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Unique Shrubs for 2016

3/8/2016

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Every year there is a plethora of new plants.  This blog focuses on those that offer something unique to the landscape relative to color or size.  I like to focus on plants that don't outgrow their space.  

Brass Buckle™ Japanese Holly Ilex crenata

Proven Winners highlights this gem that would light any garden.  Use this color sparingly...as a focal point....yellow draws the eye and grabs attention.  That is why all of our road warning signs are in yellow.  Never use yellow to 'camouflage an eyesore.  Here's a link with more: information: https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/ilex/brass-buckle-japanese-holly-ilex-crenata

Here's what Proven Winners has to say:
This evergreen is as cute as a button!
One of the most dwarf Japanese hollies available, Brass Buckle™ shines all year long because of its glossy, clear yellow, burn-resistant foliage. It's perfectly suited to edging walks and borders, as a container plant in milder climates, or as a striking accent in a rock garden. The fresh color of this variety is much nicer than that of other gold-leafed varieties. Available in better garden centers Spring 2016.
Uses:  Border Plant, Container, Edging Plant, Landscape, Mass Planting, Specimen or Focal Point
 
Maintenance Notes: 
Prefers moist acidic soils with good drainage and a good layer of shredded bark mulch. Pruning is seldom needed, but may be shaped in late winter. Apply an evergreen fertilizer in spring.

Brass Buckle™ Ilex crenata 'ANNYS1' USPPAF

Fall Interest
Winter Interest
Salt Tolerant
Small or Minature
Characteristics
Duration:  Shrub
Shrub Type:  Evergreen
Height Category:  Short
Garden Height:  12 - 18 Inches
Spacing:  18 - 24 Inches
Spread:  12 - 18 Inches
Foliage Colors:  Yellow
Foliage Shade:  clear
Habit:  Mounded
Container Role:  Filler
Plant Needs
Light Requirement:  Part Sun to Sun
Maintenance Category:  Easy
Bloom Time:  Grown for Foliage
Hardiness Zones:  5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Water Category:  Average
Soil PH Category:  Acidic Soil
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Lil' Ditty® Witherod Viburnum Viburnum cassinoides


When I saw this, I thought, "UNBELIEVABLE.'  This type of viburnum usually grows tree sized....now they've figured out how to grow it to fit in an urban garden.. Its even deer resistant and fragrant!  How cool is that!  You can actually pre order online:  ​https://www.provenwinners.com/plants/viburnum/lil-ditty-witherod-viburnum-viburnum-cassinoides.  Important to read the fine print.  This plant needs a pollinator to give a crop of showy fruit.  Also it blooms on OLD wood (that's the wood produced the year before....so fall and spring pruning will reduce blooms)

Here's what Proven Winners has to say:
An exceptional new dwarf viburnum that is a puffball of creamy white, fragrant flowers in late spring. It's closely related to Viburnum nudum (see Brandywine™) which can be used as a pollinator to give Lil Ditty a crop of showy fruit. The berries start green, then turn to pink to red to blue. The fruit eventually turns black and remains on the plant to provide winter interest and an early spring diet for songbirds. Very adaptable and easy to grow. Available in better garden centers Spring 2016.
Lil' Ditty® Viburnum cassinoides 'SMNVCDD' USPPAF, Can PBRAF
​

Uses:  Border Plant, Container, Landscape, Mass Planting, Specimen or Focal Point

This adaptable, easy-to-grow landscape plant is perfect for mass plantings, foundations, and the outer edge of water gardens,

Maintenance Notes: 
Prefers moist, well-drained soils but will tolerate wet ones. Plant near a pollinator. Prune after flowering, taking care to leave flower clusters intact for fall fruit production. Fertilize in spring.



White flowers. Fall fruit. Deer-resistant.
Fragrant Flower
Fall Interest
Winter Interest
Attracts: Birds
Resists: Deer
Native to North America
Small or Minature
​
Shrub Type:  Deciduous
Height Category:  Short
Garden Height:  12 - 24 Inches
Spacing:  12 - 24 Inches
Spread:  12 - 24 Inches
Flower Colors:  White
Flower Shade:  creamy
Foliage Colors:  Green
Foliage Shade:  medium
Habit:  Mounded
Light Requirement:  Part Sun to Sun
Maintenance Category:  Easy
Blooms On:  Old Wood
Bloom Time:  Late Spring
Temperature:  -40 - 100
Hardiness Zones:  3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Water Category:  Consistent
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Little Quick Fire  Hardy Hydrangea  Hydrangea paniculata



If you're looking for a low maintenance guaranteed bloomer that stays in bounds try this hydrangea.  I have the larger version which grows over 4' tall.  I cut it to the ground every year.  I love how it starts out white and transitions to pink in the late summer and burgundy in the fall.  Watch out....deer will eat this.  I spray mine with deer repellant, because hydrangeas are my favorite and I can't resist indulging.  Here is the link on Proven Winners for more information: Little Quick Fire® Hardy Hydrangea Hydrangea paniculata


Proven Winners has this to say:
Uses:  Border Plant, Container, Cut Flower, Dried Flower, Landscape

This dwarf form of Quick Fire fits easily into any landscape. Use it in a mixed border, or as a showy specimen or foundation plant. Its early bloom time will extend your garden's hydrangea season.

​Maintenance Notes: 
Trim in late winter/early spring. Apply a slow-release fertilizer in spring. Flower color is not affected by soil pH.
Dwarf form of the popular Quick Fire® hydrangea!
Like Quick Fire, it is early blooming, flowering about a month before other hydrangeas. White flowers transform to pink-red as summer progresses. This dwarf plant fits easily into any landscape, including container gardens. Add it to your existing hydrangea garden to extend the hydrangea season.
Little Quick Fire® Hydrangea paniculata 'SMHPLQF' USPP 25,136, Can PBRAF

Features
Dwarf. Hardy. White summer flowers turn pink.
Drought Tolerant
Small or Minature
Characteristics
Duration:  Shrub
Shrub Type:  Deciduous
Height Category:  Medium
Garden Height:  36 - 60 Inches
Spacing:  36 - 60 Inches
Spread:  36 - 60 Inches
Flower Colors:  Pink
Flower Colors:  White
Flower Shade:  white flowers turn pink in later summer
Foliage Colors:  Green
Foliage Shade:  green
Habit:  Upright
Plant Needs
Light Requirement:  Part Sun to Sun
Maintenance Category:  Easy
Blooms On:  New Wood
Bloom Time:  Early Summer
Bloom Time:  Mid Summer
Bloom Time:  Late Summer
Hardiness Zones:  3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
Water Category:  Average
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Plant blooms white and transitions to pink.
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David Austin Roses

If you've never tried a David Austin Rose, you may want to plant one of their new 2016 varieties.  Their website says,

The nursery runs one of the largest rose breeding program in the world. Around 150,000 hand crosses are made each year, which produce about 400,000 seeds. From these about 250,000 seedlings will germinate. Each season, between four to six new David Austin English Roses will be released after nine years of trials.

After fifty years of intensive breeding, David Austin's English Roses combine the forms and fragrances of old roses with the repeat-flowering of modern roses. They are very easy to grow, healthy and reliable. English Roses may be grown as magnificent, shapely shrubs or trained as short climbers. Our extensive collection contains a rose for almost every garden situation.

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Olivia Rose Austin (Ausmixture)
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The Poet's Wife (Auswhirl)
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The Lady of the Lake (Ausherbert)
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Add Dazzle to the Winter Garden--Low Maintenance and Deer Resistant--oh yeah--and they won't outgrow their space.

2/19/2016

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Plants that add winter interest

Well its mid february and there's no doubt some of you are getting spring fever.  As you compile your spring shopping list, consider some of these plants that add some dazzle, sizzle and fun.  The winter landscape is just as important --and--- we could argue,  more important than the spring and summer landscape.  Winter interest plants and garden views are about as low maintenance as you can get......you just sit and enjoy from the comfort of your home.  That is if the deer don't find them a tasty a treat.  
These aren't your 'run of the mill' plants, so don't hesitate to ask your nursery to order them.  Maybe a visit to a local arboretum or conservatory will allow you to check out the plant before purchasing.  If they are growing outside in your area, you know they will survive in your yard.  Of course, you need to plant them according to their light, water and soil requirements.

Snow Berry
This plant used to be an 'old fashion' plant used in the Victorian age.  It has been hybridized to a smaller size.  READ labels before purchasing.  Some varieties grow over 4' tall.  The ones listed below are manageable at a wonderful 2-2.5'tall.  I hesitate to say this is a deer resistant plant, but some say it is.

Symphoricarpos x doorenbosii 'Kolmcan' PP20,931
Candy™ Coralberry is great for anyone who is looking for a shrub that provides winter interest. after most flowers and leaves are gone. Plump, candy-pink berries ripen in early fall as the last of summer's small pink flowers swell into pearls. As the leaves fall, each arching stem is adorned with decorative berries, which remain on slender branches through winter. The perfect plant for the winter garden, place Candy in a prominent place in the front border. Do not ingest.

Height: 2-2.5'
Width: 2-2.5'
Expposure:  Full Sun
​Zone 4-9

Visit:  ​http://www.firsteditionsplants.com/candy-coralberryhttp://www.firsteditionsplants.com/candy-coralberry for more information and pictures.
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If you prefer white over pink, try this one.
Symphoricarpos x doorenbosii 'Kolmgala' PP20,912
Beautiful as a strand of pearls, the plump, bridal-white berries of Galaxy™ ripen in early fall, providing a welcome show of color through autumn and well into winter. The weight of the berries creates a beautiful arching stem, and a bit of snowfall in winter is the frosting on the cake! Easy to grow, this snowberry thrives in full sun and average soils, and its compact habit is great for small space gardens and foundation plantings. The arching branches loaded with berries are a great for floral arrangements.

http://www.firsteditionsplants.com/the-plants/shrubs/galaxy-snowberry

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Gold Fountains Sedge
​Carex dolichostachya 'Kaga Nishiki'

There are many varieties of sedge.  It hints of sunshine all year long.  I love when the yellow pops through between snow melts. The narrow, bright golden margins on green leaves make this a colorful selection for shady, woodland borders and rock gardens. Plant in mass as a groundcover or sweeping border. This evergreen is deer resistant.
Light:  full to parial shade
Water:  needs water in extreme heat
Size:  1' tall, 2' wide and forms a symmetrical fountain like mound.

Monrovia is one supplier of this plant:  
http://www.monrovia.com/plant-catalog/plants/1207/gold-fountains-sedge/
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Lace Bark Pine
Pinus bungeana

I love this tree!  It must be pruned-up (take lower branches off) to enjoy the bark.  It takes several years before the bark starts to exfoliate.  This is what the Penn State Extension has to say (http://extension.psu.edu/plants/green-industry/news/2014/lacebark-pine-its-bark-is-better-than-its-bite)
Like most conifers, it prefers full sun and evenly moist, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Lacebark pine is more tolerant of slightly higher pH soils than other conifers as long as drainage is good.
It grows slowly with a pyramidal habit when young, and becomes open and oval-rounded as it matures. Although it can grow to 75 feet tall in its native range, 40-50 feet tall with a 30-foot spread is more common in the United States. Lacebark pine typically grows as a multi-stemmed tree, which contributes to the open growth habit many value since it permits other plants to grow beneath it. However, that can also make the tree susceptible to breaking under heavy loads of ice and snow. Fortunately, lacebark pine can also be trained to a single central leader, which will make it more resistant to such damage.
Lacebark pine retains its open growth habit even trained to a central leader due to its sparse branching. This allows us to enjoy the exquisite exfoliating bark that reveals patches of brown gray, green and white beneath. The bark on a mature lacebark is something you will not soon forget. Maybe that it why the tree is so poplar on the grounds of Buddhist temples!
Make sure to allow plenty of room for this conifer, because it does grow almost as wide as it is tall. There are only a few cultivars, including:

‘Compacta’ is a smaller form, growing to about half the mature size of the straight species.
​

‘Diamant’ is a globe-shaped dwarf that grows one to three inches per year; a ten-year-old plant grows one to two feet tall with a two to three-foot spread.

‘Silver Ghost’ is a selection made from a lovely specimen at Dawes Arboretum. The bark exhibits more white and gray patches than the species. The growth rate and habit are similar to the species.

‘Temple Gem’ is a slow-growing cultivar with an upright and broad spreading growth habit. A ten-year-old specimen is five feet tall and three feet wide.

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Silver Ghost
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Paper Bark Maple
​Acer griseum

Love, love, love this plant.  I have one.  They grow in the worst spots, get no pests, take pruning well....and basically there's nothing NOT to love.  At Phipps Conservatory's Japanese garden they grow it as a 4' bonsai tree. The trident maple (three leaves) turn scarlet in the fall.
Light: full shade to partial sun.
Water: regularly during drought
Size: Oval to rounded crown with open habit. Slow growing.  25'tall, 15-20' wide.  

​I planted this one in 2009.  It is squished between my drive and a sidewalk.


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Parrotia persica

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This is another tree that is one of those specimens that you don't want to plant too close to the house.  If you have the space to fill, this is worth consideration.  Not only is the bark fantastic, it doesn't sucker when pruned.  It is a low branching tree that needs to be pruned up to enjoy its bark.


Height: 20.00 to 40.00 feet
Spread: 20.00 to 30.00 feet
Bloom Time: March to April
Sun: Full sun

​The two winter pictures are from my yard.

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Bakers Blue Spruce
​Picea Pungens 'Bakeri'

Blue Spruces just scream, "decorate me with holiday lights'.  Personally, I love them just the way they are....winter, spring, summer and fall.  If you don't have loads of space and you love spruces then Baker's Spruce might be the answer.  There are several varieties.  Some stay narrower than others.  This one is on my wish list.  This blue spruce can eventually get to a height of 35 ft,  and spread 15ft (but not likely in your lifetime unless purchased that way.)
Light: full to filtered shade.
Well drained soil

​When planning consider this as a guideline:
Height:  12'
​Width: 6' 
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Winter Landscape

1/25/2016

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With a little planning winter landscapes offer beauty and visual interest.  After a light snowfall last week I took a few pictures of my winter garden.  Think contrast--light & dark, hard & soft, round & square, sun & shadows, evergreen & deciduous, form & fluffy, tight & loose, black & white, bark & leaves.....enjoy

My Winter Garden Slide Show (Press Play):

Seasonal Landscape

For fun I found some pictures from the rest of the year from similar vantage points.  Just think...all these dormant plants will burst with color soon.....Press Play for the slide show. 
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Use Nature to Turn Winter Blues--Green

1/16/2016

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I thought about writing a list of New Year's gardening resolutions, but there were many already posted on the internet.  So, I thought January offers the opportunity to reflect on our winter garden.  In regions where plants go dormant in November and come back to life in mid march (depending on the weather) gardening enthusiasts dream of warmer months by delving into the numerous plant and seed catalogues that start to arrive in early January.  Plant catalogues help appease the duldrums and inspire images of warm spring, weather and sunshine..  To survive the clouds and muck of grey skies,  This year's first blog begins with a reflection on how to use nature to improve the winter blues. The short days and lack of sun can trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder. I'd like to share some ideas for getting focused on the positive and using the winter garden as a means for easing the winter blahs.

Let the Sun Shine In

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Have you heard the tune:  "Let the sun shine in and face it with a grin...."? The idea that lack of light can profoundly affect people’s mental states has gained traction in mainstream medical circles in recent years.  One solution is at-home light therapy.  I'd like to suggest a compliment to this.  Make weekly trips to a local botanical garden and if possible plan a monthly day/weekend trip to a new garden..  In the Pittsburgh area we are blessed with Phipps Conservatory.  Its a beautiful place to bask in the seasonal garden shows, wander along an indoor babbling brook in the orchid room, and imagine the summer heat in the cactus room..  New York, Delaware, Chicago and many other cities offer botanical rooms and greenhouses where a trip can transcend the local seasons and bring you to a place of warmth, flowers, and joy.  

Below are links to a sampling of indoor gardens within a day's drive of Pittsburgh:


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New York Botanic Garden

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Link to Phipps Conservatory
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US Botanical Gardens

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Cleveland Botanic Garden
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New York Botanical Garden

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Longwood Gardens

Get Moving

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There's a saying, "there's never bad weather, just bad gear."  I'd have to agree with this except when side walks are icy and slippery.  Invest in some comfy warm weather gear and find a trail or arboretum near you.  Pittsburgh's Botanic Garden offers winter walks.  Chatham College in Oakland is considered an arboretum and is a beautiful campus to walk and enjoy the landscape.  Take note of the various trees, their bark and structure.  Many cities and communities have invested heavily in an amazing network of rail trails that are relatively flat and often parallel waterways or weave through the woods.  In Pittsburgh and surrounding countryside we have the Great Allegheny Passage that links Pittsburgh to Georgetown.  Keep your eye open for birds of prey, cardinals, fox, and deer.


Take Inventory

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So often when the ground thaws we are enticed to run to the garden center and buy what's blooming. Consequently we have a landscape filled with plants that only bloom in May or June.  This year make an effort to reflect and identify areas that need a winter boost..  While you're hunkered down on a winter's day, observe what you see out of your windows.  Use your smart device or camera to capture pictures of important views from within your house.  Often these views are observed from the kitchen window,  a breakfast nook, home office or bedroom.  Also 'point and shoot' pictures of your house from your car as you approach your drive way.  What views do people have when they drive by or come to your front door?  To help give you a fresh perspective, print the pictures and lay them out on a table.  Is there a place for you to improve the structure and bones of your garden?  What can you add to bring visual beauty to that view in the winter?

When designing a landscape I always consider what the beds and house will look like in the winter.  After creating the backbone of the garden and adding winter focal points, I include the 'fluff', so to speak.  These are the transient bloomers that offer beauty for a few weeks during the spring, summer or early fall.  While these plants are important the winter garden is the place you want to start when making your spring purchases.  Plants with unique barks, leaves or structure give extra value for the space they take in small or urban gardens.  Sculpture, heated birdbaths, and architectural elements also add winter interest.  Stayed tuned to February's blog where I will discuss and profile my favorite winter plants for urban and small gardens.


Observe Birds

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On those days when you can't bear to go out and the winter blues are kicking in, plan ahead and prepare a winter bird garden.  One way to bring a smile to your day is to watch birds frolick and enjoy a winter bath.  Make sure you can view it from a comfy location in the house.  The first and easiest feature of a winter bird garden is a heated birdbath.  There are many available at different price points.  Invest in a good extension cord, too.  Simply sit back and watch as migratory birds stop in for a sip.  Keep a good birding book nearby to identify and log them.  To increase activity use a bird feeder and / or plant shrubs and trees that provide shelter and food for winter birds..




Bring the Garden Indoors

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An indoor garden has multiple purposes when it comes to beating the winter blues. The first is the actual work involved. You will be actively growing things in your home. This requires physical labor. One of the problems with mid winter blues is that it creates a lack of desire to do virtually anything. When you have a garden to tend to then you will find yourself performing tasks daily that keep you from lying in bed and feeling down. You have to keep up with the chores if you want your garden to be a success and it gives you a purpose for your day that is more than necessary.

Some indoor garden ideas include:
  • Force Bulbs and enjoy the scent and flowers.  These plants grow quickly and give beautiful results for little effort. You can order on-line bulbs that are already forced,.  Local garden centers and hardware stores will often carry them.
  • Force branches to grow.
  • Start a Terrarium.
  • Start seeds for the your spring vegetable or flower garden with a grow light.
  • Grow an Herb Garden and use them for your winter cooking.  


May the New Year bring you many blessings and may the sun shine into your winter windows!

Stay tuned for Next Month's Blog on Unique Winter Interest Plants and March's blog on plants that create the backbone of a winter garden.

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The Perfect Garden Gift Giving Guide

12/3/2015

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Are you in search of the perfect gift for the gardener in your life?

Have you searched the cyber Monday deals and logged off feeling manipulated by ads and paid sponsers?  Rest assured, you will find something for your special someone on this list. 

​
Whether male, female, young, old, seasoned gardener or new homeowner, there is something unique for everyone.  I spent hours scouring the internet for special gifts that my friends and clients would enjoy. 

Each item has a web link, price, and a quick personal comment.  Let’s dig in…..


​A summary of the items is below.  Scroll down for more detailed product descriptions, pictures, and links for purchase.


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Heirloom leather tote: 
​$90​​
​
A unique gift for grabbing tools from the shed, basement, or garage and taking them to your project.  For contractors, landscapers or architects this sturdy tote carries measuring and survey tools, lunch electronics and so much more.   
​http://htrading.com/store/product/heirloom-leather-tool-tote-28401.aspx


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Warm Skin Wind Block Lotion:
​$12
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​Fun stocking stuffer for your friend who works outside in the winter or for your dedicated winter athlete or skier.


http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/product/warm-skin-wind-blocking-lotion-79732.aspx

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​Cord Pro Organizer:  Depending on size $11-$50
Are you frustrated with the tangle of Christmas light extension cords? Unruly hoses? Cords for leaf blowers and garden tools?  There is certainly a size and price perfect for your gift list.

http://www.amazon.com/Cordpro-Cord-Organizer-Yellow-X-Large/dp/B003YJLNNW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449153818&sr=8-1&keywords=Cordpro


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Scuffle Hoe and Rogue Hoe:
​$11-$45​

I could not decide which one to recommend, so I included both.  If you’re constantly at war with weeds, this is the tool you’ll want to carry with you..
​ Scuffle Hoe:
http://www.gardeners.com/buy/hula-garden-hoe/38-926.html​

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Rogue Hoe:​
​http://www.prohoe.com/scuffle_hoes.html​


PictureSubmersible
​Bird Bath Heater (deicer):
​$35-$45
These are readily available at hardware stores and online.  Migratory birds visit and offer the bird watcher a gift that keeps on giving all season.
http://www.birdsforever.com/birdbath-heaters.html​

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​Elevated rolling U garden
​$379

Has your friend or family member downsized their home and misses a garden?  Do you have someone on your list with limited mobility due to accident, surgery or health problems?  Then this is the perfect gift to make gardening accessible.
http://raisedbeds.com/elevated-rolling-u-garden/​


Gardening class at local conservatory or community college:
Prices can range, but this is the perfect gift.  Pairing your time and gift of a class make the perfect, custom gift.  Offer to take the class together or volunteer to take care of the evening or weekend responsibilities so that your friend or family member can participate in a class on pruning, plant identification, organic lawn care, design, composting etc.
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​Garden Cady or Hooks for shed: 
Caddy $150;
​Hooks$10 +

Do you need to reclaim the garage? Move things from the floor to the walls with hooks and a garden caddy.  There's a price point for every person on your list.
https://www.shedsforlessdirect.com/handy-home-products-sheds-garden-caddy-p-545.html

​


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Cranky Hands and Knees---Ergonomic Garden Tools
​$10-$43
I enjoyed the Gardening with Ease website because it offers many options for those suffering from arthritis.  There’s so much healing that takes place in nature.  I am encouraged that arthritis doesn’t have to keep the gardener out of the dirt!  Example products include:  Ergonomically designed water faucet handle, long handled tools, leaf grabber, and hand tools.
​http://www.lifewithease.com/fistgrip1.html

https://www.radiusgarden.com/ergonomic-hand-tools/nrg4set.html

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Folding Utility Cart
$229
This gem is light weight and an ease on your garage real estate, making this an ideal gift for the urban gardener.
​http://www.lifewithease.com/folditacc.html#360


PictureI'm Sexy and I Mow It
Wearable Garden Humor
​$22-$35
Sure to bring a smile to your friend or relative. These fun t-shirts are great for the gal or guy in your life.  Scroll down for more fun sayings.
​http://www.cafepress.com/+mower+gifts


PictureBoots over Heels any Day.
 Garden Humour Mugs
 $16
If your not sure of the size of your loved one, bring a smile to their day with a mug. Scroll down for more fun sayings.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/HomesteaderChic/search?search_query=garden&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&page=2


PictureGrow your own Salsa
Farm to Table
Grow Your Own: Cocktails, Marinara and Salsa

$12-$29
A uniqe gift for the vegetable gardener who likes to reap what they sow.  Other farm to table gift ideas include hard cider brewing and artisan vinegar making. 

http://www.uncommongoods.com/search.html/find/?q=grow+your+own&sp_cs=UTF-8


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​Deer Repellent (that works)
$25 or more

Is Rudolph and Santa’s deer enjoying your garden all year?  Are you tired of your friends' complaints of deer damage.  Give them the gift they will enjoy for months.  My favorite and most effective deer repellent was Liquid Fence, but it smelled like rotten eggs.  This year I tried Deer Stopper and it smells more like menthol and stays for 30 days.  Both are great gifts and available at some garden centers and online.  You may want to include nose clips as an extra stocking stuffer.
Available at most garden centers.



Duluth Trading:
Heirloom leather tote: 
​
$90

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Product Description:
RELIABLE LEATHER TOTE - USE IT FOR A LIFETIME, THEN LEAVE IT FOR THE GRANDKIDS
​MADE OF PREMIUM LEATHER, BUILT TO LAST - LIKE IN THE GOOD OLD DAYS
It’s the kind of bag your great grandpa used to haul heavy tools. Made of rugged, premium 100% cowhide with antique brass rivets, this tote might be around for a few generations itself. One large open compartment packs your drill, saw, nail and fastener containers – everything you need to lug to the job. Stiff bottom for support.
​http://htrading.com/store/product/heirloom-leather-tool-tote-28401.aspx

​Warm Skin Wind Block Lotion:
​$12

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Product Description:
ACTS LIKE AN INVISIBLE LAYER OF INSULATING CLOTHING
SAME INVISIBLE WIND PROTECTION USED BY PRO ATHLETES

Yes, those linebackers look awfully tough exposing their bare arms during bitter cold playoff games. The secret? They’re wearing this stuff. Warm Skin forms an invisible, non-greasy barrier that blocks cold winds, keeping skin warmer and chap-free. Light sandalwood scent.
http://www.duluthtrading.com/store/product/warm-skin-wind-blocking-lotion-79732.aspx

Cord Pro Organizer:  Depending on size $11-$50

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Description for $11 version:
  • ·Holds up to 100 ft. of 16/3 electric cord, 80 ft. 14/3 electric cord, 50 ft. 12/3 electric cord, 50 ft. 1/4" air hose, 25 ft. 1/2" garden hose, 25 ft. 30 amp RV power cord.·
  • For use with cords, pull cord halfway through the unit, then wind each half in the SAME direction. Both halves will unwind at the same time.
  • For use with hoses, wind each half in OPPOSITE directions. Both halves will then only unreel from one side at a time. This prevents kinking or tangling.
  • 12-5/8" in diameter and 3-7/8" deep
  • Formulated from the same material as pickup truck bed liners and are good to minus 100 degrees F.
​http://www.amazon.com/Cordpro-Cord-Organizer-Yellow-X-Large/dp/B003YJLNNW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449153818&sr=8-1&keywords=Cordpro

Scuffle Hoe and Rogue Hoe:
​$11-$45

Scuffle Hoe (Stirrup Hoe)

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Product Description:
Available at most hardware stores and online.  Prices vary so check quality.
An ordinary flat hoe — the only kind you see in most garden centers — is good for moving and smoothing soil. For weeding, though, the Hula Hoe (also called a stirrup hoe or scuffle hoe) is a far better tool for the job. The sharp steel blade skims horizontally below the soil surface, slicing through weed roots while leaving the soil in place. The blade is designed to have a little play in it — the famous "hula wiggle" — so that it cuts at the correct angle on both backward and forward strokes.
http://www.gardeners.com/buy/hula-garden-hoe/38-926.html


http://clscatalog.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=237

Rogue Hoe

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Product Description:
The best and fastest weeding tool on the market. Lengths for the scuffle hoes are 65 inches from the tip to the end of the handle. Weights of the scuffle hoes are from 2 1/4 pounds to 3 pounds according to the size. Scuffle hoes only come with ash wood handles and are sharp on all 3 cutting edges.

http://www.prohoe.com/scuffle_hoes.html​



Garden Cady or Hooks for shed: 
Caddy $150;
​Hooks$10 +

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Product Description
Get your new Handy Home Products shed organized right away with our garden caddy! Built to last with high quality, tight knot cedar wood it's durable and great looking. The garden caddy shelving system offers 5 shelves and wood pegs to hang tools on. 2 of the shelves are adjustable so you're sure to fit all your items you need to store. For even more work space the door folds down into a 48" x 18" table.

https://www.shedsforlessdirect.com/handy-home-products-sheds-garden-caddy-p-545.html

Cranky Hands and Knees
Ergonomic Garden Tools
​$10-$43

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Product Description:
​It's an incredible luxury to have a complete set of hand digging and scratching tools. Too often we make due with a single, old rusty trowel for every project in the garden. The right tool for the right task makes us more efficient and makes gardening more enjoyable. With endorsements from dozens of publications and organizations, the Natural Radius Grip tools are your best choice. They are made to last a lifetime and we guarantee it.
https://www.radiusgarden.com/ergonomic-hand-tools/nrg4set.html
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This website offers many ergonomic tools for those with arthritis.
​This webhttp://www.lifewithease.com/garden.html

Folding Utility Cart
$229

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Product Description:
​
The Foldit Marine utility cart is light weight (33lbs.) but very sturdy. This all-purpose carrier has an extra large cargo area that will allow you to carry a load of up to 330 pounds. With this extremely well balanced garden cart you can move soil, sand, or yard debris without strain. A removable front panel allows for larger loads and easier dumping of soil or leaves. You can take it on your next camping trip, picnic or beach outing. Folds and unfolds quickly which makes toting your recreation gear a breeze. The marine-grade aluminum constuction of this folding garden and yard cart means you can easily clean up with a simple hosing and not worry about rust or corrosion. 

​http://www.lifewithease.com/folditacc.html#360

Wearable Garden Humor
​$22-$35

Product Description:
Most of the t-shirts are from Cafe Press.  You can google the sayings and find them on mugs, hats and other clothing.
http://www.cafepress.com/+mower+gifts
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This Is How I Roll
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I'm Sexy and I Mow It
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This is My Other Ride
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Over 80 and Still Plays with Dirt
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Over 70 and Still Plays with Dirt

Garden Humour Mugs
$16

This Etsy Shop offers fun mugs for the perfect stocking stuffer.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/HomesteaderChic/search?search_query=garden&order=date_desc&view_type=gallery&page=2
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Boots over Heels any Day.
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Carpe Pala Seize the Spade
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Weapons of Mass Production
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Compost Happens

Farm to Table
Grow Your Own: Cocktails, Marinara and Salsa
$12-$29
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Product Description:
Grow your own marinara
​Gettin' Saucy
Nothing can compare to garden fresh marinara made from your own homegrown vegetables and herbs. This kit provides seeds to grow juicy tomatoes, flavorful Greek oregano and aromatic basil. With complete and easy growing instructions included, this kit is a tested favorite and a great addition to any garden, windowsill, or kitchen. Don't have a lot of space? They can be grown right in the bag, too. Made in the USA.

http://www.uncommongoods.com/search.html/find/?q=grow+your+own&sp_cs=UTF-8
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Grow your own Marinara
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Grow your own Cocktail
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Grow your own Salsa

Bird Bath Heater (deicer):
​$35-$45

Product Description:
Heaters and de-icers to help you to maintain an ice free birdbath to attract more wild birds and keep them coming back even in winter's sub-zero temperatures! entire bird bath ice free all winter long. Energy efficient, does not overheat the water. Multiple thermostat control with durable aluminum base. Easy placement in a bird bath. A low-profile, sturdy aluminum base incorporating multiple thermostats for efficient, accurate temperature control and a 10 foot cord with abrasion protector makes this unit ideal for keeping a bird bath ice-free all winter long. Large heating-surface area runs cooler than conventional de-icers.
http://www.birdsforever.com/birdbath-heaters.html​
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Floating
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Submersible

Elevated rolling U garden
​$379

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Product Description:
You asked for an elevated cedar planter box on wheels, and here it is! Butcher block cedar sides and lifetime aluminum corners make it handsome and durable; wheels make it mobile. Roll it into the sun, move it to mow, roll it out of the way to make room for guests. The 2' x 4' planter box is 14" deep — plenty deep for your largest vegetable or flower plants. It accommodates three of our Tomato Cages with room to spare! Waist-high, so it's easy to plant, tend and harvest without bending or kneeling. 16" semi-pneumatic, never-flat wheels and a sturdy handle let you roll it over almost any terrain. May be used with the U-Garden Watering System, sold separately (must be installed before filling the U-Garden with planting mix).
http://raisedbeds.com/elevated-rolling-u-garden/​

Deer Repellent (that works)
$25 or more

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Product Description:
Unique Features:

• Long lasting and rain resistant
• Labeled for use on edible crops
• Environmentally Safe & Bio-degradable
• Will NOT harm plants — Will NOT harm animals
• 100% Guaranteed to work!
http://www.liquidfence.com/Products/Natural-Animal-Repellents/Deer-and-Rabbit-Repellent.aspx
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Product Description:
Deer Stopper is a highly effective formula for preventing deer, elk and moose damage on all shrubs, flowers, plants and turf areas when used according to directions. With rosemary oil, mint oil, cinnamon oil and putrescent whole egg solids as active ingredients, this product works by smell, taste and feel. Lasts for approximately 30 days.
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Deer-Stopper-Spray/1206632.uts?productVariantId=2914332&srccode=cii_17588969&cpncode=40-121470855-2&WT.tsrc=CSE&WT.mc_id=GoogleProductAds&WT.z_mc_id1=03171453&rid=20

Garden Classes

Gardening class at local conservatory or community college:
Prices can range, but this is the perfect gift.  Pairing your time and gift of a class make the perfect, custom gift.  Offer to take the class together or volunteer to take care of the evening or weekend responsibilities so that your friend or family member can participate in a class on pruning, plant identification, organic lawn care, design, composting etc.

For the Pittsburgh area--Phipps Conservatory offers classes in design, pruning, green and healthy living, composting and so much more.
https://phipps.conservatory.org/classes-and-programs/for-adults/non-certificate-classes
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Create Your Garden Room

5/5/2015

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We've all seen them in Better Homes & Garden, Fine Gardening, Arboretums, Garden Tours--"Garden Rooms."  They are easy to create as long as you follow a few basic guidelines.  Below are the guidelines I use and some pictures to illustrate them.  We'll examine each garden room and I'm sure in the end you'll be well on your way to visualizing your own.  Big or small....reflective or public....all follow these design points:

1. Start with a purpose:  What do you want to do in this room?  Just like a house you eat in the dining room, fix food in the kitchen, sleep in the bedroom -- you get the point.  Think about how you'd like to use your outdoor space.  It can have more than one use.  Your purpose influences the next two steps.

2.  Define the boundaries:  What will make up the floor, walls, & ceiling?  Think of your outdoor room like your house.  You can choose materials and decorate it.  Create a floor that meets the needs of the use.  For example you might want to consider an even and solid floor like concrete or pavers for entertaining and crushed limestone, grass or ground cover for a private reflective space.

3.  Create a focal point:  What is the view in your space?  Where will your eye 'rest?'  Will you have a 'borrowed view' (see example below)?  Consider a water feature or simply use a decorative pot.

Roll over each picture below to see a description of how the garden room was created.  As you look at each picture reflect on the purpose, boundaries, and focal point.  Now you can create your own special space.  Please reach out if you need ideas or have questions. 
1. Purpose: Private Conversation, meditation 2. Boundary: Floor: stone, Wall: Stone, Ceiling: Sky 3. Focal: Water Feature
1. Purpose: Private Conversation 2. Boundary: Floor: stone, Wall: Pergola Trellis & Plants, Ceiling: Pergola 3. Focal: View OUT towards yard.
1. Purpose: Entertain, Eat 2. Boundary: Floor: crushed limestone, Wall: Shrub border, Ceiling: Sky 3. Focal: Plants and statuary
1. Purpose: Private Conversation 2. Boundary: Floor: stone, Wall: Stone, Ceiling: Sky 3. Focal: Water Feature
1. Purpose: Entertaining, Family gathering, meals 2. Boundary: Floor: Exposed aggregate, Wall: House, Ceiling: Pergola 3. Focal: Water Feature and hillside garden
1. Purpose: Private Conversation 2. Boundary: Floor: stone, Wall: House, Ceiling: Sky 3. Focal: OUT towards plants and street
1. Purpose: Reflective or place to wait 2. Boundary: Floor: dirt, Wall: Tree, Ceiling: Tree canopy 3. Focal: Garden and open grass area
1. Purpose: Rest, meditation 2. Boundary: Floor: dirt, Wall: Trees, Ceiling: Tree Canopy 3. Focal: Borrowed view of horse farm
1. Purpose: Out door classroom 2. Boundary: Floor: stone, Wall: trees, Ceiling: tree canopy 3. Focal: Teacher and / or statue
1. Purpose: Gather friends 2. Boundary: Floor: dirt, Wall: tree and wall, Ceiling: tree canopy 3. Focal: Firepit
"ceiling for the fire pit"--canopy of trees
1. Purpose: Private Reflection 2. Boundary: Floor: dry laid stone and ground cover, Wall: trees and hillside, Ceiling: Tree canopy 3. Focal: Statues
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Journey through the Garden:  Landscape Walks and Paths

3/3/2015

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Have no fear, winter will soon melt away revealing the buds of spring.  Though it is early March in Pittsburgh, the singing birds  and the swelling Maple buds signal a new season is about to begin.  As you dream of your spring garden, think how you will travel and experience your space.  Paths guide views as well as toddling feet of children.  Are there worn, muddy paths that lead to swing sets, garages, and patios?  Think about setting stepping stones directly into your grass.  Curved paths beckon you to see what is around the corner.  Straight paths are best when ended with an exclamation:  a focal point that pulls the eye forward and allows it to rest.  There are infinite possibilities when choosing a path design, but first think about these questions: What material was used?  How does placement of stones slow or quicken the pace through the garden?  Is the path utilitarian (direct link from kitchen to grill)?  or Is your path directing people to your back yard?  How wide do you want the path? Do you want guests to walk side by side?  How does the sound of your feet on the material affect your experience?  Where is your eye drawn?  How do the plants support or inspire the design of the path? Use your mouse to roll over the pics for more information:
I look forward to hearing from you.  Make an appointment and we can work together to create the best path for your garden journey.  Share your paths and garden pictures on my face book page.  Upcoming Blog:  Sacred and Secret Garden spaces.
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    Author

    Gwen Wisniewski: Landscape and Garden Designer.  Contact me.

    Let me help you integrate these garden inspirations at your home.  Choose the links below to find out more about our service or to make an appointment.
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