Caring for plants
Even though there are many plants that can grow without much maintenance, some energy and effort is required to make the landscape beautiful. Most people want a beautiful landscape and always think of planting roses. While roses do make the land look pretty, they do require a lot of work. Roses need to be sprayed, pruned, trimmed, watered, and dead foliage needs to be regularly removed if you want to continue having colorful roses.
Most people want instant success with roses but are not willing to put in the time. Therefore, if you do not have the time or you do not want to spend time in the garden, then roses should not be on the list of plants you want on your landscape.
So what plant does one buy?
Plants are easily available at most garden centers and nurseries in most towns and cities in North America. Most plants are sold in 1-2 gallon pots or plastic containers. Most people seem to forget that these small plants will grow large once they are planted in the ground.
By thoroughly bearing in mind how huge a mature plant will become prior to planting it, you will save you a lot of effort, heartache, time, and money.
If you are a novice getting into landscaping, the best advice is to speak to an expert at a nursery. For more on landscaping, please visit www.tnnursery.net
Sunday, September 13, 2009
What should one know prior to developing a good landscape? Part 2
Planning Ahead
Prior to purchasing plants, look at where you want to place our plant. Study the location to determine whether it is sunny, dark, wet, dry and what type of soil you have. Some plants prefer acidic soil and yet other prefers alkaline soil.
This planning does not take long but yet most majority of consumers have absolutely no clue about their landscape.
When these factors are not taken into account, the results are always predictable- disaster. Individuals who assess their landscape before buying a plant almost always have a 100% success. Further, when preplanning is done, the majority of plants selected will thrive without a great deal of maintenance.
Prior to purchasing plants, look at where you want to place our plant. Study the location to determine whether it is sunny, dark, wet, dry and what type of soil you have. Some plants prefer acidic soil and yet other prefers alkaline soil.
This planning does not take long but yet most majority of consumers have absolutely no clue about their landscape.
When these factors are not taken into account, the results are always predictable- disaster. Individuals who assess their landscape before buying a plant almost always have a 100% success. Further, when preplanning is done, the majority of plants selected will thrive without a great deal of maintenance.
What should one know prior to developing a good landscape? part 1
The majority of individuals who start out in landscaping or gardening have very little idea about the different plants and growth requirements. The average consumer simply walks into a store or goes online and buys the most colorful plant. And the result in most cases is an inevitable failure. For successful gardening or landscaping, one should start to read or ask questions about plants before buying them. Good plant selection is the chief requirement for successful landscaping. The landscape can only look as good as the plants you select. If you select poor plants, you will get an awful scene and vice versa.
The other criteria when choosing plants is to know where you will place them. Many consumers buy a plant, then find it is too big for the house, and then place it somewhere in the back yard. This is considered poor planning. Secondly, if you do not want to work hard, buy plants that require low maintenance. Plants can grow wild and make your landscape look very messy if you do not maintain them. Other things one should know before buying a plant is what size it will grow to, what season it blooms and whether is it susceptible to insects.
The other criteria when choosing plants is to know where you will place them. Many consumers buy a plant, then find it is too big for the house, and then place it somewhere in the back yard. This is considered poor planning. Secondly, if you do not want to work hard, buy plants that require low maintenance. Plants can grow wild and make your landscape look very messy if you do not maintain them. Other things one should know before buying a plant is what size it will grow to, what season it blooms and whether is it susceptible to insects.
All about watering your landscape 101: Part 2
If you are not sure how much water to give to your plants, place a small marked container at the bottom of soil. When you water, check the time when the water reaches to a certain mark. Sometimes water runs off before it has time to penetrate the soil and you have accomplished nothing. To avoid run off, decrease the amount of water you use or water for a short time. Allow the water to sink and soak the plant, and irrigate again.
Everyone has their own personal time to water their plants. In general, watering of plants is best done early in the morning. At this of the day, one uses less water because there is no evaporation. One should avoid watering after dusk because foliage will stay wet all night and become prone to disease.
Watering anytime in the afternoon is also not recommended. When drops of water sit on leaves, they act as a hot spot (magnifying glass) and burn holes in leave due to sun’s energy. Further, when irrigating is done in the afternoon, it uses up much more water because the majority evaporates before it even reaches the deep soil. Thus, always water first thing in the morning because it conserves water, allows deeper penetration and decreases the risk of spreading plant disease.
To make watering more effective, place a decent layer of mulch around the garden and trees. The mulch significantly reduces evaporation from soil and also helps to keep the soil cool and moist. Further, mulch also acts as a great obstacle to weeds that contend with your plants for water. Mulch can be made of tree bark, wood chips, pine needles, mowed grass clipping, or desiccated leaves.
For more on your landscape needs, please visit www.tnnursery.net
Everyone has their own personal time to water their plants. In general, watering of plants is best done early in the morning. At this of the day, one uses less water because there is no evaporation. One should avoid watering after dusk because foliage will stay wet all night and become prone to disease.
Watering anytime in the afternoon is also not recommended. When drops of water sit on leaves, they act as a hot spot (magnifying glass) and burn holes in leave due to sun’s energy. Further, when irrigating is done in the afternoon, it uses up much more water because the majority evaporates before it even reaches the deep soil. Thus, always water first thing in the morning because it conserves water, allows deeper penetration and decreases the risk of spreading plant disease.
To make watering more effective, place a decent layer of mulch around the garden and trees. The mulch significantly reduces evaporation from soil and also helps to keep the soil cool and moist. Further, mulch also acts as a great obstacle to weeds that contend with your plants for water. Mulch can be made of tree bark, wood chips, pine needles, mowed grass clipping, or desiccated leaves.
For more on your landscape needs, please visit www.tnnursery.net
All about watering your landscape 101 Part 1
When it comes to watering the landscape, everyone has his or her own ideas and beliefs. Some people water their plants once a week, others water plants 2-3 times a week, and yet others never water their plants- living everything to nature. If you want to enjoy your landscape or garden at its best, especially throughout the summer, then in most cases you need to water them frequently. To most people watering simply means holding a hosepipe over the plant for a few minutes or let the sprinkler do the watering automatically. However, there are a few tricks about watering that can help your plants become stronger and more durable.
The majority of pants growing around homes, in the vegetable garden, lawns and flowerbeds require about 2-3 cm of water or rainfall each week during the developing season. If you have had a decent rainfall during the week, then watering can be avoided. If the rainfall has been minuscule, then one must water.
Superficial watering does not do much for plant growth. Watering is best done deep and can be done infrequently. Watering more than twice a week is not recommended because shallow watering encourages shallow rooting. Deep watering allows roots to embed deeper in soil, making plants better able to tolerate stress.
If you are not sure how much water to give to your plants, place a small marked container at the bottom of soil. When you water, check the time when the water reaches to a certain mark. Sometimes water runs off before it has time to penetrate the soil and you have accomplished nothing. To avoid run off, decrease the amount of water you use or water for a short time. Allow the water to sink and soak the plant, and irrigate again.
The majority of pants growing around homes, in the vegetable garden, lawns and flowerbeds require about 2-3 cm of water or rainfall each week during the developing season. If you have had a decent rainfall during the week, then watering can be avoided. If the rainfall has been minuscule, then one must water.
Superficial watering does not do much for plant growth. Watering is best done deep and can be done infrequently. Watering more than twice a week is not recommended because shallow watering encourages shallow rooting. Deep watering allows roots to embed deeper in soil, making plants better able to tolerate stress.
If you are not sure how much water to give to your plants, place a small marked container at the bottom of soil. When you water, check the time when the water reaches to a certain mark. Sometimes water runs off before it has time to penetrate the soil and you have accomplished nothing. To avoid run off, decrease the amount of water you use or water for a short time. Allow the water to sink and soak the plant, and irrigate again.
Everlastings: Part 3
The majority of herbs sold also are everlastings, although not all have attractive flowers.
The most commonly used everlasting herbs include:
Lavender.
Mints
Oregano
Rosemary
Finally there are many varieties of grasses whose seed heads also develop colorful everlastings. To have a great indoor plant show, flowers are not the only segment of the plant for decorations. Plants like the Gaillardia makes furry circular seed heads that make nice decorations for the home. Other everlastings include the leaves of Artemisia and dusty miller. Shrubbery is often the background for garlands/wreaths, with blooms and seedpods as decorations.
The majority of everlastings have a long flowering season, usually from June to October, depending on the season. The plants are easy to grow and there is usually a nearly 100 percent germination rate. One can use everlastings as a feature in the garden, along driveways, or as cut or dried flowers or as an unusual gift or keepsake.
For more on everlastings, please visit www.tnnursery.net
The most commonly used everlasting herbs include:
Lavender.
Mints
Oregano
Rosemary
Finally there are many varieties of grasses whose seed heads also develop colorful everlastings. To have a great indoor plant show, flowers are not the only segment of the plant for decorations. Plants like the Gaillardia makes furry circular seed heads that make nice decorations for the home. Other everlastings include the leaves of Artemisia and dusty miller. Shrubbery is often the background for garlands/wreaths, with blooms and seedpods as decorations.
The majority of everlastings have a long flowering season, usually from June to October, depending on the season. The plants are easy to grow and there is usually a nearly 100 percent germination rate. One can use everlastings as a feature in the garden, along driveways, or as cut or dried flowers or as an unusual gift or keepsake.
For more on everlastings, please visit www.tnnursery.net
Everlastings: Part 2
Everlastings Types
Everlastings are easy to grow and often flourish in the garden without one knowing.
Annual everlasting flowers include the following:
Ageratum
Bachelor’s buttons (Centaurea),
Basil flowers
Calendula
Celosia (cockscomb)
Dusty miller
Gomphrena (globe amaranth)
Larkspur
Scabiosa
Statice
Strawflower (Helichrysum)
Both salvia and marigold also are everlastings but since these flowers do hold on to a lot of ordinary moisture, they are trickier to manage when picked. These flowers are best picked just prior to ripeness and should be immediately dried in a warm environment, which is dry. Once they are dried, the flowers will reduce in size to half their original size.
Perennial plants used as everlastings include:
Allium flowers (both chives and garlic)
Armeria (true thrift),
Artemisia
Astilbe
Baby’s breath
Butterfly weed
Gaillardia
Hydrangea
Lavender
Liatris
Monarda
Perennial salvias
Roses
Santolina
Sedum.
Thistles
Yarrow
Everlastings are easy to grow and often flourish in the garden without one knowing.
Annual everlasting flowers include the following:
Ageratum
Bachelor’s buttons (Centaurea),
Basil flowers
Calendula
Celosia (cockscomb)
Dusty miller
Gomphrena (globe amaranth)
Larkspur
Scabiosa
Statice
Strawflower (Helichrysum)
Both salvia and marigold also are everlastings but since these flowers do hold on to a lot of ordinary moisture, they are trickier to manage when picked. These flowers are best picked just prior to ripeness and should be immediately dried in a warm environment, which is dry. Once they are dried, the flowers will reduce in size to half their original size.
Perennial plants used as everlastings include:
Allium flowers (both chives and garlic)
Armeria (true thrift),
Artemisia
Astilbe
Baby’s breath
Butterfly weed
Gaillardia
Hydrangea
Lavender
Liatris
Monarda
Perennial salvias
Roses
Santolina
Sedum.
Thistles
Yarrow
Everlastings
Everyone wants to know if there is a flower that can be planted in early spring, remain beautiful and one is able to look at the flowers for a long time. Well in fact, there is a plant and these are everlastings. Everlastings are plants that maintain their great shape, youth, and color many months after they have been clipped and dried. The best news is that these plants are not difficult to grow or dry.
Everlastings are quite different from many other types of flowers.
Most of the species of everlastings have little or no moisture on the flowers. Moreover, they feel soft and dry to touch even before they are clipped and dried. In the past, there were no cut flowers available and everlastings were the only alternative flowers for the indoors.
Everlastings have a rich history and have been popular flowers in most cultures for centuries. In the latter part of 19th and 20th century, the popularity of everlastings decreased, partly because of availability of silk or synthetic flowers. Now things have changed again. Everlastings are again one of the most sought flowers for homes.
Today everlastings can be bought from almost any flower shop and the majority are imported from Europe.
Everlastings are quite different from many other types of flowers.
Most of the species of everlastings have little or no moisture on the flowers. Moreover, they feel soft and dry to touch even before they are clipped and dried. In the past, there were no cut flowers available and everlastings were the only alternative flowers for the indoors.
Everlastings have a rich history and have been popular flowers in most cultures for centuries. In the latter part of 19th and 20th century, the popularity of everlastings decreased, partly because of availability of silk or synthetic flowers. Now things have changed again. Everlastings are again one of the most sought flowers for homes.
Today everlastings can be bought from almost any flower shop and the majority are imported from Europe.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Bulbs: Part 2
TULIPS
When planting any bulb like tulips or daffodils, plant the bulbs 10 cm (4in) deep and 10cm (4in) apart. Water the bulbs when the buds are rising to encourage large blooms and taller stems. Always top dress bulbs in autumn after planting. For long-term display, wait until the foliage has died off before cutting back. Also beware of slugs, they absolutely love tulips!
The bulbs grow well in a fertile, sandy soil and in a sunny location. Tulips like to be planted before the first frost or during the autumn and as late as November. They need cold weather to root. If you do grow them in containers, you must not forget to water them during the early spring when you might get dry, warm weather, or else the bulbs will dry out and all that hard work will be gone to waste.
If you love tulips than a visit to Keukenhof, is the place to go, where from March to May, about six million tulips will bloom. Since 1949, the Dutch bulb growers put on a display of all varieties and colours of tulips among sculpture exhibitions and other permanent garden displays. People travel from all over the world just to see the array of tulips. It is a breath taking site and a must for all tulip lovers.
For more on your gardening needs, please visit www.tnnursery.net
When planting any bulb like tulips or daffodils, plant the bulbs 10 cm (4in) deep and 10cm (4in) apart. Water the bulbs when the buds are rising to encourage large blooms and taller stems. Always top dress bulbs in autumn after planting. For long-term display, wait until the foliage has died off before cutting back. Also beware of slugs, they absolutely love tulips!
The bulbs grow well in a fertile, sandy soil and in a sunny location. Tulips like to be planted before the first frost or during the autumn and as late as November. They need cold weather to root. If you do grow them in containers, you must not forget to water them during the early spring when you might get dry, warm weather, or else the bulbs will dry out and all that hard work will be gone to waste.
If you love tulips than a visit to Keukenhof, is the place to go, where from March to May, about six million tulips will bloom. Since 1949, the Dutch bulb growers put on a display of all varieties and colours of tulips among sculpture exhibitions and other permanent garden displays. People travel from all over the world just to see the array of tulips. It is a breath taking site and a must for all tulip lovers.
For more on your gardening needs, please visit www.tnnursery.net
Bulbs 101
BULBS
A bulb is an underground vertical stem that has tailored leaves with thick bases. The leaves of bulbs are frequently used as food storage pedicles when the plant is dormant.
The leaves of the bulb generally do not support the leaves. Plants that form true bulbs include onions, garlic, lily, tulip, amaryllis, and Iris.
Most flower bulbs necessitate a cold climate to bloom perennially. In southern part of the country, bulb species have evolved that do not always need this recurrent frosty weather to multiply. These bulbs, which grow in Florida, Tennessee, Arizona, and Texas, include several species of narcissus, French Roman Hyacinth, and the tulip.
Bulbs are easy care plants. They are a lot easier to handle than tiny seeds. However, there are two provisos; you must choose the right bulb to grow. Once grown, bulbs are hardy with a good reputation for reliability and can be left in the ground to come up year after year. There are many bulbs to choose from like, Botanical tulips, snowdrops, grape hyacinths, narcissi and daffodils. There are others that have to be lifted out of the ground and stored for the year after; these are garden tulips, hyacinths and nearly all gladioli. You usually do that once the foliage is shriveled.
The second proviso is you must plant bulbs in the right place. There are two important things one must remember; the main one being that once the foliage dies down once the flowering is over- this can be quite unsightly with large plants. You must not cut these large plant off until it is brown and withered. The next important thing is to remember where to plant bulbs, since many bulbs spread quite rapidly by self-seeding. Thus, one should not set them too close to delicate plants which maybe over run.
GARDENING Basics 101 Part 2
COMPOST
The best time to make compost is spring as it can rot down faster. It is a great source of bulky organic material to use in your garden. It is easy and costs nothing to make your own compost. Your garden will also benefit from all that mulch that you make.
There are two types of composts, soil less compost is made from peat or a substitute of bark or coir. Soil-based composts are a mixture of sterilized soil, peat or an alternative like sand.
Soil-less compost is suitable for sowing and potting household plants.
Always make sure you use moist, warmed to room temperature and fresh compost. Do not keep left over compost from one season to the next as the fertilizers change into harmful chemicals with age, but you can still use your old supply to improve the soil outdoors.
Most city councils supply households with bins to make your own compost, but if you are not able to get one of these bins, you can always make your own compost heap.
THINGS YOU CAN PUT ON THE COMPOST:
Shredded paper, but not shiny/glossy magazines
Dead leaves
Prunings
Uncooked vegetable trimmings, peelings
Used Tea bags from the kitchen
Annual weeds
Tops of perennial weeds
Old bedding plants
Lawn mowings
Soft hedge trimmings
Things that you should not put in your compost:
Synthetic material
Cooked food scrapes
Dog or cat waste
Soil pests
Any weeds with seed heads
Meat or bones
For more on landscaping, please visit www.tnnursery.net
The best time to make compost is spring as it can rot down faster. It is a great source of bulky organic material to use in your garden. It is easy and costs nothing to make your own compost. Your garden will also benefit from all that mulch that you make.
There are two types of composts, soil less compost is made from peat or a substitute of bark or coir. Soil-based composts are a mixture of sterilized soil, peat or an alternative like sand.
Soil-less compost is suitable for sowing and potting household plants.
Always make sure you use moist, warmed to room temperature and fresh compost. Do not keep left over compost from one season to the next as the fertilizers change into harmful chemicals with age, but you can still use your old supply to improve the soil outdoors.
Most city councils supply households with bins to make your own compost, but if you are not able to get one of these bins, you can always make your own compost heap.
THINGS YOU CAN PUT ON THE COMPOST:
Shredded paper, but not shiny/glossy magazines
Dead leaves
Prunings
Uncooked vegetable trimmings, peelings
Used Tea bags from the kitchen
Annual weeds
Tops of perennial weeds
Old bedding plants
Lawn mowings
Soft hedge trimmings
Things that you should not put in your compost:
Synthetic material
Cooked food scrapes
Dog or cat waste
Soil pests
Any weeds with seed heads
Meat or bones
For more on landscaping, please visit www.tnnursery.net
GARDENING Basics 101 Part 1
Annual plants: These plants usually grow a full cycle. They flower, seed and die in a single season. Some annuals can be grown in autumn for them to flower in the following spring; others are usually sown in spring for them to flower throughout the summer. You can generally pick the seeds just before they die off and save them to re -sow again and again.
Perennials: These plants generally have an indefinite life span of two years or more. Some perennials maybe quite short lived, whereas trees can easily survive for centuries.
HERB GARDEN
If you like using herbs in your cooking, you will enjoy growing your own in your garden. You can grow herbs scattered among ornamental plants in a bed or border, or in plant pots on the patio. Just keep them near your kitchen door mainly so as they will be within easy reach for you to use. They are also great in hanging baskets. They smell great on a hot summer’s day. You can also freeze them once the growing season is done and can be used as when you need them. Freezing herbs in plastic bags keeps them fresh.
Just like ornamental plants, there are annuals such as basil, marjoram, and corriander. Perennials such as mint, thyme and fennel, woody perennials such as lavender, sage, and rosemary, or bulbs such as chives.
Herbs grow best in hot and sunny spots. They also prefer well-drained soil and are perfect for growing in pots near your kitchen door. Like all plants in general, herbs enjoy regular feeding throughout the growing season.
Perennials: These plants generally have an indefinite life span of two years or more. Some perennials maybe quite short lived, whereas trees can easily survive for centuries.
HERB GARDEN
If you like using herbs in your cooking, you will enjoy growing your own in your garden. You can grow herbs scattered among ornamental plants in a bed or border, or in plant pots on the patio. Just keep them near your kitchen door mainly so as they will be within easy reach for you to use. They are also great in hanging baskets. They smell great on a hot summer’s day. You can also freeze them once the growing season is done and can be used as when you need them. Freezing herbs in plastic bags keeps them fresh.
Just like ornamental plants, there are annuals such as basil, marjoram, and corriander. Perennials such as mint, thyme and fennel, woody perennials such as lavender, sage, and rosemary, or bulbs such as chives.
Herbs grow best in hot and sunny spots. They also prefer well-drained soil and are perfect for growing in pots near your kitchen door. Like all plants in general, herbs enjoy regular feeding throughout the growing season.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
What are the best plants to make Hedges? Part 3
Deciduous hedge shrubs
Most landscapers agree that deciduous hedge shrubs look nice when they are in bloom but not so during winter. Further, the leaves on these shrubs do fall during autumn and the plant looks bare for most of winter. For those seeking privacy, deciduous shrubs should be avoided. Several deciduous shrubs widely used to build hedges include the Rose of Sharon, Forsythia and Lilac bushes. These shrubs also do not need detailed trimming in winter.
Flowering plants as hedges
There are also several flowering plants that can be used to create a hedge. The popular choices of flowering plants include Rose of Sharon, dogwood, lilac, and Forsythia. However, unlike evergreens, the flowering plants are not easy to trim or shape. For the best aesthetic effect, it is recommended that one let flowering plants grow wild. During bloom, the flowers will add a nice background to the landscape.
Some landscapers prefer to plant azaleas and privets that bloom pretty flowers. However, many species of azaleas and privets are not evergreen and have finicky soil requirements.
Final Point
Having a hedge has many benefits including privacy, security, decorative or fencing. Not all plants are suited as hedges and a lot depends on location and personal choices. In the past, bushes were used to build hedges but today, there are many more choices. Having a hedge does require a commitment, as these plants do need some pruning and trimming. If these plants are left to grow wild, one will need lot of work in future to reshape landscape.
To grow an effective hedge, plants should be placed at least 3 feet apart so that the growth will be even and not appear overcrowded. If one is trying to create a hedge “maze”, then one has to ensure that the path is not going to be hidden when the plants are full-grown. Building a hedge is relatively easy but one does need to be patient, motivated, and creative. Like most things about landscape, if you put in the effort, you will be rewarded with beautiful scenery.
For more of your landscape needs, please visit www.tnnursery.net
Most landscapers agree that deciduous hedge shrubs look nice when they are in bloom but not so during winter. Further, the leaves on these shrubs do fall during autumn and the plant looks bare for most of winter. For those seeking privacy, deciduous shrubs should be avoided. Several deciduous shrubs widely used to build hedges include the Rose of Sharon, Forsythia and Lilac bushes. These shrubs also do not need detailed trimming in winter.
Flowering plants as hedges
There are also several flowering plants that can be used to create a hedge. The popular choices of flowering plants include Rose of Sharon, dogwood, lilac, and Forsythia. However, unlike evergreens, the flowering plants are not easy to trim or shape. For the best aesthetic effect, it is recommended that one let flowering plants grow wild. During bloom, the flowers will add a nice background to the landscape.
Some landscapers prefer to plant azaleas and privets that bloom pretty flowers. However, many species of azaleas and privets are not evergreen and have finicky soil requirements.
Final Point
Having a hedge has many benefits including privacy, security, decorative or fencing. Not all plants are suited as hedges and a lot depends on location and personal choices. In the past, bushes were used to build hedges but today, there are many more choices. Having a hedge does require a commitment, as these plants do need some pruning and trimming. If these plants are left to grow wild, one will need lot of work in future to reshape landscape.
To grow an effective hedge, plants should be placed at least 3 feet apart so that the growth will be even and not appear overcrowded. If one is trying to create a hedge “maze”, then one has to ensure that the path is not going to be hidden when the plants are full-grown. Building a hedge is relatively easy but one does need to be patient, motivated, and creative. Like most things about landscape, if you put in the effort, you will be rewarded with beautiful scenery.
For more of your landscape needs, please visit www.tnnursery.net
What are the best plants to make Hedges? Part 2
Which shrubs make good hedges?
Evergreens
Boxwood is an evergreen shrub with tiny green leaves, and is the most often used plant to build hedges.
Other favorites among gardeners are hollies. There are many types of holly, but in general, they all look alike. The basic plant is a shrub with dark green needle leaves and produces bright red berries in mid-winter. Most people prefer holly for hedges because the plant makes the landscape look beautiful during winter. For those who want security/privacy, the English holly with its prickly leaves is a great choice. The English holly also has good aesthetic looks. Some hollies can grow to heights of 6-8 feet and offer superb privacy.
Yew is an evergreen, with needle leaves and produces a small red colored fruit. This all year around plant is frequently used as a hedge. Its needled leaves help tolerate shade and are tall enough to offer excellent privacy. Because the Yew leaves are irritating and toxic when ingested, these plants should not be planted in the presence of children or animals. Yews also grow slow and requires more than a few years to ripen.
Privet has shady green elliptical leaves and a bunch of tiny white flowers that often have a pleasant smell. They make a good choice as hedges and provide a nice background.
In general, evergreens grow rather fast and can be easily trimmed into a suitable shape and size.
Other evergreen choices for hedge plants include the Boxwood shrub, Japanese holly, the broadleaf, cypress and mountain laurel. These shrubs reach a height of 3-4 feet and spread to about the same length horizontally. Mountain laurels produce beautiful blooms in late spring and early summer.
Two popular trees widely used as a hedge are the Arborvitae and the European Beech. These trees grow quite dense foliage that makes it ideal for those seeking privacy. Further, the dense growth of the trees also acts as a windbreaker. Both the arborvitae and European beech should be allowed to grow naturally and readily perform the functions of a hedge. Of course, one is free to trim the trees if a decorative hedge is desired.
Evergreens
Boxwood is an evergreen shrub with tiny green leaves, and is the most often used plant to build hedges.
Other favorites among gardeners are hollies. There are many types of holly, but in general, they all look alike. The basic plant is a shrub with dark green needle leaves and produces bright red berries in mid-winter. Most people prefer holly for hedges because the plant makes the landscape look beautiful during winter. For those who want security/privacy, the English holly with its prickly leaves is a great choice. The English holly also has good aesthetic looks. Some hollies can grow to heights of 6-8 feet and offer superb privacy.
Yew is an evergreen, with needle leaves and produces a small red colored fruit. This all year around plant is frequently used as a hedge. Its needled leaves help tolerate shade and are tall enough to offer excellent privacy. Because the Yew leaves are irritating and toxic when ingested, these plants should not be planted in the presence of children or animals. Yews also grow slow and requires more than a few years to ripen.
Privet has shady green elliptical leaves and a bunch of tiny white flowers that often have a pleasant smell. They make a good choice as hedges and provide a nice background.
In general, evergreens grow rather fast and can be easily trimmed into a suitable shape and size.
Other evergreen choices for hedge plants include the Boxwood shrub, Japanese holly, the broadleaf, cypress and mountain laurel. These shrubs reach a height of 3-4 feet and spread to about the same length horizontally. Mountain laurels produce beautiful blooms in late spring and early summer.
Two popular trees widely used as a hedge are the Arborvitae and the European Beech. These trees grow quite dense foliage that makes it ideal for those seeking privacy. Further, the dense growth of the trees also acts as a windbreaker. Both the arborvitae and European beech should be allowed to grow naturally and readily perform the functions of a hedge. Of course, one is free to trim the trees if a decorative hedge is desired.
What are the best plants to make Hedges? Part 1
Simply defined a Hedge is a wall or barrier composed of plants. Most people use hedges for decorative reasons but some individuals use hedges as a barrier or to provide privacy.
When hedges are used for decorative purposes, there is a little bit more work involved because the plant has to be regularly trimmed/pruned to the proper size or shape. Both evergreens and a number of deciduous shrubs can be used to make decorative hedges. Many homeowners or landscapers also use hedges as a wall barrier or as fence.
To function as a barrier, hedges need to be planted in a row, close to one another. Hedges come in various shapes and sizes. If one requires privacy, one should select hedges that will grow tall. Further one can select shrubs or trees that have thorns or prickly leaves (hawthorns) to deter animals or people.
Asides from providing a security barrier, hedges can also be used to create a privacy fence or act as windbreakers. To function effectively as windbreakers, one needs to plant small trees mixed with shrubs to prevent pockets of air from entering the area. When hedges are used as a barrier, they can be allowed to grow freely and do not require trimming. However, if one wants the hedge to have an aesthetically pleasing look, there is no reason why a barrier hedge cannot be trimmed into shape.
Trimming hedges is not very difficult and does not require an artistic hand. Most barrier hedges do not require trimming. However, some hedges like the boxwood, privet, and yew do need to be trimmed, otherwise their growth appears chaotic.
When hedges are used for decorative purposes, there is a little bit more work involved because the plant has to be regularly trimmed/pruned to the proper size or shape. Both evergreens and a number of deciduous shrubs can be used to make decorative hedges. Many homeowners or landscapers also use hedges as a wall barrier or as fence.
To function as a barrier, hedges need to be planted in a row, close to one another. Hedges come in various shapes and sizes. If one requires privacy, one should select hedges that will grow tall. Further one can select shrubs or trees that have thorns or prickly leaves (hawthorns) to deter animals or people.
Asides from providing a security barrier, hedges can also be used to create a privacy fence or act as windbreakers. To function effectively as windbreakers, one needs to plant small trees mixed with shrubs to prevent pockets of air from entering the area. When hedges are used as a barrier, they can be allowed to grow freely and do not require trimming. However, if one wants the hedge to have an aesthetically pleasing look, there is no reason why a barrier hedge cannot be trimmed into shape.
Trimming hedges is not very difficult and does not require an artistic hand. Most barrier hedges do not require trimming. However, some hedges like the boxwood, privet, and yew do need to be trimmed, otherwise their growth appears chaotic.
Friday, September 4, 2009
TN Nursery
TN Nursery
At TN Nursery, we are a wholesale nursery grower of many plant supplies for reforestoration and landscaping companies. We serve states coast to coast and strive to maintain the highest quality. At TN nursery, we keep a large supply of native trees, reforestoration seedlings, native plants, shrubs, perennials, ferns, vining plants, bare root liners, seedlings, and whips at wholesale grower prices. We also carry wholesale B&B trees, wholesale bare root trees, shrubs, perennials, flowering trees and shrubs, as well as some rare & unusual perennials. TN Nursery is a state-certified nursery grower of specimen-quality wholesale flowering trees and shrubs. We strive to get our customers the best rate on shipping.
Why you should buy from TNnursery
All our plants are nursery propagated and adapted to Tennessee climate and soil conditions. The benefits of buying our nursery plants include the following:
- Ability to withstand drought for up to 12 months
- Ability to withstand cold frigid temperatures or snow
- Widespread root system of some plants may help control soil
erosion
- Many of our plants have ability to resist insects and diseases
- Provide home for both fauna and wild life
- Low maintenance in the long run
- Some of our plants with extensive roots can help water
penetration in soil and reduce water wastage
- Most of our plants are durable and can be grown in harsh climates
For more on Landscaping plants, pricing and shipping please visit www.tnnursery.net
At TN Nursery, we are a wholesale nursery grower of many plant supplies for reforestoration and landscaping companies. We serve states coast to coast and strive to maintain the highest quality. At TN nursery, we keep a large supply of native trees, reforestoration seedlings, native plants, shrubs, perennials, ferns, vining plants, bare root liners, seedlings, and whips at wholesale grower prices. We also carry wholesale B&B trees, wholesale bare root trees, shrubs, perennials, flowering trees and shrubs, as well as some rare & unusual perennials. TN Nursery is a state-certified nursery grower of specimen-quality wholesale flowering trees and shrubs. We strive to get our customers the best rate on shipping.
Why you should buy from TNnursery
All our plants are nursery propagated and adapted to Tennessee climate and soil conditions. The benefits of buying our nursery plants include the following:
- Ability to withstand drought for up to 12 months
- Ability to withstand cold frigid temperatures or snow
- Widespread root system of some plants may help control soil
erosion
- Many of our plants have ability to resist insects and diseases
- Provide home for both fauna and wild life
- Low maintenance in the long run
- Some of our plants with extensive roots can help water
penetration in soil and reduce water wastage
- Most of our plants are durable and can be grown in harsh climates
For more on Landscaping plants, pricing and shipping please visit www.tnnursery.net
Nursery and Green Houses
Plants at a nursery are often grown in a green house. The green house is usually a structure made of glass or specialized plastic to help capture the sun’s rays. Green houses also protect young plants and shrubs from cold frigid weather while at the same time providing access to light and clean air. Most modern greenhouses have state of the art equipment with features like automatic temperature control, improved ventilation, alternating light and day cycles, semi computerized watering systems. Some green houses also have roofs that can open to permit “toughening” of plants without the need to manually transfer the plants outside on a regular basis.
Running a Nursery
Running a nursery is hard work and required hands on labor. Even though many equipments/systems have become efficient, a lot of other basic work still requires labor. Running a nursery is also time-consuming because not all plants can be cared for in a similar method or at the same time. Different plants require diverse conditions to grow so plant care in a nursery requires meticulous observation, sound judgment and some manual skills. To be a first rate nursery, one also requires good judgment and aptitude when it comes to selecting appropriate plants for sell.
Even when plants are ready for sell, business is seasonal, with most consumers buying in spring and autumn. One can never foretell when there will be a demand for the plant. Further, the environment (e.g. drought, frost), temperature, cheaper overseas products, and outbreaks of diseases also affect plant production. Running a nursery is always linked with certain risks and nothing is guaranteed.
When plants are ready, they are sold in several ways. Nurseries may sell some annuals in large trays, flat trays, peat pots, porcelain, or plastic pots. Each tray may contain only one or several plants. Most perennials, shrubs and woody plants may be sold in either pots, bare root or balled and in several sizes, varying from liners to mature trees.
Running a Nursery
Running a nursery is hard work and required hands on labor. Even though many equipments/systems have become efficient, a lot of other basic work still requires labor. Running a nursery is also time-consuming because not all plants can be cared for in a similar method or at the same time. Different plants require diverse conditions to grow so plant care in a nursery requires meticulous observation, sound judgment and some manual skills. To be a first rate nursery, one also requires good judgment and aptitude when it comes to selecting appropriate plants for sell.
Even when plants are ready for sell, business is seasonal, with most consumers buying in spring and autumn. One can never foretell when there will be a demand for the plant. Further, the environment (e.g. drought, frost), temperature, cheaper overseas products, and outbreaks of diseases also affect plant production. Running a nursery is always linked with certain risks and nothing is guaranteed.
When plants are ready, they are sold in several ways. Nurseries may sell some annuals in large trays, flat trays, peat pots, porcelain, or plastic pots. Each tray may contain only one or several plants. Most perennials, shrubs and woody plants may be sold in either pots, bare root or balled and in several sizes, varying from liners to mature trees.
What is a Nursery?
A nursery is a setting where plants are produced by a variety of methods and grown to a size where they are sold. There are two basic types of nurseries- retail stores that sell their plant products to the general public and wholesales nurseries that sell only to other recognized nurseries, privileged nurseries and to industrious landscape gardeners. Today many nurseries have established themselves online and sell their plants products by mail order.
Type of plants in a nursery
The majority of nurseries grow a wide variety of annuals, perennials, woody plants, trees, and shrubs. The plants sold at nurseries can be used to beautify the landscape, make the home garden pretty or one can even buy vegetable and agricultural plants. Nurseries can also be very focused and may be involved in only one period of plant growth. Some nurseries only propagate plants, others grow the adult plants, some only sell plants for landscaping and other sells plants for ground cover (e.g. shade trees, rock garden plants).
There are several ways to propagate plants but most nurseries use methods like budding, grafting or layering.
Type of plants in a nursery
The majority of nurseries grow a wide variety of annuals, perennials, woody plants, trees, and shrubs. The plants sold at nurseries can be used to beautify the landscape, make the home garden pretty or one can even buy vegetable and agricultural plants. Nurseries can also be very focused and may be involved in only one period of plant growth. Some nurseries only propagate plants, others grow the adult plants, some only sell plants for landscaping and other sells plants for ground cover (e.g. shade trees, rock garden plants).
There are several ways to propagate plants but most nurseries use methods like budding, grafting or layering.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Everything you want to know about Evergreens
Most people love trees/plants but have little idea what to grow in their gardens. Before buying any plant, one should know the difference between an evergreen and a deciduous plant. The former has leaves all year round whereas the latter completely loses its shrubbery for some part of the year (e.g. winter). However, even though a plant is an evergreen, the leaf perseverance may fluctuate from several months to many years. When the plant sheds it leaves, new leaves rapidly replace old ones.
What are common evergreen plants and trees?
The list of evergreen trees and plants is long. Some of the more common species include the following:
- conifers
- spruce
- Broadleaved shrubs
- Perennials
- Hellebores
- Arborvitae
- Yews
- Junipers
- Pines
- annuals
Why do evergreens thrive all year round?
Plants like animals adapt to their environment. Many deciduous trees discard their leaves as an adaptation to winter or dry arid summers. The majority of plants in the tropics are evergreens; the leaves are gradually restored throughout the year as they age and fall off. In areas where weather is seasonal, plants may be either evergreens or deciduous. In general, in warm climates the plants are evergreen but in cool temperate climates, most plants are deciduous. The most common evergreen in temperate climate is conifers.
Another important reason for a tree or a plant being evergreen is because of adaptation to nutrient conditions of soil. When soil has fewer nutrients available, evergreen plants have a survival benefit over deciduous plants. There are some pines and cypresses that have capacity to grow on soil that is depleted of nutrients. Other evergreens like the broadleaf plant can grow on highly acidic soil.
Moreover, in cooler climates evergreens can help fortify their own survival because these plants have the capability to produce a higher carbon: nitrogen ratio than deciduous plants. This high carbon: nitrogen ratio contributes to increased soil acidity and decreased nitrogen content in soil. These conditions favor growth of evergreens and make it almost impossible for deciduous plants to thrive. Finally, evergreens also provide shade/protection for other evergreen plants to survive in cooler weather and in times of drought.
Which type of plant is most affected by insets, pests, and disease?
Similar infections and insects equally affect both deciduous and evergreen plants.
Does pollution affect trees or plants?
Yes. However, because evergreens are always green they are generally more affected in the long-term by pollution, smog, ash and many toxic chemicals in the environment.
What are advantages of growing Evergreens?
All Evergreen trees/plants remain bright throughout the year. The majority of evergreens remain the same color during both winter and summer. Evergreen trees convey bright colors to backgrounds that are dull due to harsh cold weather, arid dry weather, or infertile soil. Finally, Evergreen trees are durable, have low maintenance, and are resourceful.
Why does one use Evergreens in the landscape?
Evergreens have multiple uses. Some people utilize these trees or plants as windbreakers to decrease wind speed, deflect, or block winds. Others utilize evergreens on North side of homes to prevent accumulation of snow in certain areas of the home.
To know more about evergreens for your landscape, visit www.tnnursery.net. This website has a comprehensive list of evergreens and FAQs on the topic.
What are common evergreen plants and trees?
The list of evergreen trees and plants is long. Some of the more common species include the following:
- conifers
- spruce
- Broadleaved shrubs
- Perennials
- Hellebores
- Arborvitae
- Yews
- Junipers
- Pines
- annuals
Why do evergreens thrive all year round?
Plants like animals adapt to their environment. Many deciduous trees discard their leaves as an adaptation to winter or dry arid summers. The majority of plants in the tropics are evergreens; the leaves are gradually restored throughout the year as they age and fall off. In areas where weather is seasonal, plants may be either evergreens or deciduous. In general, in warm climates the plants are evergreen but in cool temperate climates, most plants are deciduous. The most common evergreen in temperate climate is conifers.
Another important reason for a tree or a plant being evergreen is because of adaptation to nutrient conditions of soil. When soil has fewer nutrients available, evergreen plants have a survival benefit over deciduous plants. There are some pines and cypresses that have capacity to grow on soil that is depleted of nutrients. Other evergreens like the broadleaf plant can grow on highly acidic soil.
Moreover, in cooler climates evergreens can help fortify their own survival because these plants have the capability to produce a higher carbon: nitrogen ratio than deciduous plants. This high carbon: nitrogen ratio contributes to increased soil acidity and decreased nitrogen content in soil. These conditions favor growth of evergreens and make it almost impossible for deciduous plants to thrive. Finally, evergreens also provide shade/protection for other evergreen plants to survive in cooler weather and in times of drought.
Which type of plant is most affected by insets, pests, and disease?
Similar infections and insects equally affect both deciduous and evergreen plants.
Does pollution affect trees or plants?
Yes. However, because evergreens are always green they are generally more affected in the long-term by pollution, smog, ash and many toxic chemicals in the environment.
What are advantages of growing Evergreens?
All Evergreen trees/plants remain bright throughout the year. The majority of evergreens remain the same color during both winter and summer. Evergreen trees convey bright colors to backgrounds that are dull due to harsh cold weather, arid dry weather, or infertile soil. Finally, Evergreen trees are durable, have low maintenance, and are resourceful.
Why does one use Evergreens in the landscape?
Evergreens have multiple uses. Some people utilize these trees or plants as windbreakers to decrease wind speed, deflect, or block winds. Others utilize evergreens on North side of homes to prevent accumulation of snow in certain areas of the home.
To know more about evergreens for your landscape, visit www.tnnursery.net. This website has a comprehensive list of evergreens and FAQs on the topic.
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