Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Annuals- for sun,shade and wind



Some Annuals for part shade                               (H) denotes for hanging baskets
Begonias (H)
Black eyed Susan Vine
Browalia (H)
Coleus (H)
Ferns (perennial)
Fushcias (H)
Impatiens     (H)                   
Lobelia (H)               
Nemesia
Ivies-Kenilworth, German or Vinca

Mimilus (H)
Nasturium (H)
Pansy, Viola (H)
Torenia                          

               
Annuals for sun   
Alyssum (H)
Asters
Bacopa     (H)                           
Celosia
Cosmos
Dahlberg Daisy
Dianthus (H)
Dusty Miller
Gazanias
Geraniums (H –Ivy types are best)
Grasses, Dracaenas, Millet
Heliotrope
Ice Plant
Lavetera
Marigolds
Nastursium
Nicotiana
Petunias (H)                                                                                     
Portulaca (H)
Salvia
Scaevola (H)
Snapdragons
Statice
Strawflower
Sunflower
Sweet Pea
Verbena (H)
Zinnia


Annuals For Windy Location
Fibrous Begonia
Ivy
Marigold
Petunia
Portulaca
Scaevola
Perennial ‘Creeping Jenny’ also looks

Annuals for full shade
Asparagus fern
Begonia
Coleus (H)
Ivy (especially German or Wax ivies)
Spider Plant

Annuals for either part shade or sun:
Brachycome (H)
Canary Bird Vine
Dracena
Lotus vine (H)
Nepeta
Phlox
Salpiglossis
Schizanthus
Silver nettle
Stock (and Evening Scented Stock)
Licorice Plant (H)


Photos by: impatiens- jeannegrunert.hubpages.com
                marigolds- www.amazingflowerfarm.com
                cosmos-inmygarden- daisy.blogspot.com
                brachycome- www.fpcn.net

Friday, April 17, 2015

Garden Themes 6 of 6...The Eastern (Islamic) Garden



The four basic essentials in a traditional Islamic garden are shade, water, flowers and music. 

  • The shade is provided most often from trees, but structural walls can help regulate temperatures.
  • Water was the source of life; and was used for irrigation, sound, ritual and reflection. In courtyards, a water feature is a central focal point in a design with clean, straight, symmetrical lines. A pond lined with blue tiles (to add depth) is divided into four quadrants. The corners represent the four corners of the world –soul, mind, heart, and essence; with the dividing ‘rivers’ representing rivers of honey, milk wine and water.
  • (The pond requires a water jet to keep the water moving, thus preventing algae build up).
  • The colors most often used in Islamic gardens are whites, rich blues, golds, dusky pinks or terracotta, and rich reds. Hardy flowers of geraniums, roses, lavender and rosemary; and shrubs such as lilacs, roses and hawthorns, add the sense of fragrance, along with beauty and color.
  • The music can be the sound of the water, or musical instruments, or birds that are attracted to the many flowers, trees and shrubs.
  • There are no human sculptures but intricate mosaic tiles are occasionally used
          Photo of The Albright Institute Kershaw Courtyard Garden, by: pinterest.com

Garden Themes 5 of 6...The Oriental Garden




 Chinese and Japanese gardens have many of the same characteristics so they are often combined to be ‘Oriental Gardens’. Both represent nature in symbolism of mountains (with rocks and hills) and ocean (with ponds and water). Rocks represent mountains -Yang (male), while water is Yin (female). There needs to be a balance between these two so there is harmony in the garden. In a small garden a water bowl can be used and a limited amount of rock can give the balance needed.   
 
Winding paths connect areas of the garden and flow with good ‘Chi’ (life force). They take the wanderer through a series of ‘images’ as if gardens were a scroll of landscapes. A moon gate can offer a glimpse into another part of the garden- maybe a rock garden or a reflecting pond.

Water is designed to be as natural as possible and is often is the central component of the garden. 
Any structures, such as pergolas, arbors or tea houses, are constructed using bamboo, tile roofs and lattice.

Japanese create ‘Zen’ gardens (or dry landscapes) where dry raked gravel streams ‘flow’ amongst rocks - large rocks represent mountains and groupings of smaller rocks represent islands. An island mountain is connected to ‘shore’ by 2 or more flat bridges. They use ornamentation with lanterns and stone pagodas.

Bonsai or manicured shrubs accent the landscape and plant selection is based on symbolism.

Pine trees and chrysanthemums = longevity, cherry trees = production and nurturing, bamboo = lasting friendship, peony = wealth and elegance,  peach = immortality. Other plants that are used are lilac, bergenias, hostas, ferns, flowering plums, peonies, maples, spirea.

 












 Photos by: koi-z-are-us.20m.com
               : www.htgardendesign.com.

Garden Themes 4 of 6....Te Formal Garden





The Formal garden emphasizes balance and symmetry. It is based on horizontal and vertical geometric shapes, with straight angles; and the look is well manicured with hedges and shrubs being pruned and shaped.
In the design pictured above, the garden has 2 main axis lines that intersect in the center, dividing the garden into quarters. Each quarter resembles its opposite side with the focal point being the center object. (This object can be a statue, or fountain, in a smaller yard; or it could be a pond, in a larger landscape.)  In order to achieve this replication, formal gardens are best laid out in a north/south orientation so the plantings can be the same. In an east/west orientation some plants will require shade, so the plantings will be different.  

Walkways are often of brick, and accessories such as benches and statues are of classic design rather than rustic.


Photo by :pinterest.com