Decorating with Grass

Grasses have a shifting beauty that's unmatched by other plants. With outlines and shapes that change not just from season to season, but from day to day and moment to moment, they are the favorites of contemporary and new wave garden designers who love to foreground change and drama in the garden. The Dutch designer Piet Oudolf is probably the best known; he recently designed the 9/11 memorial garden in New York City. His gardens mix perennials and grasses for year-round drama and structure, to produce landscapes that intensify and draw out the irregular harmony of a natural flowering meadow.

Grasses usually supply much of the structure, and also the drama, of these gardens, beginning in the spring when brightly colored new shoots emerge. By summer, they have become lush foliage, sometimes of a completely different color altogether. Flowers soon follow. Feathery or spiky, flat or round, they will turn into seed heads that continue to perform through the winter by dramatizing every change in the weather. Gardeners lucky enough to live in an area with frosts will be rewarded with living ice sculptures.

The aptly named Golden Dew (Descampsia cespitosa 'Goldtau') is just one of many grasses that puts on a spectacular show all year, making it ideal for the latest planting styles. In the summer, short evergreen foliage produces fountain-shaped sprays of delicate flowers, up to 29 inches (73 cm) tall, which turn golden every evening against the setting sun. At the end of the summer, seed-heads appear, which darken through the fall. The result is a haze of color that changes from hour to hour and season to season. Add perennials to the mix and their outlines will be softened too. Those with strong shapes work best. For example, Yarrow (Achillea) comes in many colors including red, yellow, gold and cream, and has striking plate-like flowers.

Grasses are versatile. They seem to be made for the latest planting styles, but they can be used in more traditional ways, too. To soften the edges of pathways and borders, for example, try low-growing grasses with arching stems that will hide hard edges. They come in many colors, including gold, silver, brown, orange, red and blue and just about every shade of green, so there should be no problem coordinating them with surrounding plants.

As a focal point in the garden, a large grass can be planted alone to draw the eye. For example, Stipa Gigantea, is an eye-catching grass that grows to 8 feet (250 cm). From arching dark green foliage, long thin sprays of gold oat-like flowers appear in summer. In winter, they are even more spectacular when covered with frost. This grass grows best in moist well-drained soil and full sun. For pots, try compact, colorful grasses with an arching manner that will hide the pot edges and create interest all year round. Try Hakonechloa macra. Grasses can be used for minimalist gardens, too. Large blocks of a single variety will create slabs of color and texture. Some grasses are great for flower arranging. For example, greater quaking grass (Briza maxima), has exquisite lamp-shaped flowers, which look wonderful in the garden or in a vase in the home.

Grasses may look fragile with their wispy stems and airy flowers, but they're among the toughest plants around. They'll grow in most soils and tolerate most conditions. Many are fully hardy. Be careful not to overfeed them, though, as they'll produce too much lush foliage and too few flowers. A single dressing in the spring is enough. To increase their number, divide them in the spring. Many grasses will seed themselves, but the resulting plants may not match the originals. Watch and wait, and then remove unattractive seedlings.

Grasses can be left to fend for themselves for most of the year, but they may need tidying up in the spring. Evergreen grasses won't recover if they're cut back; dead and untidy growth should be removed carefully by hand. Other grasses should not be cut back too soon as old growth protects the new. Watch out for rabbits, hares and other animals as new shoots emerge.

Take care where you plant large grasses such as Pampas Grass. They need a lot of space, and a small front yard or garden isn't enough. Be aware that in parts of California and other areas, this invasive plant has started to colonize areas where native flora used to grow, and gardeners have been urged not to grow it or spread the seed.

Grasses are living proof that there's more to gardening than flowers that just sit there from first bloom to fall, and perhaps that's why they've become so popular. They are also easy to grow and difficult to kill, which has got to be good for any garden plant.

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Creative Solutions: Yardscape with Borders and Walls

By Don Logay

With a little imagination, you can easily re-work the landscape cards Mother Nature dealt you. Got a ho-hum yard? A flat rectangle lot with no individuality or character to speak of? Or just the opposite, with slopes that are hard to nurture and navigate?

Options range from low border walls - for trees, flower beds and vegetable gardens - to carving in retaining walls to level slopes and turn a wild landscape into usable patches of land.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

Low garden walls and borders for planters and visual interest are easy to construct. Materials range from brick, stone, wood and concrete block to specialty products and railroad ties.

• Tip: Interlocking "look-like-stone" concrete blocks are easy to use, cost efficient and truly wall beautiful. A popular choice worth checking out.
• Tip: Avoid "perimeter" design. Low walls that parallel barrier fencing on rectangular lots make yards seem smaller. Free form designs, diagonal corners, multi-level terraces and free-standing shapes in open areas are better.
• Tip: Top edge of low walls makes great extra seating (15" to 18" high and at least 12" wide).
• Tip: Dark oily "Creosote" on railroad ties rubs off on clothing or skin and may leach into soil. Use care. If plants and vegetables are nearby, add plastic liner as safety barrier.

Size Does Matter

As garden wall height reaches or exceeds about 24" they technically become retaining walls. Thus, planning requires more thought and execution a bit more know-how.

• Tip: Keep DIY retaining walls to a 3' maximum. Beyond this height, most local building codes kick in, requiring engineering plans, building permits and inspections for safety.
• Tip: Terrace a steep slope, with a number of 3' or less walls, rather than one large wall for the reason above. If a taller wall is in order, try not to exceed eye-level for optimum visual benefit. Multiple terraced levels (with a number of 5' walls) are better than creating "The Great Wall of Your-Place" neighborhood spectacle.

Purchasing Materials

There are formulas that help determine how much of anything you'll need - from bricks to concrete blocks. Know the measurements of your chosen building material and calculate needs based on your project dimensions.

While estimating seems complex, it's worth the effort - as buying too little or too much of anything wastes time, effort and money.

• Tip: A handy little tool called ProjectCalc® makes it easy. This Feet-Inch-Fraction calculator is programmed with built-in solutions for hundreds of home projects; a few keystrokes determine material needs with pin-point accuracy. To estimate, enter project dimensions for square footage, hit "convert" and specific "type of material" buttons to learn number of bricks, blocks, board feet or cubic yards needed - add price per unit and total project cost is displayed. Easy as 1-2-3. It's typically priced under $20.00 at well stocked hardware stores and most home centers.

Yardscaping with imagination and garden walls is easy, when you work smart.

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Create a Stylish, Sustainable Garden with Ornamental Grasses

By Gail Kavanagh

If you need to conserve water, or you just want a garden that virtually takes care of itself, ornamental grasses will give you a beautiful garden without the hassle. There is such a huge variety of grasses available that you can create a whole garden with varied texture, colors and height using grasses alone.

You can even have a bit of a show, as some grass species produce feathery seed heads, known as plumes, and even flower in season.

A garden of ornamental grasses is the perfect choice for a modern, stylish home or a ranch style home where you don't want to spend a lot of time looking after the plants. You can also create an exotic look, with grasses from all over the world at your disposal.

The true grasses are members of the Gramineae family, and come in an abundance of different heights and colors. True ornamental grasses come mainly from the lily family, such as mondo and dianella. These are known as "strappy" grasses because of their thin, strap-like leaves.

Grasses like full sun and well drained soil, although you can find a wide variety of grasses suitable for any soil and weather conditions - they grow all over the world, after all. But if you want your grasses to look their best in your garden, prepare your soil as carefully as you would for flowers.

Grass should be pruned to allow for fresh growth in the spring, but if you prefer to have your grasses standing during the winter, you don't have to do this until early spring.

However, in the late fall, you can remove the plumes and dry them for crafts or home décor. Just cut them with long stalks, tie together in bunches and hang upside down in a cool place. Your dried plumes will look marvelous arranged in tall slender vases and will complement most decorating styles.

When shopping for grasses, look for natives, exotics and new varieties, and be sure to discuss with your nursery expert the best types to grow in your area. You are looking for plants that won't require a lot of attention or special conditions.

Among exotic varieties, Japanese silver grass is very popular for ornamental grass gardens, as it offers an outstanding display in the fall. This grass flowers with white, pink and light red blooms.

For an early green showing in spring, and a brilliant display of plumes later, choose a feather reed grass such as Karl Foerster; for brilliant color in the fall, look at the many varieties of switchback.

Don't overlook the traditional oats and barley, which look wonderful in clumps. A field of barley is such a spectacular sight that Sting even wrote a song about it!

The taller, more traditional grasses make magnificent backgrounds, but with some of the new varieties you can add splashes of color accent as well.

For a magnificent red display, try the new Japanese blood grass Red Baron, with its tall scarlet spikes; for a softer look reminiscent of a cottage garden, there is delicious Elijah-Blue, a new variety of blue fescue with foot long tufts springing out of a brilliant blue base like a firework display.

For sheer cuteness, Rabbit's Tail grass, with its puffy little white plumes, can't be beaten and it is easy to grow from seed.

Since grasses are hardy, you won't need to fuss with them or fertilize as you would with a flower garden. Just a quick scattering of some slow release fertilizer in spring will last all summer.

Mulching around the plants will keep weeds down and will prevent your grasses from reaching out and popping up in unexpected places. Like all plants, grasses should be well watered when they are first put in, but the beauty of a grass garden is that it can take a bit of healthy neglect, and will still look wonderful.

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Consider Color Schemes When Planning Your Landscape

By Seth Mullins

There are several factors that determine the kind of emotional response we’ll have toward our backyard environments. These factors also influence someone else’s experience when they’re looking at our landscapes for the first time. The form and texture of trees, shrubs and plants (individually, and in respective clusters), the proportions of our flora in relation to the yard as a whole, the placement of features like fountains, ponds, stonework and paths - all these things work together to paint a picture that may or may not be pleasing to the eye.

Of all these various aesthetic concerns, however, the element that probably speaks most directly to the heart is color. Colors also tend to announce themselves to us before we even begin to perceive other qualities of a landscape like its balance and proportion. Color, in other words, is a tool that we can use to create both a first and also a lasting impression.

Having established this priority when planning our landscaping renovations, the next question is this: What kind of impression do we want to make? While we’re bound to have colors that are personal favorites, we need to consider the impact of the actual kinds we will use. Different hues affect our attention in different ways. Warm colors tend to feel present and close, for example, while cool colors like blues and grays tend to recede and create an impression of distance.

Colors will also differ in their affect upon our eyes depending on what surrounds them. We can create an impression of vibrancy and excitement by putting contrasting colors (like orange and blue, or red and green) side by side. A more soothing scene will be created by a wash of identical or similar colors. Oftentimes we do best with a combination of these two approaches, which will paint a visual image that is neither over-stimulating nor dull in its sameness.

Another matter for our consideration is seasonal changes. Foliage may or may not show consistent coloration throughout the year. Again, we will have to consider whether we prefer stability or variety; but in this case, we’re thinking about a span of time. Leaf-shedding trees will, of course, create more work for us when those leaves fall. But for those of us who love the vibrant reds, oranges and yellows of fall foliage, this extra labor may be a small price to pay.

It might be helpful to collect pictures of various trees and plants in different arrangements, from magazines and other sources, and experiment with collage combinations to help visualize the end results we desire. How pleasing are the color combinations in themselves? How well do they transition from one to the other? Having pictures in front of us can make our dream projects much more tangible.

Though form, proportion and scale are all equally important considerations in our landscape planning, our backyard environments will most likely make their first impressions with their color schemes. Creating an appealing outlay may require us to think like artists, with the landscape our canvas and flora our medium. It will then be our task to choose elements that complement each other visually, because they will help turn our landscape into a haven of beauty.

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Choosing the Right Grass for the Lawn

By B. E. Conrad

To those unfamiliar with the concept of landscaping and creating a beautiful outdoor environment, all grass looks the same. To those who know better, however, the right grass is an essential part of planning a beautiful lawn and exterior landscape. It is important to know which types of grasses to use to create just the right look and feel.

The color of the grass is an important consideration when it comes to creating the perfect landscape. Many homeowners crave the lush, dark green grass often found in the pages of home design magazines, but it is important to keep in mind that the look of a dark green lawn can be marred by the appearance of brighter shades of green interspersing.

If you crave that dark green lawn, but currently have a lighter shade of green, be sure to choose a well mixed home turf mix, and exercise some patience. The newly planted grass should soon take over and provide the look you are seeking.

Of course the variety of grass is an important consideration as well, but this is one decision that may be largely dictated by where you live. Consider the environment in which the lawn will be planted, including things like moisture, annual rainfall, average summer and winter temperature, and the like. It is important to choose a variety of grass that is suited to your environment. Fortunately, there are drought resistant grasses, moisture loving grasses and many varieties in between, making it easier than ever before to choose the perfect grass for a beautiful lawn.

The nature of the yard itself is an important consideration, especially if large parts of the landscape are in shadow much of the day. There are specific types of grasses designed to grow well in shadow, while others are able to withstand almost constant sunlight. Look at your current lawn and plant accordingly.

Of course planting the new lawn is only half the battle, and it is important to properly care for that newly planted grass. The lawn will be most at risk right after planting, so be sure to follow the maintenance schedule provided by the grass seed supplier when it comes to watering, fertilization and other care of the newly planted lawn. How you care for the lawn right after planting can have a profound impact on how well or how poorly the lawn grows.

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Best Low-Maintenance Alternatives for Landscapes

By J. A. Young

Just because everyone is not a gardening enthusiast does not mean everyone shouldn't have a terrific landscape. Many people simply can afford precious little time to mowing, digging, weeding, planting, etc., and all the chores associated with a great garden and landscape. The following suggestions are prime examples of low-maintenance ideas for landscapes without full-time gardeners!

Pave all your cares away; that is, all your gardening woes and blues. There's nothing like a layer of concrete to finish off those patches of crab grass once and for all. Concrete garden not your look? Well, concrete across your property is probably not the whole way to go. However, you can extend drives, patios and porches to encompass very large tracts of land that will no longer need landscaping. Consider stone, brick or even concrete - it can mimic the likes of granite these days making for a great and inexpensive paver.

Nevertheless, many non-gardeners still prefer an attractive green landscape. A low maintenance alternative to the headache of an attractive lawn is using a low-maintenance ornamental grass. Not only are these grasses enchanting, there are several that don't need to be mowed! Lawns are so typical anyway; an ornamental grass provides originality that is as attractive as any groundcover. Consider these low-maintenance grasses: hair sedge, Japanese sedge, palm sedge, love grass, blue fescue and velvet grass.

Adding garden structures is a great way to take up space and still provide visual appeal for the landscape. A garden shed makes a great outpost for the landscape that doubles as a storage center. Gazebos are not only attractive, but functional structures that make the ideal location for afternoon lunches or simply to relax. Once installed, garden features typically require only routine maintenance that may be performed annually.

A rock garden is a wonderful easy-to-maintain landscape. Choose large rocks and rock-loving plants. If alpine plants do not suit your climate, there are plenty of other choices for such a rock garden. Obviously mowing won't be an issue, yet you will still provide a rustic and lovely setting.

Another low-maintenance landscape could be accomplished with the cultivation of a prairie landscape, incorporating both native and easy-to-care for plants. Prairie gardens are not maintenance-free, but they do involve far less work than traditionally manicured gardens and yet still provide great character and beauty for the landscape.

Another time saving solution for landscapes can be had by installing sprinklers or drip alternatives to the setting. These can be linked to timers to deliver water to your entire garden and landscape without you ever having to drag out the hose. These units will cost some expense upfront, but depending on the size of your landscape, they may be an affordable option that provides uniform water delivery to the areas of your garden that need it most.

Careful plant selection will result in a low-maintenance landscape if you choose plants that are hardy and easy-to-care for. When choosing trees, be sure your selection is not only hardy, but clean. Willows are notoriously messy and even exquisite ornamental trees like magnolias need to be cleaned up after.

Climbing plants and vines are generally great growers that do not require too much fuss (cutting back from time to time) and provide visual appeal to any garden. As long as they have adequate support, they will usually be fine even if the soil tends to be on the poor side. Arches and arbors are attractive focal points for the landscape that lift the garden up off the ground.

Mulching is a great gardening technique that is not only beneficial for soil and plants (it helps retain moisture), but it significantly tamps down on weed growth. Consequently, less time must be set aside for weeding and soil and plants wind up healthier than ever. Mulch comes in a wide selection from degradable tree bark to more permanent white stone. Choose whatever works best for your landscape style.

Certainly hiring gardeners and landscapers is a low-maintenance alternative, but rather a costly one for the average residence. By employing some of these landscape alternatives, you may be able to perform low-maintenance gardening in a landscape that is just as beautiful as any other.

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Alternative Landscapes for Challenging Terrain

By J. A. Young

Sometimes no matter how green a thumb you have, poor soil or the lay of the land - not to mention the climate - will simply not allow for the lush landscape you’ve always dreamed of. On the other hand, you may not have a green thumb or even wish for one - you want a landscape filled with plant alternatives like architectural features, patios, even ponds. It is possible to find landscaping solutions for botanically challenged settings that, nevertheless, create visually appealing scenes with a minimal use of plants and a reliance on alternative features.

Challenging terrain or an unenthusiastic gardener - it amounts to the same thing. You require a landscape that relies on some easy-to-maintain hardy plants that can be grown in your area, and features that have little to nothing to do with gardening. For example, instead of rolling hills of green vistas, you see a stretch of cobblestone, a sea of gravel. Landscaping with a minimal use of plants need not, however, be the barren wasteland one might envision. Landscaping with the following features may actually transform your scenery into an enjoyable place to relax and entertain.

First of all, few landscapes have nothing growing. Such places might be called deserts, might resemble the moon. So consider your climate: what grows naturally and what types of plants need minimal care. Generally speaking, you'll want to consider ornamental grasses for ground cover. Some require no mowing. Many grow in very poor conditions, even steep slopes. Ornamental grasses can bloom, grow low-to-the ground, grow shoulder-high, and boast interesting colors, textures and shapes. Also, there are hundreds of tough plants that may prove ideal for your conditions. Just adding a few of these to a hardscape may be all the greenery necessary for a beautiful scene and prove more visually interesting than ordinary lawns.

If the soil will not support plants, don’t purchase any plastic concoctions from the craft store yet. Consider containers for several hardy species. Containers are available in many sizes from large stone planters to tiny terracotta pots. Glazed earthenware or even rustic wood planters will allow you to incorporate plants into the setting that could not otherwise be used. A few well placed hanging baskets and large containers will add all the necessary charm needed for bricked patios, decks or paved courtyards. If the landscape is filled with hills and steep slopes, choose an ornamental grass like creeping phlox to cover the area.

Another alternative for the non-gardener is to carve out some space for an easy to care for ground cover, a large patio, a garden structure or two and let Mother Nature take care of the rest. A prairie or woodland scene has a rustic allure that even the most formal gardens can't always rival. If however, your lot is in the city, you can still add a touch of ground cover for effect and install a patio or deck with a few container plants. Your patio furniture and accessories will go a long way to creating an inviting situation.

Plants aside, there are other ways to build a breathtaking landscape - build, being the operative word. Architectural features can be as small as an arch or as grand as a pavilion. Installing patios either at ground level or raised should be considered along with enlarged porches, gazebos, pergolas for difficult gardening situations. Platforms and decks can be built right into slopes or atop one to overlook the valley below. Think how much more appealing a plain grass-filled yard might be with an alternative paving of cobblestone transforming it into a courtyard style patio.

Gazebos can be anything from simple open-air structures to elaborate brick and window models used for entertaining purposes. There are many styles to choose between, but any structure will add additional interest to the landscape as well as provide a place to entertain or enjoy the outdoors. A patio or deck has greater potential to take up space, or rather, to fill in your landscape and make it seem less bleak. Attach a pergola to an area of your patio and you very nearly have added an outdoor room to your home. Architectural features can be built from wood, stone or brick. Match them to the style of your home for a seamless look.

Another landscaping alternative could be to put in a large pond or another type of water feature. Water gardening requires considerable gardening maintenance, but a pond without pretensions - a clear body of water and nothing else - can still add stunning beauty to the landscape. Keeping the water healthy requires some upkeep, but no attractive landscapes are without some maintenance. Water is a great way to add life to a landscape. Encircle your pond with a paver or an easy-to-care for ground cover and you have a wonderful all-season landscape. For a small lot, consider a stone fountain surrounded by no-mow ornamental grass. Pools, basins and cascades are other water features to consider.

Finally, you can add variety to a flat dry space with rock. Pebbled pools and gravel streams can mimic the look of water. Arrangements of rocks and rock-loving plants will create height and variance and are very easy to maintain. A rocky landscape can be softened with some painted architectural features and use of colored stone. With the addition of some tall container plants and an attractive patio, this landscape can be a breathtaking alternative that is easy to care for.

While a rose garden has its special charm, roses aren’t for everyone. You do not have to be a great gardener to have a terrific landscape. By relying heavily on other features, you can make minimal use of plantings and still create a lovely setting for family and friends to enjoy.

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Beginner's Guide to Xeriscapes

By Darcy Logan

A Xeriscape is an area that has been specifically designed to withstand drought conditions and reduce water consumption. The term was developed (and trademarked) by the Denver Colorado Water Department in 1981 by joining xeros, the Greek word for dry, with landscape. It should not be confused with zeroscaping, which uses lots of rocks and only a few plants to create a landscape that requires little water. Xeriscapes uses native and water-efficient plants and then groups these plants together based on their water needs so they can be watered efficiently.

The practice of Xeriscape varies from region to region. However, basic principles are generally followed no matter where you live. The first thing you will need to decide is if you want to adjust your existing landscape to be more conservative of water or design and construct an entirely new landscape. Either way, you should analyze your yard and decide what areas will become arid zones, transition zones, and oasis zones. The three types of zones allow you to group plants together that have the same water requirements.

Arid zones should be farther from the house and high traffic areas. An arid zone will either be left in its natural state or planted with native and drought-tolerant plants. Transition zones will combine the drier areas with the more lush zones of your yard. This zone will take advantage of low and moderate water use plantings that need infrequent supplemental watering. Oasis zones should be nearer to the house where they can take advantage of rainfall runoff from the roofline and gutter downspouts.

Grass Options
Most people think that converting a yard to Xeriscape means that you have to get rid of all your grass. This is not true. When you Xeriscape, you reduce the amount of grass in your yard to only what you need and use. For areas where you want or need grass, you have two choices. Warm season grasses, such as buffalo grass and blue grama, are very water conservative but not very hardy under foot traffic. These grasses do not need as much water and are perfect in areas that do not get a lot of use, such as a sunny front lawn. Cool season grasses, like Kentucky bluegrass, are much more tolerant to foot traffic, but require more water to stay green. Use cool season grasses in areas where your children or pets frequently play.

Reducing the amount of grass you have in your yard is also important. If you have heavily shaded areas, consider planting groundcover such as vinca or sweet woodruff that is more shade-tolerant than turf grass and requires less water. Replacing a steep slope or the area between the sidewalk and the street with drought-hardy plants, groundcovers or low-water perennials will not only save water but will eliminate troublesome mowing areas.

Irrigation
For areas of your yard that will require watering, it is best to install a drip irrigation system. Drip irrigation delivers water slowly at or near the surface of the soil. It can reduce water consumption as much as sixty percent when compared to sprinkler systems because it minimizes the quantity of water lost to runoff, wind, and evaporation. You can purchase installation kits for drip irrigation systems at most nurseries and garden centers.

If a drip irrigation system is not possible, then it is important that you understand how much water your sprinkler puts out. You can measure this by placing three identical empty cans at different places within the sprinkler's range. Turn on the sprinkler for fifteen minutes. Then, collect the water into one can and measure the depth with a ruler. Divide this number by three and you know the average amount of water your sprinkler delivers in fifteen minutes. Adjust your watering times accordingly.

Soil Care
If your soil is primarily clay or sand, you may need to amend it so it will absorb and retain moisture. Although clay soil retains moisture well, it is slow to absorb it. Clay soil also tends to be heavily compacted, which makes it difficult for plants to survive during a drought. Sandy soil is exactly the opposite. It drains well but does not retain moisture, which gives the roots little time to absorb the water. Either type of soil can be amended by adding organic materials, such as compost or manure. Soils are amended by blending the material at least six inches deep either by hand or with a rototiller.

You might want to consider having your soil tested for organic and nutrient content before adding any organic materials. This will ensure that you know what organic materials to add and help you choose the right plants for your soil. Testing kits can usually be found at your local nursery or home improvement store. If you do not want to hassle with amending your soil, you could consult with a horticulture expert and choose plants that will tolerate the type of soil in your yard.

Plant Types
The type of plants that you choose will depend upon where you live. Native plants are usually chosen because they are naturally capable of tolerating that climate, but those are not your only options. Plants from other areas of the world that are also drought-tolerant or live in similar climates can also be used. It is important to note that plants will only be drought tolerant once they have become established. This means more watering should be done the first year or two after planting to help the plants establish deep roots. You should also take care not to crowd plants, which would require them to compete for water. Annuals should be planted at least twelve inches apart, and perennials should be planted about eighteen to twenty-four inches apart.

Once you have everything planted, it is time to add mulch. Mulch is an essential part of a Xeriscape because it minimizes evaporation, reduces weed growth, and helps control erosion. You can either use organic or inorganic mulch.

Mulching
Organic mulch is wood-based. It helps improve the soil texture by decomposing over time, but this means that it will eventually need to be replaced. Organic mulch should be about three to four inches deep and should always be placed directly on top of the soil.

Inorganic mulch is stone-based. Because it usually retains heat, it should not be used in sunny areas. Inorganic mulch can be placed on the soil or over a weed barrier fabric about two to four inches deep. Never apply mulch over black plastic because the plastic does not allow for moisture and air to penetrate and will kill useful organisms in the soil.

The last step is to maintain your yard. Luckily, maintaining a Xeriscape is a lot easier than maintaining a regular yard. First, you spend much less time watering a Xeriscape. In addition, Xeriscapes usually have fewer problems with pests and disease and usually need less fertilizer. Using fewer pesticides and fertilizers is another benefit to both the environment and your pocketbook. This means that by having transforming your yard into a Xeriscape you get to save time, money, and the environment. Who could ask for more than that?

Xeriscapes are not only the latest trend in landscaping, they are becoming a necessity in many areas. Next time you go to a gas station, take notice how the drinking water they are selling inside is usually more expensive than the gasoline they are selling outside. Like gasoline, water needs to be conserved. A Xeriscape can be a beautiful and effective way of doing this.

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Onions and Pantyhose: The Link Between

The thought of storing your excess onions is one that can make any gardener a quivering mess. Why? Because you know that even after storing them in a cool, dry and dark pantry they're sure to still sprout or rot in a week or two. Keeping them for months or even a whole year is ludicrous.

But then one smart cookie read the storage directions on a bag they bought at the markets. And the tip? Store them in pantyhose. Of course!

It may seem a little absurd but the fashion accessory that women share a love/hate relationship with could just be the onion hanger of the century.

The idea is to start with a fresh pair of pantyhose that have been washed without chemicals. Once dried, each onion is placed into a leg pushing it right down into the bottom toes. Then a knot secures it in place and allows another to continue. Once the leg is full of onions, it's hung in the same pantry suspended from the roof space.

The benefits of doing this are numerous. First, the hose allow the air to circulate over the onions keeping molds and bacterias from starting their ravaging feast. Plus, the pantyhose can easily be suspended keeping them off limited shelf space and because a knot is tied between each onion, one can be readily chopped from the leg without disturbing the others.

Ingenious - wouldn't you agree?

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March Gardening Tips

Look at what is blooming now! The Brunswick County Botanical Garden is starting to show some color. Our Saucer Magnolia is blooming and the forsythia in the woods has peaked. Some of our old bulbs are “poking” through the ground with promises of color soon. Our garden is under a lot of reconstruction as we are trying to obtain some nice collections to be put into the garden so that people can come out here to see examples of what to plant for out area. The garden of course is always changing as we try new things. We do have very ambitious plans for creating interest in the garden this year and we invite you to be a part of it.

SUCCESS in the GARDEN for March! Survival techniques for certain plants provide that they be dormant during harsh weather and that they grow and thrive during good weather. Problems arise when the weather becomes similar to springtime conditions and the plants respond by initiating new shoots, buds, leaves, flowers, etc.

Even in the winter months it is refreshing to see signs that spring is just around the corner with the early indicator plants such as the yellow flowering forsythia, the purplish pink saucer magnolia, the multicolored hyacinths, daffodils and crocus. These early blooming plants help to bring new life into our late winter landscapes and people also start thinking about spring and what they need to do for their landscapes.

What to Plant: You may continue to plant larkspur, poppies, and dianthus. In mid-March plant coreopsis, cherry laurel and southern magnolia and vegetables such as: broccoli, beets, cauliflower, and cabbage. Containerized roses can be planted anytime between March and May. This is the beginning of the next best time to plant ornamental shrubs and trees.

What to Prune: Prune deciduous spring flowering shrubs after flowers fade; quince, spirea and forsythia all flower on old growth. Do not prune shrubs that haven't bloomed yet such as azaleas and Indian hawthorns. Prune roses before bud break. Toward the end of the month, prune freeze-damaged oleanders in Coastal regions. Heavy pruning and rejuvenation pruning of summer blooming shrubs can be done now. On Rabbiteye blueberry bushes, prune to maintain 6-9 branches per plant.

What to Fertilize: The winter has been cold and warm at times. Typically it is best to fertilize most ornamental plants around April 15. You may apply bulb fertilizers according to label directions after bulbs emerge. Wait on other ornamentals until April. If you have not already fertilized pecan, do so now at your earliest convenience.


March Garden Chores

1. If weeds have been a problem in your landscape beds, consider using an appropriate pre emergence herbicide. The timing is critical for good results....it needs to be in place before the weeds appear! One rule to remember: if you had weeds last year, expect a volunteer (bumper) crop in 2007.

2. Most pruning on rose bushes should be completed this month if you haven’t done so already.

3. There are numerous fruit trees that will fit into most landscapes. Be sure to locate them away from active people use areas. If you are in a small setting, consider using a dwarf cultivar. Be sure to plant a pollinator if necessary. You should also note that deer are attracted to fruit trees. If you are in a "deer zone", it is recommended to erect some type of fence around each tree. Electric fences work well in orchards but are not practical for homeowners with a limited amount of space.

4. Begin designing a perennial border. There are 20 25 very popular herbaceous perennials that are (almost) fool proof, for all areas of North Carolina. Prepare the beds by deep tilling and incorporation of plenty of compost and plant later in the spring.

5. Want to improve the looks of your landscape by 100%? Many landscapes would look better if a 3 4" layer of organic mulch was applied around the shrubs. Then take a square blade shovel and put a professional edge on the bed. Be sure to edge at least 18 24" out from the outer edge (dripzone) of the shrubs

6. Think about adding some garden sculpture to the landscape. Any number of birdbaths, gazing globes, wildlife or human figurines and statues can be found in garden centers and antique shops. If you don't believe this is the latest "style", just thumb through a few gardening magazines.

7. Although a severe case of spring fever makes a gardener do strange things, one temptation to resist is to work in the soil if it's wet. Think twice before you work in wet soil. Compaction problems are unforgiving.

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