Now that the landscape has been created, it's time to complete the look with the addition of a variety of plants appropriate to the Asian theme. The plants we're using will thrive in California; be sure to choose plants suited to your zone.
Because they will stay low and accent rather than obscure the focal point, the following plants have been chosen for the area in front of the drop fence:- Mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicas)
- Majestic lilyturf (Liriope muscari 'Majestic')
- Dwarf mugo pine (Pinus mugo pumilio)
- Turner's Pitt? mock orange (Pittosporum tobira 'Turner's Variegated Dwarf).
In addition, for the other side of the garden, where low growth isn't such a priority, these plants have been selected: - Red flowering maple (Abutilon hybridum 'Vesuvius Red')
- Veitch magnolia (Magnolia x Veitchii 'Columbus').
Expert tip: (Frank McDonough, botanist) Grassy plants of the lily family, like mondo grass and liriope, are excellent to use in Oriental gardens. They come in a great variety of leaf colors, including black, dark green and different shades of variegation: white stripes and yellow stripes. And they don't go dormant like grasses do. To represent water, river rocks (figure A) are placed in all the negative space between the plantings. Expert tip: (Jamie McMurray, garden designer) A lot of times I'll use pebbles and rocks in my garden designs. They're a wonderful way to keep the soil moist. They keep the weeds down, and they're also colorful: you can get a whole variety of rocks and pebbles that will look great, just the way it does here. Finally, pea gravel (figure B) is poured in the spaces between all the pavers.
Expert tip: (Scott Daigre, garden designer) Looking at this completed project, it's easy to see that a fence can be two very different things on either side. So if you and your neighbor don't see quite eye to eye on exactly how your fence should look, make it a design project: create a fence that makes you happy on your side and makes them happy on their side. Everybody wins, and it's a beautiful project.
Time spent: 15 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
California Redwood Association
Website: www.calredwood.org
Asian Ceramics
Website: www.asian-ceramics.com
Asian Ceramics Inc.
Website: www.asian-ceramics.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
Catalin elm bonsai
San Gabriel Nursery & Florist
Website: www.sgnursery.com
Mexican river rock, pea gravel & sand
Sunburst Decorative Rock
Website: www.newsite.com
GUESTS :
Jamie McMurray
Simply Green
Santa Monica, CA
Phone: 310-403-1925
E-mail: smplygrn@aol.com
Frank McDonough
Horticulturalist
Roger's Gardens
2301 San Joaquin Hills Road
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
Phone: 949-640-5800
Website: www.rogersgardens.com
Scott Daigre
Phone: 323-462-2881
E-mail: sdaigre@aol.com
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