Exploring spaces in London dedicated to skateboarding. Places that have been taken over by or designated for skateboarding have proven to contribute to the social development and improvement of areas. Eyes on the street and a self directd approach to maintenance help to deter crime and decay.
Some areas in London where this is evident are Meanwhile skatepark in west london and Stockwell skatepark in south London. Stockwell has existed since the 1970s and been recently refurbished and improved, access is free to anyone and as a skatepark it is amazingly well designed.
Meanwhile occupies an area under the Westway road system and has also been refurbished recently.
Landscaping in Austin can be fun, but also quite challenging. The unique setting of Austin blends the urban city with the Hill Country of Central Texas. This mix gives the Austin landscape a look and feel unlike any other part of Texas.
With wildlife and people living together, it is common to see deer in neighborhoods all around Austin. The deer can really give headaches to the novice landscaper. When Landscaping in Austin, it is important to know the different types of shrubs and perennials you can use to make your yard beautiful and keep the deer from munching on your new plantings. Remember, the Plants mentioned are usually deer Resistant, but deer will eat almost any plant if hungry in extreme drought conditions. Every landscape should have the right mix of evergreen shrubs and flowering perennials. This way, your garden doesnt look dead in the winter and will provide color in the spring, summer and fall. Here are a couple of Plants that I have had success with while Landscaping in Austin.
Evergreen Shrubs:
Silver Germander Pineapple Guava Dwarf Yaupon Cotoneaster Upright and Trailing Rosemary Bicolor and African Iris Jerusalem Sage
Flowering Perennials:
Salvia species (Several varieties and colors to choose from--I like Hot Lips, Mexican Bush Sage and Salvia Greggii) Indigo Spires 4 Nerve Daisy Copper Canyon Daisy Turks Cap Bat Face Cuphea Yellow Bell
These shrubs and perennials will vary in height and texture, so be sure to plant in the right location. For example, you dont want to plant a Pineapple Guava in front of a window or an Upright Rosemary too close to a sidewalk--allow for adequate growth. If not, the Plants will overwhelm the space and crowd your garden.
By planning ahead and before you begin Landscaping in Austin, you will save valuable time, money AND keep deer from eating your Plants! Best of luck and happy gardening.
JW landscape Design provides sprinkler systems, patios and Landscaping in Austin, TX. Our services include landscape design, irrigation, patios and outdoor lighting as well as spring and fall clean up. Our experienced landscape designers guarantee professional, prompt service.
We are a licensed irrigation company in the State of Texas (LI#18123) that have been installing sprinkler systems in Austin, TX for years. We serve both residential and commercial properties.
For more information on Landscaping in Austin, TX - please visit our website http://jwlandscapedesign.com for more information and Landscaping ideas.
By removing thick, heavy stones from a tree pit and adding a simple border, fresh soil, plants and mulch the small public space is given new life and visual interest. The tree is better off as well since the roots will be better aerated and receive a healthier, more consistent supply of water.
Perennial Carex grasses were chosen for their elegantly flowing structure and hardiness in a shady location.
If your want to take your landscapedesign to the next level then you definitely need to consider getting your hands on landscapedesignsoftware. While there are plenty options available on the market, they can be quite expensive and if you are only landscaping your own garden you might not be able to justify the cost. However there are some free landscape designsoftware options available on the internet which may be more than enough if you are only a hobbyist.
You should remember however, that if a piece of software is free it is probably not going to be as advanced as paid options. That doesnt mean that free landscapingdesignsoftware wont be enough for you, this depends on what you want to achieve using your software. The great thing about free software is that there is no cost for trying it out to see whether it has the features that you want.
Even though the average paid landscapingsoftware will have a more advanced graphical interface and will look a lot better, a lot of the features arent actually necessary to create a brilliant garden. If you have tried out a piece of free software and decided that it isnt enough for you then you should see if a more expensive softwareprogram has a free trial before buying it. Many programs such as Isisoft offer a free month long trial of their software which will allow you to really see whether it is what you need. If you are buying an expensive computer program then you should always try and give it a go first because often getting a refund can be difficult if you have already installed and registered the software.
The other benefit of free landscapingsoftware is that they are often much more simple to use than more advanced options. While paid software might be more powerful and allow you to do more advanced things, it also increases the learning curve to start using it. Free software might not have these extras and hence if it is designed well it will probably be a lot easier to use. If you are only going to be using the software for your own garden then it often doesnt make sense to spend a lot of time learning how to use a difficult program when you dont need it.
One example of free gardendesignsoftware is Virtual GardenDesigner. This is a great option if you want to visualize how your garden will look once it is completed, even if it isnt as powerful as paid software.
The options today for landscapedesignprograms is simply unlimited. If you surf the net you can find scores of programs that are free, or the trial program is free. I urge you to take advantage of many of these offers. You have nothing to lose, and it can assist you a great deal when you are landscaping your property.
Ken Asselin is webmaster for the LandscapeDesignIdeas series of Information websites. You can visit his LandscapeDesign website at: Latest LandscapeDesignIdeas
Doris Salcedos installation of a crack in the floor of the tate modern. I was underwhelmed by this installation. Having read a bit about the concept behind it prior to visiting, "In breaking open the floor of the museum, Salcedo is exposing a fracture in modernity itself. Her work encourages us to confront uncomfortable truths about our history and about ourselves with absolute candidness, and without self-deception." (http://www.tate.org.uk/modern/exhibitions/dorissalcedo/default.shtm) I expected a more inspiring installation or a bigger crack maybe. It was definately unique and quite an interesting study in spatial uses and interpretation, but seemed too reserved an installation for such a powerful concept.
Once again, Cleve Wests Best in Show Chelsea garden shows what themes will dominate design in 2013
Oooh, goody! The 2013 Garden Trends report is out at Grounded Design. Another post where I stare into my glass ball and pretend to be an expert prognosticator. Trend predicting is, of course, utterly obnoxious. But I love trying to articulate the zeitgeist without any real accountability (everyone forgets the trends one week later). With that confident assertion, here are my predictions for 2013:
1. The New Romanticism, Simplified
Yes, I know this was last year’s theme for my trends, but the the romantic mood that has swept over garden design will persist in 2013. As Western states teeter on the brink of bankruptcy, and we increasingly experience the world through our smartphones, people will turn to their gardens for a spiritually authentic, but emotionally-soothing experience. We crave something real from our gardens, but not too edgy. This year’s romanticism will be simpler and less fussy than previous romantic periods in history. Historic revivalism (a la Downton Abbey ) will continue to influence designers, particularly Victorian gardens (check out Cleve West’s Best in Show Chelsea Garden last year for an example), but these styles will manifest themselves in simpler, sleeker ways. The elegance of the past gardens is stimulating, yet comforting. Other romantic trends such as exoticism, a renewed interest in the emotional experiences of gardens, and the glorification of wildness will be big themes in designs this year.
2. Nostalgic for Nature
Nigel Dunnets Olympic meadows were a game changer for planting design
Nature has always inspired garden design (see my recent post on "nostalgia"), but gardens in 2013 will express a particular longing for certain iconic naturalistic scenes: meadows, prairies, forests, and wetlands. The meadows at last summer’s London Olympics are an excellent example of the kind of stylized natural scenes that will trickle into gardens and landscapes this year.
3. Interplanted Everything
Even a strikingly clean, modern garden like Thomas Hoblyns Arthritis Research Garden shows how highly-mixed schemes are in.
Massing is out. Highly interplanted, mixed schemes are in. It’s not just Oudolf anymore. Designers across the world are using richly woven tapestries of plants to express an ecological aesthetic. Michael King’s “perennial meadows,” are a great example of the kind of highly-designed, intricate palettes that will be popular this year.
4. Community Gardens
Sarah Prices Daily Telegraph Garden is inspired by wild plant communities in North Wales
No, I’m not talking about the allotment-kind of community garden. I’m referring to designs inspired by wild plant communities. Designers looking to add a bit of ecological aesthetic to give their designs context and credibility will use wild plant communities as inspiration for their palettes. Take Sarah Price’s gold medal Daily Telegraph Garden. Her entire garden was inspired by the upland streams and rills of North Wales and Dartmoor. Her meadow flowers feature intense splashes of color using tiny, lacy flowers found in rural England—showing that even a small garden can have the breezy spontaneity of a larger, wild landscape.
5. Sustainable Aesthetic
Sustainability has moved mainstream. Unlike ten years ago when there were only three rain barrels on the market and the Prius was the only hybrid worth driving, today consumers have choices when it comes to being green. This is particularly true when it comes to landscape architecture and garden design. It’s no longer enough to do functionally sustainable landscapes, but they must be beautiful as well. Sustainable gardens will no longer look wild, but will also blend into contemporary and traditional garden styles.
6. Nursery Trends: High Value Acquisitions
While the lethargic economy will continue to affect nursery demand, people will continue to buy plants, even expensive plants. Garden consumers want value, not just cheap. Sales of rare specimens, heirloom plants, sculptural shrubs, and unusual multi-stem trees will increase this year even as the general demand for more generic specimens will be sluggish. Nurseries that cut back selection due to hard economic times may miss out on an emerging niche market.
7. Lower Maintenance Everything
Ugh, here’s a trend I’m not particularly excited about. While interest in homegrown gardening (edibles, chickens, less lawn) will continue to go mainstream (particularly in “blue” states), people will increasingly look for lower maintenance strategies for gardening. This is particularly true for public gardens and landscapes. As governments and municipalities slash budgets, each agency must stretch their limited staff by cutting maintenance. Even though public investment in horticulture will continue to hover at an all-time low, designers who can respond by creating beautiful landscapes that thrive on less input will be the winners in this economy.
Warming Trends All Brass Crossfire Burners introduced at the beginning of this year come with a LIFETIME WARRANTY. We are able to offer this landscape product with this warranty due to the non-corrosive properties of brass. We were already using brass jets in our systems, but now all the piping is made from brass as well. Hence the lifetime warranty.
180K BTU All Brass Crossfire Burner.
180K BTU All Brass Crossfire Burner and pan.
Check out this short video of three different sized brass burners in action:
If you want to get the most out of your fire pit, then the crossfire burner is the smartest choice on the market. We achieve a flame twice as high as a conventional fire ring while burning HALF the fuel. This means you are saving money in the long term and with the lifetime warranty on the burner, you will never need to have it replaced!
We offer discounts for builders, contractors, architects, dealers and distributors. For more information, please visit us online or call today. 1-877-556-5255.
A genus of 3 species of handsome conical evergreen trees related to the Cypress that are native to the western U.S. and southeast Asia. The timber is valuable for shingle tiles and pencils. They prefer full sun but tolerate part shade, thriving on deep, fertile, well drained, neutral to acidic soil. Prefers a site sheltered from excessive winds and abundant moisture however is drought tolerant. Young trees should be pruned to a single leader ensuring better form, snow and ice tolerance. Insect pests and disease problems in the landscape are usually minor however can include Incense Cedar Scale and rust disease. Propagation is from seed germinated in containers and protected from frost for the first winter; also from half hardened cuttings in summer.
Calocedrus decurrans ( Incense Cedar ) A beautiful, fast growing large, very dense columnar tree exceeding 100 feet that is native to mountain forests of western North America from northern Oregon to southern California. Very old trees may develop a rounded crown. Some record include: fastest recorded growth rate - 4 feet; 4 years - 9 feet; 5 years - 13 feet; 10 years - 27 x 6 feet; 20 years - 36 x 17 feet; 75 years - 112 feet; largest on record - 235 x 70 feet with a trunk diameter of 16 feet; largest in California - 152 x 50 x 12.2 feet @ Sawyers Bar; largest in England - 133 feet with 7 foot diameter; largest in Georgia - 120 x 40 x 5.7 feet; largest in Delaware - 93 x 33 x 4 feet; largest in Maryland - 85 x 45 feet in Annapolis; longest lived - 1000 years. This tree grows over a long season from May into August. Unfortunately rare in the cultivation in the U.S. It can be found in Washington, D.C. at the National Zoo near the lion and tiger exhibits, the Washington Cathedral and at Rock Creek Cemetary. The tiny aromatic, sharp pointed triangular, up to 0.5 inch leaves in whorls of 4 closely pressed against the stems are glossy deep green. The foliage is borne on flattened sprays. The shoots turn red-brown after a single season. The fibrous red-orange to cinnamon brown bark becomes deeply ridged and furrowed with age. The tiny pollen cones on the tips of the branches are bright green and are followed by erect oblong cones, up to 1 inch, that ripen to reddish-brown. Hardy zones 4 to 9 tolerating as low as -33 F. Despite its native range, the Incense Cedar grows very well over a huge swath of eastern North America. It is free of pests and also tolerant of heat, drought, urban conditions, pollution, snow and ice, in fact - it loves hot summers! The Incense Cedar prefers a soil PH from 4.5 to 7.
USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database
* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* videos found on Youtube
Aureovariegata Columnar in habit with mid-green foliage that is attractively splashed yellow. Same growth rate and mature size as species.
Columnaris More narrow and columnar than the species ( 10 years - 14 x 2 feet ( average ); 20 years - 40 x 6.6 feet ) making it an excellent choice for backgrounds and formal plantings.
Maupin Glow Forms a fast growing, columnar tree with glowing bright yellow foliage that eventually turns to verdant bright green. It is destined to become an extremely popular landscape tree as it is a true beauty. Mature size unknown though I suspect it can eventually grow large. One of my favorite conifers!!!
* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
Calocedrus formosana ( Taiwanese Incense Cedar ) Very similar to Calocedrus macrolepis and is considered a regional variant of it by some botanist. The very attractive foliage is deep blue-green above and white banded beneath. A very large tree, old growth trees in its native mountain forests of Taiwan have been known to reach as large as 120 feet in height with a trunk diameter of 10 feet. Hardy zones 8a to 10, thriving in the southeastern U.S. It is difficult to propagate from cuttings however easier from seed.
Celocedrus macrolepis ( Chinese Incense Cedar ) A very ornamental fast growing large tree reaching around 80 feet that is native to southwest China, northern Vietnam, northern Thailand, northern Burma and northern Laos where it is rare over its entire range. With ascending and spreading branches, they are pyramidal when young and broadly spreading with age. Some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 3 feet; 2 years - 28 inches; 10 years - 10 x 6 feet; largest on record - 135 x 60 feet with a trunk diameter of 10 feet. The small, triangular leaves pressed against the stems are bright green above and blue-white beneath. The foliage is borne on larger, flatter sprays than Calocedrus decurrens. The elliptical cones are up to 0.5 inches and are orange-brown covered with a purplish bloom. The pale gray bark is scaly. Likely hardy zones 5 to 8, it has not been fully tested in the U.S. but is very heat tolerant and is reported to grow very well in the southeastern U.S. It is difficult to propagate from cuttings however easier from seed.
CLOSE RELATIVES:
Libocedrus chilensis ( Chilean Incense Cedar ) Also called Austrocedrus chilensis, is an attractive medium size tree that is native to moist forests of southern Chile and Argentina where it is unfortunately dying off due to the introduced Lateralis Root Rot ( the same fungus that is killing Lawson Cypress in the western U.S. ). The Chilean Incense Cedar is columnar when young, later becoming oval in shape with age. Generally moderately fast growing, some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 3 feet; 10 years - 10 x 4 feet ( average ); largest on record - 100 x 30 feet with a trunk diameter of 6.5 feet; longest lived - 1500 years. The flattened scale-like foliage up to 0.25 inches is glossy deep green with blue-white flecks that give the foliage a blue-gray cast. The foliage in flattened sprays is white banded beneath. The flowers at the stem tips are very small and yellow, borne in early spring. They are followed by oblong seed cones that are up to 0.5 inches in length. The scaly orange-brown bark peels in narrow strips. Hardy zone 7 to 9 ( tolerating as low as 0 F ). Prefers full sun to partial shade and a site protected from excessive wind on deep, moist, acidic, well drained soil. Prefers a maritime climates with cool summers and abundant rainfall all year, similar to that of the British Isles where it thrives.
Libocedrus arkfas ( Papua Cypress ) Also called Papuacedrus arkfas and Libocedrus papuana, is native to New Guinea and reaches a maximum size of 170 feet. Hardy north to zone 8
Libocedrus bidwillii ( Pahautea ) A slow growing, slender, upright, large conifer native to mountains up to 6000 feet in elevation in New Zealand where it is endangered to extinct in wild. Some records include: 5 years - 7 x 2 feet; largest on record - 100 x 50 feet with a trunk diameter of 4 feet. The compressed, scale-like leaves are deep green. The foliage is borne on feathery sprays. The bark is exfoliating. Hardy zones 6 to 10; it is moderately drought tolerant and very wild tolerant. Prefers moderately cool summers and grows in the British Isles.
Libocedrus plumosa ( Kawaka ) A beautiful, slow growing, upright-conical tree, reaching around 75 feet, that is native to New Zealand where it is rare. Some records include: 10 years - 13 feet; largest on record - 110 feet with a trunk diameter of 5 feet. It can also be used as a container plant. The compressed, flattened, scale-like leaves up to an inch in length give this fine conifer a soft feathery appearance. The beautiful deep red bark is similar to that of Carya ovata Shagbark Hickory. Hardy zones 8 to 10 preferring moderately cool summers and grows in the British Isles. Very wind tolerant and moderately drought tolerant.
Pilgerodendron uviferum ( Patagonia Incense Cedar ) Also called Libocedrus tetragona, reaches a maximum size of 180 feet with 3.5 foot trunk diameter and is native to southern Chile and southwest Argentina where it occurs further south than any other conifer worldwide. It grows wild in the Valdivian temperate rain forests and Magellanic subpolar forests where it tolerates and even prefers very cool summers. Slow growing and narrow in habit, it can live up to 500 years. Outside its native range, it grows well in Ireland where it reaches up to 20 feet and may eventually become much larger. Flood tolerant, it even grows in standing water. Hardy north to zone 6
A genus of close to 150 species of trees, shrubs and vines that are mostly native to Asia, Australia and Africa. Some are hardy in temperate climates but most are restricted to the tropics. The foliage on most is oval with finely serrated margins. Most Grewias prefer full sun on moist, well drained soil. Old plants can be renovated by hard pruning before growth begins in spring. Otherwise little pruning is needed however they can be tip pruned ( not sheared ) to keep them more compact. Propagation can be either from half-hardened cuttings or seed.
Grewia biloba parvifolia A moderate to fast growing Korean native shrub that reaches up to 12 x 10 feet. Some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 3 feet; largest on record - 16 x 20 feet. The deciduous ovate leaves are up to 5 x 4 inches in size. The foliage is medium green turning to bright yellow in autumn. The creamy-white to yellow flowers are borne on clusters during late summer. They are followed by small orange to red, two-lobed fruits. Hardy north to zone 5 ( not fully tested in North America ) in full sun to partial shade. It is hardy in southern Michigan but in the Chicago area is typically a perennial rather than shrub after most winters. It has been known to tolerate as low as -22 F but does require hot summers thus growing poorly in much of western Europe and the British Isles.
Grewia occidentalis A fast growing shrub to small tree native to South Africa. The largest on record is 26 x 15 feet though usually much smaller. The leaves are up to 4 inches in length. The flowers, up to 1.5 inches wide are light pinkish-purple. The flowers are followed by purple-red 4-lobed fruits up to an inch wide. Hardy zone 8 to 11
With winter on the near horizon, we here at Warming Trends thought it may be helpful to pass along some winter gas fire pit safety tips for you.
1) Always cover your fire pit with a cover to prevent weather damage such as water building up and freezing in and on your outdoor burning system. Water build up in flex lines can cause damage to the line itself it too much water builds up, freezes and expands. This can cause a crack in the line and when you go to fire up the system again, you will have gas leaking underneath your system which is very dangerous. Also, water within the line can cause a disruption in the ignitor system as well. There are several vinyl fire pit covers available on the market and we carry them here at Warming Trends as well.
The following safety tips come directly from firepithelper.com, but I thought they offered some helpful information.
2) "When it comes to gas outdoor fireplaces, one must always ensure that the gas regulator valves and the gas connections are always functioning properly. In case of any gas leaks, one must immediately turn off the gas supply and contact the service person. Also, insulate the gas tubing and the lower side of the valve cavity. Most importantly, one must periodically get the fireplace inspected by a professional once in a year. Usually, a professional conducts a thorough inspection of the fireplace ensuring that all the parts and accessories are functioning properly. These can include burners, ignition, combustion, fan, vents, chimney draws and pilots. Apart from this, one must always keep the area clean and dry. For this, one can use a simple toothbrush and any common detergent that is regularly used in the house.
Apart from these, there are certain safety measures that one must follow while cooking or sitting around an outdoor fireplace so as to ensure a pleasant experience. Some of these safety tips are listed below. 1. Always place your outdoor fireplace on top of any fire-resistant surface such as concrete. 2. Never allow children to gather or play around an outdoor fireplace. 3. Always keep a fire extinguisher in the vicinity. Another great idea while working with an outdoor wood fireplace is to have a bucket of sand or water nearby. These can greatly help in controlling fire at the time of accidents."
If you have any other questions regarding custom fire pits or fire pit safety, feel free to contact us at 1-877-556-5255
In some cases landscape design calls for plantings which are more "drought tolerant". Plants defined as drought tolerant" require watering until established and then can survive on minimal water from natural rainwater and occasional irrigation in hotter climates. The goal is to create a space which is both aesthetically pleasing and low maintenance at the same time. In this article I am going to focus on "drought tolerant" selections that I have found to be most productive here on Long Island (Zone 7) and that are hardy in a range of zones from 3-9.
Coreopsis Zagreb
The first in a line of drought tolerant perennials is Coreopsis Zagreb. This daisy-like flower grows on fine stalks and displays yellow blooms from June until late September. Coreopsis grows to approximately 15 inches in height and prefers a well-drained, slightly acidic soil and full sun.
Sedum Aurea and Daylily
Next is Sedum Aurea. Sedum is very drought tolerant and serves nicely in rock gardens as seen here. It is accompanied by Daylily Stella D Oro, which is drought tolerant once established. Sedum Aurea only grows to approximately 4 inches in height while Stella D Oro grows to 12-18 inches in height. Both prefer a well-drained soil and full sun.
Gaillardia (Blanket Flower)
Gaillardia or Blanket Flower is known for its drought tolerance and display of vibrant yellow-red blooms lasting from June until August. Gaillardia grows to a height of 12-15 inches and prefers a slightly acidic, well -drained dry soil in full sun. Here on Long Island I have found Gaillardia to be reliable once established but not as long lived as the other perennials mentioned (average lifespan three to four years).
Perennial Geranium
Perennial Geranium tolerates a variety of conditions (full sun to partial shade) and displays violet blue flowers from June until frost and grows to a height of approximately 15-18 inches. Once established it seems to thrive on neglect.
Rudbeckia Goldstrum
Rudbeckia is another drought tolerant perennial that seems to thrive on neglect. Plant it in an area where there is plenty of space. Rudbeckia is perfect for informal mass plantings such as along and woodland border and prefer full sun to partial shade and a well-drained slightly acidic soil. Rudbeckia will re-seed themselves and spread quickly. Bloom time is from late summer into fall.
Nepeta Mussinii
Nepeta is available in a number of heights ranging from 18-36 inches and is very hardy to zones 3-8. It displays lavender-blue flowers from June to fall. For smaller spaces,Walkers Low is a newer variety only growing 12-18 inches tall. Nepeta thrives in a range of conditions, prefers full sun to partial shade and is drought tolerant.
Sedum Brilliant (Pink)
Sedum forms clumps of orange-pink flowers on large heads in late summer into fall and require little watering. The variety shown here is Sedum Brilliant, a more compact variety that grows to approximately 12-18 inches tall. Sedum is complemented nicely by ornamental grasses.
Barberry Rosy Glow
Barberry is a deciduous drought tolerant shrub with deep burgundy foliage that lasts from spring into fall. There are many varieties of Barberry ranging from Royal Burgundy which grows to 2-3 feet in height to Rosy Glow (shown above) that reaches to 5-6 feet. Barberry requires full direct sun and a slightly acidic, well drained soil. It is nicely complemented by some of the perennials listed here such as Coreopsis and Nepeta.
Fountain Grass
Ornamental grasses add movement and grace to any landscape. Ranging in a number of varieties and sizes, fountain grasses are hardy to a range of zones from 5-9 and prefer full sun and a dry, well-drained soil. Grasses are often used in xeriscaping, requiring little irrigation.
Juniperus Blue Star
Juniperus Blue Star is a beautiful blue-green evergreen that thrives in a slightly-acidic, well drained soil. Once established it requires little to no watering and it serves nicely in either a formal or informal garden. This small juniper grows to a mature height and width of 2-3 feet.
Pinus Mugo
Mugo Pine is another evergreen that stays relatively compact (mature height and width of approximately 3 feet) and thrives in a slightly acidic, well drained, dry soil. It is drought tolerant once established and serves nicely in a rock garden planting.
Other "drought tolerant" plantings not mentioned above include Spirea Vanhoutte (Bridal Wreath), Buddleia (Butterfly Bush),Vibernum Carlesii, Lilac, Lavender, Liatris, Stachys (Lambs Ear), Yarrow, Salvia, and Russian Sage. With the movement towards sustainable landscaping these drought tolerant varieties are colorful and low maintenance additions to either the residential or commercial garden.
As Always...Happy Gardening!
Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening, Copyright 2013. All rights reserved
The Marquis Rene-Louis de Girardin (1735–1808) was a French writer and designer of landscapes, who had inherited a significant fortune from his grandfather, the chief tax collector for Louis XIV. He saw several English landscape gardens during his travels in the early 1760s, and in 1766 settled at Ermonville in Oise, France, where he laid out his influential landscape garden. He was strongly aware of the importance of associations in gardens, used to trigger memories, stimulate ideas, and create a narrative.
Girardins textbook on gardening, De la composition des paysages (On the Composition of Landscapes) was published in 1777 and republished in 1805, under the name René Louis Gerardin. "Of the power of landscapes over our senses, and as a result upon our soul" was his pre-eminent view on the purpose of gardens.
"The composition of landscapes," he wrote, "can open the way to the renewal of the moral principles of the nation." He wrote in the last chapter, "...If you want to achieve true happiness, you must always seek the simplest means and the arrangements closest to those of nature, because only those are true and will have a long-lasting effect."
Girardins garden at Ermonville stands as the most prominent example of a Rousseau-inspired garden. In his novel "La Nouvelle Helois" Rousseau imagined a perfect landscape, where people could be true to themselves. This imaginary garden became a model for French landscape gardens. Girardin made the park at Ermenonville a living illustration of Rousseaus ideas; making carefully constructed landscapes, like paintings, designed to invite the visitor to take long walks and to feel pure with simple emotions. The paths were designed to follow the hillside paths, climbing up and down, to give various views and perspectives, from the shadows of groves of trees which then extend into sunlight, meandering to let the viewer delight in the scene from different angles and light. Girardin said that gardens should be composed of a series of scenes, like paintings. Each designed to be seen from a different point of view and at different times of day to achieve an emotional effect. Some scenes should evoke solitude, others the pleasures of bucolic life, others the ideals of harmony and innocence. These scenes would be discovered by following a winding path through the garden, with a series of different views coming as surprises.
It is commonly known that his friend, Jean-Jacque Rousseau died on his estate in 1778, and was buried on the Île des Peupliers in the Élysée that Girardin had created. Surrounding Rousseaus cenotaph is a circle of poplar trees set upon a tiny island. According to landscape historian Elizabeth Rogers, "Imitations of Rousseau’ s gravesite became one of the great garden design flourishes of the late eighteenth century."
Isle of the Poplars/an homage to philosopher Jean Jacques Rousseau
As an aside to these Rousseau-inspired landscapes, Christophe Girot* recounts an essay by French historian Michel Conan on the "static foundations of landscape scenography". He argues that the "art of the picturesque forwarded a static understanding of landscape where movement was absent, or not acknowledged. The picturesque landscape was experienced rather as a succession of immobile scenes as in the example of the romantic promenade of Ermonville.... the voyage through the landscape could only be understood as a succession of immobile scenes lending themselves to the memory and aesthetic interpretation." Girot then asks us to review these spaces in-between the scenes of landscape beauty... "the black holes" and reconsider their value to us.
*"Vision in Motion: Representing Landscape in Time", The Landscape Urbanism Reader, 2006
**Map of Ermonville: Ermenonville : le parc Jean-Jacques Rousseau
With wildlife and people living together, it is common to see deer in neighborhoods all around Austin. The deer can really give headaches to the novice landscaper. When Landscaping in Austin, it is important to know the different types of shrubs and perennials you can use to make your yard beautiful and keep the deer from munching on your new plantings. Remember, the Plants mentioned are usually deer Resistant, but deer will eat almost any plant if hungry in extreme drought conditions.
