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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Goderich Signal-Star, 1987-04-22, Page 71Use bother Nature's garden pasterns Naturalistic gardening is becoming a very distinct alternative to what we traditionally think of as "landscape design" says Fiona Rintoul a graduate of the University of Guelph's master of landscape architecture This distinction is apparent in the type of plant material used and in the way it is used. Naturalistic gardening means that you use native plants — plants that naturally grow in fields and forests — in a style reminiscent of Mother Nature herself. Wildflowers, native trees and shrub — purchased at garden centres or from wildflower societies — are planted us- ing nature's patterns as a guide. "Books can give you some design irlPas: but a visit to "nature's garden" with a sketchbook is even more valu- able," Rintoul said. Although naturalistic gardening, in the pure sense, means "natives only", plants that are not native to your area will thrive alongside natives in your garden. Plants, not native to your area are called `ornamentals" or "exotics". The Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia soul- angeana) for example, is native to Asia; when you grow it here in North America, this plant is referred to as are ornamental. On the other hand, our Sugar Maple (Acer saccharum) is considered an or- namental in Great Britain. "It is all a matter of location; under- standing the distinction is the first key . to naturalistic gardening," Rintoul said. So, before designing your own natur- alistic garden, you must find out which plants are common to your area - both woody plants (trees and shrubs) and herbaceous plants (commonly called wildflowers) . Start with books such as Diekelmann and Schuster's "Natural Landscaping — Designing with Native Plant Com- munities"; M. Sperka's "Growing Wildflowers"; James H. Soper and Margaret L. Heimburger's "Shrubs of Ontario"; ' Alfred A. Knopf s "The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers"; or Editor James A. French's "Wildflower Magazine". These reference books outline the bo- tanical (Latin) and common names of native plants and the type of environ- ment they usually inhabit. For example, some plants grow on the edge of forests; some under the canopies of large trees; others only in open fields. "Knowing this will help you decide which plant species are best suited to your garden," Rintoul said. Finding sources of native plants is not as easy as finding Junipers or gera- niums, but native plants are becoming more common at garden centres. Major nursery catalogues often con- tain sections dealing with "native trees and shrubs" or "wildflowers". . And once a year, the Royal Botanical Garden in Hamilton sells native plants as a fund raising campaign. "An increasing number of groups are also organizing plant sales or plant swaps, trading plants that its members have propagated," Rintoul said. Through this unique approach to gar- dening, you help preserve dwindling native plant species while at the same time, provide a home for wildlife. "But digging up plants frown forests and fields is strictly discouraged; while you may be "saving" one trillium, you are likely destroying others in the pro- cess," she said. Once plants are established in your garden, transplant seedlings, take cut- tings and divide clumps, as you would with other garden plants. ' And remember that a naturalistic garden earns its distinct beauty from its random patterns; it should look as though it was planted by Mother Nature herself. You've been talking about it for years. This is the year to do it! Special for April 1987 31' Prowler -Park Model with tipout patio doors, two door fridge, delivered_ and set up. Your choice of floor plans, available as a/family model, with double bed & bunk or with large rear bedroom with single bed or queen size bed. $18,500 Trades Welcome Recreational Sales Inc . 21, Bayfield, Ontario 565-2500 OPEN MONDAY-SATCRDA's' 9-5 PM SUNDAYS 12:30-5 PM Pogo 44 Lawn and mower be checked in Spring Question: Yesterday I pulled up some onions from my front lawn. Now, I've often thought of planting a vegetable garden, but I'm not sure my first crop would.be onions. What should I do? Answer: Those weeds you found are wild - onions, sometimes called wild garlic, and . they can be as hard to control as a' fox in the hen house. Given free rein, wild onions can ruin acres of wheat and oats. Just imagine what a weed like that can do to your lawn!- For best results, harvest.this crop before it has a chance to spread. Once mature, wild onions will grow like, well, weeds. At the first sign of this troublemaker, treat your lawn to several applications of - a post - emergence herbicide. - Question: Should I use an organic or syn- thetic fertilizer on my lawn? Answer: Before choosing either fertilizer, weigh the pros and cons of each. - Organic?fertillzers, which are made -from plant Or animal wastes, are bulky, heavy and generally hard to handle. They must be applied in large doses at every feeding because they contain a low -percentage of nitrogen. Also, organic fertilizers may be of- fensive to sensitive noses. In their favour is the fact that organic fer- tilizers are slow acting, making it difficult to over -fertilize your lawn. And in many rural areas, they are inexpensive and easy to find. - Synthetic fertilizers are fast -acting and predictable.. Less fertilizer is used at each application because most synthetics contain a high percentage of nitrogen. Those chemical ingredients could be tough on your Iawn. Apply too much and you'll over -fertilize your lawn causing "fer- tilizer burn." Question: Spring cleaning time is on us again. Should I treat.my lawn -mower to an overhaul before the mowing season begins? -Answer: Check yotir operator's manual` for spring start-up procedures. The manual, should provide instructions for refueling, cleaning the spark plug and setting the breaker point gap. If the gap is closed, there won't be the spark that's needed to start the - engine. For some mowers, you should lubricate the grease fittings, check the transmission fluid and battery, arid inflate tires to the, recommended air pressure. An incredible, edible 1 r ; dscape is still an effective part of the landscape. Other vegetables are more difficult, although not impossible to use in a landscape. Sprawling plants, such as pumpkin, squash and beans should be avoided,. except under certain circumstances. Rhubarb can be used as background material, but its use is limited because it dies down in late summer. Use only the stalks of rhubarb; rhubarb leaves are poisonous. With a little imagination and deter- mination, you can create a beautiful, "budget -wise" landscape.