Types of Small Trees to Use for Landscaping

By Renee Gerber , last updated August 26, 2011

Small trees are among some of the best plants a home gardener can use when
landscaping their front lawn area. Of course, which varieties to plant in your landscape
depend on your individual preferences, but some of the best are flowering trees. These
are sure to make you the envy of the neighborhood in causing your neighbors and
passersby to stop and stare in awe when your tree is in bloom. Landscaping with the
right trees takes plenty of patience and creativity, as well as the knowledge in the type of
conditions found in the area you choose to ornament.
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The Adirondack crabapple is a lovely flowering tree that reaches mature heights of
between 15 and 18 feet, with a spread of one foot to 16 inches in width. It does best when
grown in hardiness zones 4 through 8 and is highly adaptable to any soil type.
Additionally, the crabapple can grow well with any moisture conditions in the soil as
well, which makes it highly attractive to any home gardener. It requires full sunlight for
best results, and when in bloom, the tree treats you to lovely flowers that are primarily
white but that are tipped in shades of pink. It makes for a wonderful small landscaping
tree, and one of its greatest features of all is that it is generally disease resistant.
Crape myrtles are fairly popular trees to use for landscaping purposes. The orchid
cascade dwarf variety is a particularly great variety to grow on your front lawn due to its

small size as well as its incredible hot pink blooms. The tree requires a moist soil
condition, although it is not overly fussy about the soil itself and is adaptable to many
different types. You can expect the orchid cascade to grow to heights ranging between
one foot to 16 inches, with a spread of between three to four feet. Plant this tree in a
location where it will have plenty of access to full sunlight. Best when grown in
hardiness zones 6 through 9, you can also expect the blooms of this variety of crape
myrtle tree to transform to a cheerful yellow in the fall. It is certainly a sight to behold at
any time of the year.
The flame amur maple tends to be slightly taller in maturity than the other two types of
trees mentioned, at 15 to 20 feet. Their mature spreads are also wider at 15 to 28 feet.
They are extremely hardy to cold weather, which makes them a great choice for
landscaping in many different regions. The appropriate hardiness zones for growing this
tree are 3 through 8, and the flame amur maple needs a spot that sees full sunlight to
partial shade throughout the day. However, it is widely adaptable to any type of soil and
is highly tolerant of drought, so it doesn't have any overwhelming watering needs. When
in bloom, you will be graced by lovely white flowers during the spring and summer, and
these change to an incredible red in the fall.

The Best Small Trees for Landscaping

By Shannon C , last updated January 24, 2012

Choosing the right size tree for landscaping in a small space can make all the difference
between success and failure. Finding trees amenable to restricted growing areas,
pruning, and flexible climactic conditions can mean a successful planting that provides

years of enjoyment for the whole family. Luckily there are quite a number of small
ornamental trees that are popular for use in landscaping across the country. Many
provide lush shade, gorgeous flowering in spring and summer, and dramatic fall colors
as the leaves turn. Consider these popular varietals when planning to add small trees to
your landscape design.
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The Crape Myrtle Tree

The Crape Myrtle is always one of the favorite small trees for use in ornamental
landscapes. Crape Myrtle trees produce a wide range of bark types, from cinnamon
shaded to nearly white. The blossom coloration can also vary from tree to tree, often
appearing in white, pink, lavender, mauve or red hues. Crape Myrtle will continue to
produce blossoms throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Crape Myrtle trees can
reach heights of 20 feet.
The Amur Maple Tree
The Amur Maple is also known by its botanical name of Acer ginnala, and because of its
diminutive height and unique proportions where width outweighs height, is considered
to be a form of shapeable bonsai tree. The Amur Maple will produce spring flowers
followed by a deep crimson summer fruit. It will grow to 15 feet high and 18 feet wide if
left un-pruned.
The Japanese Stewartia Tree
The Japanese Stewartia has a fantastic multi hued bark that has begun to make it a
popular favorite year round as a small ornamental landscape tree. Bark will peel away,
showing patches of white, brown, reddish purple, and near black, making the trunk
appear like nothing so much as a painter's canvas. This tree is seasonally lovely year
round, but can grow to heights of 40 feet, which is a consideration where overhead
obstructions may be an issue.
The Dogwood Tree
The Dogwood Tree produces blossoms that have been deemed the state flower for North
Carolina, and have a whole festival named after them. The Dogwood tree can grow up to
20 feet high and produces lovely red tipped white blossoms that are actually leaves, with

the true flowers, small green yellow blooms, protected in their centers. Foliage only
appears following the introduction of the spring blooms.
The Flowering Crabapple
Flowering Crabapple trees are flowering and fruiting, and they are some of the most
popular of all Northern grown ornamental landscape trees. Blossoms range from white
to deep red and even bordering on purple, fruits are delicious to birds and humans, and
they are also easy on the eye in shades of gold, red, and orange. Certain varietals are
known to be more disease resistant. The Flowering Crabapple Tree can reach heights in
excess of 20 feet.
The White Fringe Tree
The White Fringe Tree is nicknamed snowflower because of its feathery appearance. It
grows to 20 feet in height and produces beautiful clusters of low hanging white
blossoms. Songbirds also enjoy the bluish black fruits which appear in late summer.

The Best Landscaping Hedges

By Shannon C , last updated May 5, 2011

Hedges are a type of small tree or shrub that are used for a specific purpose in a garden
or landscape setting. Hedges are often grown in tight formation that is well maintained
as an accent border or privacy screen. Hedges generally require more upkeep that
shrubs or trees planted in different formats, but the reward for the extra maintenance is

a delightfully neat and elegant appearance that provides rich accent foliage and color to
any landscape or garden setting. Learn from gardening experts how to select and care
for the best landscaping hedges for your next design project.
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Tips for Growing Vibrant, Healthy Hedges

Gardening experts reference five key areas that contribute to the overall health and
lifespan of garden hedges. The first tip is to ensure that soil in which hedges are planted
is rich with nutrients. This can be accomplished by amending the soil with nutrients as
needed and adding fertilizer throughout the growing cycle. The second tip is to select a
hedge that will complement what the growing space offers. The third tip is to give a
growing hedge red carpet care. The fourth and fifth tips are to feed and prune hedges
regularly for health and air circulation.
The Best Landscaping Hedges
Consider these fast growing hedges for your own landscaping needs.

Juniper "Skyrocket": A virtually maintenance free evergreen, this hedge grows well
and quickly in a conical formation, rewarding even minimal care with lovely bluish
green foliage.
Azalea: A perennially popular choice in the south, Azalea hedges come in all colors,
from white to pink to red to purple and beyond. Cared for properly, the Azalea shrub
can bloom for up to three quarters of a year.
Burning Bush: The burning bush hedge produces lovely blueish green foliage in
summer that transforms to a blazing red when fall arrives. This amenable, adaptable
hedge is easy to grow and care for and reliably lovely nearly year round.
Forsythia: The forsythia hedge grows quickly and produces a literal profusion of
butter yellow blossoms from spring all the way through to the fall. Forsythia requires
minimal care and pruning and is easy to grow even for novice gardeners.
Rhododendron: Another southern favorite, the rhododendron produces huge
clusters of gorgeous lavender flowers that are generally easy to grow and care for.
Rhododendron has been named "one of America's most beautiful plants" by the
National Arbor Day Foundation, and even beginning gardeners will be surprised by
its easeful nature and fast growth.
Tri-Colored Willow: This Willow varietal is commonly used as a hedge for accent
color and privacy. It grows quite well and quickly either alone or in a stand and can

reach 10 feet tall at maturity. Its light green and white foliage will provide a delicate,
lacy contrast to blooming plants.
Soft Touch Holly: The soft touch holly hedge is a variant of the traditionally prickly,
painful holly hedge that is so often planted for protection as well as privacy. The soft
touch holly produces small flowers and black berries, and with its gentle foliage is
becoming a popular choice for accent hedges

Popular Varieties of Japanese Trees

By Dawn Marcotte , last updated January 11, 2012

There are several popular varieties of Japanese trees used in landscaping, gardens and
even as potted plants. The most popular is the Japanese maple, followed by the
Japanese Cherry. Japanese trees also include a wide variety of bonsai and dwarf trees.
Determine the best tree for the desired purpose, landscaping needs and environment to
narrow the choices as these trees have many varieties.
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Japanese Maples
This is by far the most popular landscaping tree of the Japanese trees available. There
are over 400 varieties of Japanese maple but most nurseries will carry only a few of
them. They can be grown in containers as small trees or planted in the ground to create
an interesting landscape feature for the entire year. Popular varieties include Bloodgood

which has purple leaves and red stems. Another popular variety is Red Maple that has
red leaves in the spring and fall. These leaves turn green during the summer, then back
to red in the fall. Autumn Blaze is a fast growing variety that is also popular with many
landscapers. The Osakazui has olive colored leaves that turn red in the fall. These
versatile trees area easy to care for and look good all year long as their bark is usually
not brown. Each variety has different needs for sunlight, watering and care. Review the
specific care for each before making a final choice.
Japanese Cherry
There are also a wide variety of Japanese Cherry trees available from Japan. In the
United States the most popular is the Somei Yoshino. This tree produces pale pink
blossoms that may almost appear white. It is the tree planted extensively in Macon GA
and is highlighted during their famous Cherry Blossom Festival. The Ukon is easily
recognized as it has yellow blooms, which is unusual as most cherry trees have white or
pink blossoms. The Kanzan is also popular due to its large pink blooms. A bloom from
this tree will have between 30 and 50 petals. There are also weeping varieties of
Japanese cherry trees, though these are not as popular. The Shidarezakura is an
example of this type of tree with pink blossoms.
Japanese Bonsai Trees
While the art of Bonsai is not as popular in the United States as it is in Japan it is
gaining ground, particularly with the devotees of Feng Shui decorating. Popular
varieties of these trees include the Money Tree, Juniper and Bamboo. The money tree is
actually five trees that are braided together into a single plant. The trunks will need to
continue to be braided as they grow to keep the shape of the tree. Juniper bonsai trees
are grown in pots and kept inside or in gardens. They are pruned and trained to grow in
very specific shapes, and require more care than many other types of houseplants.
Bamboo is often planted in a pot when it is used as a houseplant or in a garden. Some
varieties of bamboo can reach incredible heights, so verify the type being purchased if
you're planning to plant it outside where it can reach its full height.
Choosing a popular Japanese tree will create an interesting landscape feature as these
trees have unusual bark and beautiful foliage or blooms

Popular Maple Tree Varieties

By Robin Odach , last updated August 2, 2011

Maples are some of the most desirable trees for landscaping in the U.S. They are popular
for their ornamental foliage, street plantings and shade value. Some trees such as
Norway and red maples grow attractive flowers in addition to their colorful foliage.
Large species such as sugar maples are popular for parks, golf courses and along
highways. The Ohio State University Extension provides information about maple trees
for landscapes, including the facts that they tolerate a wide variety of soil pH and are
easily transplantable.
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Sugar Maple
Sugar maples are important high-grade hardwood trees grown throughout the
Northeast and parts of the Midwest. They make up some of the largest trees in the
maple forest, growing 60 to 75 feet, and casting shade that is equal to 60 percent of their
height. The sap of sugar maples can be boiled down to make maple sugar, much to the
delight of growers who are interested in edible landscapes. Most sugar maples have
broad, rounded crowns and fiery red, orange and yellow autumn foliage. New varieties
include trees with cut-leaf foliage, dwarf-sized globe shapes and columnar forms.
Red Maple
Red maples flower in early spring, and the tiny red blossoms contrast nicely with the
smooth gray bark of the trees. They are also one of the first deciduous trees to change
color in the fall. Red maples are also sizeable trees, stretching up to between 40 and 60

feet. The tree casts plentiful amounts of shade, although there are cultivars available
with narrower crowns. Popular cultivars include Autumn Flame, October Glory and Red
Sunset. According to the Virginia Cooperative Extension, red maples are easy to
transplant and grow quickly.
Amur Maple
Amur maple has a spread that is equal to its height, usually around 15 to 18 feet. They
are considered the best of the small trees and are often used in urban forestry programs
because of their pollution-fighting capabilities and low maintenance. The bright red,
winged seeds persist after the leaves have fallen, giving the tree winter interest. Amur
maples adapt to a variety of soils, and their red autumn colors rival any of the larger
trees in the maple family.
Japanese Maple
The most popular Japanese maples are ones that have dark maroon foliage and finely
textured leaves. Japanese maples are more versatile than other maples and its not
uncommon to see them growing in areas with dryer climates and warmer temperatures.
They grow best in good, well-drained soils that are rich in organic material. Some
varieties grow 25 feet tall, but most of the ornamental varieties stay under 10 feet, with a
matching spread. Some cultivars spend their lives in raised planters, while others serve
as specimen trees in entrance ways or patios. Popular cultivars include Prairiefire,
Purple Prince and Fat Albert

Ornamental plant
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ornamental petunia plant

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this
article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and
removed. (December 2012)
Ornamental plants are plants that are grown for decorative purposes in gardens and landscape
design projects, as houseplants, for cut flowers and specimen display. The cultivation of these,
called floriculture, forms a major branch of horticulture.
Contents
[hide]

1 Garden plants

2 Trees

3 Cultivation

4 The term

5 See also

6 References

Garden plants[edit]
Most commonly ornamental garden plants are grown for the display of aesthetic features including:
flowers, leaves, scent, overall foliage texture, fruit,stem and bark, and aesthetic form. In some cases, unusual
features may be considered to be of interest, such as the prominent and rather viciousthorns of Rosa
sericea and cacti. In all cases, their purpose is for the enjoyment of gardeners, visitors, and/or the public.

Trees[edit]
Similarly certain trees may be called ornamental trees. This term is used when they are used as part of a
garden or landscape setting, for instance for their flowers, their texture, form and shape, and other aesthetic
characteristics. In some countries trees in 'utilitarian' landscape use such as screening, and roadside plantings
are called amenity trees.

Cultivation[edit]

Meillandine Rose in clay pot

For plants to be considered to be ornamental, they may require specific work and activity by a gardener. For
instance, many plants cultivated fortopiary and bonsai would only be considered to be ornamental by virtue of
the regular pruning carried out on them by the gardener, and they may rapidly cease to be ornamental if the
work was abandoned.
Ornamental plants and trees are distinguished from utilitarian and crop plants, such as those used
for agriculture and vegetable crops, and for forestryor as fruit trees. This does not preclude any particular type
of plant being grown both for ornamental qualities in the garden, and for utilitarian purposes in other settings.
Thus lavender is typically grown as an ornamental plant in gardens, but may also be grown as a crop plant for
the production oflavender oil.

The term[edit]
The term ornamental plant is used here in the same sense that it is generally used in the horticultural
trades.[1][2] The term largely corresponds to 'garden plant', though the latter is much less precise, as any plant
may be grown in a garden. Ornamental plants are plants which are grown for display purposes, rather than
functional ones. While some plants are both ornamental and functional, people usually use the term
ornamental plants to refer to plants which have no value beyond being attractive, although many people feel
that this is value enough. Ornamental plants are the keystone of ornamental gardening, and they come in a
range of shapes, sizes and colors suitable to a broad array of climates, landscapes, and gardening needs.

Some ornamental plants are grown for showy foliage. Their foliage may be deciduous, turning bright orange,
red, and yellow before dropping off in the fall, or evergreen, in which case it stays green year round. Some
ornamental foliage has a striking appearance created by lacy leaves or long needles, while other ornamentals
are grown for distinctively colored leaves, such as silvery-gray groundcovers and bright red grasses, among
many others.
Other ornamental plants are cultivated for their blooms. Flowering ornamentals are a key aspect of many
gardens, with many flower gardeners preferring to plant a variety of flowers so that the garden is continuously
in flower through the spring and summer. Depending on the types of plants being grown, the flowers may be
subtle and delicate, or large and showy, with some ornamental plants producing distinctive aromas which paint
a

Ornamental grass
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article does not cite any references or sources. Please help improve this
article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be
challenged and removed. (March 2008)
Ornamental grasses are grasses grown as ornamental plants. They have become increasingly popular in gardens in recent
years.
Contents
[hide]

1 Classifications

2 Habits

3 Examples

3.1 Sedges

4 See also

5 References

6 Images

Classifications[edit]
Along with true grasses (Poaceae), several other families of grass-like plants are typically marketed as ornamental grasses.
These include the sedges (Cyperaceae), rushes (Juncaceae), restios (Restionaceae), and cat-tails (Typhaceae). All are
monocotyledons, typically with narrow leaves and parallel veins. Most are herbaceous perennials, though many are
evergreen and some develop woody tissues. They bring striking linear form, texture, color, motion, and sound to the
garden, throughout the year.

Habits[edit]
Almost all ornamental grasses are perennials, coming up in spring, from their roots, which have stored large quantities
of energy, and in fall or winter go dormant. Some, notably bamboos, areevergreen, and a few are annuals. Many are bunch
grasses and tussock grasses, though others form extensive systems of many-branched rhizomes. The bunching types are
often called "clump-forming" or "clumping", distinct from the rhizomatous types, called "running". Sizes vary from a few
centimetres up to several metres; the larger bamboos may reach 20 m or more tall. Some ornamental grasses are species
that can be grown from seed. Many others are cultivars, and must be propagated by vegetative propagation of an existing
plant.
Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is easily recognizable, with semi-dwarf to very large selections for the landscape.
Deer grass (Muhlenbergia rigens) and canyon prince wild blue rye (Leymus condensatus) are popular in larger
settings, natural landscaping, and native plant gardens. There are Miscanthus grasses whose variegations are horizontal,
and appear even on a cloudy day to be stippled with sunshine. Many Miscanthus and Pennisetum species flower in mid or
late summer, and the seed heads are long lasting, often remaining well into the winter. Some Stipa species flower in the
spring, the inflorescence standing almost two metres above the clumps of leaves, and again the seed heads last late into the
winter.
When gardening near natural wildland-urban interfaces, care to avoid invasive species, such as Cortaderia
jubata, Pennisetum setaceum, and Stipa tenuissima (syn. Nassella tenuissima), is responsible horticulture.

Examples[edit]

Agrostis nebulosa (cloud grass)

Calamagrostis acutiflora (feather reed grass) - several cultivars[1]

Calamagrostis brachytricha AGM (Korean feather reed grass)[1]

Calamagrostis foliosa (coastal or leafy reedgrass)

Cortaderia selloana (pampas grass) - many cultivars[1]

Deschampsia cespitosa (tufted hair-grass) - many cultivars[1]

Festuca arundinacea (tall fescue) - many cultivars[1]

Festuca californica (California fescue)

Festuca glauca (blue fescue, grey fescue, ornamental blue fescue grass) - many cultivars[1]

Festuca idahoensis (Idaho fescue, blue bunchgrass)

Festuca ovina (sheep's fescue) - many cultivars[1]

Festuca rubra (creeping fescue grass, red fescue, red fescue grass) - many cultivars[1]

Helictotrichon sempervirens AGM (blue oat grass) - several cultivars[1]

Leymus condensatus (giant wildrye, canyon prince, wild blue rye)

Melica imperfecta (smallflower melic, little California melic)

Miscanthus sinensis (Chinese silver grass, eulalia, eulaia grass, maiden grass, zebra grass, Susuki grass, porcupine
grass) - numerous cultivars, several with AGMs[1]

Muhlenbergia rigens (deer grass)

Panicum virgatum (switchgrass)

Pennisetum alopecuroides (Chinese fountain grass, Chinese pennisetum, fountain grass, swamp foxtail grass) - many
cultivars[1]

Pennisetum setaceum AGM & P. setaceum 'Rubrum' AGM (red fountain grass, African fountain grass, fountain
grass, purple fountain grass, ruby grass) - & several other cultivars[1]

Pennisetum villosum AGM (feathertop)[1]

Stipa gigantea AGM (golden oats)[1]

Stipa tenuissima syn. Nassella tenuissima (Mexican feather grass, Texas needle grass)[1]

Sedges[edit]

Carex comans (New Zealand hair sedge) - many cultivars[1]

Carex elata 'Aurea' AGM (Bowles' golden sedge)[1]

Carex flacca (syn. C. glauca) (blue sedge, gray carex, glaucous sedge, or carnation-grass)

Carex oshimensis - several cultivars[1]

Carex pansa (sand dune sedge)

Carex pendula (pendulous, hanging, drooping or weeping sedge) - & cultivars[1]

Carex praegracilis (clustered field sedge, field sedge, expressway sedge)

Carex siderosticta (creeping broad-leafed sedge) - several cultivars[1]

Carex spissa (San Diego sedge)

Carex several other species & cultivars (including Japanese sedges & others) [1]

Uncinia rubra (red hook sedge)[1]

See also[edit]

Bunch grass

Poaceae - grasses

References[edit]
1.

^ Jump up to:a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v RHS Online: The Royal Horticultural Society Horticultural Database

Images[edit]

Landscaping with Ornamental Grasses

Discover the benefits of ornamental grasses and get ideas for using them in landscape design

Blue fescue is a short, mounding ornamental grass that works great as a ground cover.

Ornamental Grasses Planting

Time / 02:55
See what types of ornamental grasses to use to add flair and seasonality in your landscaping.

Front Yard Ornamental Grasses

Time / 01:53
Different types of ornamental grasses were used in this front yard for dramatic effect.

Ornamental grasses are becoming an increasingly popular choice for residential landscapes. They have numerous
benefits and add a nice decorative touch to any garden with their textured foliage and soft seed heads. Ornamental
grasses come in many varieties, be sure to pick the ones best suited for your climate and property conditions.

Why choose ornamental grasses?

Low maintenance

Provide year-round interest

Many types are drought tolerant

Move gently in the wind

Fast-growing

Attract wildlife

How can ornamental grasses be used in landscape design?

As specimen plants in perennial borders

Planted in groups or masses for dramatic effect

Layered in a planting bed - short grasses as edging, mid-sized as transition and tall as backbone/structure

As a screen - taller varieties, i.e. reed grass and switch grass

As ground cover - short mounding grasses with mulch, i.e. blue fescue

To add height and texture to a container

Cool Season vs. Warm Season GrassesOrnamental grasses are classified by two growing periods:
the cool season and the warm season. Cool season grasses come to life in early spring and go dormant by the time
summer arrives. Warm season grasses beginning growing during summer and will continue until temperatures hit
freezing. Landscape designers recommend using a combination of cool and warm season grasses to extend the
interest of your garden throughout as much of the year as possible.
Tip: Plant cool season grasses in front of warm season grasses since
they will begin growing and producing seed heads first. As the cool
season grasses go dormant they will reveal the lively warm season
grasses behind.

Clumping Grasses vs. Running GrassesDepending on the variety, ornamental grasses will either
grow in clumps or send out runners. Clump forming grasses, sometimes called mounding, stay neat and tidy and are
non-invasive. Running grasses send out underground stems that can pop up throughout an area. The later can be
quite aggressive and invasive. When growing ornamental grasses alongside other plants it is best to select clumping
varieties so that they won't take over and encroach on other plants.

Small Landscaping Trees

Top 10 tree types for a small garden
By Maureen Gilmer, landscape designer, author and LandscapingNetwork.com columnist

A single small tree in a tiny garden can become both a focal point and a problem solver. If lighted carefully it becomes
a jewel in the nocturnal view from windows and doors. The problem is finding naturally small trees that don't produce
aggressive root systems. Because planting areas are so limited, a well behaved root system is vital to protecting
masonry and utilities.

Japanese MapleAcer palmatum

Butterfly BushBuddleia davidii

Lavender Twist RedbudCercis canadensis 'Covey'

DogwoodChamerops humilis

Tiny Tower CypressCupressus sempervirens 'Monshel'

Mayten TreeMaytenus boaria

Purple Leaf PlumPrunus ceracifera 'Newport'

Weeping Japanese CherryPrunus subhirtella 'pendula'

DogwoodCornus florida Rutgers Hybrids
Fauriei Crape MyrtleLagerstroemia indica Fauriei hybrids
There is little difference between a large shrub and a small tree. It's all based on how the plant was raised and
pruned. Prune a lilac to a single trunk and it becomes a perfectly sized flowering tree for a small garden. If you're
lucky enough to have an existing shrub that could be pruned into a single trunk tree rather than replacing it, by all
means give it a try.
Monrovia Nursery has made its reputation on growing patio trees, which are shrubs grown with a single trunk topped
with a beautiful ball of foliage. These are sold in 5 gallon nursery containers for use in ground or in containers.
Monrovia offers many types of shrubs in patio tree forms such as large gardenias, hibiscus, citrus and fruitless olive.
These are exceptional in pairs flanking an entry or fountain. Over time the patio tree will grow as large as you let it, or
keep it small with gentle shaping

Accent Trees
The top 10 trees for adding bold beauty in a landscape
By Maureen Gilmer, landscape designer, author and LandscapingNetwork.com columnist

An accent tree can contribute a lot to a garden's design. Trees with attractive flowers and berries can become a focal
point during their blooming season. Sometimes trees are selected to accent the garden design just because of their
attractive leaves or bark. Although some accent trees are small in size, they can be striking when clumped or
grouped together.

Eastern RedbudCercis canadensis

Eastern Dogwood HybridsCornus florida Rutgers Hybrids

Golden-chain TreeLaburnum x watereri

Crape MyrtleLagerstroemia indica

Saucer MagnoliaMagnolia soulangiana

Star MagnoliaMagnolia stellata

Flowering CrabappleMalus hybrids

Purple Leaf Flowering PlumPrunus ceracifera

Flowering CherryPrunus subhirtella hybrids

Bradford PearPyrus calleryana 'Bradford'

Grouping Trees in Landscape Design

Four ideas for properly grouping trees

Trees are essential for a beautiful landscape. However, many homeowners hold the misconception that one tree
planted in a central location will do the trick. The designers at Andrea Cochran Landscape Architecture believe
just the opposite - the more trees the better. When properly grouped, trees can make a powerful statement in your
yard or garden. Check out these wonderful examples of how grouping trees can frame views, create interest and add
drama.

Frame a View
An alle of Tilden trees visually frames a large stone fountain. Notice how the mulching around the trees matches the
fountain and ties the whole scene together. Consider highlighting a beautiful view, or garden feature such as a
sculpture or fountain.

Create a Walkway
Mature olive trees frame this walkway, ushering visitors from the home into the surrounding landscape. Make sure
the trees are planted far enough apart to allow people to walk comfortable through without feeling crowded.

Play with Reflection

Here, a grove of young trees, along with a mature olive tree as well as the pine trees on the surrounding hills, are
reflected in a simple pond. Trees with interesting foliage and strong seasonal color work well for this purpose.

Highlight a Pair
A dramatic focal point can be created with two trees of the same species. Here, Cochran highlights the pair with uplights, causing them to pop out against the light colored wall. Trees with unique branch structures look the best when
light from below.
All photos courtesy of Andrea Cochran Landscape Architecture in San Francisco, CA.

Wetland Trees
A list of trees tolerant of wet ground and high water tables
By Maureen Gilmer, landscape designer, author and LandscapingNetwork.com columnist

Tree selection is all about knowing your property and soil conditions. If your yard has a high water table or poor
drainage it can be difficult to grow most types of trees. Typically, trees flourish when their root crowns are planted in
high and dry locations because sitting in wet soil can cause roots to rot and the tree to die. However there are some
tree varieties that are well-adapted to wet soil conditions. Such trees are typically natives of wetland areas and will
thrive where most trees won't.

Top 10 Trees for a Wet GardenSpp. indicates many species of this genus apply.

Selected MaplesAcer spp.

BirchBetula spp.

Sweet GumLiquidambar styraciflua

Southern MagnoliaMagnolia grandiflora

TupeloNyssia sylvatica

PoplarPopulus spp.

Selected Oak SpeciesQuercus spp.

PalmettoSabal palmetto

WillowSalix spp.

Bald CypressTaxodium distichum

Native Plants
Discover how to use native plants to create a lush, low-water landscape

(1 of 7)

Think native plants look dry, colorless, or messy? Think again! Every region has such a broad array of native plants
that it's impossible to stereotype them.
"A lot of people associate natives with a dry, cactus-y look, but when I show them photos of natives, they love the
plants," says Rama Nayeri of Creations Landscape Design in Tustin, CA. In this lush, colorful front yard planting,
Nayeri primarily chose native plants, but incorporated a few well-adapted non-natives to help carry the interest
through every season. Once the garden was installed, she scattered California poppy seeds throughout the bed.
"There are fewer weeds to pull if the ground is totally covered with plants," says Nayeri.
Reflect the beauty of your natural surroundings by using natives in combinations that might occur in nature.
"Plants have a history," says Greg Frugoli of Ecotones Landscapes in Cambria, CA. "Native plants have evolved to
have relationships with the local plant and wildlife community." By choosing groupings of native plants that evolved
under similar circumstances, such as a windy coastal bluff or a wooded streamside, you not only gain clues about
how to most effectively use the plants, but you tap into the beauty of that setting and re-create some of what is most
special about your region.

Buy locally-grown native plants for the best results.

In general, native plants are going to be better-adapted to tough conditions, such as thriving with less water or
tolerating the natural extremes of temperature in many regions. However, you can give your plants an advantage
right from the start by choosing locally-grown specimens. "If someone grows an Arizona native in California, it's like
the plants have been in a day spa," says Elizabeth Przygoda-Montgomery of Boxhill Landscape Design in Tucson,
AZ. Even if you're starting with the exact same variety of plant, if you buy local, you'll see a difference in how soon
you can cut off the water.

Save time, money, and resources by replacing that water-hogging lawn with a colorful mix of natives and other xeric
plants.
"This garden used to be completely lawn," says Nayeri. "The homeowners selected edible kumquat, citrus, and
pomegranate, and we put in a native planting of sages, foothill penstemon, monkey flower, and more." Nayeri points
out that many municipalities will actually pay you to remove your lawn. "If they provide one dollar per square foot of
lawn you remove, that's potentially an extra thousand dollars you could put towards your new landscaping.

Add a water feature to your native plant landscape to amp up the wildlife value of your outdoor areas.
Because native plants have evolved with the birds, butterflies, and native insects of the region, planting native is one
of the easiest ways of attracting more life to your garden. Native plants tend to flower or berry at just the right times
for local birds and hummingbirds, and many butterflies can only reproduce on specific native plants, as with the
monarch butterfly on milkweed. If you enjoy birdwatching or the happy hum of bees, water is another powerful way of
attracting garden visitors. "This old world water feature draws in bird activity all day in the summer months," says
Frugoli

Accurate information about the best native plants for your region can be hard to find. Here, landscaping professionals
share their favorite resources.
Your local native plant society.
Most regions have a native plant society with regular talks and meetings to learn more. "The yearly native plant sale
is a great place to find new plants and new gardening inspiration," says Frugoli.
Native plant nursery catalogs.
Mike Woods of J&S Landscape in Longmont, CO recommends checking out online or printed catalogs from nurseries
which carry native plants. For Colorado gardeners, he recommends Plant Select and the Fort Collins Wholesale
Nursery catalog. For California gardeners, Frugoli recommends looking up Native Sons Nursery and Tree of Life
Nursery. Las Pilitas Nursery and Cal Flora are two more great sources shared by Nayeri.
Books on growing natives and other regionally appropriate plants.
Woods recommends The Undaunted Garden: Planting for Weather-Resilient Beauty by Lauren Springer Ogden for
Colorado gardeners, as well as John Greenlee's book The American Meadow Garden: Creating a Natural Alternative
to the Traditional Lawn.Frugoli recommends California Native Plants for the Garden by Carol Bornstein, David Fross
and Bart O'Brien

Raised Garden Beds

Design ideas for raised vegetable gardens

Four raised beds measuring 3 feet across will

provide a great deal of vegetables. Shades of Green Landscape Architecture in Sausalito, CA

What is a raised bed?A raised bed is great for growing vegetables, herbs or even flowers for cutting. Raised
garden beds are elevated above ground level which makes it easier to control growing conditions and access your
plants.

What are the benefits of a raised bed?Are you sore from constantly bending over to tend your
garden? Do gophers eat your vegetable crop before you even get the chance to dream up a recipe? Do you struggle
to grow thriving tomatoes because of nutrient lacking soil?

Benefits of raised garden beds:

Excellent drainage

Easy access

Complete control over soil quality

Low-maintenance

High productivity

Easier to defend crops against pests

If you answered yes to any of these questions a raised bed garden may be the solution for you. Gardening in raised
beds can significantly lessen, or remove altogether, the challenges of a traditional vegetable garden. Stephen Orr,
author of Tomorrow's Garden, states that the work of building raised beds will be rewarded with a superior harvest
and minimal weeding. The many benefits of raised beds make them an attractive option for experienced and
inexperienced gardeners alike.

Where should a raised garden bed be built?A raised bed can be placed in your front yard,
backyard or side yard. If you plan to grow edibles the location of the bed should receive a generous amount of

sunlight. Experts recommend a north-south orientation for the optimum light conditions. Many homeowners prefer to
locate their raised beds near the kitchen so that they only have to walk a few steps out the door to gather fresh herbs
and veggies.
Hear landscape architect, Ive Haugeland, explain the most important considerations for raised bed placement.

How big should a raised bed be?When determining the size of a raised bed you should consider your
available space, desired yield and accessibility. Generally, 4 feet is the maximum width for a raised bed that can be
accessed from all sides. If you plan to place the bed against a wall or fence, limit the width to 3 feet or less. A good
rule of thumb is to make sure one can comfortably reach everything growing in the bed.

Pro Tip: "It takes an area of about 3 by 3 feet to raise enough carrots to feed a family of four year-round."Scott
Cohen, The Green Scene
Raised bed dimensions:

3-4 feet wide

12-18 inches tall

Popular dimensions: 3' x 3', 4' x 6', 4' x 8'

An 18 inch height works well if you plan to cap the edges of the bed to serve as seating. Otherwise, 12 inches is a
sufficient height for the walls of the bed. Keep in mind that the deeper the bed is the more control you will have over
soil quality and the easier it will be to tend your vegetables.
Most people opt for square or rectangular beds, but if you want a circular design the 3-4 foot width still applies. If you
make the diameter more than 4 feet, you will not be able to reach the center of the bed.

What materials can be used to build a raised bed?When selecting a material to build your raised
garden beds, the most important consideration is outdoor durability. Additionally, the materials used for a raised bed
should not contain hazardous chemicals that could affect your plants. Otherwise it is up to your tastes and budget to
determine what material is best.
Watch a video showing raised beds being built out of masonry block.

Raised bed material options:

Wood - redwood or cedar

Metal - steel or aluminum

Stone

Brick

Masonry block

Repurposed items - stock tank, broken concrete, tree boxes

What is the best way to water a raised bed?The most popular way to water a raised bed is to install
an automatic drip irrigation or bubbler system. Drip irrigation saves water, improves growth and discourages weeds
by slowly delivering water directly where it is needed over a long period of time.

Watch a video highlighting a raised bed vegetable gardenequipped with a bubbler irrigation system.
Another, less permanent option, is to use a soaker hose to water your raised beds. Simply attach the hose to a spigot
and turn on the water, the hose will seep water along its entire length.

Popular Types of Ground Cover Plants

By Jill Gardiner , last updated March 7, 2011

There are many popular types of ground cover plants that will suit a variety of different
conditions. Ground cover is not only attractive in a landscaping design, it is also
functional. It can prevent soil erosion on slopes, as well as act as a living mulch,
preventing weeds from growing while regulating soil temperature and helping to retain
moisture. For use under trees, it is an excellent alternative to lawn, protecting roots
from damage that can occur while mowing. Here are some varieties to try in your
garden.
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Evergreen
One of the most popular types of ground cover plants is, without a doubt, pachysandra.
Shade tolerant, low maintenance, and evergreen, this plant will work in nearly any site.
Ivy is a fast grower, but will require aggressive measures (like a weed whacker) once the
plant is established. Myrtle, also called periwinkle, is a beautiful evergreen ground cover

that produces light purple flowers in spring. Low-growing cotoneaster like Bearberry
and Creeping varieties have small white or pink flowers in spring, which turn into
bright red berries come fall. Creeping juniper is another excellent evergreen ground
cover and has foliage ranging from dark or light green to blue to gold and even a
purplish tone.
Flowering
Ajuga is a fast growing (and shade-loving) ground cover that gets little spikes of purple,
pink, or white flowers, depending on variety. Two interesting cultivars to try are ajuga
Chocolate Chip, which has brownish foliage or Black Scallop, which has striking
almost-black leaves and purple flowers. Another fast grower is crown vetch. An excellent
candidate for slopes, this full sun perennial has lovely pink clover-like flowers and
delicate, lacy foliage. Another popular type of ground cover plant for full-sun is sedum.
Sedums are available in a wide variety of foliage textures and colors. Try Dragons
Blood for its bright red flowers. Creeping phlox also thrives in full sun, and its semievergreen carpet of thick foliage is dotted with pink, red, blue, purple, or white flowers
in spring. For shadier spots, lily of the valley is a good option. In spring, white bellshaped flowers appear among the broad, arched leaves and release a delicious scent.
Sweet woodruff, another flowering and fragrant option, also has delicate white flowers.
For sun to part shade locations, light up the area with the pale, almost glowing bluish
flowers of geraniums. Rozanne is a popular cultivar.
Foliage
Growing ground cover plants for their foliage instead of flowers means that theyll
provide interest all season long, not just while theyre blooming. For shady spots, try
some low-growing ferns. Japanese painted ferns have silvery purple fronds that brighten
dark spots, as does the ghost fern, whose foliage is silvery white. Another colorful
candidate for shade is the chameleon plant. Its variegated leaves are tinged with red.
Color isnt the only aspect of foliage that can add interest, however; textures can be
appealing as well. Lambs ear is silvery gray and has fuzzy foliage that you cant help but
touch. Plant it in full to part sun in an area thats not too damp. Liriope is a grass-like
perennial available in many varieties of foliage color and variegation. It can grow in full
sun all the way to full shade and gets spikes of purple flowers similar in appearance to
grape hyacinth

Popular Types of Perennial Ground Cover

By Alicia Rudnicki , last updated April 27, 2011

Reliability and an attractive appearance are two major reasons for the wide use of many
popular types of perennial ground covers. These low-growing plants spread easily and
return season after season to add a pleasant finishing touch to other landscaping. They
shade soil so efficiently that it is difficult for weeds to grow. As one horticulturist
jokingly said, when it comes to overcoming weeds, the next best thing to concrete is
ground cover.
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Ground cover is particularly helpful in places where it is difficult to grow grass. But you
shouldn't walk on ground cover. Before planting, enrich the soil with lots of organic
matter, break up clumps and rake the soil smooth. Although many ground cover plants
are drought tolerant, remember to keep soil moist as the plants get established. Here are
some attractive choices to consider.
Ajuga
Commonly called carpet bugle weed due to its speed and ease of spread, Ajuga reptans is
a semi-evergreen that grows well in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) cold
hardiness zones 3 to 9.The rosette-shaped mother plant shoots out runners that quickly
blanket the ground with green, bronze or variegated foliage growing up to 4 inches high.
Upright clusters of blue flowers blossom in May and June. It is best to plant ajuga in an
area where it can dominate due to its vigorous growth.

Catmint
Catmint is a popular medicinal herb as well as an efficient ground cover for a small area.
The species Nepeta X faassenii, which is sometimes referred to as Faassen's catnip, has
lovely spikes of lavender blossoms and silvery-green foliage. It grows up to 18 inches tall
and does well in USDA zones 4 to 8.
Mock Strawberry
Many gardeners are familiar with the drought-tolerant potentilla bushes, also known as
cinquefoil. There are also many potentilla groundcovers with small, bright blossoms of
gold, yellow or white that usually have five petals. One type is mock strawberry
(Potentilla indica) that grows in USDA zones 4 to 9. It is a rapidly spreading plant that
has flowers, leaves and tiny fruit similar to those of strawberry plants. Potentillas and
strawberry plants are closely related as members of the rose family, but the fruit of mock
strawberries only tastes good to birds. Similar to ajuga and vinca, mock strawberry
needs to grow where its rapid spread will be welcome.
Sedum
There are more than 300 species of sedums, most of which are low-growing succulent
plants that are heat and drought tolerant. Their waxy, pulpy leaves conserve moisture,
so they are frequent choices in xeriscapic gardens where water conservation is a major
concern. Sedum acre, also called stonecrop, is a popular choice that grows 2 to 3 inches
tall and has small, bright yellow flowers that blossom in spring and summer. It does well
in USDA zones 2 to 9.
Vinca minor
Some varieties of this evergreen ground cover -- sometimes called periwinkle -- have
purplish-blue flowers that look stunning next to vinca's forest green leaves. Others have
white blossoms and all varieties blossom in spring. Vinca grows up to 6 inches tall and
spreads rapidly in either full sun or shade in USDA zones 4 to 8

Popular Types of Ground Cover

By Erik Neilson , last updated January 6, 2012

When people get into the art of landscaping, one of the first things they learn is that
ground cover is an essential part of any well-landscaped yard and familiarizing yourself
with the popular types of ground cover will open up a variety of new options for your
landscaping design. Typically ground cover is any type of low-growing plant that covers
a great deal of ground, creating a smooth and beautiful backdrop for the rest of your
landscaping, as well as preventing soil erosion from occurring. Understanding which
types of plants serve as good ground cover and which do not is not as confusing as one
might think, and can make a rather large difference regarding the end result of your
yard.
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Vines
Vines serve as excellent ground cover because they grow uninhibited and at great
lengths. When properly planted, vines will snake around your yard, creating an
extremely artistic foil to the rest of your landscape features. Vines can be either annuals
or perennials, and are extremely easy to maintain. One of the most popular types of
vines used for ground cover is English Ivy, which can add elegance to any yard.
Shrubs
Just about everyone who gets into landscaping will utilize shrubs as ground cover at
some point. Shrubs are attractive, easy to maintain and very common, providing the
perfect backdrop for your lawn. When used as ground cover, shrubs should be low-

growing, and should not exceed three feet in height. One of the most common types of
ground cover shrub is juniper.
Herbaceous Plants
While often overlooked, herbaceous plants are ideal for ground cover. While they dont
last all year, they provide for excellent ground cover during cooler months, and are very
attractive. Their burst of color makes them especially ideal for yards that are relatively
monotonous otherwise. Since herbaceous plants are overlooked, they can serve as
unique, functional and attractive additions to your yard

Popular Ground Cover Plants

By Shannon C , last updated June 4, 2011

Ground cover plants can be the perfect answer for areas of a home garden or landscape
that have proved resistant to other types of plant life. Known to be hardy, resilient, low
maintenance, and attractive, ground cover plants can readily cover areas that are
considered even by advanced gardeners to be difficult or impossible to landscape. While
ground cover plants are not maintenance-free, as might be suggested by their low profile
presence in a garden or landscape setting, with a minimum of care and attention, and
some patience as they grow and spread, you will be rewarded with lush green plant life
where once only bare, rocky ground or wilted foliage stood. Learn about the popular
ground cover plants and select the ones that are a good match for your own home
garden or landscape needs and goals.

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Ivy
While ivy is often thought of as a trainable upright growing vine, ivy plants also make
excellent groundcover. Ivy can be used with equal effectiveness for small or large spaces,
producing trailing vines that grow along the ground and quickly spread out in formation
over an open area. While ivy will need some amount of regular maintenance when used
for groundcover in smaller spaces, this evergreen ground cover plant is resilient and
hardy otherwise, and can cling to practically any type of surface should it be needed to
camouflage a neighboring wall or structure as well.
Pachysandra
Also known as Japanese spurge, pachysandra is considered one of the top easiest to
grow of all ground cover plants. With large, bright, shiny green leaves and small white
flowers in spring, the pachysandra plant is a great choice for short ground cover and will
spread faster the more soil enrichment and regular moisture is provided. The addition of
iron to the soil will give pachysandra an even deeper, richer green tinge to leaves.
Vinca
There are several vinca varietals, including vinca major and vinca minor, but all are
excellent, easy to grow and care for choices as ground cover plants. For beginning
gardeners in particular, this lovely evergreen flowering vine will practically grow itself,
trailing and spreading out over the available surface as fast as it can. The vinca plants
prefer some shade during the hottest parts of the day and well drained soil, but
otherwise have few maintenance requirements beyond what pruning may be required
for use in smaller spaces.
Variegated Lemon Thyme
Variegated lemon thyme is an upright growing ground cover plant that produces bright
green leaves neatly edged from tip to stem in gold. Emitting a lovely light lemony scent,
variegated lemon thyme serves a dual purpose as fragrant, attractive ground cover and a
handy addition to appetizers and main courses as an accent herb. One requirement
variegated lemon thyme has as a ground cover is that it will fail to thrive without access
to some direct sunlight daily.
Wintercreeper

Wintercreeper can be found in different varietals with leaves ranging in shade from
green to red to purple, with year-round color variation as seasons change.
Wintercreeper is an excellent low ground cover for nearly any space