DIY Network

Putting the "Park" in a Parking Area Putting the "Park" in a Parking Area From "Weekend Landscaping" episode WKL-405

Figure A

It's time to give the RV parking spot a parklike atmosphere by using rules of scale: putting in wide plantings and trees that will eventually be taller than the trailer will help to shrink it visually (figure A). He goal is to integrate the trailer into an overall landscape, not to have it stick out like a sore thumb.

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Here are the plantings that Jessie has chosen to soften the contours of the trailer:

• Magnolia

• Lacecap hydrangea

• Ninebark

• Viburnum

• Rhododendron

• Coral bells.

Figure B

1. Because the ground where the plantings will be located has been driven over so much, it is quite hard-packed, so the team will be using a two-person auger to dig the holes (figure B). If you plan to use an auger, check with your utility provider so you know the location of any underground utility lines.

Expert tip: (Frank McDonough, botanist) This is a unique challenge: the aluminum surface of the Airstream is going to reflect sun back at the plants like a mirror, so it's really important to choose plants that are sun resistant.

2. Jessie makes sure the magnolia's rootball is sitting flush with the ground (or a little higher); otherwise, the trunk could begin to rot.

Expert tip: (David Reynolds, horticulturist) This planter bed at the rear of the trailer is an excellent planting. At the center you can see the Physocarpus Diablo, which is deciduous and offers a wonderful source of fall color. This is especially important because it offers a contrast to the otherwise evergreen plantings in the bed.

3. After all the plants have been put in their respective places, a thick layer of bark mulch is spread around to keep moisture in the soil and help prevent weed growth.

The Coolest Planter

An old chest-type cooler makes a perfect planter -- it even has its own built-in spout for drainage (figure C)! Jessie fills the cooler with potting soil and add some more of the roses she planted by the path (figure D). And the best part: this planter has its own handles!

Figure C

Figure D

Expert tip: (Frank McDonough, horticulturist) Roses in a cooler: that's a cool idea! But because the soil in the cooler is finite and doesn't hold a lot of water, you want to make sure to trim your roses a little more regularly. This will keep them from drying out.

Time spent: 14 hours.

RESOURCES :

Ace Hardware Supplies
To locate the nearest Ace Hardware to your home, click here.
Ace Hardware
2200 Kensington Ct.
Oak Brook, IL 60523-2100
Toll-free: 866-290-5334
Website: www.acehardware.com

Plants from Monrovia Horticultural Craftsmen
Monrovia Horticultural Craftsmen
Website: www.monrovia.com

DeWalt power tools
DeWalt
Website: www.dewalt.com/us/core/

Soil amendments by Kellogg Garden Products
Kellogg Garden Products
Website: www.kellogggarden.com

Landscaping Services by D&J Landscaping
D & J Landscaping
E-mail: DJLandscaping@sbcglobal.net

Wood composite deck
The Trex Company
Website: www.trex.com

Stainless-steel grill
Barbeques Galore
Website: www.bbqgalore.com

Equipment rentals
United Rentals
Website: www.ur.com

GUESTS :

Frank McDonough
Horticulturalist
Roger's Gardens
2301 San Joaquin Hills Road
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
Phone: 949-640-5800
Website: www.rogersgardens.com

David Reynolds
Horticulturist
E-mail: Dreynolds@monrovia.com
Monrovia Nursery