Several years ago I went to a social mixer being held at a brewery by the now defunct group the Midwest Ecological Landscape Alliance (MELA). I was then in the process of changing my view of what gardening could be and this group seemed to be made up of like minded people. … [Read more...]
Search Results for: pruning
Live Stakes for Landscaping as Inexpensive Plants
Unless you are in the field of ecological restoration you are probably unfamiliar with the term, live stakes. But perhaps you are like me, and appreciate a good deal. Whether it is a pair of khakis for 50% off the last marked clearance price or a $5 Monday night burger deal at a local restaurant. I love saving money. This frugality (my term, my wife and kids term would be cheapskate) also extends to my yard. While when it comes to landscaping tools or plants for clients, quality is the name … [Read more...]
Garden Revolution Book Review, one of my favorite new books
Here is a book review for Amazon I wrote for a fabulous new book I recently read, Garden Revolution. This is another in a line of several garden books that have been being published recently for the ecologically inclined gardener or landscape professional. This book won't give you a landscape plan, but it may start you on a new way to garden - Jim … [Read more...]
Appalachian Spring dogwood
The Appalachian Spring dogwood (Cornus florida 'Appalachian Spring') is an outstanding flowering tree that blooms in the Spring on leafless branches. … [Read more...]
Katsura tree is a great tree from Asia
The Katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum) is a great shade tree with four season interest. It's also a tree I WON'T let my wife talk me into planting at our new house (more on that below). … [Read more...]
The plants I hate to leave behind
You may have noticed, I have been a little sporadic in publishing new posts lately. Sure, I did say I was going to reduce my new articles to once every couple of weeks or so, after starting my new position. But it's been three weeks since I published anything! OK, but at least I have a few excuses. I did just get back from camping with my daughters in the Wisconsin North woods for a week. And yes, despite the rainy weather and 42 degree low's we had to endure, we did have a good … [Read more...]
Landscapers favorite trees the good, the bad, and the ugly
Since switching from a public garden to a commercial landscaping industry, I've had a chance to pay more attention to what plants are being used by landscapers in my area. … [Read more...]
End of an era
Last week was my last at Anderson Japanese Gardens. My eight plus years as a horticulturist there has ended. While I learned a lot and am thankful for my time there, I am very much looking forward to my new position in the design build department of a local Nursery/Landscaping company. … [Read more...]
Backyard for bird watchers Part 4
Last post, we finished up by adding the rest of the trees to the backyard design for bird watchers. Today, we will add the shrubs. Shrubs not only provide birds food, a lot of birds make nests in shrubs. This includes common birds like the robin, mourning dove, blue jay, and catbird. It also includes less common ones like yellow warbler and indigo bunting. … [Read more...]
Backyard landscape design for birds Part 3
Today, we continue our landscape design for birds and the people that love them by adding the rest of our trees. In my last post, we ended by adding three Scarlet oak trees. … [Read more...]