possible to install a little pathway made from stone.

Exposed air conditioners and swamp coolers can be very visible blights on the landscape. While this is mostly a problem of aesthetics, exposed appliances can be heated by the sun, causing them to work harder and use more energy. Both of these problems can be fixed simply by planting a small tree or a hedge.

The offending appliance is screened from view, and the shade helps keep the unit cooler, resulting in lower energy bills. This can even be done in areas where space is at a premium: you can plant a narrow hedge of nandina (should be 30 inches from the unit) or you can add a trellis with a colorful vine or climbing roses.

There are areas in your landscape that are too small for grass, and sometimes you may have odd corners that are not feasible for you to plant grass. Most of these areas are near an entrance, or at the edge of a patio or deck. Some of them are near walkways. No matter where they are, these areas are hard to mow and otherwise maintain.

Solutions to these problems are also varied. Making use of containers with plants is an attractive solution. One large container with one plant can be used, or it is possible to make a small container garden with a variety of plants in containers of various sizes, shapes, and colors. Problem areas such as these are also ideal locations for accent objects such as an obelisk, a stature or even topiary bushes. Water features can add cooling and soothing effects to your landscape, and there are a variety of water features that can be built to fit into nearly any space.

Solving landscape problems is not too difficult if you use a little creativity. These problems can transform eye sores into beautiful additions to your yard that create enjoyment for you and add distinction to your home environment.

Long Lasting Flowers To Keep Costs Down

Flower gardens have always added beauty and life to a property. For the plant enthusiast, having a flower garden is not just a hobby, but it is also a passion. The disappointing part of having a flower garden is when they go out of bloom. Fortunately, there are many flowers that bloom all year long or last a long time, depending on the region and climate. Most gardeners plant perennials because they bloom each year, however, when properly taken care of, they can stay in bloom for a long time. The key to getting your flowers to stay in bloom for an extended period of time is to plant hardy plants so they last as late as possible into the fall. Examples of hardy plants include: mums, carnations, wild flowers, daisies, geraniums, marigolds moss roses, and peonies.

The following is a list of flowers that bloom all year long or last a long time:

1. Day Lillies – Although the Day Lily lasts only one day when it blooms, it is a very hardy plant that will bloom late in the fall. They are available in a broad range of colors and bloom over and over into the late season.

2. Catmint – The bloom span of the catmint is approximately 2 – 3 months. These plants will bloom throughout the summer. They are very robust and can thrive in drought prone climates. These flowers are blue-lavender in color and have gray foliage. They make a lovely addition to the flower garden.

3. Black-Eyed Susan – This pretty flower grows well in many regions. Their petals look like flat landing pads and they have a bloom span of 3 months. Deadheading will prolong bloom. They grow well in soil that is well drained.

4. Yarrow – This flower can bloom for 3 months or more. It is a hardy flower that can grow in a variety of regions and climates. Gardeners will deadhead the spent flowers for repeat bloom. These flowers prefer drier climates and soil.

5. Bellflower – The species Campanula, or Bellflower, has a bloom span of 2 months or more. They grow best during cooler summers. They should be grown in partial shade. There a number of species of the Bellflower and they are easy to grow and maintain.

6. Pin Cushion Flowers – These flowers look like pincushions and the stems are long and lanky looking. The bloom span can be over 3 months if you use deadheading. They require the full sun to thrive. Pin Cushion Flowers are a very interesting looking flower making them a very popular choice.

7. Coneflowers – This hardy flower can bloom for 2 – 3 months. They thrive well during periods of drought. They have long stalks and are a very colorful flower. They are popular because they attract a variety butterflies and birds. Deadheading will prolong the bloom period. To thrive, they require good soil drainage and full sun.

Planting long lasting flowers will help you maintain a beautiful blooming garden for a long time. The key point to remember is the woodier and thicker the stem, the hardier the flower because it can better resist the frost. There are many flower sites that provide essential tips on picking long lasting flowers. As well, you can consult with your local garden centre for advice on picking the best flowers. For those who view flower gardening as an art and passion, knowing the plant’s structure, attributes, and bloom period ensures they will extend the bloom time to much later in the fall.

Excess mulch is a landscape problem that has plant health implications. The problem is especially prevalent near driveways, walkways, and lawns. Mulch often overflows from flowerbeds or gardens, and this can create an untidy look to the yard. Additionally, if you have too much mulch (preferred depth is 2 to 4 inches) you can damage the plants and cause root rot.

There are a couple of things that can be done to prevent mulch overflow (which can happen if you put 3 inches of mulch on top of the soil bed). One of the things you can do is to use ground cover plants along the borders. This will be attractive and help to contain the mulch. Another possibility is to lower the soil level about 3 inches. Then you can add the mulch and rather than being higher than a nearby hard permanent surface, the mulch will be level with it, but still performing its job of plant care.

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Posted in Landscaping |

Flower Landscaping with Flowering Shrubs

Flower Landscaping is one of the most important aspects of your home in terms of aesthetic value. The first thing that people see when they approach the house is the garden and to make a great impression of your house, your garden should be vibrant. There is no better way of making a garden stunningly beautiful than adding brilliant colors amidst the green backdrop and this can be done by planting flowering shrubs.

What Are Flowering Shrubs?


The term flowering shrubs refers to a particular group of flowering foliage whose stems are woody and whose branches form an intricate network as opposed to the single-trunk structure of trees. Shrubs typically grow to about 10 to 20 feet, and can serve as great focal points for any garden with the stunning color of their flowers that could hover over a landscape.

What Flowering Shrubs Are For

Flowering shrubs are planted in home gardens for a variety of reasons. They make great garden borders when planted side-by-side or in between other types of plants. Other people plant them mainly for their aromatic flowers especially shrubs like purple leaf sandcherry, lilac and viburnum. Some homeowners plant shrubs to establish some privacy by shielding the home against prying eyes. Flowering shrubs can also help control noise with their rich leaves that absorb sound.

What Flowering Shrubs Need to Grow Well

Most popular flowering shrubs are not really difficult to grow and maintain. They are hardy plants and usually just need regular watering, some fertilizing and the occasional pruning. Shrubs may also be trained to follow certain directions of growth to define a certain look in the landscape. While shrubs may indeed grow practically on their own, you could expect more progress if you take more care of them.

What Flowering Shrubs Are Available

There are many popular flowering shrubs, each having their on characteristics that make them ideal for different kinds of situations. Here are some of them:

1. Viburnum Shrub – viburnums are among the easiest of flowering shrubs to grow and maintain. While there are over 150 species belonging to the viburnum genus, it is not commonly seen in home gardens. Most viburnums are found in arboretums and botanical gardens. Viburnums are very hardy plants, a lot of them are quite resistant to diseases and pets, making them quite self-sustaining.

2. Weigela Shrub – weigela shrubs are very popular in both home and public gardens. This deciduous plant grows with an upright weeping tendency. They can add a lot of color to any garden. The leaves themselves can become purple, dark green or even bright yellow. The flowers’ colors can range from milky white to bright ruby red. Weigela are also very attractive to butterflies, so if you like beautiful critters aside from beautiful blooms, this type of shrub may be right for you.

3. Forsythia Shrub – forsythias are another popular type of shrubs. This deciduous plant typically grows to about 8 to 12 feet with upright or arching branches. Forsythias are quite easy to grow as they do well with most types of soil, although they thrive best in rich loose soil, needing only the occasional pruning after flowering. This shrub produces vibrant yellow flowers during early spring.

4. Hydrangea Shrub – this is another popular kind of flowering shrub that can also come as trees or vines. Hydrangeas can produce different kinds of flower colors that can be modified by altering the pH level of the garden soil. Basic soils result into pink flowers, while acidic soils result into blue flowers. Hydrangeas that have white flowers usually do not get affected by the soil pH level, but are nevertheless attractive shrubs.

5. Lilac Shrub – lilac shrubs are among the most favorite home flowering shrubs. While the term lilac usually refers to purple with pinkish tinge, lilac flowers may come in a variety of hues including blue, red, pink, white, and of course, lilac. Lilac shrubs like sunny weather and soils that drain well. They attract butterflies and bees. This resilient plant needs only occasional pruning after flowering and some mulch as fertilizer.

Flowering shrubs are good additions to any flower landscaping project. They provide shade and color that can make any garden look vibrantly beautiful.

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This article was written by Lee Dobbins. She writes for http://www.backyard-garden-and-patio.com where you can find out more about gardening and landscaping as well as how to do container plantings, installing a garden pond and decorating your garden.

Ground Covers as part of Flower Landscaping

Ground covers can dress up, cover up and add a finishing touch to a landscape bed. Groundcovers also offer a convenient way to blend or hide landscape speakers, low voltage lighting and soften the lines of a large landscape rock.

Ground covers come up in all shapes and sizes from evergreens,perennials, vines, flowering plants like roses, and lantanas as well as ferns and more. Usually groundcover plant material usually grows quickly and easily. Although many plants can be used as to cover areas most good ground covers grow very low, such is the case of mondo grass that grows only a few inches high. When planted they quickly take over the area they are planted in.

Another benefit ground covers provide besides filling and covering up dirt and bear spots in the landscape, they can choke out weeds. The uses for ground covers vary, some plant groundcovers instead of planting regular grass reduces the need to mow grass. Others create texture variations, color shades and beautiful splashes of flowers.

Enhance or Cover Up

Ground covers can enhance the appearance of rock a wall, fill in rockway paths, and cover up areas where the ground dries fast or shady area where nothing seems to grow. They also perform the task putting down roots to keep soil from blowing away and keeping dust down. If you stop and think about it, grass is actually a ground cover keeping down weeds, dirt, dust when the wind blows and stopping erosion.

Ground covers are also a great remedy for steep embankments or berms where rainfall washes soil away. A quick spreading ground cover with an established root system anchoring the soil on a steep slope keeps the soil from creating a mini “mud-slide” every time it rains.

Vines used as a ground cover can give the illusion of a carpet of flowers since the vines has nothing to climb up on. Small shrubs can also be used to create barriers and others like the English ivy that looks great as a container or potted plant can aggressively cover large areas when left unchecked on their own. Ivies for example can actually kill other plants by covering and choking them out.

When selecting any ground cover look around your neighborhood and see what others are using, ask at the garden center what they recommend and make sure you find out the details of any maintenance required. Ground covers can be a great addition to a flower landscaping plan, creating new views, softening lines and drawing the eye to other focal points in your garden.

Dutch Gardens, Inc.

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Posted in Landscaping |