| Hedge Border |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-515 |
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Q: I want to plant flowers in front of my hedge but don't know how to select the right varieties. Do you have some suggestions? A: (DIY gardening expert Walter Reeves) There are three basic considerations you must make when choosing flowers for your landscape: - Consider the amount of sun when choosing plants.
If, for instance, the area receives a lot of sun in the course of a day, you may want to choose varieties such as yarrow (figure A), Rudbeckia (figure B ) and Coreopsis (figure C). On the other hand, for an area that receives a lot of shade, think about using plants such as impatiens (figure D), which would be destroyed by too much exposure to sunlight. - Consider color when choosing plants.
When you go to the nursery to look at plants, take one of the large carts provided and begin filling it with plants that attract you. Just start putting them on the cart together and arrange them until you decide what looks good together. Also consider the color of the hedge in front of which they'll be planted -- for a heavy-leafed dark-green hedge, you'll probably want to use border plants that are cooler in tone and substantial enough to hold their own against the massive background. - Think about height when choosing plants.
This is one place where you don't want any surprises. The labels on nursery plants are invaluable when you're considering the size of the plants you need to buy. You'll also want to determine at this time how far apart you'll need to space the plants, and that will help you decide how many to buy. Once you get your purchases home, set the pots out where you'll want to plant them and move them around until you're satisfied with the placement. As you remove each plant from its pot, check the root system to ascertain that it's healthy (figure E). Than start digging a hole where the pot was sitting, place the plant in the hole, and be sure to water when you've finished. Here are a few planting tips that may come in handy: - Add organic matter to soften and enrich the soil. Place a 3" layer on top of the ground, then dig it in until the bed is soft and easy to dig.
- The top of the root ball should be level with the soil.
- A water wand is inexpensive and useful for watering.
- Slow-release fertilizers work for long periods. Some will even work all summer long!
- Finish the flowerbed with a layer of mulch: pine chips, pine straw, wood chips, etc.
RESOURCES :
Plants (Abbey Gardens & Cactus)
Abbey Gardens & Cactus
La Habra, CA 90632
Phone: 310-905-3520
Landscaping: Planning, Planting, Building (Better Homes and Gardens Step-by-Step Series)
Model: 0696025582
Meredith Books Corp.
Website: www.meredith.com
Landscaping: Principles and Practices
Model: 082736735X
Author: Jack E. Ingels
Delmar Learning
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