Landscaping Ideas - Choose the Great Gaura For a Spectacular Sea of Pink With Very Little Watering

If you have been perusing through online plant catalogs, or wandering the aisles of a nearby nursery or two just to find the perfect drought tolerant perennial plant with vibrant lasting color, take a good look at the great Gaura. Your goals of conserving water and adding a pulsating wave of color at the same time may have just been solved.

The Gaura plant, or Gaura Lindheimeri to be exact, is becoming very popular in California and other arid regions of the southwest, with most cultivars and varieties thriving in zones 6a through 9b. Yet, there are numerous species of plants that have become prominent in these regions. So, why is the Gaura more popular than ever and replacing the overused Day Lily as a drought tolerant staple in the garden? Let us explore the habitat of the Gaura plant, and explain other reasons for the success of this hardy plant in landscapes in our region and beyond.

The Gaura plant and its ability to alleviate a homeowner search for drought tolerant plants is only one reason for its success. As a mature plant, it also rewards the environment it calls home with vibrant blooming color that will range depending on the cultivar from white through various shades of pink. We planted the Pink Fountain or Indian Feather variety that displays a crisp almost pastel like pink from early spring through the fall season. We really look forward to the brilliant cascading sea of pink blossoms that stand tall at the ends of 3 to 4 foot tall stalks. I have to feel sorry for the Viburnum shrub that grows nearby and only blooms for 2 weeks out of the year. It must be envious of the great Gaura in the way it struts its stuff for most of the year.

In the fall, the flowers fade and dry out, and the Gaura gets ready for its winter rest. Being a fast growing very root hardy perennial, the plant will easily resprout from the rootstock beginning again in the spring. That is why anyone fortunate enough to plant it should remember to cut it back strong before the spring growing season begins. Once you do so, in a few short weeks you will be rewarded with beautiful color in your garden for the warm seasons.

We also marvel at the color of the foliage prior to starting its blooming and carrying through to the fall. It has an almost wine like lushness in its texture that goes perfectly with other plants displaying pink, shades of red, and white.

Pay attention to the great Gaura, and look for it in local nurseries. As a drought tolerant vibrantly colored perennial, it cannot be beat.

Landscaping Ideas - A Great Way to Add a Bountiful View From Your Kitchen Garden Window

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Landscaping Ideas - A Great Way to Add a Bountiful View From Your Kitchen Garden Window
By Linda M Johnson
Linda M Johnson
Linda M Johnson
Level: Basic PLUS

Linda Johnson's experience in crafting and decorating goes way back to the days of obtaining her degree in interior design, and using it to assist ... ...

Article Word Count: 516 [View Summary] Comments (0)
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Do you have a functional kitchen garden window that provides a view of nothing? Many windows of this type face a part of the yard that indeed does give the homeowner a nice view outwards. However, for those of you who are victimized by a lifeless view of your empty side yard, here is a way to incorporate the natural flow of other parts of your yard in to an amazing view from your kitchen.

I am a big fan of color in the garden, whether it is a monochromatic evergreen theme, or a tri-color variety of plants and flowers that round out and frame the home and property. So, what better way to continue that flow of nature than by incorporating a planter box, trellis, and evergreen type of flowering vine in to the floral equation. Here is how we do it:

Shallow side yards benefit the most from this landscape decorating technique by bringing what is a floral focal point closer to view. However, deeper side yards can also absorb the benefits of this project. Note: The use of a planter box can be skipped if you have enough of a planning area along your side fence or wall to give your vine a new home. Here are the supplies you will need for your project:

* Trellis for mounting your vine, and to give it a showy start. Be sure to pick one that will fit inside your planter box since that is where you will place it.

* Planter box for planting your vine: Again, skip this if you prefer to plant your vine in ground.

* Wax coated gardeners ties ( they look like the twisties we see in the produce section of the market, but with a protective coating.

* Potting soil if you are using the planter box option.

* Mulch.

* Evergreen flowering vine. (we chose a Potato Vine for its evergreen nature and multiseasonal flowering habit)

Step 1: Position your planter box so that it is centered along the fence or wall when viewing from inside of your garden window. Place your trellis inside of the planter box along the back wall of the box and brace it with medium size rocks to hold in place. As an alternative, you can secure your trellis to the planter box with screws, and in fact should probably do so if it is of the wood variety.

Step 2: Line the bottom of your planter box, which hopefully has drainage holes, with gravel or other small rocks for drainage purposes. Then, following the planting instructions that came with your vine, plant your vine and add a layer of mulch for moisture retention, weed control, and root protection.

Step 3: Now, you simply untie your vine from the upright wooden staff that it came with for transporting, and gently separate the individual legs of the vine for mounting on the trellis. Once untangled, use your wax coated gardeners ties to mount the vine legs to the trellis. Be sure to water your newly transplanted vine, and stand inside your kitchen garden window for a magnificent evergreen and floral view.

Happy planting!

Linda Johnson is a degreed and experienced crafter and interior/exterior decorating specialist, with years of experience helping friends, family, and clients solve their decorating and craft needs. Find tons more craft ideas and landscaping articles and decorating projects like this with photos, and submit your own great ideas for free by visiting http://www.showcasetoideas.com/homeandgardendecor.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_M_Johnson

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* MLA Style Citation:
Johnson, Linda M. "Landscaping Ideas - A Great Way to Add a Bountiful View From Your Kitchen Garden Window." Landscaping Ideas - A Great Way to Add a Bountiful View From Your Kitchen Garden Window. 18 Apr. 2009. EzineArticles.com. 30 Apr 2009 .

* APA Style Citation:
Johnson, L. M. (2009, April 18). Landscaping Ideas - A Great Way to Add a Bountiful View From Your Kitchen Garden Window. Retrieved April 30, 2009, from http://ezinearticles.com/?Landscaping-Ideas---A-Great-Way-to-Add-a-Bountiful-View-From-Your-Kitchen-Garden-Window&id=2239535

* Chicago Style Citation:
Johnson, Linda M. "Landscaping Ideas - A Great Way to Add a Bountiful View From Your Kitchen Garden Window." Landscaping Ideas - A Great Way to Add a Bountiful View From Your Kitchen Garden Window EzineArticles.com. http://ezinearticles.com/?Landscaping-Ideas---A-Great-Way-to-Add-a-Bountiful-View-From-Your-Kitchen-Garden-Window&id=2239535

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Landscaping Ideas to Create a Beautiful Backyard

I was out over the weekend mulching my gardens. Where I live it was in the 50's and at times I had to take my jacket off to cool down a little bit. I actually got ambitious and worked a little to hard. My muscles are aching a little now. But that's OK, physical works is good for you, as long as you don't overdo it. Spring is one of my favorite times of the year, because of the outdoor activities. Here are some landscaping ideas you can do to spruce up your aboveground or inground swimming pool.

Outdoor living spaces have been popular for many years now, and will continue to be so. It's like an extension of our house. And with this being part of spaces that you will spend a lot of time in, it makes sense to improve the look by creating a more aesthetically pleasing and more natural atmosphere where your swimming pool is placed. Placing plants, trees, scrubs and walls can improve space around your pool. Place them in large planting pots so you can move them around and change your scenery once and awhile. You can use the same types of plants that you have used around the rest of your house to carry the theme into your backyard.

br> Pool fountains can add a lovely display of cascading water to your pool. The floating ones are very easy and can usually be installed in under 5 minutes. Decorative stone fountains can be place can be placed outside the pool to complement your décor.

With Garden & Patio Furniture, you can add comfortable eating and sitting spaces for you and your guests to socialize. These outdoor settings can range from Outdoor Bars & Bar Stools, to Furniture Settings and Benches. With an incredible amount of designs there are limitless possibilities for the theme of your swimming pool area to have.

Gazeebos & Pavilion Kits can provide a way to create intimate spaces in your backyard. They can be placed as complete enclosures for your Spa or Hot Tub or provide additional seating for socializing events. Again there are many designs and styles here to meet your needs and goals.

If you have an Aboveground Pool, you can wrap around a deck and tie it to your house. It can be multi-level so you can gradually step up to the edge of the pool from ground level. That way you can create balance and style with your backyard and your house. This can really make the connection from your house to your pool more seamless and harmonious. Choice of deck materials can be pressure treated wood, cedar wood, to a vast array of man made materials. Make sure you properly waterproof your deck with the correct coatings if you use natural wood products.

These are just a few of many ideas to do when considering landscaping your backyard. Create a backyard oasis to enjoy this years swimming pool season.

Tips on Planning Your Landscaping Project

Are you thinking of planning a landscaping project but you have know idea where to start or what to do? As you know, a well planned landscape is pleasing to the eyes and enhances the value of the property. Planning a landscape is not as simple as arranging trees, plants, and shrubs on your property. It is considered as an art which recognizes the importance of harmony and organization of the space outside your house. Here are some things that may help you plan for your landscaping project.

Reasons behind landscaping

Some of the goals of landscaping include the establishment of a visual harmony between the house and its surroundings, the reduction of maintenance time and costs to a workable and practical level, and the enhancement of your place, both for pleasure and usage. Many people waste so much money on landscaping because of poor planning or no planning at all.

Things to do when planning your project

For your project to be beautiful, practical, and meaningful, you must think how the space is usually used and what will maximize your stay there by visualizing the things that you will put in it. It is important for you to look at the designs done before and learn from their innovation and mistakes as well. You must have a good idea of the materials that are easily obtainable and will not cause you procurement problems that can radically affect your design concept. Taking time to look at the ecology of your site is also important since this is one of the main factors that have an impact on your planned design. 
   
Layout tips

Regarding the layout, look at the following: terrain, size of the area, and your allocated budget. The terrain of your area means knowing its natural elevations, the kind of grass growing in it, trees already there, and other structures that may affect your plan. The yard size will determine whether large items like islands or big trees should be included in the project. The budget will be the main consideration when it comes to choosing the type of design and materials you will employ for the project. 

While planning your project, you should keep in mind that landscaping will not always enhance or beautify the looks of a building. On the other hand, if the landscaping is planned properly and executed correctly, it will greatly improve the appearance of the building by making it look more livable, warm, and unique.

Using Native Plants in Landscaping

Using native plants in landscaping in an urban setting exudes a certain character and at the same time requires fewer resources; such as water, etc... Here are some things that you should know when planning to embark on this endeavor.

Why use native plants?

Using native plants for landscaping is a way of celebrating natural heritage and a way of returning back to a land ethic established 50 years before by Aldo Leopold. Looking closely at native plants, it can be ascertained that these plants have many traits that make them very appealing in terms of aesthetic value, ecological value, and practicality. They can also present some health benefits when used properly.

Native Plants 

So what are native plants? Native plants are plants that have evolved naturally in the United States. In particular, native plants in a certain area are those that were thriving in the particular area long before humans brought plants from faraway places. Both in Central and Eastern North America, the native plants grow in areas that have other species which have adapted to similar weather, moisture, and soil conditions. Some of the more prevalent types include tallgrass prairies, beech and maple forests, freshwater marshes, bogs, and savannahs among others.

Native plants are energy savers

Since native plants have been present in their respective areas for thousands of years, they have adapted and toughened against local conditions. They are resilient and can withstand the cruel winter cold or the sizzling summer heat. After getting a firm hold on the land, these types of plants will need no fertilizers or irrigation and are less prone to pests. Because of these reasons, native plants are very ideal for a low-maintenance type of landscaping and gardening.

Native plants are fascinating

Due to their diversity, native plants include wonderful flowers and interesting foliage. Trees and shrubs native to an area present a multitude of shapes, textures, and sizes to the landscape. Besides this, native plants have very interesting cultural as well as historical dimensions. A lot of the species are considered to be of value both as food and medicine. Some types have been used for textiles, dyeing, and cordage to name a few of their uses... It also serves as a reminder, a link to yesterday and its memories. 

Landscaping With Rocks

Understand that every individual has varying ideas of determining what they want their landscape to look. Even if not all that you see is something that you want to utilize and incorporate in your own garden, get whatever ideas from the garden that attract you and integrate it into your garden, as you design and construct it.

Style should be your primary concern when you start your new landscaping design, as the overall appearance of your garden should complement the design and character of your home, as well as reflect your personality.

In a Landscape, one can integrate many different objects and items, such as different plant varieties or rocks.

One may be surprised how simple objects can make a huge impact in your garden. Rocks can give much emphasis, impact, character and interest to any landscape.

Here are guidelines to help you get started:

1. Begin with a clean yard.  By this, it means that you take off everything, including small plants, bushes and rocks and set them aside.  Leave only the trees.

2. Make a sketch of the yard and decide where to put what.  Take pictures and put together a scene of the yards present form as well as your available resources. Make up your mind which should be kept and the areas to change. 

3. Pinpoint any unsightly views (garbage cans, nearby properties, utility boxes, etc.) and start creating a landscape in these areas making sure you cover it with large rocks and boulders, bushes and large types of plants to conceal the ugly sites.   

4. Try to acquire landscaping ideas from magazines or photos from the internet, so that you can use them as a reference and you will have an idea how your landscape will look before you arrange the rocks. 

5. For cost-effective landscaping, consider getting rocks from your area (there might be a lot lying around in your garden) as these will look very natural and will blend with your local plants.

6. Group together three to five rocks of different sizes in one location; never separate each rock one by one.

7. Don’t make the mistake of just placing the rock on the ground.  Set each rock into position by burying no more than half of it underground this way they will look more natural. 

8. After you have positioned all the rocks, move back and examine the view.  Change any position that you do not find appealing. Then add your plants.

The purpose of your new landscape is to set up and improve the view of your garden, providing you with a peaceful retreat anytime.  Enjoy!

Start Your Own Landscaping Business

Starting your own business in landscaping entails more than just little gardening or landscaping knowledge, acquiring tools and setting up your sign board.

Landscaping is a business involving your service and such businesses are considered to be the easiest business to put start and succeed. 

When in a “service business”, much importance must be given to your clients’ satisfaction and pleasure since this will be the groundwork on which you build a flourishing and prosperous business.

Start by investigating and obtain the business permit that is necessary in your area. Most cities and states require a business license which will be issued by the city and/or the state (or both). Your State may also require a certification or license for “landscape contractors”.

It is essential that you are well acquainted with your chosen field as well as have business knowledge – both are important. Take time to acquire books and study the business of landscaping. Surf the internet for sites that pertain to landscaping as well information concerning managing a business. Your knowledge will be your greatest asset in the business.

Your business theory, or niche, will describe your distinctive service that you can provide to your customers may set you apart from other landscaping businesses.  There are many kinds of work that you can target, such as home clean-up work, commercial landscapes or interiorscapes, installing water gardens etc.

For a start, targeting residential landscaping is recommended and you can obtain it through word of mouth recommendations you obtain from satisfied customers that will refer you to others, “door to door” promotion, flyers and newspaper , radio, or television advertising.

Landscapers must have a trailer or a truck for picking up and delivering landscaping tools and materials such as plants, rocks, boulders, lumber, etc. 

Keep in mind that in any business, clients will pay you only if and when you solve their problems or meet their needs. Therefore you must know and clearly outline your potential clients’ needs and wants. You should also get to know your client well, to better understand what is expected of you.

Many landscaping businesses were unsuccessful because they failed to pay close attention to the satisfaction of the client or not performing landscaping tasks well.  This does not necessarily mean that you do work poorly, this simply indicates understanding and performance should go hand in hand.

Bear in mind, a satisfied customer will be your greatest salesman.  Do make your clients happy and contented with your work.  This way, they will be your clients for life; what’s more, they will bring their friends and family to you and you will get positive feed back.