2016 Spring Home Improvement

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2016 Spring Home Improvement LINCON DAILY May 2, 2016 Page 27
You will want to consider costs of mulch or
decorative rock, ground cover, weed mat, edging, soil
amendments, fertilizer, maintenance tools - pruners,
hedge clippers, trimmers. You may want to add
pathway pavers, stepping stones, patios or walks.
Last tips
Don’t buy on impulse. Make a trip to visit one or
more garden centers or nurseries and take notes
on what is available. Also consult online sources,
professionals and garden enthusiasts for possible
problems or what plants are working well for others.
Ask about upcoming sale times. Sales are good and
you will be able to buy more for your hard earned
dollars if you plan and wait.
As a general rule, smaller plants transplant with
greater success and cost less. So, unless you need the
look of a larger plant right away, you might save some
bucks and buy less mature plants. You also get the
pleasure of seeing a space come together over time.
When and how to plant
When it comes to ensuring your new planting will
thrive, an often over looked factor is timing of when
you plant. The general
recommendation is
to plant either in the
spring or fall. But
what is of greater
importance is not to
plant when conditions
will be harsh - hot,
dry and windy. It
takes a few days
and weeks for tree
and shrub roots to
adjust to the shock of
planting. There may
be a delay in the uptake of water and nutrients needed
by the leaves.
So, choose a good site in accordance to the particular
plant’s needs. Take time to properly prepare the soil.
You can even dig the hole. But it is best to watch
the weather forecast and wait for a gentle cycle of
weather, one that offers several days of cooler, cloudy
or rainy weather, and no intense heat for a period of
time.
Plant labels give you all the information you need to
know in how and where to plant your new treasure,
including how large to make the hole.
Most often instructions will say to make the hole
about twice as wide as the root ball or pot size, loosen
the soil at the bottom to make it easy for the plant
roots to stretch downward as well. When set in the
hole the top of the root ball should be level with the
surrounding ground. At this point be sure to add water
to the hole and observe that it drains down easily
before back-filling around the sides. Water again
when finished and to mulch over the top to prevent
water loss.
Need inspiration?
As English author Charles Caleb Colton said,
“Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.”
Take your camera and go out. Walk through historic
home neighborhoods, especially from alleyways you
will see some amazing outdoor living areas. Observe
landscapes from the street view too. When you
get back home, while looking at pictures note what
shrubberies and trees others have used and look at
your space.
When you go to the garden center, take notes and
pictures. See what strikes your fancy. Go home and
review the condition requirements of your top choices,
and compare to your plans. Then decide what plants
you wish to purchase.
As trees and shrubs represent the larger living material
used in plantscaping, the materials are significant
investment of time and dollars. Used creatively and
in conjunction with hardscaping - pathways, lighting,
statuary and more - their use when planned out can
provide unique and deeply satisfying environments
and even a return on investment if done carefully.
Remember, start with a plan of what you want to
achieve in your green space and your outdoor space
can become your dream space.
[Jan Youngquist]
Temperature zone map .
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