Garden Project, Last of the Season for Gardens4u

November 11, 2020May 4, 2023 ~ Loreeebee ~ Leave a comment

I finished the last garden project of this Gardens4u season recently. The beautiful weather we have experienced lately has certainly helped in that I was able to extend the season a bit.

This latest garden project was for a neighbour. I had already designed a garden in her front yard a few years ago…

…but the condition of her lawn after the drought conditions of this past summer convinced her to extend the garden right to the road.

So, she dug up what little lawn was left, giving me a blank slate….my favourite design opportunity (garden project)! I amended the existing soil with composted manure, then added stepping stones to divide the yard visually….and to provide access for maintenance as well as amusement for her grandchildren…

Instead of one large garden, I treated the sections as individual gardens with taller plants in the center and lower ones around the perimeters. I think this will create added visual appeal. (this may be difficult to see now, but will be obvious when the plants mature) Several existing plants were moved to achieve this effect; those that were previously at the edges of the garden were moved to the fronts of each new bed, with taller ones planted behind them. A row of drought-tolerant, succulent groundcover now edges the curb where the lawn refused to thrive.

The neighbouring yard/garden visible in my pictures is the mature version of one of my very first garden projects, way back in 2012.

The challenge now is waiting until spring to see this latest design come alive!

photo credit

Drought-Tolerant Perennials

July 14, 2018May 4, 2023 ~ Loreeebee ~ 1 Comment

Drought-tolerant perennials are popular these days, especially with those of you in the midst of a heatwave as we are here in Ontario.

Irrigation Systems

Even if you have an irrigation system, these hardy perennials should be a staple in your garden to avoid wasting your money on plants and water. Just be sure to place the hoses or plants (whichever you install last) strategically. For example, ornamental grasses do not appreciate wet feet. In fact, the quickest way to kill them off is to overwater them.

Read the Labels or Research to Find Drought-Tolerant Plants

One way to determine if plants (annuals or perennials) are drought resistant is to read the labels at the nurseries or stores where you purchase your plants. Some (larger) nurseries even have separate drought-tolerant sections to make your search easier. I have discovered asking nursery staff which plants are suitable is hit and miss.

Another more proactive plan is to research drought-resistant plants hardy to your garden zone before you head out the door to shop for plants.

Popular Drought-Tolerant Perennials in Ottawa (zone 4/5)

Here are a few of my favourite outstanding perennials that I rely on in my gardens for hot summer color:

lavender
Russian sage
ornamental grasses
tickseed
stonecrop and sedum, available in multiple colors, great for hot borders
daisies

If you haven’t already, consider adding some to your gardens. Just be sure to wait until the heatwave is over to do so!

Texas Gardens Have Their Issues

April 28, 2016May 10, 2023 ~ Loreeebee ~ Leave a comment

I had the pleasure of planting a garden in TEXAS this past January, something totally different for my GARDENS4U business located here in Ottawa, Ontario. I learned fast that Texas gardens have their own issues.

Extreme Drought in Texas Gardens

Extreme drought and heat are at the top of the list of what these gardens have to deal with. I chose a variety of succulents and cacti for the focal points of this garden as well as the ground cover between the larger plants. As the ground cover fills in, weeds are choked out and both the roots of the specimen plantings and the soil are protected from the extreme temperatures and drought conditions…

Container Plantings

Ground covers also work well in containers for the same reasons. Because the soil in containers dries out faster than soil in a garden, the use of ground covers can reduce the amount of water your containers need to stay healthy looking. Nutrients in the soil are depleted slower too when the soil is protected. Planted just inside the rim of the container, the ground covers can “spill” over the edge and cascade down the side of the container, creating a beautiful focal point for your patio, deck, or porch…