Oh Deer

I'm currently working on a residential design for a client with three exciting challenges: deer, wind, and steep slopes. The property is located in the foothills, and is surrounded by plenty of native vegetation. Our goal is to create a harmonious, balanced design that helps to separate the house from the surrounding wilderness. Here are a few of the plants we've talked about incorporating into the landscape.

 

Hicks Yew

Taxus x media 'Hicksii

Height: 10-12'

Width: 3-4'

partial to full sun

image here

 

Evergreens work to add foundation and year round color to a landscape.  A hedged yew would add increased formality along with wind resistance. When planted at the edge of a steep slope they provide security.   

 

Red Twig Dogwood

Cornus alba 'Siberica'

Height: 7-9'

Width: 5'

part to full sun

 

images here & here

Dogwood is one of my favorites, which is probably why I mention it so often. I love the deep green foundation it provides when used as a backdrop for summer blooming perennials. But I love it even more during the winter and fall months as the leaves drop and the fiery red of new growth takes its turn in the spotlight.

 

 

Dwarf Cranberry

Viburnum opulus 'Nanum'

Height: 2-3'

Width: 2-3'

part to full sun

image here

 

Recently in my floral design classes we've been talking about texture.  We've discussed how it can create a focal point or add emphasis.  This characteristics of texture arent only limited to designs with fresh flowers, they can be incorporated and utlized in a garden setting as well.  Thats what I love about this dwarf cranberry.  I love the ruffled texture of this compact shrub.  When used in mass plantings it will add visual contrast and varience. 

 

 

Dwarf Burning Bush

Euonymous alatus compactus

Height: 6-8'

Width: 8-10'

image here

 

Another one of my favorites that I've mentioned recently.  Bright fall colors will help to create a year round landscape.

 

 

 

Mops Mugo Pine

Pinus mugo 'Mops'

Height: 5'

Width: 5'

image here

 

I've come full circle with mugos, from complete dislike to an actual appreciation.  About six years ago I talked my parents into pulling a mugo out of their front bay window {the one I've recently done a design for here}.  It was a beast of a shrub, trying to spread eight or so feet across the bed.  This experience instilled in me a disapproval of mugos, until I found the dwarfs.  There are controllable varieties that max out at five feet like the Mops here.  But they go even smaller.  The Sherwood only reaches 24'' in width and height.  Mugos are a great way to add structure.   

 

 

Perennials

astilbe

coral bells

heleborus

cranesbill

 

Plant of the Week- Coppertina Ninebark {Physocarpus opulifolius}

I’ve been obsessing over maroons and reds lately.  It could be because it’s officially September and I’m craving all those warm fall colors, it might be because my husband and I are moving and I’m trying to reconfigure my home’s color scheme or it could be because we are taking family pictures this weekend and I’ve been debating between olive greens, deep blues, and dark reds.  Whatever the reason, I’d love to share one of my favorite “woodland” themed shrubs in my currently color choice.

Coppertina ninebark {Physocarpus opulifolius} is the perfect shrub for a natural or woodsy feel.  The maple-shaped leaves emerge in an orangey-copper color in spring, and mature to a lovely red just in time for autumn.  In summer, this ninebark sports soft pink blossoms on its arching branches that contrast beautifully with the rusty colored foliage.  In fall, it’s known for its bright red seed pods.  Another attractive feature is the bark, which peels similar to a paper birch or paperbark maple.

USDA Zones: 3-8

Height: 8-10’

Width: 5-6’

Light Requirements: Full Sun

Water Requirements: Moderate moisture until established

photo: Monrovia

Fleur de Jour: Black Lace Elderberry {Sambucus nigra 'Eva'}

Let’s talk texture. Landscape texture is not solely limited to the feeling of the foliage.  It encompasses so much more.  Landscape texture can vary with light, shadow and viewing distance.  A combination of textures is best. An abundance of either fine or bold textures will become overwhelming.

I love the texture of lace-leaf Japanese maples. The foliage is unique, light, and airy.  In addition to the finely cut leaves, Japanese maples are available in bright greens, reds, and dark purples.  These slow-growing trees aren’t for every garden though.  They can be fairly tender here in my zone, making them susceptible to winterkill and they’re leaves can burn in the scalding summer sun. Also, Japanese maples are acid lovers, and require soil amendments.

So, I’d love to share with you a more maintenance friendly version of lace-leaf texture: the Black Lace Elderberry.  Unlike a Japanese maple, the elderberry will thrive in full sun. It prefers a moist soil, but will tolerate drier conditions as well.  In addition to the delicate, dark purple leaves, this elderberry will flower with creamy pink blossoms each spring.  Yet another bonus, if the blossoms are left they will produce fruit in the fall, perfect for harvest and a batch of elderberry jam. 

Although this elderberry can reach up to 8 feet, it can be heavily pruned for a more formal garden setting.  This shrub can be treated like a perennial and be cut clear the ground every fall, however heavy pruning could compromise the number of blossoms. For more texture, check out last week's Japanese forest grass post.  

USDA Zones: 4-7
Height: 6-8’
Width: 6-8’
Exposure: Full Sun
Water Requirements: prefers moist, well-drained soil

photo: Monrovia

Plant of the Week- Golden Spirit Smokebush

With colorful annuals and perennials in the height of their blooming period, shrubs can easily be lost in the landscape of summer. If you're looking for a shrub that will add as much interest to your garden as a cluster of black-eyed-susan then I got just the plant for you!

The almost neon green foliage of the Golden Spirit smokebush {Cotinus cogsygra 'Golden Spirit'} will add texture, color, and structure to your garden. The large, round chartreuse leaves contribute sharp contrast to an otherwise monotonously medium green landscape. Golden Spirit is perfect for hot, sunny locations and {once established} is both drought and heat tolerant. A vigorous grower, heavy pruning will be required in early spring/late winter. Trimming back branches to within three buds of the base of the plant will keep the size in check, as well as reduce thick hardwood from forming, keeping growth springy and fresh.

 

 

USDA Zones: 4-6
Height: 8-10'
With: 6-8'
Bloom Time: early summer
Exposure: full sun
Water Requirements: regular watering until established

 

Photo: everchanginggarden.ca

 

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Bloomerang

Bloomerang Lilac

Syringa x penda

One of the surest signs that summer is just around the corner is the appearance of lilac blooms.  The purple blossoms fill the air with their sweet fragrance near the end of April. Unlike other lilac varieties, the Bloomerang lilac will continue to produce blooms until the frost.  Its compact, dwarf form makes Bloomerang perfect for residential gardens.  Find this plant at Proven Winners! 

USDA Zones: 3-7

Exposure:  full sun

Height: 5’

Width: 5’

Bloom time: spring until frost

Soil media: prefers well drained soil

Water requirements: regular watering