Ah, its summertime. Time for baseball, grilling, swimming, and trimming the hedges. While I’m sure most of us are all for the first few items, I am equally sure that the last item is at the bottom of the list of ‘fun’ activities. But what if we didn’t even have to worry about that yearly hedge trimming task, or any regular trimming for that matter?
Before (hedges removed) Who knew those windows were there!?
True, the desire to trim the hedges goes back to a personal level; something we’ve been programmed to do because that’s what our parents did, and what their parents did. Most of the heavy duty trimming that was done was to keep plants at the foundation of the house in check. In older homes, it was not uncommon to have 3 feet of exposed foundation, or more in some cases, and shrubs and even small trees were planted in order to conceal it.
After
Today, home facades have become more decorative and the need to conceal has actually given way to the opportunity to accent. Larger windows and doors have meant less room for plants to grow vertically, and the natural tendency is to try to force a plant into an area by constant trimming and pruning. This can all be avoided by using the right plant in the right place.
Personally, I don’t like the sheared hedge look, not to mention the time and effort required! I much prefer the natural, open look to plantings, which can get out of hand if you plant a shrub that wants to be 12 feet tall in a space that only allows 3 feet. By making the right selections on plant materials, the tedious task of trimming can be for the most part avoided, and the natural beauty of each plant can be realized.
There are many plants used in today’s landscape that are much more behaved than some of their ancestors. ‘Repandens’ Yew is an improved version of an old favorite that has a naturally weeping form and slow growth rate. Just watch out for the deer, yews are like filet mignon to our four-legged friends. Various types of boxwood including ‘Green Velvet’, ‘Insularis Nana’, and ‘Varder Valley’ all form nice low mounds from 1 to 4 feet in height, and are deer resistant. ‘Cavatine’ is a form of Pieris (some may be more familiar with the name Japonica) that also stays quite low without the need for pruning.
So, if you are tired of hoisting that hedge trimmer, and doing that delicate balancing act off of your step ladder, maybe it is time to have one of our designers out to show you what new options exist. Who knows, maybe you’ll be able to sell that old hedge trimmer at a neighborhood yard sale…another summertime favorite!
When I ventured into work this morning and looked out my office window, I saw our resident rabbit casually munching away on a patch of clover with not a care in the world. Fortunately for him, he hasn’t sampled Lisa’s perennials yet, but I know she’s had to chase him a couple of times when he has gotten close. I, on the other hand, think he is adorable (I love every kind of rabbit, even when they’re in my garden), but I know a lot of people who don’t. Whenever I make any mention of rabbits, the guys in the office pretend to grab their shot guns, sound effects and all, and fire away. One of my co-workers, Mike, even snuck over to my computer one afternoon while I was out, and changed my screen saver to say, “Kill the Wabbit, Kill the Wabbit, Kill the Wabbit!” We’re not all Elmer Fudd’s, Mike!
That being said, there are a few remedies that seem to work wonders on keeping the bunnies from eating our plants. One of the best methods that I have found is to use a spray called Liquid Fence. For those of us worried about chemicals in the garden, Liquid Fence is all natural, environmentally friendly, and bio-degradable. It is even safe for pets! It is fairly easy to find in most garden centers, and it is easy to use as well. Another bonus? It is great for keeping deer at bay. I will warn you upfront, Liquid Fence has an extremely pungent smell right after applying, so you may want to hold your breath while you spray!
Another option you could try is planting rabbit “resistant” perennials in and around your other plants. But keep in mind that rabbits, just like humans, tend to have different tastes in different areas. Some perennials that I have found to work well are: salvia, astilbe, bee balm, catmint, alliums, and daffodils.
With these few helpful tips, the next time you see a bunny in your backyard, don’t think ”rabbit stew” or “where’s my shot gun?!”, but “Oh, what a cute little rabbit!”
Whether you have a developed landscape, or are considering extending your living space to the outdoors, Outdoor Lighting is a feature not to be overlooked. Not only can you extend the time that your outdoor space can be used, but important features can be highlighted so that they stand out in the darkness.
There are many options for your lighting needs, as well. Traditional line voltage systems are always a good choice; the fixtures are relatively inexpensive and can last a very long time if properly cared for. Low voltage systems have come a long way in recent years, and boasts ease of installation, and offers immense customization and choice of fixtures. LED options are becoming more and more popular now, with folks more aware than ever of their power usage, and wanting to “go green.” They use much less energy, last longer, and 
are more intense than traditional bulbs. These LED lights are available both in the Low Voltage and Line Voltage fixtures, which makes reducing your carbon footprint even easier.
What a way to light up the night!
If you should need any assistance with a current lighting system, or if you would like to plan a new one, please contact me to get started!
