January 01, 2004
Landscaping Blog Archives
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Ancient Landscape Design - Hanging Gardens of Babylon
The recent wars in Iraq have sparked renewed popular interest in perhaps the most renowned example of landscape design in the ancient world. One of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon were situated near modern-day Baghdad, Iraq. A couple of surprises about the Hanging Gardens of Babylon: "hanging" is not the best rendering of the ancient description that has come down to us; and the irrigation of this monument to ancient landscape design skill was perhaps its most impressive feature.
07:58 AM #
The recent wars in Iraq have sparked renewed popular interest in perhaps the most renowned example of landscape design in the ancient world. One of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon were situated near modern-day Baghdad, Iraq. A couple of surprises about the Hanging Gardens of Babylon: "hanging" is not the best rendering of the ancient description that has come down to us; and the irrigation of this monument to ancient landscape design skill was perhaps its most impressive feature.
07:58 AM #
Bug Control on Houseplants - Whitefly Control
So you thought you'd bring a bit of the outdoors indoors this winter, but bugs are devouring your houseplants? Perhaps the toughest bugs to control indoors are those little white flys you see all over. And that's exactly what they're called: "whitefly." The Cornell extension has some advice on whitefly control in this piece.
07:37 AM #
So you thought you'd bring a bit of the outdoors indoors this winter, but bugs are devouring your houseplants? Perhaps the toughest bugs to control indoors are those little white flys you see all over. And that's exactly what they're called: "whitefly." The Cornell extension has some advice on whitefly control in this piece.
07:37 AM #
An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
"A Modern Herbal" provides us with a detailed look at that old favorite, the apple (Pyrus malus). Thinking about including apple trees in your landscape design this year? First learn all about apples -- their history, apple recipes, and why it's true that an apple a day keeps the doctor away.
07:12 AM #
"A Modern Herbal" provides us with a detailed look at that old favorite, the apple (Pyrus malus). Thinking about including apple trees in your landscape design this year? First learn all about apples -- their history, apple recipes, and why it's true that an apple a day keeps the doctor away.
07:12 AM #
Reflections on a Landscape Design Guru
The online edition of "The Arizona Republic" featured a story last week of interest to landscape design aficionados. I refer to the paper's glance at John Brookes, landscape design guru.
07:23 AM #
The online edition of "The Arizona Republic" featured a story last week of interest to landscape design aficionados. I refer to the paper's glance at John Brookes, landscape design guru.
07:23 AM #
Earthworms - Forest Menace, Garden Magic
You've no doubt heard that earthworms are good for the garden. They not only provide nitrogen, but also aerate your soil and thereby reduce compaction, a major impediment to plant health. But here are some facts about earthworms that may surprise you....First of all, despite their value in our gardens, earthworms are damaging forests in North America. They are upsetting the ecosystem, as this article on the earthworm menace explains. The same article does, however, end by suggesting that earthworms "might eventually find a peaceful equilibrium in North American forests."
Earthworms upsetting the ecosystem? "But how can that be?" you may ask. "Aren't they native to that same ecosystem?" This is the second surprise: no, most earthworm species currently in North America are not native. Many, though, probably have been here for a long time, having come over with early European settlers.
Finally, for a humorous take on the matter, this link on the invasion of the earthworms is worth a look for the funny drawings alone!
07:50 AM #
You've no doubt heard that earthworms are good for the garden. They not only provide nitrogen, but also aerate your soil and thereby reduce compaction, a major impediment to plant health. But here are some facts about earthworms that may surprise you....First of all, despite their value in our gardens, earthworms are damaging forests in North America. They are upsetting the ecosystem, as this article on the earthworm menace explains. The same article does, however, end by suggesting that earthworms "might eventually find a peaceful equilibrium in North American forests."
Earthworms upsetting the ecosystem? "But how can that be?" you may ask. "Aren't they native to that same ecosystem?" This is the second surprise: no, most earthworm species currently in North America are not native. Many, though, probably have been here for a long time, having come over with early European settlers.
Finally, for a humorous take on the matter, this link on the invasion of the earthworms is worth a look for the funny drawings alone!
07:50 AM #
Heated Driveways - Melt Your Cares Away
Imagine never having to shovel again, never having to maintain and house a bulky snowblower again, never risking damage again to landscape design and driveway alike by relying on snowplows. Now stop merely imagining all that, and read this FAQ on the "heated driveways" technology that's as real as the patch of ice you just slipped on....My FAQ deals with the cost of heated driveways, among other matters. With heated driveways, you can "melt your cares away." You've probably heard ads for vacation spas or Caribbean getaways that use this slogan, the implication being that warmth can work wonders for your psyche. Well, it can work wonders for your driveway, landscaping and safety, too.
Snowplows hasten the degradation of driveways, and one stray turn can do in a specimen shrub. Or if you have elderly relatives living in the North, they may be injured from slipping and falling on the driveway in winter. Such accidents happen all the time, regardless of how reliable and efficient your snowplow contractor may be. Likewise, regardless of your age, technique and physical condition, you could incur injury while shoveling snow or operating a snowblower -- especially near a road that's heavily-trafficked. All it takes is one speeding car slipping on an icy road while your back is turned.... You'd never have to worry about any of this with a heated driveway. Of course, you'll have to determine if the price tag of heated driveways is acceptable, in exchange for melting those cares away. Then again, Caribbean cruises don't come cheap, either; and they're gone, once your trip ends!
07:16 AM #
Imagine never having to shovel again, never having to maintain and house a bulky snowblower again, never risking damage again to landscape design and driveway alike by relying on snowplows. Now stop merely imagining all that, and read this FAQ on the "heated driveways" technology that's as real as the patch of ice you just slipped on....My FAQ deals with the cost of heated driveways, among other matters. With heated driveways, you can "melt your cares away." You've probably heard ads for vacation spas or Caribbean getaways that use this slogan, the implication being that warmth can work wonders for your psyche. Well, it can work wonders for your driveway, landscaping and safety, too.
Snowplows hasten the degradation of driveways, and one stray turn can do in a specimen shrub. Or if you have elderly relatives living in the North, they may be injured from slipping and falling on the driveway in winter. Such accidents happen all the time, regardless of how reliable and efficient your snowplow contractor may be. Likewise, regardless of your age, technique and physical condition, you could incur injury while shoveling snow or operating a snowblower -- especially near a road that's heavily-trafficked. All it takes is one speeding car slipping on an icy road while your back is turned.... You'd never have to worry about any of this with a heated driveway. Of course, you'll have to determine if the price tag of heated driveways is acceptable, in exchange for melting those cares away. Then again, Caribbean cruises don't come cheap, either; and they're gone, once your trip ends!
07:16 AM #
Poisonous Landscape Design - Castor Bean Plants - Ricin
You've probably heard old-timers talk about the laxative derived from castor plants, castor oil. [Edited to add: Recently, the poison, ricin, also derived from castor plants, has been in the news.] But have you ever thought about including castor oil's source, castor bean plants in your landscape design? If so, be forewarned: although castor bean plants can make for striking specimens in a landscape design, their seeds or "beans" are quite poisonous. Avoid planting castor bean plants altogether if you have small children. This site discusses the many uses of castor bean plants, also providing word derivations for both its common name and scientific name (Ricinus communis).
07:02 AM #
You've probably heard old-timers talk about the laxative derived from castor plants, castor oil. [Edited to add: Recently, the poison, ricin, also derived from castor plants, has been in the news.] But have you ever thought about including castor oil's source, castor bean plants in your landscape design? If so, be forewarned: although castor bean plants can make for striking specimens in a landscape design, their seeds or "beans" are quite poisonous. Avoid planting castor bean plants altogether if you have small children. This site discusses the many uses of castor bean plants, also providing word derivations for both its common name and scientific name (Ricinus communis).07:02 AM #
Landscape Design Elements and Principles
Learn about line, form, texture, scent and color, as they apply to landscape design. Explanations are supplemented with pictures. Continue on to a look at 6 fundamental principles in landscape design: repetition, variety, balance, emphasis, sequence, and scale.
07:30 AM #
Learn about line, form, texture, scent and color, as they apply to landscape design. Explanations are supplemented with pictures. Continue on to a look at 6 fundamental principles in landscape design: repetition, variety, balance, emphasis, sequence, and scale.
07:30 AM #
Spring Landscape Design Ideas - Plan Now and Plant Later
Steve Jones, the Plant Man, gives you some considerations to ponder during these cold winter months, so that when spring finally does arrive, you'll be able to implement your landscape design ideas -- efficiently and effectively. Matters to ponder in preparation for planting trees in your landscape design include: site conditions (e.g., soil type), tree species selection (do your homework and pick a tree right for your yard) and weed control strategy.
07:23 AM #
Steve Jones, the Plant Man, gives you some considerations to ponder during these cold winter months, so that when spring finally does arrive, you'll be able to implement your landscape design ideas -- efficiently and effectively. Matters to ponder in preparation for planting trees in your landscape design include: site conditions (e.g., soil type), tree species selection (do your homework and pick a tree right for your yard) and weed control strategy.
07:23 AM #
Winter Landscape Design - Planning for Next Winter
As you survey your winter landscape design (such as it is) with the weary eyes of a winter survivor, think about how it could be improved for next year. Yes, I know, next winter is a long way off. But what better time to contemplate options for adding interest to your winter landscape design than right now, with images of snow, ice and bare trees all around you? And you'll want to implement the options that you decide on for a winter landscape design this spring, before the heat and humidity of summer cause you to forget entirely about such concerns.
07:31 AM #
As you survey your winter landscape design (such as it is) with the weary eyes of a winter survivor, think about how it could be improved for next year. Yes, I know, next winter is a long way off. But what better time to contemplate options for adding interest to your winter landscape design than right now, with images of snow, ice and bare trees all around you? And you'll want to implement the options that you decide on for a winter landscape design this spring, before the heat and humidity of summer cause you to forget entirely about such concerns.
07:31 AM #
Landscape Design by Zone - Plant Zone Mania
For years you've been buying seed packets with the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map on the back, right? If asked, you could state your plant zone number as quickly as your street number -- and were darn proud of it, too. But as this article on plant zones explains, the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is not the sole zone-meister. Other planting guides include:
07:06 AM #
For years you've been buying seed packets with the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map on the back, right? If asked, you could state your plant zone number as quickly as your street number -- and were darn proud of it, too. But as this article on plant zones explains, the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is not the sole zone-meister. Other planting guides include:
- the AHS Heat-Zone Map
- the Canadian Plant Hardiness Zone Map
- the Sunset Climate Zone Map
07:06 AM #
Photo Gallery - Landscape Design Software and Photo Gallery
Chamberlin Landscaping provides some nice landscape design photos of work they've done in Iowa. Besides viewing their photo gallery, see what can be done with computer imaging and C.A.D. landscape design software. Using such software, customers can see and make changes to a projected landscape design scheme before deciding on a proposal.
07:11 AM #
Chamberlin Landscaping provides some nice landscape design photos of work they've done in Iowa. Besides viewing their photo gallery, see what can be done with computer imaging and C.A.D. landscape design software. Using such software, customers can see and make changes to a projected landscape design scheme before deciding on a proposal.
07:11 AM #
Groundhog Day Mirth - The Significance of Groundhog Day
Let's be blunt. When it comes to Groundhog Day, there are two vocal camps -- one of which holds Groundhog Day to be the most insipid of holidays. From the title of this entry, you've probably figured out that I belong to the other camp, which gets quite excited about Groundhog Day. Here's why....
In past incarnations, Groundhog Day was Imbolc (pagan) and Candlemas Day (Catholic). We all know the gist of Groundhog Day, February 2. If the Groundhog comes out of his winter quarters and sees his shadow, then he will return to his burrow for another six weeks. This is how Groundhog Day turns out most years, namely, with a prediction that spring will not arrive till the calendar says it's time. But if Groundhog Day is cloudy, then the Groundhog will remain out, since cloud cover on Groundhog Day is supposed to be an indication of prematurely good weather -- i.e., an early spring.
At this juncture, perhaps you're in the scoffer's camp, shrugging your shoulders with a "so what?" regarding Groundhog Day and its vernal prognostications. Bill Murray's character in the movie, "Groundhog Day," certainly started out in this camp, before his transition (and transition, as I argue below, is what the Groundhog Day holiday is all about). It's rather arbitrary to choose a groundhog to play weather forecaster, rather than some other animal; nor should the weather on one day (February 2) weigh so heavily in a 6-week forecast. But such objections utterly miss the point behind Groundhog Day.
Groundhog Day is our only holiday that focuses squarely on weather. It occurs at a time when weather occupies Northerners' thoughts more thoroughly than at any other time of the year. We know we're still stuck in winter, but enough of the winter has elapsed that we feel we can now justifiably look ahead to the promise of spring. More than any other holiday, Groundhog Day is the "looking-ahead" holiday, a holiday of transition. We're not so much celebrating the day at hand on February 2 as we are a day that is on our horizon, the spring equinox. The latter is simply being celebrated ahead of time, as Groundhog Day, on February 2. Asking us to bottle up our spring hopes until three weeks in March have passed would be unreasonable, don't you think?
This rationale accounts for all the talk about "forecasting" on Groundhog Day. For it isn't the Groundhog who's looking into the future on Groundhog Day, it is we. And whether it arrives early, late or on-time, this is one prediction that inevitably will prove true: spring will arrive, one way or another. At least it always has. And on Groundhog Day we take solace in that fact.
If you conceive of Groundhog Day as the "looking-ahead" holiday, par excellence, suddenly you'll realize that the date of February 2 is not so arbitrary, after all. Think of a year's time as a huge disk. How might one divide that disk into equal parts? Well, let's say the winter solstice stands at 6:00, the summer solstice at high noon. By this logic, the spring equinox and fall equinox would stand at 9:00 and 3:00, respectively, working clockwise. The period that concerns us is that between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, that time when spring is so close, and yet so far away. If we looked for the midpoint between these two junctures, it would be 7:30 on our imaginary clock -- or February 2, according to the calendar. It would be Groundhog Day, in other words.
Yes, Groundhog Day stands at one of the eight major junctures of the year's passing. By the time February 2 arrives, we've already completed the most difficult portion of our ascent out of the pit of winter's darkest days. The future looks bright as we survey it from our Groundhog-Day burrows -- and nothing can overshadow our optimism.
But if you wish to maintain your optimism throughout the landscaping and gardening season, you'd better read these tips on controlling groundhog garden pests. Your prized plants will be treated as nothing more than a salad buffet, unless you learn how to keep groundhogs out of your garden.
05:23 AM #
Let's be blunt. When it comes to Groundhog Day, there are two vocal camps -- one of which holds Groundhog Day to be the most insipid of holidays. From the title of this entry, you've probably figured out that I belong to the other camp, which gets quite excited about Groundhog Day. Here's why....
In past incarnations, Groundhog Day was Imbolc (pagan) and Candlemas Day (Catholic). We all know the gist of Groundhog Day, February 2. If the Groundhog comes out of his winter quarters and sees his shadow, then he will return to his burrow for another six weeks. This is how Groundhog Day turns out most years, namely, with a prediction that spring will not arrive till the calendar says it's time. But if Groundhog Day is cloudy, then the Groundhog will remain out, since cloud cover on Groundhog Day is supposed to be an indication of prematurely good weather -- i.e., an early spring.
At this juncture, perhaps you're in the scoffer's camp, shrugging your shoulders with a "so what?" regarding Groundhog Day and its vernal prognostications. Bill Murray's character in the movie, "Groundhog Day," certainly started out in this camp, before his transition (and transition, as I argue below, is what the Groundhog Day holiday is all about). It's rather arbitrary to choose a groundhog to play weather forecaster, rather than some other animal; nor should the weather on one day (February 2) weigh so heavily in a 6-week forecast. But such objections utterly miss the point behind Groundhog Day.
Groundhog Day is our only holiday that focuses squarely on weather. It occurs at a time when weather occupies Northerners' thoughts more thoroughly than at any other time of the year. We know we're still stuck in winter, but enough of the winter has elapsed that we feel we can now justifiably look ahead to the promise of spring. More than any other holiday, Groundhog Day is the "looking-ahead" holiday, a holiday of transition. We're not so much celebrating the day at hand on February 2 as we are a day that is on our horizon, the spring equinox. The latter is simply being celebrated ahead of time, as Groundhog Day, on February 2. Asking us to bottle up our spring hopes until three weeks in March have passed would be unreasonable, don't you think?
This rationale accounts for all the talk about "forecasting" on Groundhog Day. For it isn't the Groundhog who's looking into the future on Groundhog Day, it is we. And whether it arrives early, late or on-time, this is one prediction that inevitably will prove true: spring will arrive, one way or another. At least it always has. And on Groundhog Day we take solace in that fact.
If you conceive of Groundhog Day as the "looking-ahead" holiday, par excellence, suddenly you'll realize that the date of February 2 is not so arbitrary, after all. Think of a year's time as a huge disk. How might one divide that disk into equal parts? Well, let's say the winter solstice stands at 6:00, the summer solstice at high noon. By this logic, the spring equinox and fall equinox would stand at 9:00 and 3:00, respectively, working clockwise. The period that concerns us is that between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, that time when spring is so close, and yet so far away. If we looked for the midpoint between these two junctures, it would be 7:30 on our imaginary clock -- or February 2, according to the calendar. It would be Groundhog Day, in other words.
Yes, Groundhog Day stands at one of the eight major junctures of the year's passing. By the time February 2 arrives, we've already completed the most difficult portion of our ascent out of the pit of winter's darkest days. The future looks bright as we survey it from our Groundhog-Day burrows -- and nothing can overshadow our optimism.
But if you wish to maintain your optimism throughout the landscaping and gardening season, you'd better read these tips on controlling groundhog garden pests. Your prized plants will be treated as nothing more than a salad buffet, unless you learn how to keep groundhogs out of your garden.
05:23 AM #
Landscaping Information for January
What landscaping-related tasks can you be performing in January? The Garden Helper has some useful landscaping information that you can utilize during these cold days, including a simple, preventive step you can take to minimize damage to those stout little troopers of landscape design -- your shrubs. Much of this landscaping information pertains to preparing for the spring gardens that will soon revivify your landscape design.
07:00 AM #
What landscaping-related tasks can you be performing in January? The Garden Helper has some useful landscaping information that you can utilize during these cold days, including a simple, preventive step you can take to minimize damage to those stout little troopers of landscape design -- your shrubs. Much of this landscaping information pertains to preparing for the spring gardens that will soon revivify your landscape design.
07:00 AM #
Building Wishing Wells - Plan for Wishing Well Construction
You've been wishing to have a wishing well in your landscape design, but you've been unable to locate any wishing-well plans? Look no further. This feature supplies a crystal-clear plan, supplemented by explanations. Whimsical wishing wells can serve not only as hardscape garden decor, but also as functional planter boxes.
07:19 AM #
You've been wishing to have a wishing well in your landscape design, but you've been unable to locate any wishing-well plans? Look no further. This feature supplies a crystal-clear plan, supplemented by explanations. Whimsical wishing wells can serve not only as hardscape garden decor, but also as functional planter boxes.
07:19 AM #
Benefits of Shrubs, Trees in Landscaping
Thinking of planting some shrubs or trees this spring? If you need any added incentive, Steve Jones, the Plant Man, outlines the numerous benefits of shrubs and trees in this piece. The value of shrubs and trees in our lives is to be seen in areas ranging from mental health to reducing energy bills (hey, those 2 things are related, aren't they?).
07:50 AM #
Thinking of planting some shrubs or trees this spring? If you need any added incentive, Steve Jones, the Plant Man, outlines the numerous benefits of shrubs and trees in this piece. The value of shrubs and trees in our lives is to be seen in areas ranging from mental health to reducing energy bills (hey, those 2 things are related, aren't they?).
07:50 AM #
Chinese Landscape Design - Feng Shui
The application of feng shui in landscape design purportedly maximizes the positive flow of energy in our gardens. To Westerners, some teachings in this ancient Chinese art can seem rather arbitrary. Some of its other teachings, in contrast, appear to stem simply from good taste and common sense, such as the emphasis on the need for balance in landscape design.
07:01 AM #
The application of feng shui in landscape design purportedly maximizes the positive flow of energy in our gardens. To Westerners, some teachings in this ancient Chinese art can seem rather arbitrary. Some of its other teachings, in contrast, appear to stem simply from good taste and common sense, such as the emphasis on the need for balance in landscape design.
07:01 AM #
So You Want to be a Landscape Architect?
The "Occupational Outlook Handbook" contains an extensive entry describing what landscape architects do and how you go about building a career in the field. This is also a good source for those curious about the distinction between landscape designers, landscape contractors and landscape architects.
07:14 AM #
The "Occupational Outlook Handbook" contains an extensive entry describing what landscape architects do and how you go about building a career in the field. This is also a good source for those curious about the distinction between landscape designers, landscape contractors and landscape architects.
07:14 AM #
Landscape Design in Ruins
No, this feature is not about a failed landscape design. These ruins are intentional, meant to mimic classical ruins. Although not popular in the U.S., this Old World landscape design style has a distinguished pedigree.
07:37 AM #
No, this feature is not about a failed landscape design. These ruins are intentional, meant to mimic classical ruins. Although not popular in the U.S., this Old World landscape design style has a distinguished pedigree.
07:37 AM #
Landscape Design With Shrubs - Top 10 for Winter
The value of needle-bearing shrubs such as yews for providing visual interest in winter landscape design is well known. But don't overlook deciduous shrubs. This list, with descriptions, of mostly shrubs (birch trees and ornamental grasses receive mention, too) will offer ideas for sprucing up your winter landscape design. Foliage is de-emphasized in this list, in favor of texture and of colorful berries that attract wild birds.
12:19 AM #
The value of needle-bearing shrubs such as yews for providing visual interest in winter landscape design is well known. But don't overlook deciduous shrubs. This list, with descriptions, of mostly shrubs (birch trees and ornamental grasses receive mention, too) will offer ideas for sprucing up your winter landscape design. Foliage is de-emphasized in this list, in favor of texture and of colorful berries that attract wild birds.
12:19 AM #
Inside-Out Landscape Design
This story is about adjustments in perspective in planning a landscape design. Namely, we may need to think less about curb appeal in our landscape design work and more about how the yard appears when we're inside, looking out a window. It's your call: is your landscape design meant to please you as you gaze out the breakfast window, or is its function to please passersby?
07:25 AM #
This story is about adjustments in perspective in planning a landscape design. Namely, we may need to think less about curb appeal in our landscape design work and more about how the yard appears when we're inside, looking out a window. It's your call: is your landscape design meant to please you as you gaze out the breakfast window, or is its function to please passersby?
07:25 AM #
Native Grasses - The Meadow Grass Alternative
If you own a small urban lot with a front yard of lawn grass, hasn't it ever struck you as a bit silly to be taking time to mow, irrigate and fertilize that grass? Housing and maintaining the lawn mower in itself must seem like a waste of precious space and of energy better spend on other pursuits, right? Enter the meadow grass alternative. With native grasses you'll reduce maintenance, costs, air pollution, and chemical and water usage.
07:58 AM #
If you own a small urban lot with a front yard of lawn grass, hasn't it ever struck you as a bit silly to be taking time to mow, irrigate and fertilize that grass? Housing and maintaining the lawn mower in itself must seem like a waste of precious space and of energy better spend on other pursuits, right? Enter the meadow grass alternative. With native grasses you'll reduce maintenance, costs, air pollution, and chemical and water usage.
07:58 AM #
Landscape Design With Cooking Herbs
Sometimes we're lucky enough to have a 2-for-1 in landscape design. Cooking herbs (culinary herbs) are for more than just cooking. An artistic eye can find a myriad of uses for cooking herbs in landscape design, based on the various forms, textures and colors of herb plants.
07:23 AM #
Sometimes we're lucky enough to have a 2-for-1 in landscape design. Cooking herbs (culinary herbs) are for more than just cooking. An artistic eye can find a myriad of uses for cooking herbs in landscape design, based on the various forms, textures and colors of herb plants.
07:23 AM #
Top 20 Landscape Design Mistakes
A handy list of common landscape design mistakes, from Better Homes and Gardens. Tips on landscaping elements from lighting to boundaries. Novices at landscape design should consult this list and avoid its pitfalls.
12:33 AM #
A handy list of common landscape design mistakes, from Better Homes and Gardens. Tips on landscaping elements from lighting to boundaries. Novices at landscape design should consult this list and avoid its pitfalls.
12:33 AM #
Landscape Design Software - CAD Intro
Curious about landscape design software? Steve Jones, the Plant Man, takes a brief look at CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) in this intro to Landscape Design Software. But before you buy, remember: you get what you pay for!
07:26 AM #
Curious about landscape design software? Steve Jones, the Plant Man, takes a brief look at CAD (Computer Aided Drafting) in this intro to Landscape Design Software. But before you buy, remember: you get what you pay for!
07:26 AM #
Landscaping Tips for January by Region
Consult these landscaping tips for January, by region, to find the most relevant landscaping tips at this time for your own yard. Specific January landscaping tips are listed separately for 7 distinct regions in the U.S.
07:49 AM #
Consult these landscaping tips for January, by region, to find the most relevant landscaping tips at this time for your own yard. Specific January landscaping tips are listed separately for 7 distinct regions in the U.S.
07:49 AM #
Landscape Design Indoors - Interiorscaping
Many of the same principles with which you are familiar from your outdoor gardens apply indoors, as well. E.g., an indoor landscape design, too, comprises softscape and hardscape elements. And if you think insect pests are tough outdoors, just wait till you see the warfare they wage on your indoor landscape design! But also as with outdoor gardens, what makes it all worthwhile is the therapeutic effect plants have on us.
07:27 AM #
Many of the same principles with which you are familiar from your outdoor gardens apply indoors, as well. E.g., an indoor landscape design, too, comprises softscape and hardscape elements. And if you think insect pests are tough outdoors, just wait till you see the warfare they wage on your indoor landscape design! But also as with outdoor gardens, what makes it all worthwhile is the therapeutic effect plants have on us.
07:27 AM #
Types of Ornamental Grasses in Landscape Design
Ornamental grasses are useful plants in landscape design. The numerous types of ornamental grasses come in a variety of heights and offer forms and textures that contrast nicely with other landscaping mainstays. Otherwise drab winter landscape designs can be enhanced greatly through the proper use of ornamental grasses. Learn more about this valuable landscaping component in an article on types of ornamental grasses in landscape design (picture of "sea oats" courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden).
07:50 AM #
Ornamental grasses are useful plants in landscape design. The numerous types of ornamental grasses come in a variety of heights and offer forms and textures that contrast nicely with other landscaping mainstays. Otherwise drab winter landscape designs can be enhanced greatly through the proper use of ornamental grasses. Learn more about this valuable landscaping component in an article on types of ornamental grasses in landscape design (picture of "sea oats" courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden).07:50 AM #
Choosing Statues for Lawn and Garden Decor
Some thoughts from the Do-It-Yourself Network on Choosing Statues for Lawn and Garden Decor. This feature touches upon costs, appropriateness of theme, scale, contrast and popular choices for statues in lawn and garden decor.
11:56 AM #
Some thoughts from the Do-It-Yourself Network on Choosing Statues for Lawn and Garden Decor. This feature touches upon costs, appropriateness of theme, scale, contrast and popular choices for statues in lawn and garden decor.
11:56 AM #
Garden Winterizing - Protecting Garden Shrubs
Because December was unusually mild in some regions, it may not be too late even now to do your landscape design a favor -- a landscaping tip that I recommended back in November. Feel like getting some fresh air on this New Year's holiday? Then implement the instructions in this step-by-step guide to winterizing deciduous shrubs. Winterize these dainties now, and enjoy their improved flower displays in your springtime landscape design.
10:46 AM #
Because December was unusually mild in some regions, it may not be too late even now to do your landscape design a favor -- a landscaping tip that I recommended back in November. Feel like getting some fresh air on this New Year's holiday? Then implement the instructions in this step-by-step guide to winterizing deciduous shrubs. Winterize these dainties now, and enjoy their improved flower displays in your springtime landscape design.
10:46 AM #
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