The Huron Expositor, 1997-04-16, Page 35Sophisticated gardeners
looking for more variety
In the past, "foundation planti-
ngs," though ranch better than
bare walls, were somewhat thin
on design, beauty, and function.
Times, thank goodness, are
changing.
Today's more sophisticated gar-
deners are looking for more vari-
ety, beauty and functional spaces
in the landscape. Turf is a design
element for play areas, emphasis,
or unity, but not for just filling in
wherever there is nothing else.
Planting beds around the house
have a less formal, more interest-
ing appearance. Use your land-
scaping elements like you use ele-
ments of interior design. Colorful
flowering, fruiting, fall foliage
shrubs, perennials and annuals are
outdoor equivalents of lamps,
tables and pictures.
Walkways and outdoor lighting
add to the usefulness of the area
while they bring out the best
aspects of the architecture.
Fences, hedges or careful accent
planting can create a focal point or
screens as needed.
Careful planning and planting
can result in lovelier and lusher -
looking foundation plantings with
much less water use.
Here are some easy ways to do
your own exterior design:
• Prepare your soil well. Soil in
planting beds, no muter what its
natural structure, will be scute
workable, retain more water and
fertilizer, and grow healthier
Careful planning
and planting can
result in lovelier
and lusher -look-
ing foundation
plantings with
much less water
use.
plants if it is well mixed with
organic matter.
Use whatever compost you can
get, along with ample amounts of
Canadian sphagnum peat moss,
one of the best and longest lasting
of the soil conditioners. It adds no
nutrients, but soaks up water like
a sponge and kts it percolate the
area where plant roots can best
use it. It also makes fertilizers last
longer because they don't leach
away.
Plus, earthworms and beneficial
soil bacteria thrive in organic soil
and activate such good growth
that most of the pest and disease
problems that can plague poor soil
plantings never occur.
• Choose trees and shrubs that are
either native or well adapted to the
region. Group these and flowers
according to water needs. Some
will need regular watering. Put
then within easy reach of the
hose. Others will need only occa-
sional water once established.
• Cut the turf areas around the
house down to a reasonable size.
Ground covers, shrub borders..
wildflower meadows, even attrac-
tive mulches, can be more inter-
esting. They're also less trouble
and use much less water, since
turf uses more water, work and
care than any other planting.
If what you have now is not
what you want, replace one sec-
tion at a time. You can dramatical-
ly improve the look and the value
of your house, both from the street
and from the inside looking out.
tell WM AMR.
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