Archive for the ‘Landscapes’ CategoryI am planting a meditation garden, that has moderate to deep shade. I already have Kentucky Bluegrass and Hostas installed, but am looking for some other ideas for color. Suggestions, anybody? Coleus-has lots of different foliage colors You will want to double check with a good local nursery to see if these are good in your area. You can also add a few mixed containers on different height levels to add instant color and pop. I change mine up about every 3 months so that they are fresh and providing the bulk of "color" in the shady areas. These can be assorted shade annuals if you want. You can also add some specimen plants in pots and if they are elevated will create a nice focal point. Good luck! We just moved into our new house in October. The previous owners didn’t like the grass in the back yard, so they cut the lawn out and reseeded. There are two large locust trees in the backyard that provide a great deal of shade, which explains the thin grass growth. I am hoping to plant some hostas and various perrenials along the foundation of our house. There is one thing that worries me though. The ground bordering the back of the house is bare, and grass is present about 1 1/2 feet from the house. It’s like a grassless border. Since grass isn’t growing there, does that mean nothing else will? You can do a visual survey by digging a small hole. First look at the hole and take some soil in hand. Check your soil’s texture by picking up a handful and squeeze gently: If it feels sticky and stays in a tight mass, your soil is likely too high in clay. If it feels harsh or gritty and won’t hold any shape or crumbles it is likely too high in sand. If it feels smooth or floury and won’t hold any shape, it’s likely too high in silt. If it molds into your hand yet crumbles apart when squeezed, it has the perfect texture. It is loam. 1 inch gritty ribbon is sandy loam 1-2 inch gritty ribbon is sandy clay loam GT 2 inch gritty ribbon is sandy clay Black color indicates high organic matter; gray indicates medium organic matter. Red, tan or blue color indicates little organic matter and high clay. Blue color indicates that there is no oxygen in the clay. Therefore, no roots will grow in blue clay. Normally, the organic matter is mainly in the topsoil. Forest soils have a one to four inch thick layer of dark organic matter on top of mineral soil. Amendments will depend on the soil type and organic content. Black locust (Robinea pseudoacacia) has a shallow, aggressive root system spreading by producing root suckers. The tree leafs out late and is early to shed its foliage again. This makes it a great companion to all bulbs like scilla, tulips, narcissus, iris, and anemonies. I live in Massachusetts. I’m also interested in vines or small bushes with bright leaves. Also when should I plant them? Many people read the shade part, but not the SMALL in small shrubs… just FYI, becareful of some of the choices. As for shady perennials, what can I say, Hosta, Astilbe, Lamium, lungwart (Pulmonaria), Ligularia, Bruneria (there are some dazzling variegated forms!), ferns of all kind, foxglove (Digitalis), monkshood (Aconitum), columbine (Aquilegia) and Japanese toad lily (Tricyrtis). I’m sure there are more perennials, but this will get you started. As for shrubs… how small? But boxwood (Buxus), Japanese rose (Kerria) (There are some nice variegated forms), Dwarf Rhododendrons (Like Rampo or Purple Gem), Deutzia. I’m in USDA hardiness zone 5, which is similar to where you live, so I’m thinking that everything here should be hardy there. Good luck- I really dont want to just put random flowers in the front, I want it to look good. |