In The Issue
Where to Plant Hydrangeas
Knockout Roses
Four Things to Know about Rain Gardens
Project Spotlight: Patterson Property, Harleysville, PA
Welcome New Staff Members
Where to Plant Hydrangeas:
Sun or Shade
All hydrangeas will bloom and grow well in morning sun and afternoon shade. This is especially true of the most commonly grown hydrangeas, the macrophyllas. These are the blue and pinkmopheads and lacecaps.
The further north one lives the more sun hydrangeas need and can withstand.
No hydrangea will do well in HEAVY shade, such as under an oak tree. The blooms will be sparse and will not develop fully. Some visitors to this site who live in cooler climates such as the northeast or northwest claim their hydrangeas do beautifully in full sun all day.
If your landscape is mostly sunny (and hot), you may wish to grow the PeeGee (paniculata) hydrangeas, which can take all day sun if they get adequate moisture. They actually need at least 5 hours of sun per day to bloom well.
The Oakleaf hydrangeas will also grow in sun or shade, but the blooms last longer if they get a little afternoon shade in hot climates. The leaves on the Oakleaf hydrangeas will "color up" best in the fall if they receive some sun.
- Place the hydrangea in an area where it can get plenty of moisture. Supplemental moisture is especially important the first year or two and during droughts.
- Hydrangeas planted under a tree often fail to thrive. This is because trees roots are very aggressive and are drawn to the rich, moist soil usually provided for hydrangeas. No matter how many of the tree roots you are able to remove to make room for the hydrangeas (and be careful not to remove too many), the roots will all be back in a year (unless you remove too many and kill the tree!).
- Also, as mentioned above, under large hardwood trees the light is often insufficient for growing hydrangeas. If grass won't grow in the area, hydrangeas probably won't either.
- The Oakleaf hydrangea is more temperamental about "wet feet" than the other types. Make sure that the Oakleaf will get perfect drainage in the area in which it is planted or the roots may rot. This is especially true when it is first planted. After the Oakleaf becomes established, it is very easy to grow.
FERTILIZING HYDRANGEAS
Hydrangeas grow best if they are fertilized once or twice in the summer. Although some authorities recommend special fertilizer mixes to get the maximum results, hydrangeas do amazingly well with a more relaxed approach. One can use organic additions to the soil, such as manure and compost, or chemical fertilizers.
If chemical fertilizers are used, I recommend applying a slow-release, balanced fertilizer once or twice a year (Osmocote must be under the soil to release). (A less expensive fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 will work just as well if applied twice during the summer).
Don't fertilize after August. Fall is the time for hydrangeas to begin preparing for dormancy. Fertilizing at this time may stimulate new growth that will be too tender for the winter. In the South, a May application and another in July would be about right. More northern areas may wish to fertilize only once in June or July.
|
|
Knockout Roses
The 'Knockout' Series of hardy shrub roses are taking the landscape world by storm. These plants are truly remarkable in both beauty and functionality. They require very little care and put on a great show all summer. Choose red, pink, yellow, singles and double and there are more varieties on the way! There is no need to deadhead the spent blooms as they are self cleaning.
|
 |
Four Things to Know About Rain Gardens
1) What is a Rain Garden?
A "rain garden" is a man-made depression in the ground that is used as a landscape tool to improve water quality. The raingarden forms a "bio-retention area" by collecting water runoff and storing it, permitting it be filtered and slowly absorbed by the soil. The bio-retention concept is based on the hydrologic function of forest habitat, in which the forest produces a spongy litter layer that soaks up water and allows it to slowly penetrate the soil layer. The site for the rain garden should be placed strategically to intercept water runoff.
A nutrient removal or "filtering" process takes place as the water comes in contact with the soil and the roots of the trees, shrubs and vegetation. This process accounts for the improved water quality. The first flush of rain water is ponded in the depression of the rain garden, and contains the highest concentration of materials washed off impervious surfaces such as roofs, roads, and parking lots.
2) Who should create a Rain Garden?
A "rain garden" is a man-made depression in the ground that is used as a landscape tool to improve water quality. The rain garden forms a "bioretention area" by collecting water runoff and storing it, permitting it be filtered and slowly absorbed by the soil. The bioretention concept is based on the hydrologic function of forest habitat, in which the forest produces a spongy litter layer that soaks up water and allows it to slowly penetrate the soil layer. The site for the rain garden should be placed strategically to intercept water runoff.
3) Components of a Rain Garden
Grass Buffer Strip
A grass buffer strip slows water as it enters the rain garden and its surface filters particulates from the runoff.
Ponding Area
The depression area stores the water, provides for evaporation, and allows the particulate material, not filtered by the grass buffer, to settle to the bottom. The ponding area should have a depth of 6 inches, sufficient to provide adequate water storage, but should not pond in excess of four days (to avoid mosquito and other insect breeding).
Mulch/Organic Layer
This material provides for the decomposition of organic material, and also plays an important role in the removal of metals. Shredded hardwood mulch is the preferred choice, since it allows for maximum surface area for binding and resists flotation/washout.
Planting Soil
Organic matter in the form of leaf mulch (20%) blended into a sandy soil (50%) with and about 30% top soil. The planting soil mixture provides a source of water and nutrients for the plants to sustain growth. Clay particles adsorb heavy metals, hydrocarbons and other pollutants.
Plant Selection
A planting plan design should include species that tolerate extremes. There will be periods of water inundation and very dry periods. Most riparian plant species will do well in rain gardens. The choice of species should include plants that mimic forest habitat and have an aesthetic landscape value such as flowers, berries, interesting leaves or bark. Groundcovers, perennials shrubs and trees should be incorporated into the planting design.
4) Site Considerations
Each site should be considered unique. Micro-climates (light, temperature and wind), and the size of the drainage area will influence the size of the rain garden and plant selection process. Software is being developed for sizing the gardens. The shape of the garden is not as important as the area available for bio-retention. The size of the bio-retention area should be 5% to 7% of the drainage areas multiplied by the crop "c" coefficient (the ground cover type). For example, a 3/10 acre drainage area would use a rain garden of about 600 square feet, or 15 x 40 feet.
Courtesy of Virginia Department of Forestry |
|
Project Spotlight:
Patterson Property, Harleysville, PA
Located in a new development, this property stands out. The clients wanted to enjoy the outdoors even in bad weather. A cabana with a kitchen, fireplace, and plasma T.V. satisfied their dream. Ceiling fans keep the space cool on the hottest of summer days The deck is constructed of a composite material with a custom aluminum handrail. A hot tub was placed under the deck for privacy. All trees, shrubs, grasses and perennials are irrigated with a high efficiency drip system. Landscape lighting creates a tropical resort atmosphere at night.
Click here to learn more about this and other E.G. Rall Jr. Landscape Design projects.
|
 |
Staff Updates
Welcome to our new office administrator Heather Lilick. Manager Lito Alberto recently celebrated his 4th anniversary with the company. They are smiling because we have finally had a rain free day in June! - E.G. |
 |
