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Garden Tips|Garden Landscape|Garden Design Ideas


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Finding The Perfect Christmas Tree
Christmas tree in Texas

Image via Wikipedia

Now that you're getting the decorations together for the holidays, you and your family may be looking at a few Christmas trees. Finding the perfect tree is a holiday tradition for lots of families, and you will need

different features for the tree based on your design plans. Here are some tips for finding the right Christmas trees, as well as some design ideas that you may want to consider.

If there is a place in your city or state where you can go and pick up a live tree, you should travel to the location when you know when you'll be decorating the tree. If you purchase the tree too early, it may wither by the time you want to garnish it. Once you are ready to bring the tree home, you should also make sure that your home is cool enough to keep the tree alive; traditional Christmas trees thrive in cold weather, so turning the heat down slightly will keep the pine needles from turning brown quickly.

You should also consider the size of the Christmas trees before you take one home as well. Are you going to be displaying the tree in the family room, or the largest room in the house? Will you be setting it up in the dining room this year? This will help you to figure out how tall and wide the tree should be, and you'll have an idea of what to tell the individuals cutting your tree after you've gotten the measurements for the room. A 'baby' tree may be best if you are living in an apartment or townhouse, and is just the right size for children to decorate.

Keep in mind that there are also some synthetic Christmas trees that you can purchase from local department stores. This way, you won't have to buy a real tree each year (although the smell of fresh pine is indicative of the holiday), and you can put the tree up any time you like. Check out stores like Walmart and Target for great 'fake' Christmas trees that look just like the real thing; you can also check the websites for these stores to order a tree from the internet; the site will have instructions for caring for the tree as well, in addition to some ideas for decorating the tree.

You can find great accents for real or synthetic Christmas trees when you visit sites like www.merrynews.com. The forum has all different types of links that will connect you to companies that offer one-of-a-kind ornaments and garnishes, and you'll get some suggestions for creating homemade decorations for your Christmas trees as well. Happy holidays!

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Garden Plants Questions About Shade Garden Plants

William asks

Shade garden plants?

I want to plant a shade garden in my front yard what plants do you reccomend? I have a good sized maple tree that this will be next to. I was planning on using some hostas but what else would look nice? Also, if it's important I'm in northern Virginia. Thanks!

landscapeliving answers:

I also live in northern VA and have had the best of luck with impatients , all varieties...they have even lasted into November! I also have had luck with begonias and as you mentioned the hostas...they have done quite well in my yard. I have had some success with marigolds as well...sometimes you have to experiment with different plant to see what will do well in your yard.

Carol asks

What are some good plants for a shade garden?

I am planting a meditation garden, that has moderate to deep shade. I already have Kentucky Bluegrass and Hostas installed, but am looking for some other ideas for color. Suggestions, anybody?

landscapeliving answers:

Here are just a few suggestions:

Coleus-has lots of different foliage colors

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/im...

Fuchsia-lots of choices

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/im...

Ferns
Vinca minor (periwinkle)-a few options

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/im...

Lysimachia nummularia 'Aurea' (creeping Jenny, moneywort)-to trail with gold leaves

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/im...

Bacopa/Sutera-ground cover, available with white, pink, lavender or blue flowers

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/im...

Lobelia-provides an abundance of flowers, annual and perennial varieties; ground cover or upright plants

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/im...

Impatiens-lots to choose from

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/im...

Dicentra (bleeding heart)

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=A0S0201EIkRI3ZYAOPGJzbkF?p=dicentra&fr=yfp-t-501&ei=utf-8&js=1&x=wrt

Polemonium (Jacob's ladder)-get the variegated kinds, so pretty!

Http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=A0S0207LIkRIkOoA5ZiJzbkF?p=polemonium&fr=yfp-t-501&ei=utf-8&js=1&x=wrt

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=A0S020rYIkRIzhcAh1qJzbkF?p=polemonium+brise&fr=yfp-t-501&ei=utf-8&js=1&x=wrt

Corydalis-so pretty ususally you find the blue and yellow kinds

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=A0S020nzIkRItWQBYhmJzbkF?p=corydalis&fr=yfp-t-501&ei=utf-8&js=1&x=wrt

Heuchera (coral bells)-lots of foliage colors to choose from

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/im...

Tiarella (foam flower)-a few choices

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?p=tiarella&fr=yfp-t-501&toggle=1&cop=mss&ei=UTF-8

Heucherella (foamy bells)-a cross of Heuchera and Tiarella

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=A0S020mdIERI92IBGBOJzbkF?p=heucherella&fr=yfp-t-501&ei=utf-8&js=1&x=wrt

Lamium maculatum (dead nettle)-to allow to trail

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/im...

Torenia (wishbone flower)-pretty

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/im...

Begonia-lots of choices

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/im...

Hedera (ivy)-good for filler, be sure to get non-invasive kind!
Campanula (bell flower)-lots to choose from

http://www.wildgingerfarm.com/Campanula....

Some Ornamental grasses will do well
Erodium (heron's bill)

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/im...

Geranium (crane's bill) - true geraniums

http://www.daytonnursery.com/Encyclopedi...

Pelargonium peltatum (ivy geranium)

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/im...

Pelargonium x hortorum - fancy leaf types

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/im...

Viola and pansy
Pulmonaria (lungwort)

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/im...

Digitalis (foxglove)

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/im...

Helleborus (lenten rose)

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/im...

Trollius (globeflower)

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/im...

Abutilon (flowering maple)-lots of options

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=A0S020q.IERIJBkAQguJzbkF?p=abutilon&fr=yfp-t-501&ei=utf-8&js=1&x=wrt

Hydrangea-lots!

Http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=A0S020sVIURIWCkBZXyJzbkF?p=hydrangea&fr=yfp-t-501&ei=utf-8&js=1&x=wrt

Ceratostigma (leadwort)-great blue flowers!

Http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images?p=ceratostigma&fr=yfp-t-501&toggle=1&cop=mss&ei=UTF-8

Sambucus-nice lacy foliage, look for purple leaf varieties or gold ones!

Http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=A0S020qoIURIoBcAdaKJzbkF?p=sambucus&fr=yfp-t-501&ei=utf-8&js=1&x=wrt

Viburnum (snowball bush)-can't beat them in full bloom

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=A0S0204AIkRIzuYA_aqJzbkF?p=viburnum&fr=yfp-t-501&ei=utf-8&js=1&x=wrt

Thalictrum (meadow rue)-nice dainty flowers

http://images.search.yahoo.com/search/images;_ylt=A0S02079IkRItOgA2zqJzbkF?p=thalictrum&fr=yfp-t-501&ei=utf-8&js=1&x=wrt

Acer (Japanese maples)-many to choose from!

You will want to double check with a good local nursery to see if these are good in your area. You can also add a few mixed containers on different height levels to add instant color and pop. I change mine up about every 3 months so that they are fresh and providing the bulk of "color" in the shady areas. These can be assorted shade annuals if you want. You can also add some specimen plants in pots and if they are elevated will create a nice focal point.

Good luck!

John asks

Dog Friendly Shade Garden Plants/Ground Cover?

We have a 1/2 acre partially wooded lot. We have approxmately 30 huge trees and nothing grows in the wooded area except for weeds. The rest of the time it is bare earth. Any thoughts on a good shade-loving ground cover? I'd prefer no Ivy. Our neighbors have Ivy and it's out of control.
Oh yeah, We just got a dog and all plant would need to be dog friendly, ie, not poisonous.

landscapeliving answers:

I have a path going through my wooded area and I planted vinca, which is a ground cover and blooms tiny purple flowers in spring and fall. Also an assortment of Hosta's, Bleeding hearts, lily of the valley, and an assortment of ferns. There are alot of shade loving plants, of course check to make sure they are in your zone. Have fun! A garden in the trees looks very pretty.

Steven asks

Any good deer-resistant plants for a shade garden?

I am dealing with two problems in one here:
1. My front yard faces North and gets very little sun.
2. We have an outrageously large deer population that isn't too picky about food.
I'm planning on creating two plots: one is about 2' by 10' and the other is a quarter-circle, about 5' in radius.
Also, I live in Virginia, if that helps.

Given that anything is better than nothing, suggest away! Flowering plants, decorative grasses, shrubs, herbs - I don't care!

landscapeliving answers:

University of Virginia Extension
Deer resistant plants
Scroll down about midway
The plants are all categorized
Most plants require some sun but you can select from the lists and determine shade

http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/hortcult/treeshru/resistan.htm

**************NOTE**********************
All of the links can be opened for possible information
If you need to you can contact WVU for plant specifics
Contact:
John W. Jett,
304/293-6131 ext. 4224
Lewis W. Jett,
304/293-6131 ext. 4240
Horticulture Specialists,
WVU Extension Service

http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/hortcult/index.html

http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/index.html

Contact Us

http://www.wvu.edu/~exten/contact.htm

Missouri resident

To RScott You give the shortest answers and I give the longest ones.
I'm glad I'm not a deer in your area...my rump would be hurtin' all the time...

Mandy asks

What are the best plants for a shade garden in Western North Carolina?

And also least expensive.

landscapeliving answers:

Hostas (love em) and mock orange. I have some azaleas in the shade but they don't bloom very well.

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Garden Plants Questions About Dry Shade Garden Plants

Helen asks

Anyone have a vegetable garden in a hot dry climate?

I live in the desert and I'm hoping to plant veggies this season. I'm wondering what does well in a hot, dry climate. I have proper planters, gardening soil, and shade but I'm not sure what I want to plant yet. My garden space is about 30 square feet. Any advice?

landscapeliving answers:

As long as you have plenty of water most veggies will do well. It the sun is too hot for some plants you can always add an open weave fabric over those plants to give a bit of shade.

Your local Master Gardeners program (see below) can be a big help in your efforts.

Daniel asks

How to choose plants for specific areas in my garden ?

My garden is quite small and has a lot of large trees in it which use up all the water. The only plants I have managed to grow are bluebells and a strange yellow daisy that looks like a sunflower but has thick yellow roots and comes up every year. Both have became a problem and have engulfed the whole garden. Are there any plants that will grow well in dry nutrient depleted soil in sun or partial shade? (which are not weeds.)

thanks

landscapeliving answers:

You could try Hostas. Also try adding some compost when preparing the soil to plant in. When you plant the plants you are going to try then plant your plant and then smooth some more compost over the soil.

Compost will not only give the soil back some of the nutrients but, also will also help to hold in moisture. I add compost to my soil almost every year.

You could also try DayLillies (they tend to be drought tolerant) Impatiens likes shade as does hostas.

Mary asks

What is a good Focal point, scented, pretty, shade shrub/ tree for garden in southeastern washington?

I live in Southeastern washington which is dry and warm. I have a garden near the house that is near the front door. It is about 10 X10 foot and gets mostly shade. I would like to plant a smallish (5-6ft tall) shrub or tree that blooms and is colorful from spring to fall. Scented would also be nice. Maybe attract birds? I dont mind pruning/trimming and it will get plenty of water. Any ideas?

landscapeliving answers:

Mostly shaded area will not give you the flowering plants you desire. If however there is at least 6 hours of sun in the area you describe then shrub roses, would be a great addition.Of course there's nothing better that azalea's and rhododendrons. Small understory trees like dogwoods and viburnums would be good for mostly shaded area with some sun not scorching sun. Also low growing hostas have a variety of leaf color and texture and blooms in July, they love filtered shade. Small Maple tree the mini's would work well in the space you described as well. Ajuga is great ground cover also spring bulbs scatted about would be a nice touch to fill out the space. Then if your really serious about a focal point put in a small pond or small water feature. Garden centers have an amazing variety to choose from. The water will attract birds, butterflies, and the sound of.water trickling down a spout is so relaxing. Good Luck.

John asks

I need help picking out plants.?

I am planting a garden in a hot dry area in central florida. I would perfer that the plants be flowering and if at all possible attract butterflys (though not a requiremnt). I also need vines to grow up a chain link fence (if the plant floweres awsome if not its ok) and a shade type tree that wont get to big. These plants need to be as strong and resistant to drought and heat as possible thank you for Links!!!

landscapeliving answers:

I live in central Fl, too, so here's what I would plant if your garden will be in the sun.........vincas, pentas, cosmos,(which can be grown from seed and reseed every spring) or bush daisies, and all are drought resistant. The pentas attract butterflies. If your garden is going to be shady, go for impatience. As for a vine on your chain link fence, I would plant confederate jasmine, which prefers sun or shade and will cover your fence in no time and is loaded with sweet smelling white flowers. There are so many choices for a shade tree, but most of them grow pretty big and some loose their leaves in the winter so I would suggest going to a nursery and asking them for their suggestions. They can also give you suggestions on what kind of flowering plants to plant in your sunny or shady garden better than the home do it yourself stores, like Lowes and Home Depot. They have native plants and other plants that the other stores don't have. Hope this helps you.

Robert asks

Very sad coz all my plants died ,please help me.?

I went to for a vacation for a month and my plants died with the hot wheather in LA. My begonias are dead and dry, my calla lillies are green but no flowers.

All the roses plants are dry like hay. What can I do now.Iam very sad the way my garden looks right now. I had put a lot of efforts into it.

Does this mean that the bulbs are dead ?.will they grow next season?.

Please tell me some plants which flower in shade

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