Landscaping Tips

When planning your garden always look ahead allow for growth,and realize that our views literally change from season to season and year to year. A little nurturing along the way will reward you immeasurably. Good gardening to everyone!

 

Tip: Planning... Always plan for growth. Too often people cannot visualize future growth and end up planting too close. Leaving room will allow the plants to show off their true character and reduce your future maintenance. Otherwise, you'll be taking your frustrations out on your plants just to
keep them apart. Incorporating some slower growing or compact varieties may be helpful.

Tip:Use insect and disease resistant varieties where possible.

Tip:Don't forget the sun. Plants like certain settings so allow for this when planting
(azaleas/rhododendrons prefer less afternoon sun) too much sun stresses them and can cause a rapid decline. Don't forget that over time environments change especially where trees are planted. A sunny location can quickly become shaded. Birches grow rapidly and not only shade but also produce a vigorous competitive root sstem.

Tip:Color...Seasonal color can be achieved by staggering blooming plants throughout your landscape. Consider complimentary colors like red and pink vs. contrasting colors such as purple and yellow. (Generally speaking, shades of blue give a larger effect)

Tip:Flower and leaf color (ex. Fall leaf coloration is a positive addition). Whenever possible try to incorporate types of plants that provide fall interest. For example, Sweet Spire producdes a flaming burgundy fall color. Another great fdall plant would be nandina which produces a vivid red fall/winter color. Ask for our handout.

Tip:Function...Landscapes beautify properties helping to complement one's home. They also serve other functions such as privacy or windbreaks (Allow for growth but make sure that you know where your property line is. A few good choices for certain privacy applications include leyland cypress (nigra arborvitae and green giant arborvitae. Ask for our list.

Tip:Downy Mildew Diseases. To reduce the risks of infection it is important to irrigate early in the day and to promote good air circulation (plant spacing) to avoid long leaf-wetness periods, especially overnight. Over-fertilization with nitrogen may increase plant susceptibility to the disease and should be avoided.
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As with all landscape installations we at kirshners will try and guide you the less mistakes the better. Working together with homeowners throughout the process can be a pleasant experience