Saturday, March 8, 2014

small backyard landscaping

small backyard landscaping


The following are common ideas on how to produce small backyard landscaping that is encouraged by the the wild we frequently see in different parts of the entire world. It also consists of the types of plant life present and the way they are dealt with for upkeep.

Tropical yard - Hawaiian isle backyard is usually composed of well-defined colors and diverse shapely aspects. In the tropics, natural light is widespread therefore kinds of life types can be found. To imitate this impact, include colourful flowers along with several designs. Large simply leaves, thorny branches, heavy roots along with creepy venous arises are signatures regarding tropical woodlands. Make sure to consist of these elements inside your backyard landscape. Of course, given that rain is often a constant inside the tropics, include in the backyard a great deal of fluid drinking water. You can keep water calm, streaming, dripping as well as bubbling. Shades attract many different insects, thus be wary associated with bugs which arent people warm and friendly. However, youll see a few moths and seeing stars that will be drawn to your warm backyard.

Bamboo sheets backyard * Bamboos are forever green and so are a favorite inside temperate international locations because they do not modify color or perhaps lose their particular leaves with time for the fall and winter. Bamboos are overgrown lawn and can become adults to several toes high. Incorporate a panda-shaped rock in order to remind you of these types of gentle, bamboo sheets forest property creatures. If you feel like your own bamboos have grown too large; cutting all of them wont get wasted. These durable bamboos are easily toned to become very small decorations * or cause them to become into chopsticks!

Bonsai tree garden -- Bonsais are plants with miniaturizes timber. Originally through Japan, the normally huge tree needs to grow directly into small baby twins of the unique because they do not possess space for roots to grow. To compensate, they may be forced to restrict their styles into feasible amounts. Expanding a bonsai tree is a demanding endeavor; nonetheless managing a number of these to create the backyard landscape has benefits of its individual. Once you have gathered a number of these, acquired how to maintain these and established them when you wished inside your backyard, you may feel like a huge walking coupled a smaller forest. Given that bonsais are not very different from their huge parents aside from their styles, expect to see small fruits increasing on them also. Learn more about precisely how bonsais are preserved. The regularity involving watering these kind of bonsais depends on exactly where they actually came from. When their mother or father stemmed inside the tropics, then applying water them is often more often than others bonsais which comes from temperate kinds.

Cacti backyard - Cactus are vegetation that require the very least amount of h2o. Contrary to popular belief, cactus need h2o too. Nonetheless, the regularity and also amount of drinking water it needs much less expensive than that of various other plants that grow inside other parts around the globe. These ticklish creatures appear in different shapes and forms, and sometimes they will grow a new flower or even two. Even though watering all of them need not be completed on a regular basis, a continuing source of sunshine is a must. Occur winter time, it is advisable to protect these people inside green house because minimal temperatures may freeze inside the water that they stored on the inside and will sooner or later kill the place.

These are just a couple of suggestions concerning how to start the little backyard landscaping. Usually do not limit oneself and choose ideas you find attractive. No matter what variety you have, remember that creating your own backyard landscaping activity have to be enjoyable and also fun.


small backyard landscaping ideas pictures
small backyard landscaping ideas with pool

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Friday, March 7, 2014

Fire Pits Reestablish Communal Gathering Spots

Fire Pits have been around as long as man has been able to learn to create and control fire. During the times when primitive men gathered around fire to cook the latest kill, or to withstand the cold harsh winters, when we were clad in nothing but animal skins to stay warm, gathering around the fire was commonplace back then not only for survival but for conversation and social gathering.



Modern times allow us to enjoy the comforts of better housing and technology and not RELY on fire pits to cook our food or to stay warm. But a few elements of custom fire pits and their benefits still remain.

I came across an article out of New Bedford, Massachusetts, that pointed out and reminded me of a few of these innate advantages of fire pits that some of us may forget or overlook at times.



First off, fire pits are great for conversation because guests, family, friends, what-have-you, are facing one another which is more engaging to conversation. Fire pits are traditionally sat "in-the-round," forcing people to look at each other, whereas fireplaces are usually built where people place themselves in front of and look at, versus looking at whom they are speaking with. While fire pits and fireplaces are a natural focal point, fire pits create a much more intimate conversation setting because people are facing each other.

Another advantage to having a fire pit is that along with an outdoor kitchen area and bar can turn an ordinary patio into a full blown entertainment space. There is nothing like having the adults gather around a fire pit while the kids join in on the entertainment by roasting smores over an nice tall open flame.



A final benefit of installing a custom fire pit in your outdoor entertainment space, is just that, CUSTOM. You can make it your own. Although there are prefabricated fire pit kits you can purchase and then finish yourself with faux stone, stucco, or a variety of heat resistant stone, with all the great landscape design ideas out there online, you can see about adapting and creating a custom fire pit or burning system to meet your needs, match your homes style or adjust the size so that it is suitable to your meet your specific outdoor entertainment space.

Regardless of what you decide, fire pits make for an excellent focal point and gathering spot when entertaining outdoors and will really add a spark to your dinner parties. If you have any questions on which fire pit system would be best for you home, please feel free to contact us and let us bring a warm glow to your patio.
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Masterwort

Astrantia

Astrantia carniolica
A compact, dense, clumping perennial, reaching up to 2.5 x 3 ( rarely over 1.5 ) feet, with pinkish-white ( with white bracts ) flower heads, up to 1 inch across, borne during late summer.
The deep green foliage is finely-divided.
Hardy zones 3b to 6 in full sun to partial shade on moist, fertile, well drained soil.
It prefers cool summers and hot summer nights are fatal in the southeast U.S. Pest and disease resistant. Propagation is from seed or division during autumn or early spring. When dividing clumps, replant root pieces exceeding 2 inches in diameter that have growth buds. It will often self seed if not deadheaded. The seed needs a cold period to germinate so it is recommended to sow the fresh seed in containers that can be left outdoors ( or in the refridgerator for 2 months ) over winter.

Rubra
Deep red flowers, otherwise identical.

Astrantia major ( Major Masterwort )
A dense, clumping perennial, reaching a maximum size of 3.6 x 4 feet, that is native to the European Alps. It looks expecially attractive next to a small pond.
The large leaves are dissected. The foliage is glossy deep green.
The white, pink or rosy-pink ( with purplish-pink bracts ) flower inflorescences, are borne over a long season during mid to late summer.
It makes a great cut flower.
Hardy zones 3b to 6 ( to 8 on Pacific Coast and British Isles ) in full sun to partial shade on moist, fertile, well drained soil.
It prefers cool summers and hot summer nights or drought are fatal in the southeast U.S. Masterwort is pest and disease resistant. Propagation is from seed or division during autumn or early spring. It will often self seed if not deadheaded.

* photo taken on Aug 2 2013 in Stratford, Ontario


Variegata
Foliage is variegated, otherwise identical.

Astrantia maxima ( Great Masterwort )
A fast growing, rhizomatous, densely-clumping perennial, reaching a maximum size of 3.5 x 4 feet, that is native to Europe and western Asia. The Great Masterwort can quickly form large patches.
The large leaves are dissected into 5 lobes. The attractive foliage is mid-green.
The papery, greenish-white ( with shiny rosy-pink, wide bracts ), starry flowers are borne on inflorescences, up to 1.6 inches across, during mid to late summer.
It makes a great cut flower.
Hardy zones 4 to 6 ( to 8 on Pacific Coast and British Isles ) in full sun to partial shade on moist, fertile, well drained soil.
It prefers cool summers and hot summer nights are fatal in the southeast U.S.
Pest and disease resistant. Propagation is from seed or division during autumn or early spring. It will often self seed if not deadheaded.

* photos of unknown internet source



Alba
Vigorous, dense and sturdy, reaching up to 2.5 feet.
The white flowers are borne from early summer to early autumn.

Claret
Reaches up to 2.5 x 2.5 feet, with intense purplish-pink flowers.

* photo taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europes premier plant nursery


Hadspen Blood
Reaches up to 32 inches in height, with attractive purplish-green foliage and showy red flowers.

Lars
Sturdy and compact, reaching up to 2.5 feet, with deep green foliage and deep red flowers.

Primadonna
Reaches up to 2.5 feet in height, with purple flowers.
Prefers partial shade.

Ruby Cloud
Forms a dense, tight clump, reaching up to 3 x 2 feet, with very dissected, small leaves that are mid-green.
The profuse flowers and the stems are deep red to reddish-purple.

Ruby Wedding
Reaches up to 3 x 2.5 feet, with deep red flowers borne during early summer, then repeating during late summer.
Hardy zones 4 to 7 preferring partial shade.
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Thyme

Thymus
A genus of low, spreading, evergreen perennials that are great for walls, edging lan
Thyme contains thymol which is antiseptic and can be used as a wound herb treating skin diseases such as athletes foot.
Most species of Thyme prefer full sun on well drained soil.
Cut back all varieties often to renovate. Rabbit and deer resistant.
They can be propagated from seed sown during mid-spring for the species. Cuttings and division during early spring for cultivars.

* photos taken on July 13 2013 in Columbia, MD




Thymus caespitatius
A tight cushion forming perennial, reaching a maximum size of 6 inches x 2.5 feet, that is native to the Azores, Portugal and Spain. Great for rock gardens.
The tiny, narrow leaves are intense emerald green.
The sparse pink or white flowers are borne during late spring.
Hardy zones 7 to 9 in full sun to partial shade.

Thymus cilicicus
A low perennial, reaching a maximum size of 6 x 10 inches.
The aromatic leaves are narrow and hairy.
The profuse pink flowers are borne in clusters, up to 0.3 inches across.
Hardy zones 8 to 9

Thymus citriodorus ( Lemon Scented Thyme )
A neat, bushy, mat-forming perennial, reaching a maximum size of 1 x 3 + ( rarely over 0.5 ) feet. It is often considered to be the hybrid between Thymus pulegoides & T vulgaris. It is an excellent lawn substitute.
The attractive, brightly variegated, very fragrant, lemon-scented, oval leaves are up to 0.4 inches in length. The glossy deep green, lemon-scented foliage is evergreen to -20 F.
The lavender flowers, up to 0.5 inches wide, are borne during late spring into early summer.
Hardy zones 5 to 9 ( 4 on protected sites ) in full sun to partial shade on very well drained soil. Shear plants after flowering. Deer and rabbit resistant.

* photo taken on May 18 2011 in Columbia, MD


Archers Gold
Very vigorous and low growing in habit, with foliage that is intense deep golden-yellow during spring and fall.

Aureus ( Gold Edge Thyme )
Reaches a maximum size of 1 x 3+ feet. with foliage that is green and variegated with golden-yellow. The lavender flowers are borne during late spring.

* photo taken on May 18 2011 in Columbia, MD


* photo taken on Aug 3 2011 in Columbia, MD


Golden King
Bushy in habit, reaching a maximum size of 10 inches x 3 feet, with striking foliage that is golden-yellow variegated.

Gold Lemon ( Golden Variegated Thyme )
Bushy in habit, reaching up to 8 inches x 3 feet, with sweetly-scented, green foliage that is attractively margined yellow. The pink flowers are borne early to mid summer.

* photo taken on May 14 2011 in Columbia, MD


Mayfair ( Lemon Carpet Thyme )
Reaches up to 10 inches in height, with foliage that colors very well during autumn and winter.
Hardier than most other cultivars, as far north as zone 4.

Silver Edge ( Silver Edge Lemon Thyme )
A bushy, upright perennial, reaching up to 12 inches, with sweetly-scented foliage that is gray-green and margined silver.
The pink flowers are borne during early summer.

Thymus doerfleri
A mat forming perennial, reaching a maximum size of 4 inches x 3.3 feet.
The woolly leaves are gray-green.
The lilac-pink flowers are borne in clusters up to 0.3 inches across.
Hardy zones 5 to 8

Bressingham Seedling
Same except with bright pink flowers.

Thymus Doone Valley
A low, creeping, mat-forming Thyme, reaching a maximum size of 6 inches x 1.5 feet.
The deep green foliage develops bright golden-yellow tips during autumn and spring.
During winter the foliage turns bronze-red. The foliage is lemon-scented, even more so than Thymus citriodorus.
The lavender flowers are borne late spring into early summer.
Hardy zones 4 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on light, well drained soil.
Deer and rabbit resistant.

Thymus herba-barona ( Caraway Thyme )
A fast growing, stem rooting, low, mat-forming perennial, reaching a maximum size of 8 inches x 3 + feet, that is native to the Mediterranean Islands of Corsica and Sardinia.
The caraway seed scented foliage is glossy deep green.
The lavender flowers are borne in clusters, up to 3.2 inches in length, during late spring into early summer.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun to partial shade.

Thymus inertus
A semi-prostrate, clump forming perennial, reaching a maximum height of 10 inches, with very aromatic foliage.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun to partial shade.

Thymus ladjanuricus
A woody-based, mat-forming perenial, reaching up to 3 x 20 inches, that is native to the western Caucasus mountains. This excellent rock garden plant is evergreen in mild climates.
The leaves are tiny, up to 0.8 x 0.1 inches in size.
The pink flowers are borne during mid-spring. Hardy zones 6 to 8 ( 5 on protected sites ) in full sun on very well drained soils. It is very drought tolerant.

Thymus mastichina
An upright perennial, reaching up to 1 foot x 16 inches, that is native to Portugal and Spain.
The aromatic, elliptical leaves are hairy.
The white flowers are borne in clusters during summer.
Hardy zones 7 to 10

Thymus nitidus ( Sicily Thyme )
Also called Thymus richardii nitidus. A perennial, reaching a maximum size of 8 inches x 1 foot, that is native to Sicily. The aromatic, ovate foliage is gray-green above, hairy beneath.
The very pale pink, tubular flowers are borne in clusters, up to 1.6 inches across, during late spring into early summer.

Moonlight
A bushy, mounding perennial, reaching a maximum size of 6 inches x 1 foot.
The foliage is gray and the profuse pale pink flowers are borne late spring into early summer.
Hardy zones 4 to 9 on light, well drained soil.

Thymus pannonicus ( Savory-Scented Thyme )
Also called Hungarian Thyme. A mat-forming perennial, reaching up to 8 inches x 8 feet, that is native from eastern Europe to the Caucasus and southwestern Asia. The stems sometimes layer as they touch the ground.
The leaves, up to 0.8 x 0.25 inches, are luxuriant mid-green.
The abundant, pale pink flowers are borne during early summer. The nectar rich flowers attract honey bees.
Pharmacology: The leaves have anti-sectic properties.
Read very interesting article on this external site http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thymus_pannonicus
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun on dry, very well drained ( preferrably sandy or gravelly ) soil. Wet conditions, especially in winter can kill this plant.

Thymus praecox ( Wild Thyme of Europe )
Also called Thymus serpyllum
A very low, mat-forming perennial, reaching a maximum size of 10 inches x 3.3 + feet, though rarely over 3 inches in height.
Excellent for use in rock gardens as well as between stepping stones ( tolerating more foot traffic than other species of Thyme ).
The narrow foliage is deep green.
The flowers are borne in heads, up to 0.5 inches across, during late spring into early summer ( less commonly sporadically into early autumn ).
Hardy zones 3 to 7 in full sun on well drained soil. Drought tolerant and too much water can actually kill, it also does not enjoy climates that are very hot and humid during summer. Too much water on the foliage over an extended period can cause crown rot to occur rapidly - do not water established plants unless necessary.

* photo taken on May 16 2011 in Washington, D.C.


* photos taken on July 29 2012 in Columbia, MD



Albiflorus ( Creeping White Thyme )
Also called Thymus serphyllum Albus. A mat forming perennial, reaching a maximum size of 4 inches x 4 feet. The foliage is luxuriant emerald green.
The pure white flowers are borne late spring into early summer.

Coccineus
A vigorous, long-lived, dense, mat-forming perennial, reaching a maximum size of 4 inches x 4 feet, with tiny, glossy, very deep green, leathery foliage and deep red flowers borne during early to mid summer.
Great for planting in rock gardens and between stepping stones.
Heat and humidity tolerant for a Thyme.

Doretta Klaber
A very tight, mat-forming perennial, reaching a maximum size of 3 x 8 inches.
The flowers are deep pink.

Elfin
A very tight, mat-forming perennial, reaching a maximum size of 2 inches x 1 foot.
The minute foliage is green and the soft pink flowers are sparse.

* photo taken on Aug 2 2013 in Stratford, Ontario


Halls Woolly
A carpet-forming perennial, reaching a maximum height of 3 inches, with soft gray-green foliage and lavender flowers.

Highland Cream
A prostrate growing perennial, reaching a maximum size of 3 x 16 inches. The aromatic variegated foliage is golden-yellow and green.
The pale pink flowers are borne during summer.

Latavin Lucy
A mat-forming perennial, reaching a maximum height of 3 inches, with luxuriant emerald green foliage and rose-purple flowers.

Minor
The tightest, lowest growing cultivar, reaching a maximum size of 0.5 inches x 1.5 feet. Excellent for mixing with flagstones.

Ohme Garden Carpet
Very vigorous ( reaching up to 3 inches x 3 feet ) and very heat tolerant, tolerating frequent temperatures above 100 F.
The bright yellow flowers are borne during early summer.

Pink Chintz
A vigorous, creeping perennial, reaching a maximum size of 4 inches x 3 feet.
The aromatic foliage is green.
The profuse, rich pink flowers are borne over a long season during summer.
It is among the first Thymes to come into bloom, often during spring.

* photos taken on Aug 12 2011 in Columbia, MD



* photo taken on May 7 2012 in Columbia, MD


Pseudolanuginosus ( Woolly Thyme )
Also called Thymus lanuginosus. A very vigorous, mat-forming perennial, reaching a maximum size of 3 inches x 3 feet. It is great for planting between stepping stones.
The tiny, woolly foliage is silvery-gray.
The rosy-purple flowers are borne late spring into early summer.
Hardy zones 2 to 8

* photo taken on May 16 2011 in Columbia, MD

* photo of unknown internet source


Purple Carpet
A dense, mat-forming perennial, reaching a maximum size of 4 inches x 3 feet, with very deep green foliage and purplish-pink flowers.

Purple Dwarf
A low, mat-forming perennial, reaching a maximum size of 2 inches x 1.5 feet.
Excellent for mixing with flagstone.
The foliage is green and the flowers are intense scarlet-red.

Reiters Red
A tough, vigorous, mat-forming perennial, reaching a maximum size of 3 inches x 2.5 feet.
The wiry stems bear minute green leaves. The flowers are intense pink-red to red.
Thrives in sun or shade. Can be mowed after blooming.

Roseum
Forms a mat of deep green foliage and bright pink flowers.

Ruby Glow
A fast spreading, mat-forming perennial, reaching a maximum height of 6 inches.
The aromatic foliage is green and the flowers are scarlet-red.
Very drought and soil hardy.

Thymus pulegioides ( Lemon Thyme )
A moderate growing perennial, reaching a maximum size of 10 x 40 + inches.
The foliage is bright green and the flowers are purplish-pink.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade on very well drained soil. Drought tolerant.

Thymus quinquecostatus ibukiensis
Among the showiest of all Thyme, forming low mats, reaching a maximum size of 6 x 20 inches, that is native to Japan.
The profuse flowers are pink.
Hardy zones 5 to 9 in full sun to partial shade.

Alba
Same except with white flowers.

Thymus richardii Peter Davis
Forms a tidy bush, reaching a maximum size of 1 x 1.5 feet.
The small, aromatic leaves are deep green.
Hardy zones 5 to 9 in full sun to partial shade.

Thymus vulgaris ( Culinary Thyme )
A low, bushy perennial, reaching a maximum size of 20 inches x 3 + feet. It is great to grow between stepping stones, along paths and in wall gardens.
The aromatic, tiny, oval leaves are deep green.
The purplish-pink flowers, up to 0.3 inches across, are borne in clusters during most of summer.
Hardy zones 5 to 9 ( 4 on protected sites ) in full sun to partial shade on sandy, well drained soil. Cut back during early spring.

* photo taken on Aug 3 2011 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC


Argenteus
Very similar except with foliage that is silver edged.

* photos taken on Oct 22 2013 in Towson, MD






Compactus
A dwarf form

Silver Posie
A dwarf, upright form, reaching a maximum height of 8 inches.
The pink stems bear tiny leaves is bright silver edged.
The flowers are lavender-pink.

SIMILAR PLANTS

Paronychia kapela ( Silver Nailwort )
A close relative of Thyme that is native to the Pyrenees Mountains in southern Europe and is exceptionally drought tolerant. It is also much more resistant to funguss.
It reaches up to 1 inch x 1.5 feet, bearing white flowers during early summer.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun on well drained soil. Rabbit but not deer resistant.
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Landscape Design The Garden of Cosmic Speculation

So I was going to do a blog today and strange and bizarre landscape design and gardens, but when i came across The Garden of Cosmic Speculation, I had to step back and say "Wow, this is a blog all unto itself!"



So here we go. The Garden of Cosmic Speculation is located in Scotland on the private estate of architect and architectural critic Charles Jencks and is only open to the public for viewing once a year. Inspired by science, math and modern physics, The Garden of Cosmic Speculation took nearly two decades to complete.



Jenncks and his late wife, Maggie Keswick, an expert on Asian garden design, are the brain children behind this 30 acre spectacle called a garden. From double-helix spiral staircases to sculptures to pyramid-esque landforms that reflect is still ponds offer up an Alice in Wonderland type feel when you view the gardens themselves.





Sculptures abound and you can feel the juxtaposition and contrast of how science meets nature in this garden of wonders. Fractals and swooping curves are everywhere in The Garden of Cosmic Speculation.







The only thing in our opinion missing here is an outdoor burning system to pair with the elegance of the waterscapes. There is something about the blending of fire and water in modern landscape architecture that brings a balance and completeness to outdoor design.

So if you decide to ever visit The Garden of Cosmic Speculation, be sure to get there at the crack of dawn, because from what we hear, the streets come to a stand still this grand single day per year when the general public can view the grounds.

For more information on custom outdoor burning systems, please visit us online, or call us today! 1-877-556-5255
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Thursday, March 6, 2014

Mingle or Clump ! The debate is moving to ThinkingGardens!


The question of how we compose ornamental plants in beds—particularly whether species are mixed together or in solid masses—is now moving to the excellent website ThinkingGardens. Last month I wrote a post in response to much of Noel Kingsbury’s writing where he has posited “intermingling” (mixed species planting) as part of a newer ecological aesthetic.  My post questioned whether massing can’t be a part of this aesthetic as well.  

A condensed version of my argument is now on ThinkingGardens.  Later this week, Noel Kingsbury himself will respond. So check out ThinkingGardens and the many great minds who are commenting on this debate about the future of naturalistic planting design.

http://thinkingardens.co.uk/articles/mingle-or-clump-by-thomas-rainer/
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Native Combinations Late Summer Glory


Pink Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia capillaris) has seduced garden designers for the last decade.  Its haze of hot pink inflorescences set the late summer garden ablaze.   But unlike other ornamental grasses, it is a surprisingly tricky plant to design with.  Muhly Grass does not offer the same early season mass and volume that Switchgrass and Fountain Grass provide.  In fact, through most of the summer, it sits low and wiry—barely substantial enough to cover the mulch.  I planted a large mass of 120 plants beside a path in a southern garden I designed.  The result was rather disappointing.  Until August, it looked rather weedy and insubstantial.  Once it bloomed, the effect was glorious.
Muhly Grass in early summer is rather uninspired
So to avoid Muhly Grass’s spring and summer doldrums, use it in combination with other plants.  I now use it almost like a bulb or other ephemeral.  Plant it along the edge of the border next to other fuller edge perennials.  Or drop it inside the front of the border and let it disappear in other perennials until it blooms.  One of my favorite combinations I saw at the U.S. Botanic Garden’s National Garden.  They combined Pink Muhly Grass with a dwarf cultivar of the native Swamp Sunflower. 
Helianthus angustifolius‘Low Down’ is a fantastic cultivar of a truly underused native.  Low Down Sunflower offers narrow, black-green foliage at a height that is more suited to the average garden.  While the straight species reach a sprawling seven feet tall, ‘Low Down’ stays between 2-3 feet high.  The plant is literally blanketed in flowers from late summer well into the fall.  The blooms are great for cut flowers.  And while it is native to moist soils, this plant does well is average garden soils.
Low Down Sunflower is perfect in combination with Pink Muhly Grass.  Both share light, narrow foliage, but the Sunflower adds mass and volume in the spring and summer—when Muhly Grass is rather boring.  And in late summer, each plant explodes in bloom.  The Muhly Grass covers the dense Sunflowers in a pink mist.  Each plant is a show-stopper, but the combination is truly captivating.  Both plants do extremely well in the hot and humid southeast and midwest--areas that often challenge perennial gardens.

Helianthus a. Low Down combined with Muhlenbergia capillaris at the U.S. Botanic Garden
When I hear someone say that natives are not quite as showy as exotic plants, this combination often comes to mind.  Our imaginations are the only limit to the potential of native plants.  
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Calgary Landscape Designers


ULS Maintenance and Landscaping are the best Calgary Landscape Designers

Never is there a yard finer than one created by the best Calgary Landscape designer. Winners of the Consumers Choice Award ULS Maintenance and Landscaping provide attractive and enjoyable landscaping designed to enhance to beauty of your surroundings. Trust ULS Maintenance and Landscaping, the best Landscape Designers in Calgary to have your yard Landscaped attractively, winners of the Consumers Choice Award for excellence in business.

Established in 1989 ULS Maintenance and Landscaping has built the reputation for being the best Landscape Designers in Calgary providing year round services. As one of the largest and most progressive landscaping Companies in Canada, they provide Landscape, design, construction and maintenance to clients both commercial and residential. Creating close relationships with clients they are committed to their mission in constructing and maintaining beautiful urban Landscapes.
In addition to being the best Calgary Landscape Designers the Company is also members of several associations such as the International Society of Arboriculture , Canadian Nursery Landscape Association, Snow and Ice Management Association and more. With a large network of experienced subcontractors the Company provides qualified experts for an outstanding value. In their devotion to excellent business the Company employs a range of qualified professionals working together to provide breathtaking Landscape design. Service professionals available include ISA Certified Arborist, Horticultural Consultants and Designers, CSP Certified Snow professionals and others. Taking pride in exceeding expectations every time USL Maintenance and Landscaping has earned the Consumers Choice Award as the best Calgary Landscape Designers.

The Consumers Choice Awards use an elite form of Consumer study that surveys Consumers and asks them to name their choice of community Companies such as the best Calgary Landscape Designers. A large volume of response is received yet in order to insure the information is valid, Consumers are questioned a second time in the form of a vote. Popular business names received from the survey are placed on a ballot containing the names of the top five Companies in each category. Ballots are distributed for a community vote and majority vote is used to name businesses best in class just as ULS Maintenance has been deemed the best Calgary Landscape Designers. Receiving the coveted award is a hard earned honor resulting from constant competition to provide the ultimate in product and service. By inspiring Companies to focus business on customer satisfaction the Consumer Choice Awards help to invite future clientele and increase local sales. The Consumers Choice Awards conduct a valuable service to communities across North America by allowing Consumers the opportunity to voice their opinion and using it to create a welcoming business climate. ULS Maintenance and Landscaping have been granted the Consumers Choice Award for being the best Landscape Designers in Calgary.

Congratulations to ULS Maintenance and Landscaping for being honored as the best Landscape Designers in Calgary, thanks to the Consumers Choice Awards and their continual quest to promote business excellence. Visit the best Calgary Landscape Designers located on 235120 Ryan Road, or call (403) 235-5353 to speak with a courteous service representative. Contract ULS Maintenance and you will find they are the best in Calgary Landscape design.
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How to Design Plan Your Outdoor Living Room

When planning to modify your outdoor living room, there are several factors you want to consider before diving in: size and layout of your space, color harmony, architectural styles to compliment your home, traffic flow, fashion vs. function and what, ultimately, are you trying to achieve?



Size and layout of your outdoor space:
What activities do you want to include and what is the size of the space you are working with? Whether your outdoor room is small and intimate or large and vast, youll want to create separate "zones" for various activities. Cooking, conversation and relaxation zones all while allowing for good traffic flow. When considering your your outdoor room, also include natural elements such as primary wind flow and sun orientation.




Create a room with a view by orienting seating and lounging areas to overlook gardens, water features and think about including a custom fire pit or tiki torches to stay warm at night and create natural conversation.

Complement your homes architectural style:
Consider patio pavers and retaining walls that mirror the same stone you have set in your home. Narrow your options by choosing a color scheme that harmonizes with your home, garden, landscape and blends well with the interior design of your home. It is a popular and growing trend to make these outdoor living rooms feel like an extension of the inside of your home rather than a separate entity.

Plan for privacy:
Most outdoor rooms dont have walls, so if you want some intimacy and privacy, create a natural fence by planting tall plants around the perimeter of your space, especially if you plan on installing a hot tub.

Consider convenience:
Your outdoor room should be accessible from the house, with food preparation areas located near your indoor kitchen to reduce trips back and forth. Again this returns to the notion of creating an extension of your inside to your outside.



Provide a sheltered retreat:
Awnings, umbrellas, gazebos, and pergolas supported by decorative columns are all ways to shelter your outdoor guests from harsh sunlight and light rain while creating intimacy and comfort.

Build in stages:
If youre on a tight budget, you can build your outdoor room in stages, starting with a decorative concrete patio and a concrete countertop for serving food. You can install other features later, such as an outdoor fire pit, fire bowl or hearth, water features, landscaping lighting, gardening and more.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding landscape design and creating an outdoor living room, feel free to contact us at any time and well be happy to help you with any of your inquiries. Call us today at 1-877-556-5255, or visit us online at www.warming-trends.com.
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