Landscaping With Deer Resistant Plants

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.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jack_D._Williams

Read More

Drought Tolerant Landscape Plants for the Northeast

Drought Tolerant Plants for the Northeast

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

 

Read More