Small-space gardening can be a challenge. This segment describes a small Chicago garden that had too much sun on one side and too much shade on the other. Although this garden looks very formal and perfectly controlled, it's very usable and has low maintenance requirements. The owner often entertains in the yard and needed open areas as well as privacy. When entertaining, the owner sets up tables with market umbrellas on the lawn. The small garden holds about 60 people comfortably. The formal Greek-revival garden harmonizes with the design of the house. By adding columns to the garage, the owner gave the entire design a classical look. Looking onto the garden from the house, you see a rectangular-shaped garden carpeted with lawn. Three linden trees screen the view from the neighbors. Under the trees are curved ribbons of boxwood hedges, which separate the groundcover from the shrubs. The entire planting includes only about 10 varieties. Palms are planted in containers between the columns of the garage. The ground cover is vinca (figure A), a trailing perennial. Vinca requires partial or full shade and moderate water. The boxwood hedge (figure B) is an excellent choice because it will withstand both sun and shade. Boxwood, an evergreen shrub, needs regular water (more, if placed in sunny locations). The linden (figure C) trees provide privacy. They require full sun and are best grown in deep, rich, moist soil. Gardenias (figure D) in containers flanking the patio provide interest. The garden is mostly evergreen, and the gardenias mirror that classic look. Gardenias require excellent drainage and are heavy feeders. Keep them in light shade in hot climates, full sun in cool-summer zones. With a new design, the garden was transformed into an oasis in the heart of the city. The house's property value was enhanced at the same time. Trimming Boxwood To keep the lines straight when trimming, set up a string guide. Tie string to bamboo stakes, and place the stakes in the ground on either side of the hedge. Make sure the string is at a height you want your finished hedge to be. Then follow the string as you clip. Make sure to angle the base of your hedges out so that the lower branches can receive sun. Featured plants provided by Wolf River Valley Farms
RESOURCES :
For plants from Wolf River Valley Farms
Wolf River Valley Farms
Pall Mall, TN 38577
Fax: 1-931-879-5479
Email: pwpg@twlakes.net
Website: www.wolfriver.net
Information on gardening
For tools from the Gardener's Supply Co.
Gardener's Supply Company
Burlington, VT 05401-2850
Fax: 800-551-6712 -or- 80
Email: info@gardeners.com
Website: www.gardeners.com
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