Nature Plays the Long Game
Considering the adage ‘right plant right place’ before a project begins helps homeowners feel comfortable about their choices. When it comes to trees and shrubs, nature plays the long game. For example, a standard tree with a 6- to 8-centimeter girth may expand to a 14- to 16-centimeter circumference in three to five years. Just…
Designing with Hollies
Hollies bring the holiday cheer in December. But their gifts transcend the seasons. Wrapped in distinctive green foliage with characteristic berry embellishments, hollies provide reliable winter color, architectural structure and wildlife support. The Ilex genus contains more than 400 individual species, bridging the gap between delicate deciduous displays and tough evergreen structures. Historically, ancient Romans…
Foliage Selections for Sun, Shade
Mixing course and fine plant textures creates depth that keeps landscapes looking fresh long after the first flowers of spring fade. Coarse foliage acts as a visual anchor, providing structure and grounding sprawling beds. Fine foliage softens harsh transitions and fills tight spaces. Combining coarse and fine foliages creates a layered finish. June Hosta (Hosta…