Northwest Garden Guide

December Gardener......

2012-12-02T14:12:00.000-08:00

December---cold, gray, wintery days have started to set in. Keeping that gardener's spirit up can be a challenge. One good remedy for those doldrums is reviewing garden photos and remembering the gardening days of summer.

Perennial geranium blossomed nicely last spring. The light and airy purple flowers seem to float above the foliage....

Was there a time you especially enjoyed the beauty of your garden? You can always take a mental escape back to summer, even on the grayest of winter days. Now is the time to take notes and make plans: add a spot of color here or there next spring, or make plans to move that tree or shrub----It would look oh so much better......over there.......When the weather breaks, you will be ready!

Enhancing Your Curb Appeal-Workshop Handout

2012-11-03T13:55:00.000-07:00

(glad you asked for the notes from my recent workshop)

ENHANCING YOUR CURB APPEAL

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Workshop by Nancy J. Zink, Consultant

360.597.6436

www.nwgardengal.blogspot.com

nancy@zinkconsulting.com

1. Where do I start?

2. What style do I like?

3. How much time do I want to spend on my yard?

4. How soon do I want this done?

5. Will I need to hire some help?

6. What is my budget?

7. What does my front yard say about me?

8. What can I do right now to achieve my goal?

Books I recommended at my workshop

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Think Summer Now!

2012-11-03T13:24:00.001-07:00

Start envisioning how beautiful your yard can look next summer......

Taken on a bright, sunny day, this is my backyard.

A true Do-It-Yourselfer, over time, I created a great outdoor space. You can too!!!

Taken from under Stella cherry tree.

Taken from the back corner of the yard.

Rake those last fall leaves, put away your tools, grab some garden books and start dreaming....

Heart Garden---solving a problem

2012-10-21T20:09:00.001-07:00

FALL PROJECT

Problem:

Compacted soil laden with gravel and rocks. Grass won't grow, on a budget. What can I do?

Supplies on hand:
1. river rock
2. broken chunks of concrete from neighbor's old sidewalk
3. old newspaper and cardboard
4. bark dust

Supplies to purchase:
1. tulip and daffodil bulbs (100-150 were used here)
2. potting soil, several bags
3. optional: Casoron (pre-emergent weed control)

Process:

1. Since you cannot grow much in that area, disguise the problem. In this case, I enlarged the bed with the evergreen tree and made a very generous bed.

2. Lay down weedblocker (my favorite is old newspaper or cardboard) over entire area. If you chose to use Casoron, do not place it in a planting area. Stay about 1 ft away from where you want plants to grow.

3. Using large rocks, outline the heart. (about 4ft across) With a shovel, loosen the soil inside the heart, a few inches if at all possible.

4. Fill inside of heart with potting soil mix.

5. Plant bulbs as directed on pkg.

6. Cover heart bed with 1-2" barkdust.

7. Complete heart design placing the broken pieces of concrete around the edges. In my example, it looks almost like lace.

7. Surround the concrete with more rocks to fill in the area and balance the design.

8. Spread 2" of bark dust on entire bed. Water into place and fill in all cracks.

9. Next spring you will be rewarded for your efforts!

What's that color spot way back there?

Daffodils bloom first.

Tulips are second

Wow, would you guess it's all rock beneath?

Gardenscaping......

2012-10-21T19:23:00.000-07:00

Gardenscaping?

Gardening, creating, molding, shaping garden beds, flower beds, what-have-you! One term that seems to fit is gardenscaping. Creating your own unique setting by using plant material. If you can do it with a shovel and a pick up truck load or two to your local supply store, in my book it qualifies.

My joy has been helping people put their ideas into action and watching the results as their plantings mature.

Join me here often for hints and tips on 'Gardenscaping.'

Next blog: The heart garden: using salvaged concrete pieces.

2012-05-27T09:33:00.000-07:00

New Endeavor: GARDEN COACHING

I am now officially accepting appointments for personal, on-site GARDEN COACHING sessions with individuals and families.

My specialty is creating flower gardens and vegetable gardens that meet the interest and ability level of the gardener. Creative and thrifty, I will give you time-tested tips and ideas that will save you time and money----and make your gardening experience much more enjoyable.

I have seen too many people bite off more than they could chew, spend a lot of money, invest a lot of hard work only to have poor results.

If this has happened to you or someone you know, please contact me. I have reasonable rates and would love to help you!

E-mail me for more information.

nancyjzinkconsulting@gmail.com

Thanks,

Nancy J. Zink

GARDEN COACH

Filberts are in bloom.....

2012-02-14T11:16:00.000-08:00

Filbert Orchards are in Bloom

The filbert trees are blooming in the Northwest. The gentle yellow catkins against the pale blue sky created a lovely early February scene last week.

Borrowing the beauty of another's work is a great way to extend your own appreciation for gardening.

Winter color: Witch Hazel

2012-02-04T09:59:00.000-08:00

Winter can seem long and dreary in the Northwest. On a recent sunny day, Hamamelis intermedia 'Primavera' (a variety of Witch Hazel) was in full bloom at the Oregon Garden in Silverton.

Enjoying the garden in winter requires looking for more than the lush, full colors of spring and summer. Seek out the accents like this Witch Hazel. Observe the forms, shapes, and lines of the plants and the landscape itself. Take a close look at seed pods, flower heads, bare branches and tree trunks. You will find beauty there that would otherwise be obscured by leaves and color.

And by all means, go to botanical gardens year round. There will be gardening delights any time of the year----if you just look beyond that summer-like expectation.

Witch Hazel adds a bit of color to a February landscape

The frnge-like flowers dot the branches

A close-up photo reveals the interest and beauty of the blossom

Weeds already? Is it Spring?

2012-01-25T20:15:00.000-08:00

Weeds, like their more desirable garden counterparts, have a life cycle. They germinate and start growing when their genetic code dictates. For some weeds that cycle starts as early as December. In order to prevent a hostile takeover of your garden, spend a little time out there pulling the weeds. I know, it's only January, but the fresh air and exercise will do you a world of good. By eliminating the weeds before those cute little white flowers appear, you will also prevent seed production and hopefully have fewer weeds to contend with next year.

So, to answer your question: No, it is not spring yet! But it is time to weed...

Weeds are popping up in my perennial garden already!

Bittercress is a "winter" weed. Pull it now to prevent seed production.

Handling Snow.....

2012-01-20T21:28:00.000-08:00

January 2012 Snowfall

We rarely get snow and each time we do, I learn something new. This time I discovered that bamboo trees can't take much wet snow. The 2-3" of wet snow clung to the leaves of the bamboo and I was shocked to see them bending down and touching the grass. Wind was predicted, it was raining heavily and the temperature hovered around 34 degrees. I ran out with my camera to snap a few shots and then hurried to remove the snow. Weather like this could quickly turn to more snow or even to ice. I gently teased the snow off the branches, using a broom handle. The camellia bushes were buried under the bamboo and I was relieved to find them relatively unharmed. As I shivered inside the house over a cup of hot tea, I was glad I had rescued my evergreen companions. And thankful there had been so little damage afterall.

Snow had weighted down the row of bamboo trees.

Wet snow clung to the leaves, threatening breakage.

Elegant upright shoots were bowed completely to the ground.

Using a broom handle, the snow was gently teased off the branches.

Camellia bushes were trapped under the bamboo.

Thirty minutes later, the bushes emerged and the bamboo returned to nearly normal and upright, only a few broken branches this time.

What to do for your plants if it snows:

1. Monitor the situation. A little bit is fine but if the tree or bush looks stressed it needs to be attended to.

2 Listen to weather reports. If snow is followed by freezing rain, all that extra weight could mean extensive damage.

3. Wind damage is also a factor. The damage will be more severe if plants are covered in heavy snow.

4. Gently wiggle the branches to remove the snow. Work from the outside in, doing just a little at a time. Gentle is key.

5. Allow the branches to spring back up naturally. Cold branches can be brittle and break easily.

6. If bad weather persists you may need to attend to your plants more than once per day.

Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree....

2011-12-09T21:56:00.001-08:00

Abies koreana- Korean Fir Tree

At long last the Korean Fir has grown large enough to drape with lights. Blue just seemed to be the right color this year.

Remember, the other half of gardening is stopping to enjoy it!!!

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Bringing the outdoors in at Christmas

2011-12-09T20:19:00.001-08:00

Gather plant material

Cut the "Oasis" floral foam to shape

Soak foam with water and place in container

Insert small clippings firmly into foam

Cover entire foam, using a variety of colors and textures.

Materials used:

Vase with a large diameter at top, about 10"
One block of 'Oasis' floral foam-purchased at a craft store for about $2.00
Evergreen branches (any variety will do). I used 3 small branches that I wanted to eliminate from the tree anyway
Privet hedge clippings 3-6"long, about 20 or 30
Camellia bush clippings 3-6" long, 5-7
Fine leaved viburnum clippings 6-12", cut in half, with orange berries intact, 25-30
Rose campion, 6-10 very small plants
Ornate berries from wild iris
Sprigs of native sedum (they turn red in the winter)

Feel free to substitute with whatever you have on hand!

Proceedure:

Start at the bottom with the largest clippings of the evergreens
Create a nice looking top
Fill in the middle with evergreens
Add the other types of plant material, covering the foam base completely.
Add accents of berries, contrasting plant material, etc
Water regularly to enjoy this arrangement for weeks to come

Silver Frost....

2011-11-25T19:39:00.001-08:00

Euphorbia

Leopard's Bane

Peony

Rhododendron

'Autumn Joy' Sedum

Spending time in your garden can seem a bit dull in the fall and winter. However, when the weather gets clear, we often have frost the next morning. You will find some spectacular silvery lace touches on leaves, buds, tree branches, and whatever else is out there. Remember, one half of gardening is doing the work---the other half is stopping to enjoy the beauty. So, yes, you can enjoy your garden in the winter. It's just a little different than in the summer. Take some time, look closely, and maybe even grab your camera!

Happy Gardening!

Bringing the Outdoors In.....

2011-11-25T18:46:00.001-08:00

Creating a centerpiece from the fall garden can be a great way to bring the outdoors in for the holidays.

This arrangement started with the glossy leaves from a few twigs off the camellia bush, several sprigs of 'Angelina' golden sedum, a few blue-green euphorbia stalks and for the burgundy base: 'Autumn Joy' sedum. To add just a little more interest, a few wispy branch tips from curly willow finish off the the whole ensemble. It was placed it in a low ceramic pot of similar colors. By keeping the total height of the centerpiece to about 12", it was perfect on the dinner table and did not obstruct view while the family was visiting.

While the turkey was roasting, I dashed out to the garden and gathered up whatever I could find that looked nice. Selecting healthy, lush plants of various colors and shapes, I put together this arrangement in less than half an hour. With a set of tapered candles, it completed the dining room table setting and welcomed the family on that chilly, damp Thanksgiving day.

Thanksgiving Day Bouquet

Flax---Beautiful and nutritious....

2011-11-19T17:39:00.001-08:00

Dainty blossom of the flax plant.

Flax seeds.

In the past several years, flax seed meal has been gaining popularity as a food supplement packed with Omega 3 oils. The shiny, flat, ovate seeds can be eaten whole or ground as meal and added to other foods. This is one food supplement that I personally use on a daily basis. The benefits are far reaching but for starters, research is finding it to be a systemic anti-inflammatory, an aid in balancing blood sugar and a great source of fiber. If you are not currently taking Omega 3, you might look into this.

Curious gardener that I am, I planted some of the seeds in my flower garden one spring. By late summer I had some lovely blue-green wispy plants with dainty blue flax flowers. A very nice addition to a cutting garden or bed that needs a 2-3 ft tall filler row late in the season. A seed pod followed the bloom and, not surprisingly, yielded what you see above!

This would be a fun project to share with young children. Be sure to end by whipping up your favorite fresh fruit smoothie reinforced with 2-3 tablespoons of raw flax meal. It will be a thick, satisfying and nutritious treat.

Flower gardening and nutrition meet and you are the winner!

Happy Gardening!

More notes on flax:

Common flax (linum usitatissimum), also known as linseed, is also the source for linseed oil. The boiled oil was used by our grandparents to finish wood. I remember an older relative recommending that a bench be treated with a "nice coat of linseed oil." Common flax is also used in the production of linen. The wispy stems contain long tough fibers that are extracted by a process that leaves just the long fibers. The fibers are then woven into linen fabric known for its durability and beauty.

Evergreens turning brown?

2011-11-16T19:55:00.001-08:00

Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecypress) with a bit of brown.

Normal

A closer look---this is normal.

Abnormal

Chamaecypress that is dead

Close up---no green at all!

What is happening here? Evergreen "leaves" do not live forever. They are constantly being replaced. Most notably in late summer or fall there will be some old material turning brown and falling. This is sometimes call flagging or fall foliage drop. Some is normal as shown above. In the Northwest the event is more pronounced after a very wet spring and a dry late summer.

The second example, however, is not normal. In a matter of a month or two the entire tree turned brown and died. Unfortunate, but this does happen once in awhile. The tree will need to be replaced, the irrigation system checked to ensure adequate water is reaching the root zone of the replacement plant.

The Perfect Marriage.....crocuses with daffodils...

2011-11-13T09:47:00.001-08:00

Purple crosuses look great with yellow daffodils.

Plant an abundance of crosuses among your daffodils. They will pop up early to encourage you. Depending on the bloom time of your daffodils, they may still be blooming when the tall yellow faces appear.
Plant in groups of 15-25 for best effect.

If you don't have time or garden space, purchase a large pot and some potting soil. In the pot or in the ground, the bulbs need to go through a winter season outside in order to bloom in the spring. Set the pot in a sunny location, water it and wait for spring. If the idea of an "empty" pot is not appealing to you, purchase a small evergreen shrub for the center and plant the crocuses all around it.

Happy Gardening!

Daffodil planting time.....

2011-11-11T16:28:00.001-08:00

Daffodils always face the sun....plant now for spring!

Plant bulbs as directed on the package, at least as deep as the size of the bulb. Wait until spring then waaa---laaaa! Cheerful color spots. Keep in mind that they will bloom with their "faces" to the direction of the most sunlight. At my house that's south and a little west.

What is a biennial?

2011-11-09T16:42:00.000-08:00

Sweet William

Biennials take 2 growing seasons to produce a flower. There are many flowers categorized as biennials. An old time favorite is Sweet William. A mini bouquet on one stem and a very fragrant spring bloomer. They easily self-sow in the garden so allow some babies to spring up in late summer. This "little growing season" is often enough to allow them to bloom next spring. Something to consider planting next year.

Happy Gardening!

Moss Growing in the Sun?

2011-11-08T06:21:00.001-08:00

Help! My velvety green lawn, growing so nicely in the full sun, is now looking sort of sick!

Lawn has a slight yellowish green tinge to it in places. It gets full sun and regular watering. What's happening?

Look closer and you'll notice bushy little clumps and strands.

A few strands pulled from that patch of lawn confirm that moss was the culprit.

Why does moss grow in the sun? Doesn't it normally grow in the shade?

Yes, moss prefers the shade but will flourish in the sun if the soil is too acidic. Rake out big clumps of moss and apply lime. (See entry on applying lime.) When the soil pH is balanced, the moss will die back and the lawn can thrive again.

Adding lime to your lawn...

2011-11-08T06:21:00.000-08:00

Purchase lime by the bag, prilled is best.

Prilled lime is very fine lime rolled into "gravel" that breaks down very easily when wet.

Using a lawn spreader, following application directions on the bag, apply lime to the lawn in the fall. The lime will "sweeten" the soil and help balance the pH. Mushrooms growing anywhere in the lawn, and/or moss growing in sunny sections of the lawn, tell you it's time to add lime.

Fred Meyer carries the Lily Miller brand called Super Sweet. At $6.48 for a 25 pound bag, it's an inexpensive solution to this problem.

Why are there mushrooms in my lawn?

2011-11-08T06:20:00.000-08:00

Mushrooms show up in the lawn because the soil has become too acidic or "sour." It's time to add some lime to reduce the acidity or "sweeten" the soil. More on treatment later on...

Slippery When Wet...

2011-11-07T07:00:00.000-08:00

A spring rake works best on wet leaves....

Mound them up in a tidy compost pile. In a relaxed garden they can remain in sight and look fine. The eye looks for uniformity, not perfection!

Be sure to keep leaves off pavement---slippery when wet!
A stiff broom or hose will quickly remove them.
(Just be sure to detach your hose from the spigot when you're done, to prevent damage from an unexpected frost.)

2011-11-07T06:34:00.000-08:00

Purple Allium.....plant among your tulips!

Buy a bag of giant allium this fall and plant them in your tulip bed. The 3" plus blooms appear late in the summer and are worth the 5 or 6 bucks! Excellent as cut flowers---very long blooming.

To Rake or to Mow?

2011-11-02T08:34:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous sunny day... a few leaves on the lawn.

Mulching mower handles the leaves just fine.

See?

Chopped leaves, green grass all mixed together. Perfect ratio of green to brown for composting....

Apply to garden beds to feed the soils all winter long!