 |
Get Yardcare Advice for Your Region
- I just moved into a new home in Oklahoma, and my turfgrass will be installed later this spring. What can I do to brighten my landscape in the meantime and shed some of that “new home” look?
Container gardening is your solution. It’s a quick and easy way to say “welcome home.” So is a collection of hanging baskets filled with seasonal flowers such as impatiens or portulaca. Group your collections of terra cotta or colorfully painted containers near entryways and on the porch or patio. Many retailers now offer lightweight terra cotta-look containers that are much lighter and easier to handle than the real thing. Depending on sun exposure, you’ll want to give the impatiens morning sun. The portulaca can tolerate all-day sun. Remember to water your plants daily during hot weather; container plants dry out more quickly than do plants in the garden. While you’re waiting for your turfgrass to arrive, do some window-shopping for landscape accents such as garden sculpture, birdbaths and garden antiques that will complement your home’s design. You can also incorporate these features among your collections of container plants.
- What is a reliable drought-tolerant turfgrass choice for my desert landscape in Santa Fe?
One of the best sources of information is the New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service. Your county Extension agent will have information about the best types of turfgrass for your situation. A soil test might be in order, not only to choose the best turfgrass, but also to determine whether the soil lacks specific nutrients to maintain a beautiful lawn and landscape. Turfgrasses to consider include bermudagrass, buffalograss, blue grama, St. Augustinegrass and zoysiagrass.
- What can I do to “green up” a shady part of my San Angelo, Texas, landscape, where turfgrass won’t grow?
If you have deep shade, consider using a basic groundcover such as English ivy or wandering jew as a foundation. Then, plant seasonal color from native and adapted plants: caladiums and ferns in late spring through fall, hollies or beautyberry to brighten the winter landscape. Plant some spring-flowering bulbs in fall, for spring bloom. Create a natural-looking border between the lawn and the shady area by using edging materials, creating a pathway, or establishing a border of native grasses.
- I’ve head that it’s OK to plant spring-flowering bulbs in my St. Augustine lawn in Durant, Oklahoma. Won’t I be cutting the bulbs’ foliage, though, when I mow the lawn?
No. By the time you need to mow the lawn, the bulbs’ foliage will have faded and the mowing won’t harm it. The idea of naturalizing bulbs in your lawn -- such as daffodils, crocus and species tulips – is a wonderful way to add splashes of color to your spring landscape during the turfgrass’ dormant season. Choose bulbs that are native or adapted to your region, and you’ll enjoy many years of beautiful displays. The bulbs will multiply over time, so divide them every few years for a prettier show.
- Can you explain Xeriscaping? I live in the Oklahoma Panhandle, and it is getting more expensive every year to water my landscape. I’ve heard that Xeriscaping is all about “zero water use” and “zero maintenance.”
There are many beautiful plants that contribute to a Xeriscape design. The concept may sound as if it’s “zero-scape,” as in “no plants.” However, Xeriscaping is a little more complex, and lots of fun to work with. Careful planning is required for this type of landscape, and the emphasis is on low-water-use plants. Once your plants are established, you’ll see not only a drop in your water bills, but also in the time you spend maintaining your landscape. The seven principles of Xeriscaping revolve around good landscape design, soil, mulch, reduced lawn areas, efficient watering, good maintenance, and low-water-use plants. Check your local library or bookstore for regional planting guides, and discuss your plant options and design ideas with your county extension agent or a reliable certified nurseryman. A landscape architect or landscape designer can also help you with your plans.
< Back
|
|
|
