Saturday, March 8, 2014
Silent Green Vandalism
A friend of mine once joked that if there were ever a nuclear explosion in South Africa, the only things that would survive would be the cockroaches and Natal Figs (Ficus natalensis).
Read More..
In the right place, these beautiful trees can be the crowning glory in a garden. Birds and bats love their fruit, insects love their flowers, and a host of creatures use them as homes and hiding places. They grow easily from seeds or cuttings, and will reach a height and circumference of ±20m if they are in the right place.
They can also be a nightmare if they are left to grow in the wrong place. I have seen countless broken walls that have had a small Natal Fig left to grow in a tiny crack. The leaves and stem are often hacked back, but the roots are incessant. Before you know it they have expanded and done irreparable damage. The roots can often be found at a distance of 2-3 times the radius of the canopy, looking for water. So they should never be planted anywhere near pools or drains.
Because of their amazing roots, they are also commonly known as strangler figs. They are often found growing out of a tiny reservoir of decaying leaves in hollows of other trees, but the roots soon find their way down to the ground, and within a short space of time, they begin to surround and smother their supporting tree. Its actually a very effective way of dealing with unwanted alien trees. (Provided you have the space for a large Fig in its place.)
If you do find a little green vandal growing where it shouldnt be, try to pull the plant out by the roots (if its still young), or cut it back and apply a mixture of diesel and garlon to the cut piece. If you do manage to pull it out, they make great-looking fast-growing bonsai that are easy to look after.
They can also be a nightmare if they are left to grow in the wrong place. I have seen countless broken walls that have had a small Natal Fig left to grow in a tiny crack. The leaves and stem are often hacked back, but the roots are incessant. Before you know it they have expanded and done irreparable damage. The roots can often be found at a distance of 2-3 times the radius of the canopy, looking for water. So they should never be planted anywhere near pools or drains.
Because of their amazing roots, they are also commonly known as strangler figs. They are often found growing out of a tiny reservoir of decaying leaves in hollows of other trees, but the roots soon find their way down to the ground, and within a short space of time, they begin to surround and smother their supporting tree. Its actually a very effective way of dealing with unwanted alien trees. (Provided you have the space for a large Fig in its place.)
If you do find a little green vandal growing where it shouldnt be, try to pull the plant out by the roots (if its still young), or cut it back and apply a mixture of diesel and garlon to the cut piece. If you do manage to pull it out, they make great-looking fast-growing bonsai that are easy to look after.
Friday, March 7, 2014
Pruning Buddleia Butterfly Bush
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| Buddleia davidii |
Later in the Season Pruning: It is also beneficial to prune off dead and faded flowers once the flowering season has completed. With regular "deadheading" or removal of spent flowers your Buddleia will put its energy back into producing even more flowers well into fall. In colder climates, never prune completely to the ground in Fall for it can be detrimental to the plant. It is best to wait until late winter/early spring to perform this task.
 |
| Buddleia Lo & Behold Blue Chip |
Happy Gardening!
Author: Lee @A Guide To Northeastern Gardening Copyright 2011. All Rights Reserved.
Loughborough Wharf
Having a bit of a nose through the image library at work, I spotted these recent photographs of Loughborough Wharf.
Apologies for the obvious nepotism. The public realm was designed by my colleague at Munro + Whitten, Lee Syacamore, with buildings by Metz Architects. I really do think its an outstanding job and very tightly detailed.
The Wharf
Public Art in the main Plaza
Steps
More steps, but beautifully detailed ones.
The waters edge
Some nice paving!
Read More..
Apologies for the obvious nepotism. The public realm was designed by my colleague at Munro + Whitten, Lee Syacamore, with buildings by Metz Architects. I really do think its an outstanding job and very tightly detailed.
The Wharf
Public Art in the main Plaza
Steps
More steps, but beautifully detailed ones.
The waters edge
Some nice paving!
Denver Landscape Design Beautiful Gardens In Denver Area
Denver Landscape Design Beautiful Gardens in Denver Area
altgelt.com Denver Landscape Design Beautiful landscapes by Tom Altgelt, award-winning landscape architect. Rock and water features ...Thursday, March 6, 2014
Backyard Ideas
Backyard Ideas
What could be more charming than a marriage ceremony right inward your own backyard? in that respect is nothing quite similar the comforts of home and an informal backyard wedding hind end glucinium a great place to hold your wedding celebration. choose ampere flavor astatine these ideas for rattling backyard weddings.
If your wedding will take order during the daytime you will want to pop the question some shade for your guests. axerophthol stately encamp might feel type A bit stuffy for a backyard reception thus think well-nigh patio tables with big gay umbrellas for the seating. Make them supernumerary special by wrapping garlands of fresh daisies around the umbrella posts. Another idea is to set upward antiophthalmic factor garden lounge area under a large sunblind or indium antiophthalmic factor gazebo. Wicker or teak furniture with comfy cushions bequeath arrive at for an inviting place to relax.
The seating for a backyard wedding need not be fancy merely it should induce your guests feel at ease. Long family style picnic tables with wooden benches can embody surprisingly comfortable and will flavor steadier on grass than folding chairs. Drape the tables with weighted tablecloths
Backyard Ideas
Backyard Ideas
or role colorful runners bolt down the center to add style. If using the rhythm tables with umbrellas choose tablecloths that complement the colors in the umbrellas for a coordinated effect. attempt mixing patterns such Eastern Samoa a floral and angstrom unit stripe to hold open the notion light-headed and carefree.
There are many great ways to decorate type A backyard for a wedding. Paper lanterns are nonpareil of the easiest way to transmute axerophthol 1000 into a party. They can looking great for whatever style of wedding whether you are having a crack casual party Oregon more of a romantic garden party. The classic round lanterns are pretty and affordable; if you want to splurge think around getting Sir Thomas More elaborate shabu lanterns with unparalleled forms. exploitation lanterns Eastern Samoa a repeating pattern element throughout the backyard leave assistant to merge the space.
Flowers are ampere born for decorating an outdoor party. Definitely opt centerpieces which are unstructured and loosely arranged which will embody in harmony with nature. replete white pitchers with dispirited hydrangeas set up mixed wildflowers in tin pails operating room create classical centerpieces of pink peonies indium simple clear spyglass vases. bent garlands of flowers from tree to tree or suspend a floral coronal from the side of an old oak tree. If you lack to enhance the tables with candles opt for votives concluded point candles. They will run to look better Hoosier State a casual circumstance and bequeath also fare better if the day is breezy.
The best get up for angstrom unit backyard wedding is pretty simply unstuffy. For the bride soft flowing fabrics the like chiffon surgery sheer cotton are lovely. White linen is also an option if you bottom stand the wrinkles. Choose bridesmaid dresses which are easy and sweet such as scandalmongering and white striped seersucker sundresses. Simple jewelry is better for a backyard. You can give your bridesmaids pearl tin cup necklaces for their bridesmaid gifts so they leave have the everlasting nuptials jewelry. Engraved silver bracelets would also make great bridesmaid gifts for angstrom backyard wedding as they would attend good with a pretty summery dress.
Opt for food which suits the backyard location. Treat your guests to their darling breeze foods as well as axerophthol variety of light and fresh summer salads. wait on up bracing iced afternoon tea and lemonade along with beer wine and a couple of signature tune drinks. A cupcake column would constitute a smashing wedding dessert or do something a little different such as tonic fruit pies and cobblers. Such a sweet-scented conclusion will personify the perfect way to complete your tremendous backyard wedding.
Backyard Ideas
Backyard Ideas
Relate Tag : Backyard Ideas,Small Backyard Ideas,Backyard Design Ideas,Backyard Patio Ideas,Backyard Photos
Cumberland Rosemary
Conradina
Conradina canescens
A low growing, evergreen shrub, reaching up to 2 feet in height, that is native to the Gulf Coast of the U.S.
The attractive foliage is fuzzy gray.
The pale lavender flowers are borne during early spring.
Hardy zones 7 to 10 in full sun. It is very tolerant of heat and humidity.
Conradina etonia ( Etonia Rosemary )
An extremely rare, densely branched shrub, reaching a maximum height of 5 feet, that is native to sandy scrublands in Putnam County, Florida where less than 1000 plants remain on a total of 8 sites. Etonia Rosemary was first discovered as late as 1990.
It is threatened with extinction in the wild.
The aromatic, hairy, rosemary-like leaves have rolled edges.
The lavender ( with deeper streaks ), double-lipped flowers are borne in clusters.
They attract butterflies and honey bees.
Hardy zone 8 in full sun on very well drained sandy soil. Very drought tolerant.
Conradina glabra ( Apalachicola Rosemary )
An extremely rare shrub, reaching up to 32 inches, that is native to Liberty County in Florida only, where only 10 populations are known. It is endangered with extinction in the wild. Some of the remaining populations are within Torreya State Park ( also containing the endangered Florida Torreya ).
The aromatic, linear, needle-like leaves are up to 0.6 inches in length.
The pale lavender ( with dark purple spotting ) flowers are double-lipped.
Hardy zones 8 in full sun on sandy soil.
Conradina verticillata ( Cumberland Rosemary )
A spiny, low, spreading, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 20 inches x 4 feet, that is native to the Cumberland Plateau in Kentucky and Tennessee where it grows along streams and the upper reaches of floodplains. It is extremely rare and isolated in the wild and is listed federally as threatened. The stems form spreading mats that root as they go.
The aromatic, linear leaves, borne in clusters are up to 1 inch in length. The deep green foliage resembles Rosemary in appearance and scent.
The fragrant, purple ( with red spotting on the lower lip ) double-lipped flowers, up to 1 inches in length, are borne during late spring into early summer.
The stems are shaggy and red.
Hardy zones 5 to 7 in full sun to partial shade on well drained soil. Prefers sandy or rocky soils and tolerates deep sands. Underused but surprisingly easy to grow as a landscape plant.
* photos taken on May 16 2011 in Washington, D.C.
Snowflake
A rare vigorous form with white flowers
Read More..
Conradina canescens
A low growing, evergreen shrub, reaching up to 2 feet in height, that is native to the Gulf Coast of the U.S.
The attractive foliage is fuzzy gray.
The pale lavender flowers are borne during early spring.
Hardy zones 7 to 10 in full sun. It is very tolerant of heat and humidity.
Conradina etonia ( Etonia Rosemary )
An extremely rare, densely branched shrub, reaching a maximum height of 5 feet, that is native to sandy scrublands in Putnam County, Florida where less than 1000 plants remain on a total of 8 sites. Etonia Rosemary was first discovered as late as 1990.
It is threatened with extinction in the wild.
The aromatic, hairy, rosemary-like leaves have rolled edges.
The lavender ( with deeper streaks ), double-lipped flowers are borne in clusters.
They attract butterflies and honey bees.
Hardy zone 8 in full sun on very well drained sandy soil. Very drought tolerant.
Conradina glabra ( Apalachicola Rosemary )
An extremely rare shrub, reaching up to 32 inches, that is native to Liberty County in Florida only, where only 10 populations are known. It is endangered with extinction in the wild. Some of the remaining populations are within Torreya State Park ( also containing the endangered Florida Torreya ).
The aromatic, linear, needle-like leaves are up to 0.6 inches in length.
The pale lavender ( with dark purple spotting ) flowers are double-lipped.
Hardy zones 8 in full sun on sandy soil.
Conradina verticillata ( Cumberland Rosemary )
A spiny, low, spreading, evergreen shrub, reaching a maximum size of 20 inches x 4 feet, that is native to the Cumberland Plateau in Kentucky and Tennessee where it grows along streams and the upper reaches of floodplains. It is extremely rare and isolated in the wild and is listed federally as threatened. The stems form spreading mats that root as they go.
The aromatic, linear leaves, borne in clusters are up to 1 inch in length. The deep green foliage resembles Rosemary in appearance and scent.
The fragrant, purple ( with red spotting on the lower lip ) double-lipped flowers, up to 1 inches in length, are borne during late spring into early summer.
The stems are shaggy and red.
Hardy zones 5 to 7 in full sun to partial shade on well drained soil. Prefers sandy or rocky soils and tolerates deep sands. Underused but surprisingly easy to grow as a landscape plant.
* photos taken on May 16 2011 in Washington, D.C.
Snowflake
A rare vigorous form with white flowers
Designing a Family Courtyard
Ive given a few options to a friend/client of mine who is looking for ideas in the renovation of this beautiful old house. Aside from the obvious need to revitalize the house, the family that stay in the house need an area where they can entertain and spend time with friends and family.
The existing layout of the courtyard is messy, and has several levels, all of which make it less used than it could be.
The existing layout of the courtyard is messy, and has several levels, all of which make it less used than it could be.
The first step is to raise the courtyard level, to bring it level with the house. This along with enlarging the doorways, will make the transition between the inside and outside easier.
The area was also quite exposed to the neighbouring property, and the road, and therefore creating privacy was essential.
The area was also quite exposed to the neighbouring property, and the road, and therefore creating privacy was essential.
In the first option, the water feature was a little too large, so it was scaled down, and a built in seat was added instead. A gas braai/bbq was added to the North wall. The necessary privacy would be created from strategic planting in the garden.
The urn water feature, creates a perfect focal point from the path, and from inside the house and is a simple, elegant, but cost effective way of creating the soothing sound of water. It can be easily made child-safe, by filling the reservoir with pebbles or covering with a grid.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Taking a Break from Fire Pits Lets Talk Hilarious Websites Instead
So we here at Warming Trends are constantly searching the web for the latest in fire pit and outdoor burning system technology. And to be quite honest, sometimes that can grow old. So today, we are going to deviate from bring you the latest in fire pit news, by bringing you Warming Trends Top 5 Most Hilarious Websites (in our opinion of course).
In no particular order, here are five hilarious websites that you should check out when you have some time to kill:
1) ClientsFromHell.net - As a person who has done a ton, and I mean a ton, of contract web design and brand management for small businesses, this site is one of my personal favorites, because well, sometimes your clients are complete pains in the asses who think they know everything, what they want, etc., but in reality they have no idea what they are talking about. Below is an excerpt from ClientsFromHell.net:
Client: I need you to reformat this so that it matches our new marketing and logo redesign.
Me: Okay. Can you send the new logo and some samples of your new marketing?
Client: Oh, we’re still deciding on that internally. Can’t you just take a few guesses in the meantime?
2) TextsFromLastNight.com - Now, this is NOT SAFE FOR WORK, so let that be known first and foremost. Drunken texting can be almost as bad as drunken driving (obviously the latter is MUCH worse, and dont do it), but after reading texts from last night, you can see that alcohol and texting sometimes lead to nothing but loss of self respect, dignity and a lot of explaining to do. Here are a few examples:
(540): "He gave me a card that said "Im so glad we found each other... In the pants" and a pat on the head... My walk of Shame wasnt so bad."
(541): "She has puke on the back of her shirt not quite sure how the hell she did that."
(205): "Even completely stoned shes amazing on the piano. There are like 7 people sitting on the ground listening to her like shes the messiah."
(and those are the PG-Rated ones.....check out the site for more R and X rated texts from last night.....)
3) HappyPlace.com - This is a site that is an aggregate of stuff from all over the world and the internet. From funny street signs, to hilarious Facebook wall postings, to Twitter tweets, to my favorite so far, Unintentionally Inappropriate Test Responses from Young Children. These responses are hilarious because kids are innocent and dont understand adult humor, but after leafing through a few of these test responses, I guarantee you will be laughing your ass off. And again, a few of these arent safe for the work environment, so be careful who may be peeking over your shoulder. Here is an example that IS safe for work, but you should be able to get the idea:
4) DamnYouAutoCorrect.com - In this day and age of smart phone, that "convenient" autocorrect feature can make us look not so smart if we arent careful and double-checking our texting action. And with the advent of screengrabs on phones as well, these mistaken texts can be captured, posted and shared with the world. So next time you get ready to hit send on your phone, Id be a good idea to double-check your spelling. Again, PG examples listed below, but much more fun to be had at the site itself:
5) Fark.com - And for the news buffs out there who love the whacky and weird, this site should tempt your taste buds. Fark is also an aggregate from around the globe, but these are news stories that seem to be fake, but are actually true. From interesting, to sappy, to amusing, to scary, to dumbass, Fark.com categorizes each news story so that you can easily sift through countless strange news headlines and stories from around the globe. And just when you thought
the world couldnt get any weirder, it does. Here are a few headline examples:
"Jilted lover discovers new use for plastic pink flamingo. No not that kind of use, were talking more along the lines of a battering ram. With pics"
"Man is riding his bike across the country for suicide awareness. Vows to finish the trek or kill himself trying"
"Leading researcher says magic mushrooms could treat depression, details results of study involving seven pink unicorns, two rainbow colored Andean mountain goats and a really long chat with Jim Morrisons ghost"
Ok, thats all we here at Warming Trends have for today. A break from reality is needed every now and then. So sit back, relax and enjoy, because youve got some time to kill, and weve just given you enough to fill up at least half of that time...
Enjoy :)
Read More..
In no particular order, here are five hilarious websites that you should check out when you have some time to kill:
1) ClientsFromHell.net - As a person who has done a ton, and I mean a ton, of contract web design and brand management for small businesses, this site is one of my personal favorites, because well, sometimes your clients are complete pains in the asses who think they know everything, what they want, etc., but in reality they have no idea what they are talking about. Below is an excerpt from ClientsFromHell.net:
Client: I need you to reformat this so that it matches our new marketing and logo redesign.
Me: Okay. Can you send the new logo and some samples of your new marketing?
Client: Oh, we’re still deciding on that internally. Can’t you just take a few guesses in the meantime?
2) TextsFromLastNight.com - Now, this is NOT SAFE FOR WORK, so let that be known first and foremost. Drunken texting can be almost as bad as drunken driving (obviously the latter is MUCH worse, and dont do it), but after reading texts from last night, you can see that alcohol and texting sometimes lead to nothing but loss of self respect, dignity and a lot of explaining to do. Here are a few examples:
(540): "He gave me a card that said "Im so glad we found each other... In the pants" and a pat on the head... My walk of Shame wasnt so bad."
(541): "She has puke on the back of her shirt not quite sure how the hell she did that."
(205): "Even completely stoned shes amazing on the piano. There are like 7 people sitting on the ground listening to her like shes the messiah."
(and those are the PG-Rated ones.....check out the site for more R and X rated texts from last night.....)
3) HappyPlace.com - This is a site that is an aggregate of stuff from all over the world and the internet. From funny street signs, to hilarious Facebook wall postings, to Twitter tweets, to my favorite so far, Unintentionally Inappropriate Test Responses from Young Children. These responses are hilarious because kids are innocent and dont understand adult humor, but after leafing through a few of these test responses, I guarantee you will be laughing your ass off. And again, a few of these arent safe for the work environment, so be careful who may be peeking over your shoulder. Here is an example that IS safe for work, but you should be able to get the idea:
4) DamnYouAutoCorrect.com - In this day and age of smart phone, that "convenient" autocorrect feature can make us look not so smart if we arent careful and double-checking our texting action. And with the advent of screengrabs on phones as well, these mistaken texts can be captured, posted and shared with the world. So next time you get ready to hit send on your phone, Id be a good idea to double-check your spelling. Again, PG examples listed below, but much more fun to be had at the site itself:
5) Fark.com - And for the news buffs out there who love the whacky and weird, this site should tempt your taste buds. Fark is also an aggregate from around the globe, but these are news stories that seem to be fake, but are actually true. From interesting, to sappy, to amusing, to scary, to dumbass, Fark.com categorizes each news story so that you can easily sift through countless strange news headlines and stories from around the globe. And just when you thought
the world couldnt get any weirder, it does. Here are a few headline examples:
"Jilted lover discovers new use for plastic pink flamingo. No not that kind of use, were talking more along the lines of a battering ram. With pics"
"Man is riding his bike across the country for suicide awareness. Vows to finish the trek or kill himself trying"
"Leading researcher says magic mushrooms could treat depression, details results of study involving seven pink unicorns, two rainbow colored Andean mountain goats and a really long chat with Jim Morrisons ghost"
Ok, thats all we here at Warming Trends have for today. A break from reality is needed every now and then. So sit back, relax and enjoy, because youve got some time to kill, and weve just given you enough to fill up at least half of that time...
Enjoy :)
Prairie Mallow
Sidalcea
A genus of highly underrated landscape perennials, native to North America.
The tender leaves can be cooked as a pot herb or eaten raw.
* photos of unknown internet source
Sidalcea candida
A rhizome spreading perennial, reaching a maximum size of 4 feet x 20 inches, that is native from Utah to Wyoming; south to New Mexico.
The 7-lobed, rounded leaves, up to 8 inches across, are glossy green.
The white flowers are borne during early summer.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun to partial shade on fertile, acidic, well drained soil.
Sidalcea hendersonii ( Hendersons Checkerbloom )
A perennial, reaching up to 5.5 feet, that is native from coastal Alaska to Oregon.
Sidalcea x hybrida
The flowers are up to 3 inches across. The erect flower spikes resemble that of the Hollyhocks. The will often rebloom if the first flush of flower spikes are removed as the flowers fade.
The deeply-toothed leaves form a basal clump.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun to partial shade on fertile, acidic, well drained soil. Prefers climates where summers are not excessively hot and good winter drainage is a must. It can tolerate harsh climates including that of Calgary, Alberta if planted on a protected site.
Cut plants down to 1 foot in height quickly after blooming ends. Propagation is usually done by sowing seed upon ripening which germinates easily. Older clumps can be divided during early spring or early autumn.
Brilliant
Reaches a maximum size of 2.5 x 2.5 feet, with deep rose-pink flowers borne on spikes during mid to late summer.
Croftway Red
Red flowers.
Elsie Heugh
Reaches a maximum size of 5 x 3.5 ( rarely over 4 ) feet, with fringed, pale pink flowers borne on an erect stalk.
Loveliness
Pale pink flowers
Mr. Lindburgh
Reaches a maximum size of 4 x 3.5 feet, with rose-red flowers borne on spikes during mid to late summer.
Partygirl
Reaches a maximum size of 3.5 x 3.5 feet, with very profuse, deep rose-red flowers borne on spikes during mid summer to early autumn.
Rosanna
Reaches a maximum size of 4 x 3.5 feet, with very profuse, rosy-red flowers borne on spikes during mid summer to early autumn.
Rose Queen
Reaches a maximum height of 4 feet, with rose-pink flowers.
Starks Variety
Reaches a maximum size of 5 x 3.5 feet, with rosy-red flowers borne on spikes all summer long.
Sidalcea malviflora
An erect stemmed, clumping perennial, reaching up to 40 x 30 inches, that is native from Oregon to the Baja Peninsula.
The shallowly-toothed, 7 or 9 lobed leaves are up to 2 inches in length.
The pink to lavender flowers, up to 2 inches across, are borne spring through fall.
Hardy zones 6 to 10 in full sun to partial shade.
Sidalcea neomexicana ( Salt Spring Checkerbloom )
A perennial, reaching up to 4.5 feet, that is native form eastern Oregon to western Nebraska; south to southern California to New Mexico.
* photo taken by Mr. & Mrs. Robert G. Young @ USDA NRCS. 1992. Western wetland flora
Sidalcea oregana ( Oregon Checkerbloom )
A perennial, reaching up to 6 x 2 feet, that is native to the western U.S. from Wash. State to Idaho; south to California to Utah.
The leaves are deeply lobed on the upper stems, more shallowly lobed on the lower stem.
The flowers, borne during summer on upright spikes, are in varying shades of pink.
Hardy zones 5 to 8 in full sun on well drained soil. It can be propagated either by seed or division.
* photo taken by William & Wilma Follette @ USDA NRCS. 1992. Western wetland flora
Read More..
A genus of highly underrated landscape perennials, native to North America.
The tender leaves can be cooked as a pot herb or eaten raw.
* photos of unknown internet source
Sidalcea candida
A rhizome spreading perennial, reaching a maximum size of 4 feet x 20 inches, that is native from Utah to Wyoming; south to New Mexico.
The 7-lobed, rounded leaves, up to 8 inches across, are glossy green.
The white flowers are borne during early summer.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun to partial shade on fertile, acidic, well drained soil.
Sidalcea hendersonii ( Hendersons Checkerbloom )
A perennial, reaching up to 5.5 feet, that is native from coastal Alaska to Oregon.
Sidalcea x hybrida
The flowers are up to 3 inches across. The erect flower spikes resemble that of the Hollyhocks. The will often rebloom if the first flush of flower spikes are removed as the flowers fade.
The deeply-toothed leaves form a basal clump.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun to partial shade on fertile, acidic, well drained soil. Prefers climates where summers are not excessively hot and good winter drainage is a must. It can tolerate harsh climates including that of Calgary, Alberta if planted on a protected site.
Cut plants down to 1 foot in height quickly after blooming ends. Propagation is usually done by sowing seed upon ripening which germinates easily. Older clumps can be divided during early spring or early autumn.
Brilliant
Reaches a maximum size of 2.5 x 2.5 feet, with deep rose-pink flowers borne on spikes during mid to late summer.
Croftway Red
Red flowers.
Elsie Heugh
Reaches a maximum size of 5 x 3.5 ( rarely over 4 ) feet, with fringed, pale pink flowers borne on an erect stalk.
Loveliness
Pale pink flowers
Mr. Lindburgh
Reaches a maximum size of 4 x 3.5 feet, with rose-red flowers borne on spikes during mid to late summer.
Partygirl
Reaches a maximum size of 3.5 x 3.5 feet, with very profuse, deep rose-red flowers borne on spikes during mid summer to early autumn.
Rosanna
Reaches a maximum size of 4 x 3.5 feet, with very profuse, rosy-red flowers borne on spikes during mid summer to early autumn.
Rose Queen
Reaches a maximum height of 4 feet, with rose-pink flowers.
Starks Variety
Reaches a maximum size of 5 x 3.5 feet, with rosy-red flowers borne on spikes all summer long.
Sidalcea malviflora
An erect stemmed, clumping perennial, reaching up to 40 x 30 inches, that is native from Oregon to the Baja Peninsula.
The shallowly-toothed, 7 or 9 lobed leaves are up to 2 inches in length.
The pink to lavender flowers, up to 2 inches across, are borne spring through fall.
Hardy zones 6 to 10 in full sun to partial shade.
Sidalcea neomexicana ( Salt Spring Checkerbloom )
A perennial, reaching up to 4.5 feet, that is native form eastern Oregon to western Nebraska; south to southern California to New Mexico.
* photo taken by Mr. & Mrs. Robert G. Young @ USDA NRCS. 1992. Western wetland flora
Sidalcea oregana ( Oregon Checkerbloom )
A perennial, reaching up to 6 x 2 feet, that is native to the western U.S. from Wash. State to Idaho; south to California to Utah.
The leaves are deeply lobed on the upper stems, more shallowly lobed on the lower stem.
The flowers, borne during summer on upright spikes, are in varying shades of pink.
Hardy zones 5 to 8 in full sun on well drained soil. It can be propagated either by seed or division.
* photo taken by William & Wilma Follette @ USDA NRCS. 1992. Western wetland flora
Fresh Home Gardening and Landscaping Design Ideas – Garden World
Are you planning to create a better Home for your family by just adding that natural greenery and floral touch inside and around house? There are many ways you can plan and Design your landscape. If Gardening is what you enjoy to recreate and pacify Id like to give some tips to improve the aesthetics of your surroundings as well as to get those admiring looks from your family and friends at your great Home Gardening art.
First Step: Develop a plan
Maybe your Home needs only some landscape Designing. Step back and look around to find the minute details. Stir your creativity by imagining rather unconventional ways of Gardening. Trust when I say, indoor Gardening as well as outdoor Landscaping can be an affordable Gardening process too!
Second Step: Discover Indoor Gardening opportunities
There may be many parts of your house you might have overlooked or maybe you have already formed a great idea to place those popular indoor plants you are planning to buy.
Heres a list of plants for Gardening you can try to get:
Indoor Plants:
1) Spathiphyllum
2) Aglaonema Red Sumatra
3) Ficus Goldalike
4) Raphis palm
5) Philodendron Red Congo
6) Amaryllis, Yellow Goddess
Exotica Plants:
1) Erythrina cristagalli plant
2) Torch ginger red
3) Magnolia Grandiflora
Hanging Baskets:
1) Aptenia cordifolia
2) Lophospermum Lofus Wine Red
3) Pirates Gold
4) Polygonum Capitata Pink Bubbles
5) Petunia Million Bells
6) Million Bells Salsa
Bonsai Plants:
1) Cactus
2) Ficus panda
3) Ficus Green
Climbers and creepers:
1) passiflora blue
2) Senecio confuses
3) Combretum
4) Hoya carnosa
5) Solanum wendlandii
6) Clematis
Above was just a small list of plants for your indoor Gardening. Carefully consider which would suit at which part of your house.
Third Step: Explore Outdoor Gardening opportunities and plan
There are infinite ways by which you can customize your outdoor garden. You can in fact create a concept garden! Exercise your creativity and find out which one of the below mentioned concepts best suit your houses backyard garden or front porch.
1] ButterFly Garden: This is a very interesting garden concept and you can actually create a habitat for those pretty - pretty butterflies in your own garden!
2] Cactus Garden: You can create a miniature desert on your desk or in the backyard. Add more imagination by adding small pebbles, marbles to the "cactus mix".
3] English Garden: These are simply wondrous. The main attraction point is grass carpet bed, delightful color scheme for the flowering plants chosen, artwork, ornamental ponds and fountains. This will certainly give lovely and luxurious relaxing experience!
4] Rock Garden: These provide unique and very delightful experience and makes your backyard attractive even if it has more slope or not suitable for other type of Gardening. Variety of plants, ferns and herbs are mingled with the directly grounded rocks.
5] Vegetable Garden (Yes!): You can save money as well as eat better food by just turning your backyard into a small vegetable garden or by Designing a roof garden vegetable garden. Grow your own tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, carrots, spinach! You have more options than you can think of now!
6] Or of course Roof Garden for your roof! : You can grow any type of plants, flowers or vegetables on your roof. Things to consider are safety concerns, suitable type of plants and containers and watering your plants properly and you should be ready to own a great roof top garden!
For all your commercial and Home Gardening needs in India please check www.gardenworld.in.
Landscaping Designs for a Backyard Pond
Types of Solutions Provided by interior Designer
Usually the interior Designer will provide solutions with three aspects. Solutions they provide would be functional and applicable to the environment. Secondly, such solutions should invariably enhance the quality in the interior environment of the structure with which they are working. Finally, the solution should also be aesthetically attractive and acceptable. At the same time with the customer consciousness about greenhouse gas emissions and energy efficiency across the globe, encouraging the principles of environmental sustainability would be the other requirement.
landscaping designs that are going around or near a pond can be a little tricky and there are a few things to keep in mind. Your landscaping designs should complement and accent the area around the pond without adding debris or without becoming an obstacle and interfering with the mechanisms that keep the water in motion. If your pond has fish or you are planning on some fish make sure you do not use any plants that will be toxic to them.
A bog garden is sometimes referred to as a water feature but is different from the traditional pond. A water garden of this type sometimes uses a pond liner that is perforated and you fill the pond with mixtures of soil, water, peat, and compost to create a bog. Some of the plants that can be used in this garden might be cattails, irises, bog rosemary, plantain lilies and turtlehead. You can even use some of these plants on the outside of the bog basin such as umbrella plants, tules, and cattails. The majority of the bog plants can easily be cared for in very moist soil or mud outside the bog garden where water flows through it on a daily basis.
The sounds of cascading or trickling water we find very pleasing and soothing. Because of this many of us feature waterfalls and water fountains into our Landscape designs in the backyard or garden. Running water is not only soothing but it aerates a pond, giving fish a wonderful habitat; it also keeps water moving so it does not become stagnate. A waterfall can be created by purchasing a pond fountain kit or you can use a heavy-duty pump powerful enough to cascade water down piles of rocks or a hand-built slide.
There are plants such as clivia and agapanthus that can be used as part of your pond landscaping designs along with a horizontal juniper that will work well next to the water. Some tropical plants such as yuccas and succulents also are good to use. Grasses, sedges, and rushes can also be included near the edge of the water and how about the movement of Miscanthus and bamboo in a breeze. Ferns are favorite perennials especially maiden hair, shield, and staghorn ferns along with the palm-like plant called cycad.
The plants that have parts that are toxic to fish are: amaryllis bulbs; anemone flowers; leaves and flowers of the angel trumpet tree; all of the azaleas and rhododendrons; bird of paradise seeds; calla lily leaves; crocus bulbs; wild and cultivated cherry foliage and twigs; entire delphinium; English ivy berries, all of the foxglove; holly berries and leaves; hydrangea, all parts; entire yellow jasmine; mistletoe berries; oleander leaves; all of the lily-of-the-valley; philodendron leaves and sap; flower and leaves of poinsettia; all of snapdragon; and all of the tiger lily. These are just a few; there are many more that you need to research before planting.
If you have a koi pond you will want to minimize the amount of sun and wind in order prevent algae and the "bleaching effect" on the fishes color from the sun. Most aquatic gardens need just the opposite; an ample amount of sunlight for plant growth. For ponds of this type the taller vertical elements should be placed at the northern end of the basin. The bunching of similar types of plants is more effective than having one of everything. Your best bet for ideas is to visit other aquatic Landscapes for some ideas or check out some garden books on water Landscape ideas.
In order for a complete picture try to include your entire yard so that everything blends together. Your regular flower garden should blend in naturally with your pond. Try to map everything out on paper during your planning stage and when you keep everything in mind you will not have problems. Your pond will look very complete and seem as though it has been there for many years with some beautiful landscaping designs.
Barbara has looked into landscaping designs to place around a water feature and has found some good ideas. Her website Gardeners Garden Supplies features many articles regarding the garden, landscaping and accessories, so please come for visit and leave your comments.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barbara_Volkov
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Fall Winter Talks Speeches
I have the pleasure of talking with different groups about landscape architecture, garden design, and sustainable design. This fall and winter, I have a number of talks and lectures lined up throughout the mid-Atlantic. Most of these talks are open to the public. Click the links below to find out more information or register. And see who else is speaking at some of these events—there are some great rosters here.
September 30, 12:30-1:30: Adkins Arboretum, Tent Symposium Queen Annes County, MD 12610 Eveland Road, near Ridgely, MD
October 20, 9:15-10:15am: Green Springs Garden “Garden Design Symposium: Nature’s Inspirations”
4603 Green Spring Road Alexandria, Virginia 22312
November 17, 1:00pm: Piedmont Blue-Ridge Horticultural Society.
Learning Center, Museum of the Shenandoah Valley at Glen Burnie in Winchester, VA. 801 Amherst St, Winchester, VA 22601
February 6, 2013: Annapolis Horticultural Society, “Native Plants in the Cottage Garden.” St. Annes Parish Hall, 199 Duke of Gloucester Street, Annapolis, MD 2140. Open to the public.
February 13, 2013: Lewis Ginter Botantical Garden, Winter Symposium
Massey Conference Center, 1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, VA 23228
The Urban Wilderness The Poetics of Industrial Ruins and Untamed Nature
The Schoneberger Sudgelande Nature Park in Germany
Parks in America are the latest casualty to interest-group politics. The park designer must not only satisfy its municipal client, but must carefully redistrict the space to meet the demands of citizen advocates: the dog park people, the kiddie playground mommies, the bikers, the rollerbladers, the garden clubs, and the birders. Like a diplomat in the Balkans, the designer’s role is to gerrymander a site, parceling off piece by piece to the urban consumers. Parks today have more in common with theme parks—a ride for every user—than their pastoral predecessors.
The Schoneberger Sudgelande Nature Park is the perfect antidote to interest-group parks. Located just south of Berlin, Sudgelande is the site of a former railway switchyard. Abandoned after World War II, the site sat fallow for the past fifty years. During that time, a richly-diverse grassland and forest crept over the site, covering the industrial site in a green patina.
The park’s dystopian beauty engages the imagination in a way that most “designed” spaces fail to do. The ruins of the industry and technology are a profound expression of transitoriness, an intimation of mortality that is at once haunting and uplifting. Like Wordsworth at Tintern Abbey, the ruins of Sudgelande present the visitor with an ontological gap that stimulate the imagination rather than constrain it.
I love this park precisely because I believe in mystery. The way a rail track appears in a forest only to disappear into the brambles. Or how a tower emerges out of the canopy only to be eclipsed in vegetation. Mystery speaks to our souls before our intellect comprehends. Mystery has the power to radically de-center us, to pull us out of ourselves and ground us in a deeper reality.
My good friend, mentor, and visionary landscape architect, Ching-Fang Chen, first brought my attention to this park after she visited it in 2007. Fortunately for those of us in the Washington, D.C. area, Ching-Fang now works with Montgomery County (M-NCPPC) and is promoting sustainable park development based on the concept of managed succession and spontaneous vegetation.
Sudgelande offers a model for the future: a park that allows the layers of history to coexist with the spontaneous movement of nature. At the intersection of culture and wilderness, we behold mystery.
Read More..
Thanks to the foresight of a local citizens group with the financial backing of an environmental alliance, this wild space was preserved and turned into a park. The former repair shop for locomotives was turned into a hall for artists and performers. The tangle of rail tracks move through forest and meadow, hinting at a structure that is dissolved by the wildness.
I love this park precisely because I believe in mystery. The way a rail track appears in a forest only to disappear into the brambles. Or how a tower emerges out of the canopy only to be eclipsed in vegetation. Mystery speaks to our souls before our intellect comprehends. Mystery has the power to radically de-center us, to pull us out of ourselves and ground us in a deeper reality.
My good friend, mentor, and visionary landscape architect, Ching-Fang Chen, first brought my attention to this park after she visited it in 2007. Fortunately for those of us in the Washington, D.C. area, Ching-Fang now works with Montgomery County (M-NCPPC) and is promoting sustainable park development based on the concept of managed succession and spontaneous vegetation.
Sudgelande offers a model for the future: a park that allows the layers of history to coexist with the spontaneous movement of nature. At the intersection of culture and wilderness, we behold mystery.
Landscaping and Garden Design Cost Control
You want to begin a long overdue Garden project so where do you start? Some of you will go to the local DIY store and pick up one of the many flyers that these stores produce that show how to do virtually anything from putting a post into the ground to building an extension to your property.
Some of you will go to a library, hunt out the most relevant books that are available and then return home and hope that your research has uncovered the books that have all that you need in them. Then there are those who need to know how things work, who want to take Control so, they will treat the project as an excuse to learn something new and will attend night school or college to achieve the desired result.
However and whatever it is that you do for your project you will need to keep track of your costs. It is no use not having a clue on what it is going to cost as you will quickly realise that unless you keep them under review they will spiral out of Control and you will spend more than you intended to.
When you are doing the job yourself it is important that you use a software package that allows you to be in Control of your costs. It must be easy to understand and allow overspend areas to be identified quickly. It must be easy to use otherwise you wont bother to use it and Control will be lost. There are a few suitable software cost estimators on the market that can be used to help you but not all of them work on the behalf of the everyday Designer/builder in a way that is understandable and straightforward.
As an individual you will find this process quite stressful and difficult.
Imagine how the stress levels would rise if you were in a Gardening/Landscaping business where people come to you for your knowledge and expertise and who want you to the work on their behalf. They will expect you to provide a professional looking quote, a detailed breakdown of costs around each element of the Garden Design and they will expect and demand that their money is being spent in an agreed manner and will not be interested in excuses as to why something is going to cost more than has specified.
They rightly feel that if costs escalate after the quote has been agreed and confirmed then the loser should be the Landscaping company and not the customer. This is why is it is imperative that the professional has Control over all aspects of Design, build and costs because it protects their profit and this is an essential element of todays cut throat business activity.
To protect and enhance your most precious commodity, that is, your reputation, is a vital part of your future business. Your clients must trust in every thing that you do for them. They can see that your testimonials show that you work closely with Landscape Architects, Garden Designers, Landscape Contractors, Local Authorities and Domestic Clients on a regular basis. They can see that you are a professional in the delivery of Landscape and Garden Designs to cost and quality specifications, and as a Landscape tender consultant who wins and manages profitable projects for both employers, Design professionals and contractors. What THEY want from you is someone who understands, and communicates that understanding of what THEY want, by providing clear, concise and accurate information on the project you are undertaking for them.
In return they will show you the respect that they reserve for those that show them that their wishes have been professionally carried out.
LandPRO is a unique specialist landscape cost consultancy. We work closely with Landscape Architects, Garden Designers, Landscape Contractors, Local Authorities and Domestic Clients in the delivery of Landscape and Garden Designs to cost and quality specifications. As Landscape tender consultants we win and manage profitable projects for both employers, Design professionals and contractors http://www.landpro.co.uk/
Monday, March 3, 2014
Parsons Brinckerhoff
I applied to a large multi-disciplinary company called Parsons Brinckerhoff.
They are comprised of engineers, landscape architects, planners, architects and more.
They are involved in numerous projects worldwide. One project I found interesting was the BSF, Building Schools for the Future a huge government initiative where Parsons Brinckerhoff are designing schools in and around Newcastle.
This firm is different in size to the others I have applied for, however the scope, commitment to sustainibility and ambitious design are the same.
http://www.pbworld.co.uk/index.php?doc=1
Read More..
They are comprised of engineers, landscape architects, planners, architects and more.
They are involved in numerous projects worldwide. One project I found interesting was the BSF, Building Schools for the Future a huge government initiative where Parsons Brinckerhoff are designing schools in and around Newcastle.
This firm is different in size to the others I have applied for, however the scope, commitment to sustainibility and ambitious design are the same.
http://www.pbworld.co.uk/index.php?doc=1
Hardy Begonia
Begonia grandis ( Hardy Begonia )
Native to southeast Asia and reaching a maximum size of 3 x 4 feet though usually closer to half that. It is moderate in growth rate. The heart shaped leaves are up to 8 x 8 inches and are rich green above and ruby red beneath.
The lightly fragrant, hanging, pale pink flowers are borne from July to the first fall freeze on upright stems.
3 winged fruits follow the flowers.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 ( 5 on protected sites ) and prefers partial to full shade on moist, fertile, acid soil.
Multiplies very easily. It is resistant to Juglone and grows well under Black Walnut.
* photo taken on July 2004 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photo taken on Jun 1 2010 in Crownsville, MD
* photo taken on annual Horticultural Society of Maryland Garden Tour
* photo taken on Aug 24 2011 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Aug 25 2011 @ Scott Arboretum, Swarthmore College, PA
* photo taken on Oct 20 2011 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Oct 28 2012 in Columbia, MD
Alba
green foliage and white flowers
Claret Jug
similar to species except with foliage that is strongly tinted red and flowers that are a deeper pink.
Herons Pirouette
large sprays of bright pink flowers that are twice as long as that of the species.
The flowers are also borne over a longer season from early summer into autumn.
* photos taken on Aug 20 2011 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
* photo taken on Sep 3 2013 in Ellicott City, MD
* photos taken on Oct 17 2013 in Olney, MD
Begonia Metallic Mist
Vigorous growing, reaching up to 1.5 x 2 feet. The Maple like leaves are striking and heavily silvered. The pink flowers are borne in August and September.
Hardy north to zone 6 requiring partial to full shade
TROPICAL BEGONIAS
* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 in Washington, D.C.
* photos taken on August 2 2010 in Bayfield, Ontario
* photos taken on Aug 29 in Clarksville, MD
Begonia semperflorens ( Wax Begonia )
Dwarf tender perennials in frost free climates that can reach up to 1.5 x 1 foot in size; in cooler climates it is often grown as an annual reaching up to 12 x 10 inches in size.
The oval leaves are glossy green or bronze and up to 3 inches in length.
The profuse flowers are borne all year in tropical climates and from summer until frost in cool climates. They are up to an inch across and can be white, pink or red.
Prefers full sun to partial shade on fertile, moist, light soil.
* photos taken on August 3 2010 in Stratford, Ontario
* photo taken on October 10 2010 in Ellicott City, MD
Barbara Rogers
EXOTIC!!! This is a Perennial hardy Wax Begonia that is hardy north to zone 7b.
It has green leaves and pale pink flowers and can reach a maximum size of 2.5 x 3 feet.
Begonia x tuberhybrida ( Tuberous Begonia )
A tuberous perennial from zone 10 and south, in northerly climates it is often used as a summer bedding annual. It requires humus-rich, very well drained soils with a PH below 6.5. Heavy soil including a mix not porous enough when used in containers can spell disaster. They prefer either light shade or partial sun if the sun is during the morning ( ex. east facing exposure ). Do not plant outdoors until all risk of frost has passed. Plants are often started a month or 2 early indoors in order to get a sizeable plant for use in outdoor planters by the time summer begins. Once the foliage turns yellow during autumn, the tubers can be lifted and stored for the winter. After washing off soil and air drying for 2 days, store them in a cool garage or celler ( 4o to 50 F ) in marginally moist potting soil for 2.5 months to give them their required resting period. If the tubers remain healthy with no signs of rot, they can be replanted after.
Read More..
Native to southeast Asia and reaching a maximum size of 3 x 4 feet though usually closer to half that. It is moderate in growth rate. The heart shaped leaves are up to 8 x 8 inches and are rich green above and ruby red beneath.
The lightly fragrant, hanging, pale pink flowers are borne from July to the first fall freeze on upright stems.
3 winged fruits follow the flowers.
Hardy zones 6 to 9 ( 5 on protected sites ) and prefers partial to full shade on moist, fertile, acid soil.
Multiplies very easily. It is resistant to Juglone and grows well under Black Walnut.
* photo taken on July 2004 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photo taken on Jun 1 2010 in Crownsville, MD
* photo taken on annual Horticultural Society of Maryland Garden Tour
* photo taken on Aug 24 2011 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Aug 25 2011 @ Scott Arboretum, Swarthmore College, PA
* photo taken on Oct 20 2011 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Oct 28 2012 in Columbia, MD
Alba
green foliage and white flowers
Claret Jug
similar to species except with foliage that is strongly tinted red and flowers that are a deeper pink.
Herons Pirouette
large sprays of bright pink flowers that are twice as long as that of the species.
The flowers are also borne over a longer season from early summer into autumn.
* photos taken on Aug 20 2011 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
* photo taken on Sep 3 2013 in Ellicott City, MD
* photos taken on Oct 17 2013 in Olney, MD
Begonia Metallic Mist
Vigorous growing, reaching up to 1.5 x 2 feet. The Maple like leaves are striking and heavily silvered. The pink flowers are borne in August and September.
Hardy north to zone 6 requiring partial to full shade
TROPICAL BEGONIAS
* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 in Washington, D.C.
* photos taken on August 2 2010 in Bayfield, Ontario
* photos taken on Aug 29 in Clarksville, MD
Begonia semperflorens ( Wax Begonia )
Dwarf tender perennials in frost free climates that can reach up to 1.5 x 1 foot in size; in cooler climates it is often grown as an annual reaching up to 12 x 10 inches in size.
The oval leaves are glossy green or bronze and up to 3 inches in length.
The profuse flowers are borne all year in tropical climates and from summer until frost in cool climates. They are up to an inch across and can be white, pink or red.
Prefers full sun to partial shade on fertile, moist, light soil.
* photos taken on August 3 2010 in Stratford, Ontario
* photo taken on October 10 2010 in Ellicott City, MD
Barbara Rogers
EXOTIC!!! This is a Perennial hardy Wax Begonia that is hardy north to zone 7b.
It has green leaves and pale pink flowers and can reach a maximum size of 2.5 x 3 feet.
Begonia x tuberhybrida ( Tuberous Begonia )
A tuberous perennial from zone 10 and south, in northerly climates it is often used as a summer bedding annual. It requires humus-rich, very well drained soils with a PH below 6.5. Heavy soil including a mix not porous enough when used in containers can spell disaster. They prefer either light shade or partial sun if the sun is during the morning ( ex. east facing exposure ). Do not plant outdoors until all risk of frost has passed. Plants are often started a month or 2 early indoors in order to get a sizeable plant for use in outdoor planters by the time summer begins. Once the foliage turns yellow during autumn, the tubers can be lifted and stored for the winter. After washing off soil and air drying for 2 days, store them in a cool garage or celler ( 4o to 50 F ) in marginally moist potting soil for 2.5 months to give them their required resting period. If the tubers remain healthy with no signs of rot, they can be replanted after.
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