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Tag: annuals

01 Oct 2022
By Mike Pasquarello Gardening, Landscaping , , ,

Fall is for Planting

The dog days of summer are now long behind us, days are shorter, and temperatures are much more comfortable. And now it’s the time of year, the fall, that is the most ideal for planting. Vegetation prepares for winter by going dormant to conserve energy for the long, cold temperatures. This reduced growth activity is precisely what helps their transplantation with little or no stress to the plant itself. When making your new choices, take advantage of the array of vibrant colors that autumn offers. The following are my three fall favorites which capture both bold leaf and berry colors:

Virginia Sweetspire:

Itea virginica (Latin) is a fall stunner with deep-red, burgundy hues as the end of September approaches. It should be planted in full sun- partial shade with a minimum of 6 hours of sun to achieve the beautiful fall color it’s known for. ‘Merlot’ is a perfect cultivar choice for the residential landscape as it only grows to a 4’ height and width. Sweetspire is tolerant of wet soils but does prefer well-drained sites. Once established, it develops a tolerance to drought and requires minimal maintenance.

Dwarf Fothergilla:

 Fothergilla gardenia (Latin) shows off vibrant, fiery colors of purple, yellow, red, and, most notably, orange. Native to the coastal plains of the southeastern United States, this species also adapts well to the Delaware Valley climate. Fothergilla prefers full sun- partial shade, and well-drained moist soils. Many smaller varieties only grow 2-3’ in height, making them perfect shrub borders in a sunny woodland setting. They also produce white bottle-brush-like flowers in the early spring providing another season of interest.

Oakleaf Hydrangea:

Hydrangea Quercifolia (Latin) possesses the largest leaves in the Hydrangea family and resembles those of an Oak tree (hence the name). They show brilliant red, orange, yellow, and burgundy shades as the fall sets in. Oakleaf can also tolerate more sun and lack of water than the other, more familiar species of Hydrangea. This shrub is another U.S. native that prefers well-drained soils and partial sun- shade. Some varieties can grow quite large (6’) so determining placement is important so as not to overtake surrounding plant material or structures. Oakleaf Hydrangea also has the other three seasons covered with exfoliating bark/spent flowers in winter, large green leaves in spring, and long white flower clusters in summer.

Fall is an encore performance of color display and the final bow for a great year in the growth cycle of many plants. Introducing them at this perfect time of year ensures their survivability to thrive and flourish for many more years to come. Visit a local garden center nursery on a brisk weekend morning and stroll the rows to see what other plants pique your interest!

01 Sep 2022
By Mike Pasquarello Landscaping , , , , , , , ,

To Plant or Not to Plant…, That is the Question

And we have the answer-

With literally thousands of plant species and varieties available for your landscape, it is sometimes a daunting task to select the ones best suited for the space. There are multiple factors to consider before adding new vegetation to your yard. Size (growth habit), zone (hardiness), exposure (sun/shade), soil (clay/sand), water (wet/dry), and wildlife (wanted/unwanted) are the essential aspects factors to focus on when making new choices. Some initial research will be highly beneficial to help you ensure your landscape investment will thrive.

Size

All plants are living organisms that grow at different paces. Some compact, small shrubs can quadruple in size over a few years. Bed width, surrounding plants, and window heights must all be considered before planting. Most plant identification tags will give adequate spacing recommendations and specify mature heights and widths.

For example, foundation planting design should be based on a 15–18-year life span. After that, it is typically time for a landscape renovation due to overgrowth and crowding. This guideline allows plant material to have enough room for healthy growth while not making the overall initial appearance look sparse.

Zone

Our geographic region of the Northeast is divided into three specific zones which affect plant hardiness depending on temperature extremes. Certain plant varieties may not survive or thrive with low-temperature exposures.

We are zoned as follows:  6b- the central corridor of South Jersey (-5-0 F), 7a- eastern/western South Jersey and southeastern Pennsylvania (0-5 F), 7b- shore points from LBI to Cape May (5-10 F). These zones and the rest of the United States are available online on the USDA Plant Hardiness map.

Exposure

Some plants need full sun exposure, and some prefer part sun or all shade. It is crucial to be aware of your property’s sunlight patterns. Too much sun and a shade-loving plant’s leaves will scorch, while too little for a sunbather will grow sparsely with little flower production. Once again, plant ID tags specify this and the duration of the day required. Adjacent trees and buildings cast shade depending on their orientation to the sun, so that should also be considered.

Soil

Something as simple as dirt can be a very complex balance of moisture retention and organic matter. Soils with high clay content will retain water and allow it to drain very slowly, causing root systems to rot and decay. On the other hand, sandy soils allow moisture to drain too quickly, not allowing roots to capture necessary water.

Identify your soil type before selecting new plantings. Rutgers Soil Testing Laboratory in New Brunswick offers this service for a minimal fee for those without a degree in soil chemistry. In addition, they will provide instruction on necessary remediation to suit your proposed use and plant selection. For example, adding organic matter (peat moss) or sand to soils high in clay may be all that’s needed to create a better foundation.

Water

Too much or too little water is probably one of the most common causes of untimely plant death. An important factor in determining how much water is required is soil type and its ability to drain adequately. The combination of sandy soil in full sun exposure will result in the need for increased watering versus soil with clay content in a shaded environment. Investing in an automated irrigation system will make this chore much more manageable. Even remote rain sensors can be integrated into a system and regulate the amount of water supplied based on what is provided by Mother Nature.

Wildlife

Garden critters can be a double-edged sword since it’s beneficial to include plant material that attracts “wanted” wildlife instead of greenery that entices “unwanted” pests. Butterflies, hummingbirds, and chipmunks are usually welcome guests and add to your landscape’s beauty. Unfortunately, deer and rabbits can be the main culprits of missing and damaged foliage. If you live in an area prone to Bambi or Peter Cottontail, don’t fret, there are extensive plant lists they don’t like so that you can plan accordingly.

This list may seem like a lot to keep in mind, but with minimal investigation, your landscape investment will be better able to thrive for years to come. Landscaping is meant to be a therapeutic, enjoyable activity, so have fun with it, and always remember….we’re always just a phone call away if you need help.

01 May 2021
Brighten Up Your Everyday Landscape
By Mike Pasquarello Landscaping , , , ,

How Can You Brighten Up Your Everyday Landscape?

Undoubtedly the number one requested item by homeowners looking to renovate their existing landscape is…. COLOR.  A way to brighten things up a bit and introduce life back into a generally stagnant landscape.  Specific color combinations can evoke feelings of warmth (red/orange), relaxation (blue/purple), or tranquility (pink, yellow).  So it’s important to carefully consider the perception you wish to convey with the use of color. It’s relatively inexpensive to achieve a color palette worthy of being framed in a museum with a wide array of annuals, perennials, and container gardens.
 

Annuals

An annual planting performs its entire life cycle in one growing season.  In our region, this season is typically March until November, depending on the specific variety. They also have to be planted every year and removed at the end of their cycle. Although annuals have an added maintenance aspect, they will provide the “best bloom for your buck.”
 
A single flat of annual flowers goes a long way and can provide continuous color from last spring frost to the first frost of the fall.  But don’t stop at one flat; plant multiple in large masses to create that WOW factor which will be the envy of the entire neighborhood.  Annual plantings are the perfect way to change up the look of your landscape from season to season.
 

Perennials

Perennials are the right fit for those with a not-so-green thumb or the time to replant annuals year to year.  In contrast to annuals, perennials will re-emerge each spring and flourish until winter. At this time, the top portion of the plant will die back, leaving the roots to start the whole process all over again come the following spring.  As with annuals, perennials will have bloom cycles concentrated in the spring, summer, or fall seasons. They have a larger growth habit than annuals that should be considered for their location and spread and increase overall size as the years’ progress.
 
Perennial design should be done so in a fashion as to create an ever-evolving showcase of blooms throughout the seasons.  They can provide specific colors, textures, and even fragrances not found in annual arrangements.
 

Container Gardens

Sometimes when space is limited, decorative container gardens can achieve the look you desire. The days of ordinary terracotta pots are long gone, and bold colors and designs are available in ceramic, stone, and composite. These planting vessels are a great way to add accents of color to your outdoor entertainment space. Cobalt blues, chartreuse greens, and crimson reds may seem a bit loud for the timider gardener but can provide that little extra pop of needed color. Annual plantings are typically reserved for these container gardens and can be removed at the end of the season.
 
An easy way to create added interest is to include plantings of complimenting colors but contrasting textures. The use of grasses/sedges, flowering plants, and trailing vines will create your own mini landscape. Edibles are also a great addition not only for their nutritional value but also for the aesthetics of the flower/fruit they produce. Nothing better than freshly picked herbs and vegetables while dining al fresco on a midsummer night.
 
These three options will quickly increase the overall enjoyment of your space while not breaking the bank. A well-thought-out planting color scheme can increase your property value, be therapeutic, and create a space everyone will admire.  And, this entire process is meant to be dynamic and ever-evolving, so if something doesn’t work at first, don’t give up; just try again.

If you’d rather hire a professional, or if you want more ideas on how to brighten up your yard, give our award-winning team a call today at 856-753-1944.