Green First! Landscaping
  • Home
  • Services
  • Blog
  • Spring tasks
  • Fall tasks
  • FAQ
  • Project gallery
  • Testimonials
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Coaching
  • Resources
  • Links
  • Home
  • Services
  • Blog
  • Spring tasks
  • Fall tasks
  • FAQ
  • Project gallery
  • Testimonials
  • About Us
  • Contact us
  • Coaching
  • Resources
  • Links
BLOG

Hypericum groundcover vs shrub

9/7/2017

 
Today I took my kids to a Park Spark event at Dawes Hill park in Coquitlam, British Columbia. We planted pollinator-friendly plants. As I scanned the two beds for species names, there was one plant that was new to me. Its flowers were like those of St. John's wort but this was obviously a woody stemmed shrub. Aha. Something new, again proving that learning never stops.

​The usual ground cover Hypericum calycinum we know well. It's a ground cover and sports yellow flowers. Hypericum 'Hidcote' is a deciduous shrub that can be used as a hedge. The red berries are a bonus. Now you know.

​
Picture

Power shearing rhododendrons?

7/7/2017

 
Picture

Rhododendrons can benefit from pruning but I find the idea of power shearing rhododendrons off-putting. Yes, power shears are fast but rhododendrons aren't hedges. It's impossible to shear the shrub without shredding some of the foliage and leaving stubs.
​In the picture above, I had to hand snip the rhododendron anyway to clean it up. I couldn't just walk away.
​I suggest taking the extra time and pruning your rhododendrons by hand. Carefully. You can pinch off spent flowers and cut away last year's growth if height is a concern. Keep your power shears for cedar and boxwood hedges.
​

July colour

5/7/2017

 

cedar shading

4/7/2017

 
Picture
This home owner is keeping her newly planted cedars (Thuja occidentalis 'Smaragd') well watered. Since the cedars were leaning a little bit she built a new trellis around them for protection. Full marks for effort and caring.

Unfortunately, the wooden structure is a source of shading which will most likely lead to browning. Any shading related browning over six months becomes permanent. Cedars, like most plants, require sunlight. Keep this in mind.

1) New cedars are thirsty in their first season.

​2) Avoid shading at all cost.  

Neglected gardens

3/7/2017

 
Picture
I see this a lot. Home owners call me too late. By the time I arrive on site to work out my work quote, it's no longer a question of maintenance. It's best referred to as an upgrade.
​ Examine the picture above. Plants and soil are starting to emerge as weedy grass is removed. It's hardly exciting work but it's a necessary step one in getting this street corner home beds up to speed.

​Once the upgrade is complete it will be critical for this home owner to stay on top of her landscaping with regular maintenance work. I will most likely return monthly to keep the weeds in check with cultivation. If budget allows, we will eventually add top soil.

​Sure, this home is a bit special because the owner is a recent widow with health and financial challenges. But it's critical to set aside cash for landscaping. Waiting is hardly a solution because many weeds produce copious amounts of seed.

​Are you a bit overwhelmed? If so, please call 604-562-3736 and we can upgrade your landscaping.  
    View my profile on LinkedIn

    Author

    Vas Sladek, B.Sc., CLHT
    Red Seal Journeyman Horticulturist, ISA certified arborist and pro blogger
    604-562-3736
    info@greenfirst.ca

    Archives

    January 2021
    December 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    July 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    January 2017
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013

    Categories

    All
    Education
    Japan
    Landscape Maintenance
    Landscaping
    Machines
    Plants
    Training
    Trees

    The Easiest Way to Create a Website. Weebly.com

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.