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Two Babies, A Dog and One Desperate Landscape Window boxes and a big Sullivan cypress tree are key to this Desperate Landscape yard rehab. From "Desperate Landscapes" episode DDSL-111

(Continued from page 4)

The final phase of this Desperate Landscapes makeover is the restoration of the flower beds and plantings. In the case of Mollie and Eric Erpenbeck, the plantings begin with a sizeable cypress tree to add balance to the landscape.

Below is a list of the plants the Erpenbecks used and some key attributes and care tips for each of their selections.

Planting the Sullivan cypress

The Sullivan cypress will become a visual focal point for the yard.

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Sullivan cypress Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Sullivan'

Mollie and Eric's Plants

• Sullivan Cypress
  Chamaecyparis lawsoniana 'Sullivan'
  
  • The Sullivan cypress has bluish-green needles.
    
  • It grows to about 20 feet tall (or more in some locations) and 13 feet wide.
    
  • It grows well in full sun to part shade.
    
  • It's very hardy and performs well through zone 5.
    
  • Cost: $172.
  
  

  Diablo ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius 'Monlo'

• Diablo Ninebark
  Physocarpus opulifolius 'Monlo'
  
  • This deciduous shrub is prized for its burgundy leaves.
    
  • Its foliage has the best color in full sun, but it's adaptable to all conditions.
    
  • In summer, it has pretty white flowers.
    
  • It provides winter interest with exfoliating bark.
    
  • Can grow 6-10 feet tall and wide.
    
  • It is drought tolerant.
    
  • It does well in zones 2-7.
    
  • Cost: $253 for four.
  
  

  Green Velvet boxwoods Buxus 'Green Velvet'

• Green Velvet Boxwoods
  Buxus 'Green Velvet'
  
  • Boxwoods are a low-maintenance evergreen.
    
  • They will grow about 2-3 feet high.
    
  • They like sun to part shade, so this is another plant that will adapt as the light conditions change in Louise's yard.
    
  • Holds color better than many boxwoods which may turn bronze in the cold winter months.
    
  • Zones 6-8.
    
  • Cost: $517 for six.
  
  

• Bird's Nest Spruce
  Picea abies 'Nidiformis'
  
  • This evergreen gets its name from its bird's nest shape.
    
  • It's a very slow grower. It is about 1 foot tall and 2 feet wide at 10 years, and grows another foot tall and wide by 20 years.
    
  • It prefers full sun.
    
  • Zones 3-8.
    
  • Cost: $149 for two.

  Bird's Nest spruce Picea abies 'Nidiformis'

  Bird's Nest spruce Picea abies 'Nidiformis'

  
  

  Stellar Pink dogwood Cornus 'Rutgan', Stellar Pink

• Stellar Pink Dogwood
  Cornus‘Rutgan' Stellar Pink
  
  • This deciduous tree is a profuse bloomer.
    
  • Its pink bracts form "flowers" that are 3-4" inches in diameter.
    
  • The Stellar Pink Dogwood has purplish-red fall foliage and bright red fruit.
    
  • It's low maintenance and has no serious disease or pest problems.
    
  • It grows 15 to 30 feet tall and wide.
    
  • Zones 5-9
    
  • Cost: $287.
  
  
• Safety Alert: The berries of this dogwood are poisonous to humans.
  

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