Thursday, April 28, 2011
The Many Joys of Spring
I walked around the yard today before the rain rumbled in.....I saw such lovely colors and textures. What joy! Spring is finally here!
 |
| Little Violets that pop up everywhere |
 |
| Cilantro that wintered over |
 |
| PJ's Parrot Tulips |
 |
| Last of the lovely Hellebores |
 |
| Spinach that wintered over |
 |
| Medley of Wild Clover & Creeping Jenny |
Friday, April 1, 2011
Children's Play
It's vitally important to take into consideration who are the main "players" in your landscape.
Whether that list consists of one solitary person with three cats and one dog, a retired couple who travels extensively all year long, or an active family of five, landscape needs and requirements must reflect the main users of the space.
Following suit, how do these participants use the space, and how often? Before embarking on any landscape development project, think about these questions. If you are yearning to install an extensive perennial border, but you have a ninety pound Golden Retriever whose nickname is "the digging fool", you must consider how you're going to prevent Fido from ripping out your beloved Peonies.
The following garden was created around the needs of an active family who enjoy sports. Dad loves basketball and desired a court. Play equipment and a sunken trampoline were brought in for the young children's entertainment. Mom just wanted to lounge around the pool all summer and dabble in some vegetable gardening, while the rest of the family frolicked in the backyard. The final design was a hit!
 |
| An Active Backyard |
Labels:
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Backyard Wish List
 |
| Design Plan for a Small Backyard |
The thought process behind this design was inspired by a very clear and concise wish list bestowed on me from a client who is an avid gardener.
Immediate Challenges to the design:
- small plot size, approximately 70' by 55'
Site Benefits to the design:
- full sun
- clear lot, no existing trees, shrubs, etc. to be removed
Following are some specific requests which I incorporated into the layout and planting:
- divide the space into half edible/half ornamental
- provide areas for quiet comtemplation and rest
- install lots of colorful perennial beds, heavy maintenance NOT an issue
- need a patch of lawn
- provide an "ornamental" vegetable garden(s) with some raised beds; get creative
- love masonry; use belgium block and gravel for walkways
- appreciate formality and organization
For the perennial area, I created a sort of patch quilt design, repeating the various plant materials in a pattern. I used lots of purples, blues, whites, pinks and filled in with various ornamental grasses. Below are some of the plants that I used in this design.
 |
| Anemone Honorine Jobert |
I really love Japanese Anemones and Honorine Jobert is nothing short of magnificent. It blooms late (love that!) when a lot of the good stuff is burnt out, and it's so pretty! Not a big fan of mums or asters so this one really comes in handy....
 |
| Summer Skies Delphinium |
This color kills me! It's not a very long show, but mixed into the beds with so many other plants, we can just cut it back when it's done and no one will be the wiser.
 |
| Mexican Feather Grass |
A stunning grass, especially on a breezy day. Probably one one of the first grasses I started using in the garden, besides Pennisetum and Miscanthus.
 |
| Geranium Rozanne |
Keeps on going....Rozanne never quits. The color is quite ravishing as well. It was named perennial of the year recently, which it deserved.
 |
| Salvia Turkistanica |
Salvia Turkistanica has it's place. Salvias are great and this one is perhaps one of the biggest.
 |
| Verbena bonariensis |
This Verbena does self-seed quite a bit, however, for this garden, I don't mind! I really appreciate the airyness of the branching habit, and purple is my favorite color in the garden.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Front Yard Facelift
 |
| Front Yard Color-filled Planting Plan |
The goal here was to incorporate an abundance of Spring, Summer and Fall color while retaining some Evergreen anchors to sustain the garden throughout the Winter months. Pink Petunia and Purple Verbena carpets the front of the beds with annual color while enticing pots adorn the entryway; a concrete bench serves as a resting spot. Boxwood fills in as a simple, green and year round backdrop.
 |
| Photo courtesy of Proven Winners |
 |
| Photo courtesy of Proven Winners |
 |
| Pretty! courtesy of Proven Winners |
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Expect the Unexpected
 |
Swarovski Gardens Innsbruck, Austria |
 |
Landscape Maintenance Nightmare |
 |
Where is the giant that plays with these? |
 |
Creep me out! |
 |
No fear of color! |
 |
I'm melting..... |
These are some interesting and thought provoking photos taken by Charlotte Weychan, TheGallopingGardener.blogspot.com
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Attention All Parents!
Here's a wonderful oppurtunity to encourage and promote agriculture in your local school system. Why not check out the requirements and see if your school qualifies?
As a family farmer owned company that is proud to grow and nurture grapes, Welch's values the importance of healthy eating. Hands-on experiences with planting, tending, and growing gardens provide a dynamic setting for learning and benefit kids of all ages.
Now in our second year partnership with Scholastic and the National Gardening Association, Welch's will support school garden programs through Welch's Harvest Grants. We are pleased to invite you to submit an application for your opportunity to win a valuable garden for your school.
Entries will be judged by experts at the National Gardening Association and two schools in every state will be selected to receive a Welch's Harvest Grant. Winning schools will receive a customized indoor or outdoor garden package filled with a variety of tools, seeds, educational materials, and more. Five (5) $1,000 gardens and ninety-five (95) $500 gardens will be awarded. Deadline for submission is February 11, 2011, so we encourage you to start working on your grant application today.
Friday, January 14, 2011
The Orchid Trail of Ecuador
As I look out my window, the mountains of plowed snow loom over eight foot tall; great white sentinels beckoning sleighs of children. I sigh, thinking, Spring is so far away.....Thankfully, I find great solace in my virtual walk through the Orchid Trail of my favorite South American stomp, Ecuador! Enjoy.....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Facebook Badge
Think Spring!
- Jennifer Garces
- My experienced team and I have been creating and maintaining unique gardens and lavish landscapes throughout Long Island, New York for the past decade. Specializing in the creation of outdoor living spaces that are extraordinary yet functional, I glean inspiration from the traditional English style of gardening which incorporates lush perennial gardens, old world style masonry and wood accents. I believe unlimited creativity may be ignited by merging site potential, client desires and designer vision. Truly, gardening is a natural process that evolves and becomes more breathtaking with time. I hold a degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Rhode Island and have over 6 years of field experience.
