2016 Spring Home Improvement

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Page 24 2016 Spring Home Improvement LINCON DAILY May 2, 2016
It is advisable to choose shrubs and trees, which can
be higher cost materials, from a reliable source that is
knowledgeable about plants and has dedicated workers
caring properly for its stock.
Whether you purchase quality ball and burlap wrapped
plants, container grown, or bare-root stock that
is delivered to your door, your best bet at success
actually begins much sooner than the purchase.
Where to begin
While the above factors in selection of right plant
for chosen location should be considered with each
purchase, there are some more important steps you
should take before you even begin looking at plants.
Again, trees and shrubs are a higher cost item, so you
want to do this thoughtfully.
It is important that before you even begin that you
do an assessment of your needs and goals. Pre-
determining the use of your outdoor space will save
you time and money and lead to more satisfaction in
your development.
First take an observational walk. Purposes and use
may vary between your front, sides and back yard.
Take note of what is already growing, dream a little,
and make a written plan for each area. It doesn’t have
to be an elaborate plan, but intentions will help steer
you in later decision making.
You probably would never consider completely
decorating every room inside your home all at once.
Likewise, you will want to determine if you are going
to do a little here and a bit there in broad strokes in a
multi-year graduated development.
If your funds and time are limited like most people,
a more satisfying approach might be to focus on one
area at a time. It is kind of fun to just go out and see
what plants strike your fancy. But first take a good
realistic look at your habits, resources, wants and
needs; and make your plans before you begin the
search for materials.
There are many new varieties of trees and shrubberies
introduced each year, some are simply too irresistible
to not try. In recent years huge pink and blue
blooming hydrangeas have stolen the limelight; all-
season, mass blooming Knock-out Roses, crimson
leaved Japanese Maples, fragrant Korean Lilacs, and
many other new hybrids have made stunning debuts.
Many of the new hybrids are also more versatile in
cold and drought conditions, expanding plant options
in every climate region. The southern delightful
blooming Crepe Myrtle is making its way into
northern landscapes.
What are some of the considerations in creating
your plan:
n If you have children, plan space for playing;
thorny barberry and children, roses and basketballs or
footballs DO NOT mix. You can have it all, just plan
the spaces for each. Yews, arborvitaes, boxwoods,
junipers (scratchy, but no foul if landed in) and other
evergreens are resilient and less harmful to children.
What are your goals?
n A well planned landscape will beautify and enhance
the value of your property.
n Is there an area that a living wall of evergreens is
needed to provide more privacy.
n Do you want to create a wind screen with quick
growing poplars and a parallel line of slower growing
evergreens.
n Evergreen shrubs placed close enough to the sides
of a home provide an insulation barrier keeping your
house warmer in winter.
CONTIUNED ►