The reconstruction of Sybille and Scott Fleming's eroding hillside is starting to take shape. The hillside has been partially cleared and the large rock groupings are in place to redirect the flow of rainwater (figure A). And to accent the new look, Sybille has started work on the decorative 6"x6" posts that will stand in the garden, with hand-lettered German greetings (figure B). Now it's time to begin planting.
Dean has found one plant on the property that will have a new life on the freshly placed boulders (figure C). Premoistened moss, which already exists in small amounts on some of the boulders, is broken up in small pieces and placed in moistened crevices of the rocks after first placing a small amount of dirt in each crevice (figure D). In direct sun, the rocks could not sustain the moss, but these rocks are in shade, making it possible for the moss to grow and spread over larger portions of the rock surface, creating a look that is natural and timeless.
Plants are next spotted over the slope, ensuring proper placement before planting. Chrysanthemums, which provide annual color, and crape myrtles, which bloom in the summer and are available in a variety of colors, are planted at the top of the driveway. Crape myrtles are easy to maintain and bloom on new wood, so they should be pruned as needed in early spring.Ground cover and daylilies, which have a fibrous root system, will also help prevent soil from sliding down the slope. Both are low-maintenance perennials and should be cut back at the end of the season when they begin to turn brown. Adding texture to the landscape are ornamental grasses, which should be cut back at ground level at the end of April or May. Scotch broom and "Mop" Chamaecyparis pisifera add height and color between the steps and the large boulders. All plants are planted just to the soil line of the flowerpot, since a 2" layer of mulch will be added as a finishing touch. Fertilizer is added to each planting site before the plants go in the ground (figure E). The existing roses are pruned to remove broken, dead or diseased canes, and bothersome branches are pruned back to a bud or stem to avoid leaving pruning marks (figure F).
RESOURCES :
Black and Decker tools
Website: www.blackanddecker.com
Black & Decker, Inc. (Corporate)
Website: www.bdk.com/main_bd.htm
Porter-Cable Tools
Porter-Cable Corporation
Website: www.deltaportercable.com
Irwin Industrial Tool Company
Website: www.irwin.com
Ames True Temper Tools
Ames-True Temper
Website: www.ames-truetemper.com
American Society of Landscape Architects
Delta Tools
Deltak Power Tools
Website: www.deltamachinery.com
Plants provided by Hancock Horticultural Services
Hancock Horticultural Services Inc.
Phone: 865-933-3200
Garden gnomes
Kimmel Gnomes
Website: www.kimmelgnomes.com
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