FOUNDATION PLANTINGS - Use heather in a foundation planting to eliminate straight lines and formality that is often created with more typical plants. In Northeast, Taxus, Rhododendron and Juniper are commonly used; heather is a natural companion to these evergreens. Use them to hide bare branches at base of shrubs, to fill voids between larger shrubs, and to bring entire plantings away from house. A long, curving line is more natural and can be creatively designed with different heights and foliage colors of heather. The evergreen foliage can be finishing touch needed to bring a foundation planting together.

PERENNIAL BEDS AND BORDERS - Gardens of perennials often lack visual interest during winter months when herbaceous species are dormant, waiting for spring's call of warmer temperatures. In late summer months when many perennials are waning, many of Callunas are flowering heaviest. The structure and foliage color of these evergreens can also be used to an advantage. The winter blooming Ericas are natural selections for winter color. Erica carnea and E. x darlyensis start forming buds in early summer, that open as early as November in shades of pink, rose or white. These long lasting flowers are colorful all winter until first of May when many of spring bulbs are in full bloom. The soil requirements are a bit different than those of some perennials but you may be able to provide them with a site that has a well drained soil that has not had a lot of fertilizer and manure added.

NATIVE AND WILD GARDENS - Fifteen plants of Calluna vulgaris were originally planted some 80 years ago at edge of a pine barren here on Cape Cod. Over years, seedlings have taken a foothold in sandy native soil and have naturalized . Little care has been given to this area that is now over 80 feet long and 30 feet wide. The natural succession that has occurred has left this area with 3-4 dominant natural cultivars which bloom in August and is spectacular. The same effect can be achieved by planting some of taller cultivars we offer, spaced about 2' apart . Prune heavily first 3-4 springs to obtain a broad sweep of thick foliage and heavy flowering.

Happy Gardening!

No two patios are exactly alike

While it is very common to find a patio directly off back of house, there are no rules or regulations that make this ultimate location. Also, patios come in various sizes and shapes and may contain any number of hardscape materials: flagstone, concrete, tile, brick, pebbles and such. As for layout, a large patio may include definition and enclosure with low walls and planting beds; while a small patio may have just a ground plane dressed in flagstone with enough room for a table and chairs (see http://www.everything-patio-furniture.com) and some planters and pots. Each patio example can take full advantage of plant forms to create pleasing effects that will maximize every ones pleasure outdoors.

Small patios: Designing with plants

Small patio spaces rely not so much on horizontal plane as on vertical plane where greenery of plants can produce handsome walls, create a sense of enclosure and privacy, and, screen out unwanted views. Vines are very useful in small spaces, and garden structures such as trellises and pergolas can assist them to grow upward without claiming too much valuable patio space. This is especially true if plants are grown in ground versus being planted in pots which will likely take up more room. For certain climates, evergreen shrubs such as boxwood and privet provide permanent architecture year round and can be clipped to maintain right scale for your needs. To find comparable plant choices for your zone consult with local nurseries and landscapers. Ask for recommendations of upright or vertical shrubs and trees that don’t take up a lot of horizontal space and/or can handle being pruned to keep them upright.

With all of nice plant choices available, make use of perennials, shrubs and trees to create inviting effects. A patio shining with beautiful hardscape is wonderful, but dull without bountiful greenery of plants to balance.