As with any garden, the first step is to prepare the area to be planted, removing any debris. - Bamboo sleeve fences are installed at the back of the garden (figure A). They help hide the garage while still giving access to the garage area.
- The path is the key to the transition from garage to patio. Using a rake, draw the path design in the soil, creating a flow that looks natural to the environment (figure B).
- Score a dry streambed (again, using the rake) that intersects the path (figure C). Score in a figure-eight pattern, making one end of the figure-eight larger than the other. Remember, no symmetry!
- Bloodgood Japanese maple (Acer Palmatum Bloodgood) (figure D) is planted as a showcase plant. This maple has purple stems and a palmate leaf formation and should be pruned to an open form. Maples are surface-rooted trees: be sure to keep the root ball intact when planting, mulch the base, and ensure that it is thoroughly watered until well established, especially if planted in midsummer. If maples are not tolerant for your climate, look for small trees with feathery foliage.
- Chinese juniper (Juniperus Chinensis) is also planted as a showcase plant. It's best to find a pretrained specimen if possible, since it can take at least 10 years to develop the plant shown. Regular pruning is required to prevent leggy growth and maintain the "poodled" shape (figure E).
- Next comes black bamboo (Phyllostachys Nigra) (figure F). Bamboo is a symbol of longevity, and this species is known for producing green stems that become black as the canes mature. Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that can quickly take over a garden. To prevent plant invasion, it is best to plant bamboo in a large container and leave the lip of the container slightly above the soil surface to prevent the rhizomes from spreading. Plant bamboo at the far edge of the garden for a sense of enclosure, camouflaging the pot lip with mulch.
RESOURCES :
Soil Amendments and Fertilizers
Various fertilizing and soil enhancement products
Whitney Farms
Website: www.whitneyfarms.com
Volcanic Rock, Brick and Gravel
A variety of hardscape elements and materials.
Whitewater Rock and Supply
Whitewater, CA 92282
Email: wwrock@aol.com
Website: www.whitewater-rock.com
Plants from Monrovia Horticultural Craftsmen
Monrovia Horticultural Craftsmen
Website: www.monrovia.com
Garden Maker Software
Garden Maker Software
Email: mo@moplants.com
Website: www.moplants.com/garden_maker_software.html
Bamboo and Rattan Works Inc.
Bamboo and Rattan Works Inc.
Lakewood, NJ 08701
Phone: 732-370-0220
Fax: 732-905-8386
Website: www.bambooandrattan.com
Garden Lantern
Garden lantern, small (Model #812); color: natural
Al's Garden Art, Inc.
Colton, CA 92324
Website: www.alsgardenart.com
Square Footed Planter
Serial #3-451-A
Asian Ceramics Inc.
Website: www.asian-ceramics.com
Medium-Size Brown Jar
Serial #2-253
Asian Ceramics Inc.
Website: www.asian-ceramics.com
WOLF-Garten of North America, L.P.
Minneapolis, MN
Phone: 612-455-1500
WOLF-Garten of North America L.P.
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Phone: 612-455-1500
Website: www.ohmygarden.com
Plants from Plant Development Services Inc.
Plant Development Services Inc.
Loxley, AL 36551
Phone: 888/922-PDSI
Fax: 251/964-6759
Email: pdsi99@gulftel.com
Website: www.plantdevelopment.com ; www.plantsbymail.com
GUESTS :
Dennis Connor
18331 E. Foothill Blvd.
Azusa, CA 91702
Tollfree Phone: 800-999-9321
Email: dconnor@monrovia.com
Website: www.monrovia.com
VP/General Manager, Monrovia Nursery
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