Monday, March 26, 2012

Saucer Magnolia, DeciduousTree, Woody Plant of The Day





Magnolia x soulangiana 
Saucer Magnolia,  Chinese Magnolia

Type    Tree, woody plant
Hardy range    5A to 9A
Height    15' to 25' / 4.60m to 7.60m
Spread    15' to 25' / 4.60m to 7.60m
Growth rate    Slow
Form    Rounded and upright or erect
Exposure    Partial shade or partial sun to full sun
Persistence    Deciduous

Bloom Color    Pink and white
Bloom Time    Spring and Winter

The flowers are very showy.

Environment
This plant tolerates some drought.
This plant will grow in dry soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay.
The pH preference is an acidic to neutral (less than 6.8 to 7.2) soil.

Leaf Color    Green
Fall Color    Yellow
This plant has attractive fall colors.

Culture Notes
Saucer Magnolia grows best in a sunny location in rich, moist but porous soil. It will tolerate poor drainage for only a short period of time.  Growth will be thin and leggy in a shaded spot but acceptable in part shade. Saucer Magnolia dislikes dry or alkaline soil but will otherwise grow very well in the city. Transplant from a field nursery in the spring, just before growth begins, and use balled and burlapped or containerized plants. Older plants do not like to be pruned and large wounds may not close well. Train plants early in their life to develop the desired form. Since flowers emerge very early, they are often damaged by frost.

Maintain adequate mulch area

Clear all turf away from beneath the branches and mulch to the drip line to reduce competition with turf and weeds.  This will allow roots to become established quickly and keep plants healthier. Train and prune the trunks and branches so they will not touch each other.  Remove some secondary branches on main branches with included bark, or those that are likely to develop it, as soon as possible. This reduces the likelihood of splitting from the tree later, when the tree has grown to become an important part of the landscape.  Locate the tree properly, taking into account the ultimate size, since the tree looks best if it is not pruned to control size.  The tree can enhance any landscape with its delightful spring flush of flowers.  It can be the centerpiece of your landscape if properly located. Flowers develop from buds formed the previous year.

Tree establishment specifications

Choose good quality trees for planting. The most common cause of young tree failure is planting too deep.  In most instances, the point where the top-most root in the root ball originates from the trunk (referred to as the root flare zone or root collar) should be located just above the soil surface.  You may have to dig into the root ball to find the root flare. If there is nursery soil over this area, scrape it off. Never place ANY soil over the root ball. The planting hole should be at least twice the width of the root ball, preferably wider because roots grow best in loose soil.  In all but exceptional circumstances where the soil is very poor, extensive research clearly shows that there is no need to incorporate any amendments into the backfill soil. Simply use the loosened soil that came out of the planting hole. Simply planting with the topmost portion of the root ball slightly higher than the surrounding soil might still install the tree too deep - be sure to locate the root flare.

Weed suppression during establishment is essential.  Apply a 3-inch thick layer of mulch to at least a six-foot diameter circle around the tree. This area should be at least two feet in diameter for each inch of tree trunk diameter and maintained during the establishment period.  Apply a thinner layer of mulch directly over the root ball but keep it at least 10 inches from the trunk. This allows rainwater, irrigation and air to easily enter the root ball and keeps the trunk dry.  Placing mulch against the trunk and applying too thick a layer above the root ball can kill the plant by oxygen starvation, death of bark, stem and root diseases, prevention of hardening off for winter, vole and other rodent damage to the trunk, keeping soil too wet, or repelling water.

Regular irrigation after planting encourages rapid root growth that is essential for tree establishment.  Trees provided with regular irrigation through the first growing season after transplanting require about 3 months (hardiness zones 9-11), 6 months (hardiness zones 7-8), or one year or more (hardiness zones 2-6) per inch of trunk diameter to fully establish roots in the landscape soil. Trees in desert climates may take longer to establish.  Trees that are under-irrigated during this establishment period (and most trees are) often require additional time to establish because roots grow more slowly.   Be prepared to irrigate through the entire establishment period, especially during periods of drought.

Irrigation also helps maintain and encourage the desirable dominant leader in the tree canopy on large-maturing trees.  Instead of a dominant leader, trees that are under-irrigated during the establishment period often develop undesirable, low, co-dominant stems and double leaders that can split from the tree later.

Unlike established plants, which do best with deep, infrequent irrigation, research clearly shows that recently transplanted trees and shrubs establish quickest with light, frequent irrigation.  For trees planted in spring or summer, provide one (cooler hardiness zones) to three irrigations (warmer hardiness zones) each week during the first few months after planting.  Daily irrigation in the warmest hardiness zones provides the quickest establishment.  Following the initial few months of frequent irrigation, provide weekly irrigation until plants are fully established.  With every irrigation, apply one (cool climates) to two (warm climates) gallons of water per inch trunk diameter (e.g. 2 to 4 gallons for a 2-inch tree) over the root ball only.  In most landscapes that receive more than 30 inches of rain or irrigation annually, if the mulch area is maintained weed-free, irrigation does not need to be applied outside of the root ball.  Never add water if the root ball is saturated.

In cooler hardiness zones, in all but the driest years, irrigation of spring- and summer-planted trees usually can be discontinued once fall color has begun. Irrigation of fall planted trees, however, should be continued until foliage has dropped from the deciduous trees in the region.  In warmer climates, irrigate fall-and winter-planted trees as described for the spring- and summer-planted trees.

In drier, desert climates there is benefit to be gained from applying additional irrigation outside of the root ball area. This is best done by making a large diameter berm four to six inches high, then filling it with water so it percolates into the soil.  For the first two years, irrigate twice each week through the spring, once per week in summer provided monsoons arrive, and twice each week again in fall if it remains warm.  Taper off watering to once or twice each month in winter and resume twice weekly next spring.  For years three to five, water twice per month in spring, summer, and fall and once or twice per month in winter.  During years five through seven, water once every three weeks in warm weather and once every six weeks in winter.  After this, the drought-tolerant desert trees should be able to survive on natural rainfall.

Trees with good, strong structure need no pruning at planting, except to remove broken twigs.  Do not remove branches to compensate for root loss - research has shown that this can be detrimental to establishment.

Turn Your Landscape Dreams Into Reality


Turn Your Landscape Dreams Into Reality

With years of experience in creating professional landscapes across the South Jersey area, Beechwood Landscape Architecture and Construction, LLC is the region’s premiere landscape design-build professionals.

A well landscape property with architecturally designed gardens, pools and exterior living spaces is an excellent investment in one’s property and quality of living!  Integration of your interior home with a seamless design to the outside can be created by Beechwood’s team of landscape architects, horticulturists and landscape designers.  Whether dining al fresco by the pool, enjoying lazy summer days or casual evenings by the fire pit, a well conceived plan will reap years of enjoyment!

Our Landscaping Services Include:


* Landscape Design/Build                                    * Custom Pools
* Landscape Design Service                                 * Outdoor Lighting
* Landscape Maintenance                                                * Irrigation Systems
* Hardscaping                                                       * Golf Green Systems
* Pool Landscaping for Custom Pools                 * Stone Terraces

Landscape Design Process

In our experience, the true success of any landscape project depends upon the implementation of a well thought out combination of design criteria and ideas.  As landscape architects, we are educated and trained to develop effective solutions for exterior spaces, circulation and spatial relationship of all elements affecting the final design.  Our team of designers will work hard to ensure that your property will bring you years of enjoyment and fulfillment.

            Our professional landscape architects and designers can walk you through the entire landscape design process and with the ability to coordinate all aspects of the construction phase.  Getting started on your landscape design is easy – call Beechwood at 609-801-1252 to speak with one of our landscape architects today.

Monday, March 19, 2012

Easter Lily, Perennial of The Day

Lilium longiflorum
    Easter Lily,  Trumpet Lily

Type    Perennial
Hardy range    7A to 9A
Height    12" to 39" / 30cm to 100cm
Growth rate    Average
Form    Columnar and upright or erect
Exposure    Partial shade or partial sun to full sun

Bloom Color    White
Bloom Time    Summer

The flowers are fragrant, showy and suitable for cut flowers.

Environment
This plant tolerates drought.
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy.
The pH preference is an acidic to alkaline (less than 6.8 to more than 7.7) soil.

Leaf Color    Green
This plant has attractive foliage.

Culture Notes
This plant is often forced in greenhouses for the Easter season.  They can be grown most any time of the year under glass if they have been cold treated for flowering.  In the landscape, this plant can form new bulbs by dividing the plant in the fall.  This lily is not as hardy as other types.  One should not plant this lily with other types of lilies because it may transmit a virus.  This lily is also very drought intolerant.

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Spring Glory Forsythia, Deciduous Shrub, Woody Plant of The Day

Forsythia x intermedia 'Spring Glory'
    Forsythia,  Border Forsythia,  Golden Bell

Type    Shrub, woody plant
Hardy range    5A to 8A
Height    5' to 7' / 1.60m to 2.20m
Spread    6' to 8' / 1.80m to 2.40m
Growth rate    Fast
Form    Vase shaped and weeping
Exposure    Partial shade or partial sun to full sun
Persistence    Deciduous

Bloom Color    Yellow
Bloom Time    Spring

The flowers are very showy.

Environment
This plant tolerates drought.
This plant will grow in very dry soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay.
The pH preference is an acidic to alkaline (less than 6.8 to more than 7.7) soil.

Leaf Color    Green
Fall Color    Purple
This plant has attractive fall colors.

Culture Notes
Forsythia is one of the most common spring flowering shrubs, with its yellow flowers occurring before the leaves appear.  Plant in a sunny growing area with a well-drained soil. This rapid grower transplants well and is 5 to 7 feet tall and spreads 6 to 8 feet.  Thin occasionally by cutting off old wood at ground level.  After a severe winter, only the protected lower branches have flowers.  Forsythia tolerates city conditions but not crowding. This cultivar flowers well in the southern portion of its range. This plant is considered mostly allergy free and causes little or no allergy problems in most people. This cultivar has performed very well in North Carolina tests across the state.

Planting and establishing shrubs

The most common cause of young plant failure is planting too deep.  Plant the root ball no deeper than it was in the nursery.  In most instances, the root flare zone (point where the top-most root in the root ball originates from the trunk) should be located just above the landscape soil surface. Sometimes plants come from the nursery with soil over the root flare. If there is soil over this area, scrape it off.  The planting hole should be at least twice the width of the root ball, preferably wider.  In all but exceptional circumstances where the soil is very poor, there is no need to incorporate anything into the backfill soil except the loosened soil that came out of the planting hole.  Never place ANY soil over the root ball. If a row or grouping of plants is to be installed, excavating or loosening the soil in the entire bed and incorporating organic matter enhances root growth and establishment rate.

Weed suppression during establishment is essential.  Apply a 3-inch thick layer of mulch around the plant to help control weed growth.  Keep it at least 10 inches from the trunk.  If you apply it over the root ball, apply only a one or two inch layer.   This allows rainwater and air to easily enter the root ball and keeps the trunk dry.  Placing mulch against the trunk or applying too thick a layer above the root ball can kill the plant by oxygen starvation, death of bark, stem and root diseases, prevention of hardening off for winter, vole and other rodent damage to the trunk, keeping soil too wet, or repelling water.  Regular irrigation through the first growing season after planting encourages rapid root growth, which is essential for quick plant establishment.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Spring Bloomers That Catch The Eye

 Kalmia latifolia 'Alba'
    Mountain Laurel,  Calico Bush,  Ivy

Type    Shrub, woody plant
Hardy range    4A to 8A
Height    6' to 10' / 1.80m to 3.00m
Spread    6' to 10' / 1.80m to 3.00m
Growth rate    Slow
Form    Oval
Exposure    Partial shade or partial sun to full sun
Persistence    Evergreen



Bloom Color    White
Bloom Time    Spring

The flowers are very showy.



Environment
This plant tolerates some drought.
This plant will grow in dry soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or clay.
The pH preference is an acidic to neutral (less than 6.8 to 7.2) soil.


Leaf Color    Green
Fall Color    No change in fall color



Culture Notes
Mountain Laurel does best on moist, acid soils of moderate fertility and drainage and can tolerate sunny locations, if provided with sufficient moisture and not allowed to dry out. Plants in a sunny spot flower better. Mountain Laurel is not salt tolerant.  Mountain Laurel is ideally suited to natural landscapes and other low-maintenance gardens where it can be allowed to grow to its natural form and size, with pruning only to remove spent flower heads and dead branches. Provide good drainage or plants die. Like many shrubs, amending the entire planting bed, not just the planting hole, with organic matter such as pine bark or peat improves root and shoot growth.

All parts of the plant are poisonous causing watering of the eyes, nose and mouth followed by vomiting, abdominal pain, and low blood pressure. Plants perform poorly in zone 8B and south. Young plants in 3 gallon containers can be forced to produce flowers in spring with spray applications of certain growth regulators. In spring or early summer, all plant surfaces need to be covered with the spray in order to be effective.  No shoot growth takes place in the growing season they are sprayed so perform any necessary pruning well before application.

Planting and establishing shrubs

The most common cause of young plant failure is planting too deep.  Plant the root ball no deeper than it was in the nursery.  In most instances, the root flare zone (point where the top-most root in the root ball originates from the trunk) should be located just above the landscape soil surface. Sometimes plants come from the nursery with soil over the root flare. If there is soil over this area, scrape it off.  The planting hole should be at least twice the width of the root ball, preferably wider.  In all but exceptional circumstances where the soil is very poor, there is no need to incorporate anything into the backfill soil except the loosened soil that came out of the planting hole.  Never place ANY soil over the root ball. If a row or grouping of plants is to be installed, excavating or loosening the soil in the entire bed and incorporating organic matter enhances root growth and establishment rate.

Weed suppression during establishment is essential.  Apply a 3-inch thick layer of mulch around the plant to help control weed growth.  Keep it at least 10 inches from the trunk.  If you apply it over the root ball, apply only a one or two inch layer.   This allows rainwater and air to easily enter the root ball and keeps the trunk dry.  Placing mulch against the trunk or applying too thick a layer above the root ball can kill the plant by oxygen starvation, death of bark, stem and root diseases, prevention of hardening off for winter, vole and other rodent damage to the trunk, keeping soil too wet, or repelling water.  Regular irrigation through the first growing season after planting encourages rapid root growth, which is essential for quick plant establishment.


Prunus triloba 'Multiplex'
    Flowering Almond,  Double Flowering Plum


Type    Shrub, woody plant
Hardy range    3B to 6A
Height    10' to 15' / 3.00m to 4.60m
Spread    10' to 15' / 3.00m to 4.60m
Growth rate    Average
Form    Rounded and vase shaped
Exposure    Partial shade or partial sun to full sun
Persistence    Deciduous



Bloom Color    Pink
Bloom Time    Spring

The flowers are very showy.


Environment
This plant tolerates some drought.
This plant will grow in dry soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay.
The pH preference is an acidic to neutral (less than 6.8 to 7.2) soil.


Leaf Color    Green
Fall Color    Copper and yellow
This plant has attractive fall colors.


Culture Notes
Flowering Almond grows best in sun or partial shade on rich, moist soil.  Keep turf grass cleared away from a 4 to 6-foot diameter circle around the tree.  It transplants well balled and burlapped.  It can be sculptured nicely into a unique form with proper pruning and training and is well suited for container gardening.  Regular pruning is needed for best flowering performance.  Branches cut in early spring can be forced into bloom indoors.

A regular fertilization program with slow release nitrogen is recommended to keep plants vigorous. Too much nitrogen in the soluble form could stimulate sprouting. This plant is considered mostly allergy free and causes little or no allergy problems in most people. Foliage from most members of this genus is considered poisonous when ingested.

Provide good drainage in an acidic soil for best growth. Crowns become one-sided unless they receive light from all around the plant, so locate in full sun. Select a different plant if soil is poorly drained, but otherwise cherry adapts to clay or loam. Roots should be kept moist and should not be subjected to prolonged drought. Pruning should be completed after flowering and by late spring to ensure next year's flower buds are not removed.

Planting and establishing shrubs

The most common cause of young plant failure is planting too deep.  Plant the root ball no deeper than it was in the nursery.  In most instances, the root flare zone (point where the top-most root in the root ball originates from the trunk) should be located just above the landscape soil surface. Sometimes plants come from the nursery with soil over the root flare. If there is soil over this area, scrape it off.  The planting hole should be at least twice the width of the root ball, preferably wider.  In all but exceptional circumstances where the soil is very poor, there is no need to incorporate anything into the backfill soil except the loosened soil that came out of the planting hole.  Never place ANY soil over the root ball. If a row or grouping of plants is to be installed, excavating or loosening the soil in the entire bed and incorporating organic matter enhances root growth and establishment rate.

Weed suppression during establishment is essential.  Apply a 3-inch thick layer of mulch around the plant to help control weed growth.  Keep it at least 10 inches from the trunk.  If you apply it over the root ball, apply only a one or two inch layer.   This allows rainwater and air to easily enter the root ball and keeps the trunk dry.  Placing mulch against the trunk or applying too thick a layer above the root ball can kill the plant by oxygen starvation, death of bark, stem and root diseases, prevention of hardening off for winter, vole and other rodent damage to the trunk, keeping soil too wet, or repelling water.  Regular irrigation through the first growing season after planting encourages rapid root growth, which is essential for quick plant establishment.


Spring transplanting best

Balled-and-burlapped and bare root trees recover best when transplanted in late winter or early spring in the cooler portions of North America.  This usually corresponds to the initiation of root growth.

Ageratum houstonianum 'Blue Danube'     
syn. Ageratum mexicanum
    Garden Ageratum,  Floss Flower

Type    Annual
Height    6" to 12" / 15cm to 30cm
Growth rate    Average
Form    Rounded
Exposure    Partial shade or partial sun to full sun

Bloom Color    Blue
Bloom Time    Spring through Fall

The flowers are suitable for cut flowers.

Environment
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy.
The pH preference is  a neutral soil.
Leaf Color    Green 

Culture Notes
In hot summer climates, plant Ageratum in partial shade.  This plant is easy to care for.

Gaillardia x grandiflora 'Goblin'
    Blanket Flower

Type    Perennial
Hardy range    3A to 10A
Height    8" to 12" / 20cm to 30cm
Growth rate    Average
Form    Upright or erect
Exposure    Full sun

Bloom Color    Red and yellow
Bloom Time    Spring through Fall

The flowers are suitable for cut flowers.

Environment
This plant tolerates drought.
This plant will grow in dry to moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy or sandy.
The pH preference is  a neutral soil.

Leaf Color    Green

Culture Notes
This cultivar is of the "Monarch Strain" of Gaillardias.  These plants can grow in sandy, dry soil in the warmer plant zones. In late summer, cut back to encourage a fall bloom.  Do not remove foliage from the plant in late fall.  This helps to protect the plant in colder climates.   Stem cuttings can be taken in late summer, and seeds can be collected after flowering.  Spring cut dead foliage only, and deadhead after blooming to keep plant attractive.   Plants serve as hosts for butterfly larvae. Plants go well with: Coreopsis, Stokesia, Caryopteris, and Platycodon.  'Goblin' has gorgeous red blossoms with bright yellow margins.

Lavatera thuringiaca 'Bredon Springs'
    Tree Mallow,  Tree Lavatera

Type    Perennial
Hardy range    5A to 8A
Height    5' to 6' / 1.60m to 1.80m
Spread    4' to 5' / 1.20m to 1.60m
Growth rate    Average
Form    Upright or erect
Exposure    Full sun

Bloom Color    Pink
Bloom Time    Spring and Summer

The flowers are showy.

Environment
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy.
The pH preference is  a neutral soil.
 

Leaf Color    Green

Culture Notes
These plants look more like small to medium-sized woody shrubs.  In colder climates, they may die back to ground level during the winter months.  However, new growth will return in the spring.   Although Tree Mallow blossoms are short-lived, they bloom profusely throughout the summer.  'Bredon Springs' has pink blossoms with white centers borne on long spikes.   Its foliage is softly pubescent.

Protect from cold, drying winds, and protect the root system by a fall mulching.

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

European Cranberrybush Viburnum, Deciduous Shrub, Woody Plant of The Day

        Viburnum opulus 'Nanum'    
 syn. Opulus sterile 
 European Cranberrybush Viburnum,  Crampbark,  European Highbush Cranberry,  
Guelder Rose


Type    Shrub, woody plant
Hardy range    3B to 8A
Height    24" to 4' / 60cm to 1.20m
Spread    36" to 8' / 90cm to 2.40m
Growth rate    Average
Form    Oval and upright or erect
Exposure    Partial shade or partial sun to full sun
Persistence    Deciduous



Bloom Color    White
Bloom Time    Spring

The flowers are very showy.


Environment
This plant tolerates some drought and some salt.
This plant will grow in dry soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay.
The pH preference is an acidic to alkaline (less than 6.8 to more than 7.7) soil.


Leaf Color    Green
F
all Color   Purple and red

Culture Notes
Likes acid soil kept moist, but not wet, for best development. The species appears to adapt better to wet soil. Nice large shrub for all seasons. Plant  flowers in sun to part shade. European Highbush Cranberry tolerates most light exposures and soil types.  The plant tolerates pruning and should be thinned occasionally to renew it.  It transplants easily, and has a mature height and spread of 12 feet or more.  The white flowers are produced in late spring, and the red fruit is ornamental from late summer to early fall but very distasteful. Some plants may not flower or fruit well.

Planting and establishing shrubs

The most common cause of young plant failure is planting too deep.  Plant the root ball no deeper than it was in the nursery.  In most instances, the root flare zone (point where the top-most root in the root ball originates from the trunk) should be located just above the landscape soil surface. Sometimes plants come from the nursery with soil over the root flare. If there is soil over this area, scrape it off.  The planting hole should be at least twice the width of the root ball, preferably wider.  In all but exceptional circumstances where the soil is very poor, there is no need to incorporate anything into the backfill soil except the loosened soil that came out of the planting hole.  Never place ANY soil over the root ball. If a row or grouping of plants is to be installed, excavating or loosening the soil in the entire bed and incorporating organic matter enhances root growth and establishment rate.

Weed suppression during establishment is essential.  Apply a 3-inch thick layer of mulch around the plant to help control weed growth.  Keep it at least 10 inches from the trunk.  If you apply it over the root ball, apply only a one or two inch layer.   This allows rainwater and air to easily enter the root ball and keeps the trunk dry.  Placing mulch against the trunk or applying too thick a layer above the root ball can kill the plant by oxygen starvation, death of bark, stem and root diseases, prevention of hardening off for winter, vole and other rodent damage to the trunk, keeping soil too wet, or repelling water.  Regular irrigation through the first growing season after planting encourages rapid root growth, which is essential for quick plant establishment.

Dwarf Crested Iris, Perennial of The Day

Iris cristata 'Alba'
Dwarf Crested Iris
Type Perennial
Hardy range 5A to 9A
Height 6" to 12" / 15cm to 30cm
Growth rate Fast
Form Upright or erect
Exposure Partial shade or partial sun to full sun

Bloom Color White
Bloom Time Spring

The flowers are suitable for cut flowers.

Environment
This plant will grow in moist soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy.
The pH preference is a neutral soil.

Leaf Color Green

 



Native Habitat
Species native to the United States.

Culture Notes
Iris cristata will spread quickly if it likes its location.

Please feel free to comment on any post at any time all feedback is welcome and we’d love to hear it.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Rose Weigela, Deciduous Shrub, Woody Plant of The Day

Weigela florida 'Brigela (French Lace™)'
    Old Fashioned Weigela,  Rose Weigela


Type    Shrub, woody plant
Hardy range    4B to 8A
Height    24" to 4' / 60cm to 1.20m
Spread    24" to 4' / 60cm to 1.20m
Growth rate    Slow
Form    Rounded, upright or erect and vase shaped
Exposure    Full sun
Persistence    Deciduous

Bloom Color    Red
Bloom Time    Spring

The flowers are very showy.

Environment
This plant tolerates some drought.
This plant will grow in dry soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay.
The pH preference is an acidic to alkaline (less than 6.8 to more than 7.7) soil.

Leaf Color    Green, variegated and yellow
Fall Color    No change in fall color
This plant has attractive foliage.

Culture Notes
Weigela grows best in a sunny location and moist soil.  Shaded plants are straggly.  Weigela also dislikes crowding.  The growth rate is moderate and the shrub transplants well, reaching a mature height and spread of only 2 to 4 feet.  Some annual dieback and winter injury make annual pruning necessary. It is best to perform any needed pruning immediately after they have flowered. Canadian cultivars (the so called Dance cultivars) are the most cold hardy. Plants suffer in the deep south eastern part of the US. This plant is considered mostly allergy free and causes little or no allergy problems in most people.

Planting and establishing shrubs

The most common cause of young plant failure is planting too deep.  Plant the root ball no deeper than it was in the nursery.  In most instances, the root flare zone (point where the top-most root in the root ball originates from the trunk) should be located just above the landscape soil surface. Sometimes plants come from the nursery with soil over the root flare. If there is soil over this area, scrape it off.  The planting hole should be at least twice the width of the root ball, preferably wider.  In all but exceptional circumstances where the soil is very poor, there is no need to incorporate anything into the backfill soil except the loosened soil that came out of the planting hole.  Never place ANY soil over the root ball. If a row or grouping of plants is to be installed, excavating or loosening the soil in the entire bed and incorporating organic matter enhances root growth and establishment rate.

Weed suppression during establishment is essential.  Apply a 3-inch thick layer of mulch around the plant to help control weed growth.  Keep it at least 10 inches from the trunk.  If you apply it over the root ball, apply only a one or two inch layer.   This allows rainwater and air to easily enter the root ball and keeps the trunk dry.  Placing mulch against the trunk or applying too thick a layer above the root ball can kill the plant by oxygen starvation, death of bark, stem and root diseases, prevention of hardening off for winter, vole and other rodent damage to the trunk, keeping soil too wet, or repelling water.  Regular irrigation through the first growing season after planting encourages rapid root growth, which is essential for quick plant establishment.

Common Periwinkle, Perennial Of The Day



Vinca mino
Common Periwinkle, English Holly, Creeping Vinca


 
Type Perennial
Hardy range 4A to 9A
Height 6" to 12" / 15cm to 30cm
Growth rate Fast
Form Prostrate, spreading or horizontal and variable spread
Exposure Full shade to full sun
Persistence Evergreen
Bloom Color Blue, lavender, purple and white
Bloom Time Spring and Summer

Environment This plant tolerates some drought and occasional wetness. This plant will grow in moist soil. Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay. The pH preference is an acidic to slightly alkaline (less than 6.8 to 7.7) soil.

Leaf Color Green
Fall Color No change in fall color

This plant has attractive foliage.
The flowers are showy.


Culture Notes Cut back hard in the spring to rid plants of discolored foliage and to enjoy the new growth. This plant thrives in the shade, but foliage discolors in the north in full sun. This does not kill the plant; it simply makes the plant somewhat less than attractive in winter. Plants fill in fastest when located in partial to full shade in loose, moist soil with plenty of organic matter and adequate water. Can be used on banks or in other rough locations, provided soil is suitable. A variegated form is available. This plant is considered mostly allergy free and causes little or no allergy problems in most people.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Beechwood Landscape Lends a Helping Hand



Boy Scout Troop 31, Southampton, NJ
March 1, 2012


Dear Mr. Chepurny and Mr. Worrell,
I want to thank you for your donation of the re-bar and landscape fabric for use in my Eagle Scout Project. You were a big help and that help let me complete my project. The materials were used for rebuilding the Eagle Walk Nature Trail parking lot. The Eagle Walk is a local Southampton nature trail.
The parking lot was just dirt with weeds and debris all over it. The ground was soft a cars would get stuck in it too. It also had a wood perimeter that was buried, not secured to the ground, and slanted. What I did for my project was to clean the surface and level out the parking lot and laid down the landscape fabric that you donated. After all of the fabric was laid down we began to put crushed gravel down and spread it out until it was level. We spread 36 tons of gravel. After we put down the gravel we fixed the perimeter by straightening all of the wood. Then we drilled holes in the wood and stuck the re-bar that you donated through to hold the wood in place.
I had a total of 24 people out to help me with my project. We spent a total of 96 hours working on my project.
Thank you again for all your help. I have attached some photos of the work being done.
Sincerely,
James E. Musser III

Japanese Snowball Viburnum, Deciduous Shrub, woody plant of The Day


Viburnum plicatum 'Sawtooth'
    Doublefile Viburnum,  Japanese Snowball Viburnum

Type    Shrub, woody plant
Hardy range    5B to 8B
Height    10' to 15' / 3.00m to 4.60m
Spread    15' to 25' / 4.60m to 7.60m
Growth rate    Average
Form    Rounded and spreading or horizontal
Exposure    Partial shade or partial sun
Persistence    Deciduous

Bloom Color    White
Bloom Time    Spring

The flowers are very showy.

Environment
This plant tolerates some drought and some salt.
This plant will grow in dry soil.
Suitable soil is well-drained/loamy, sandy or clay.
The pH preference is an acidic to slightly alkaline (less than 6.8 to 7.7) soil.

Leaf Color    Green
Fall Color    Purple and red
This plant has attractive foliage and attractive fall colors.


Culture Notes
Japanese Snowball grows well in sun to partial shade and any moist soil.  The plant transplants well, has a moderate growth rate and grows to a mature height and spread of 8 to 10 feet in many landscapes, but can get larger, especially in spread.  The white flowers occur in ball-shaped clusters produced in late spring.  Foliage takes on a dark maroon color in September and October.

This plant is sterile and produces no fruit. In contrast to the var. tomentosum, flowers hang from the branches in a more-or-less random fashion.

Planting and establishing shrubs

The most common cause of young plant failure is planting too deep.  Plant the root ball no deeper than it was in the nursery.  In most instances, the root flare zone (point where the top-most root in the root ball originates from the trunk) should be located just above the landscape soil surface. Sometimes plants come from the nursery with soil over the root flare. If there is soil over this area, scrape it off.  The planting hole should be at least twice the width of the root ball, preferably wider.  In all but exceptional circumstances where the soil is very poor, there is no need to incorporate anything into the backfill soil except the loosened soil that came out of the planting hole.  Never place ANY soil over the root ball. If a row or grouping of plants is to be installed, excavating or loosening the soil in the entire bed and incorporating organic matter enhances root growth and establishment rate.

Weed suppression during establishment is essential.  Apply a 3-inch thick layer of mulch around the plant to help control weed growth.  Keep it at least 10 inches from the trunk.  If you apply it over the root ball, apply only a one or two inch layer.   This allows rainwater and air to easily enter the root ball and keeps the trunk dry.  Placing mulch against the trunk or applying too thick a layer above the root ball can kill the plant by oxygen starvation, death of bark, stem and root diseases, prevention of hardening off for winter, vole and other rodent damage to the trunk, keeping soil too wet, or repelling water.  Regular irrigation through the first growing season after planting encourages rapid root growth, which is essential for quick plant establishment.