by 505 Outside | Aug 2, 2018 | Blog, Planting, Planting Tips, Pollinators and Wildlife, Summer
The genus Lavandula is a favorite group of ornamental herbs native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean. These are sun-loving plants that thrive in hot weather and grow well in the West in a wide range of soils, even compost-enriched garden loams, as long as they are well drained. Heavy, poorly drained clay soils can be fatal to lavenders.
In spring, before the plants begin to show signs of new growth, cut back the old stems by one-third to
re-invigorate the plant and encourage a good show of summer flowers. Lavender plants require two to three growing seasons to reach mature size.
The two major groups of Lavenders include the English Lavenders (L. angustifolia varieties) and the Lavandins (L. x intermedia varieties), which are hybrids between English lavender and another species, Lavandula latifolia. Generally speaking, the English lavenders have the deepest flower color, while the Lavandins are taller plants with larger flowers and longer flower stems.
The English lavenders are often preferred as a source of dried flowers while the Lavandins are typically used for oil production, potpourris and lavender wands.
by 505 Outside | Aug 2, 2018 | Blog, Planting, Planting Tips, Spring, Summer
Many flowers will bloom longer or bloom again after a short rest if the spent flower stems are removed once the blossoms fade.
Wildflowers such as Penstemon may be longer-lived if the spent flower stems are removed before the plants put energy into producing seeds.
Unwanted self-sowing can also be prevented by cutting back plants after they bloom but before they form seeds.
Flowers in habitat gardens may be allowed to set seeds to provide food for wildlife and cut back after the banquet is over.
An extra deep watering or two may keep plants in bloom longer, especially if the weather has been hot and windy with little rain.
by 505 Outside | Aug 2, 2018 | Blog, Planting, Planting Tips, Pollinators and Wildlife
There are several garden amenities that both wildlife and people find especially important:
Layers of planting from tall tree canopies to low- growing groundcovers. The protection of dense vegetation in some areas and open spaces in others: groups of shrubs, flowers and grasses of different heights clustered along the edges of open space. A diverse community of plants with colorful, fragrant, nectar-rich flowers, edible fruits and seeds.
The cooling presence of water — a small water feature, especially one located in a shady spot that trickles water into a covered reservoir so evaporation is minimized, will attract wildlife and people without wasting water.
Gardens that serve wildlife are maintained a bit differently:
Bird seed and nectar feeders should be refilled and cleaned regularly.
Nectar and seed-producing plants provide sustenance with a modest amount of water and seasonal pruning/dead-heading after the birds have taken all the food.
Learn to manage with little or no pesticide use, which is good for your health and your pets as well as that of your wild guests.
Occasionally wash away bird droppings (free fertilizer—think of it as their way of saying thanks).
Weed out some plants that germinate too successfully after being processed by our feathered friends.
by 505 Outside | Aug 2, 2018 | Blog, Maintenance, Maintenance Tips, Xeriscape
Xeriscapes can be designed to require very little maintenance, to be healthy and attractive with seasonal cleanup and pruning rather than weekly mowing, but no garden is completely maintenance-free. To ensure that your landscape looks its best and stays water-wise, you may need to:
- remove fallen leaves
- trim off old flower stems
- pull a few weeds
- observe insect activity and decide when intervention is warranted and what the least invasive and most effective approach might be,
- monitor watering
- fertilize plants that need supplementing
While this may seem like a long list of tasks, in real time most of these may amount to a few hours every two or three months. The preventative pest patrol and irrigation check can be done in the evening every week or two with a cool drink in your hand a relaxing reminder to stop and smell the roses.
by 505 Outside | Aug 2, 2018 | Blog, Maintenance, Maintenance Tips, Xeriscape
Mulches are blankets of loose material that cover the soil to minimize evaporation, keep roots cool in summer, suppress weed growth and slow erosion. Mulches can also provide visual interest and make the landscape more cohesive until young plants mature to fill the space.
Fibrous mulches such as pecan shells, shredded bark and composted cotton burrs are commonly used in planting beds, especially where plants prefer organic matter.
Stone mulches such as crusher fines and gravel of various sizes and colors, can be used as pathways, lining rainwa- ter catchment, streambeds and basins, and to add texture to planting areas where desert plants prefer improved drainage.
Never use impervious plastic sheeting under mulches as it blocks air movement needed for healthy root growth and results in shallowly rooted plants more vulnerable to wind throw. Many types of pervious landscape fabrics are available where such material is needed for weed suppression or erosion control.
by 505 Outside | Aug 2, 2018 | Blog, Water Conservation, Watering and Irrigation, Waterwise Tips
Efficient irrigation saves water. When plants are grouped by their water needs, plants that need water more often in summer, such as vegetable gardens, fruit trees or turf, can be accommodated while desert natives with the lowest water needs can be watered less often or not at all once they are well-rooted.
Choose lawn sprinklers that spray droplets, not high-pressure mist. They should have a low spray angle and be operated at the coolest, least windy times of day to minimize evaporative loss.
Most other plants should be watered with low-flow or drip irrigation equipment, applying water only where plant roots can access it, and only as often and as deeply as the plants require. Such careful application of water has the added advantage of minimizing weeds and preventing pest problems.
Plants use the least amount of water when they are dormant during the coldest winter months and the most water when they are actively growing, blooming and producing fruit in summer. In spring as temperatures rise and in autumn as temperatures fall, watering times should be adjusted to keep plants healthy without waste. Plants pushed with extra water in spring may leaf out or flower earlier, making them more vulnerable to late spring frosts. Likewise, watering too much in autumn can keep plants soft going into cold weather and make them more vulnerable to frost damage.
An automatic irrigation controller is only as efficient as the program that runs it – and the programmer who sets the run times – so program for wise water use, and water only as much as the landscape needs.
Remember, too, that even the best-designed irrigation system must be main- tained to retain its optimum efficiency. Fix leaks and make sure water lines are clean and unobstructed for peak performance.
