Rachel's Garden Notes

2010-10-14T10:42:00.002-05:00

For the past few days my chipper has been quite busy creating leaf mulch. My woodland beds now have a 3 to four 4 inch covering of mulch. This should give the many perennials a nice bed to rest in over the winter, and later supply them with the organic material they thrive on.

I have also been creating compost piles with a mix of leaves, woody perennials, and sticks that my chipper has ground up for a healthy blend.

As I put my many garden beds to rest I look for perennials that need to be transplanted, and so
that they have room to multiply on and on the cycle continues.

Gardening has it's seasons and each bring pleasure in it's on right!!

Soon I will be planning the xmas lights on the arbors along with the 'winter paths' thru the snow.
The lights accent the skeletons of the trees and shrubs that once provided shade and color.

Enjoy the Fall of 2010!!

2010-10-01T07:39:00.002-05:00

This past week I have been putting many of our garden beds to rest. Clipping down the phlox and chipping it up with a mix of dried leaves for next years compost.

I also have been dividing and relocating perennials that needed more space or better location in the garden allowing for transition of height and season.

As I divide many perennials I share them with neighbors and friends as a gift, and thus they can live on in the lives of others.

2010-09-06T15:55:00.002-05:00

Today I spent hours edging and weeding new woodland gardens on our landscape. I found some Arisema 'Jack in the Pulpit' that I transplanted and planted some seeds given to me from a friend.
Thus I shall look forward to Spring 2011 to see rewards of my efforts.
I found about a 10ft log in field that has character to accent the new bed. Took some of our aged compost to create a perfect home for new woodland plants to spread.

The walnuts have been put aside for the critters to enjoy!!

Our area has been dry so I watered many of our beds today with long soakings as they prepare for winter and into their dormant stage.

Fall is time for both reflection and planning, and thus enjoy the memories of blooms 2010 while you look forward to Spring of 2011.

2010-09-02T08:06:00.002-05:00

I completed a installation last week that was very satisfying to my creative spirit. I designed a two tier retaining wall with steps that allowed homeowners a whole new perspective from their woods to their house. A path that strolled over a small wooden bridge through the wooded area to walk up steps and meander through new gardens. The look of joy on homeowners faces was part of compensation for my hard work.

My body had a considerable physical work-out as I moved 17 ton of rock to create wall on steep slope. I mixed texture and color to create a soothing picture on landscape.

May you also create some beauty on Mother nature's landscape!!

2010-07-26T06:41:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I spent the afternoon and evening walking around the Nygren Wetland Preserve. I beauty of native wildflowers was enjoyed, and the transition of early summer blooms to late summer blooms was evident. Thus I had new color to behold just from the 2 weeks prior.

The wild life from muskrats, hawks, frogs, herons, and so much more thrive on having such a natural habitat. I appreciate the fact that there are such places where mankind has put forth the effort to restore and preserve.

May you find Nature's beauty a awesome beauty to hold dear and treasure!!

2010-07-20T13:07:00.002-05:00

Seems with all the summer color on our landscape we have attracted many people to stroll our gardens. It gives me pleasure that others can enjoy what I have created. There is a sign in log book for visitors which now has signatures from people around the world, and ages from 7 to over 70.

Landscaping seems to bring pleasure to people around the world and of all ages. Nature's beauty can really connect humanity in many ways!!

2010-04-16T18:07:00.002-05:00

This morning with my coffee in hand I strolled the gardens to enjoy Spring blooms. Oh, how uplifting to my spirit to see mertensia 'virginia blue bells, trout lily, bloodroot, trillium, and so much more. Ahhh Spring can so revitalize the landscape.

I applied for position of Horticulturist/head gardener at Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks in Fayetteville, Arkansas. I was in consideration for months, but just heard position filled by another.
Thus I will continue to design and create beauty here in Illinois/Wisconsin.

Looking forward to watching our gardens continue to come alive thru the seasons

2010-03-25T09:09:00.002-06:00

one of my chores for today has been to attack and remove the garlic mustard that has chosen to make a home in many of the garden beds. i do not want them to go to seed for season 2010.

I cleaned up the prairie garden and pleased to see the new growth 'seedlings'.

As I work in our many gardens I am feeling the rejuvenation of Spring and it's amazing awakening!!

2010-02-27T07:01:00.002-06:00

I gave a lecture/workshop this past Thursday Feb. 25th to the Deerpath garden club in Lake Forest, Illinois. There were thirty-eight women in attendance who were a joy, for they also share a passion for gardening. I spoke on building natural trellis and arbors along with vines that could accent the structures.

At the end of talk I built a trellis on site from walnut that I had pre-cut for the workshop. Which was given away to lucky winner of drawing.

2010-01-01T13:48:00.002-06:00

Today as I walked the nature trail we created around our landscape I became aware of all the damage to the trees and shrubs. The weight of ice and snow has snapped or cracked many branches. A lot of pruning in the Spring will be necessary on hydrangeas and viburnums to repair damage. Then a year of new growth will get them back into shape.

Also today as I walked our trail which is approximately one-third of a mile each lap I was in awe of how many different animals had left tracks in the snow. I saw deer, raccoon, coyote, rabbit, mice, squirrel, and then our cat's prints.

Nature has many wonders to offer in each and every season.

A Good Life

2009-12-08T07:41:00.002-06:00

Yesterday as I was walking the exercise path I created through and around our landscape I took a break to count the rings on a walnut tree just taken down. The tree was right on the fence line of our property and the farm behind us, and since it was rotten about one-third thru it was necessary to take down for safety.
The rings tell so much of the trees life. Their width tells a good year for growth and marks can tell a year that it substained damage. This tree had a life of 137 years, and I so wished it could speak to me about those years past.

2009-12-05T12:02:00.002-06:00

Over the past few weeks I have been putting many of our flower beds and island to rest for the winter. The mulched leaves are providing a perfect blanket for the shrubs and flowers. Added benefit is that as they decompose they will provide nutrients in the spring.

The winter brings a whole new look to our landscape, and I have enhanced the arbors and paths with approx. 1,200ft of xmas lights. So as dusk comes our landscape becomes a lighted winter wonderland creating a magical feeling as one strolls about in peaceful wonder.

Our next project will be to install a aerator in the pond so that the Koi will have a sufficient about of oxygen thru the winter as they hibernate.

May your landscape provide you some winter wonder.. for each season has a beauty of it's own!

2009-10-24T12:06:00.002-05:00

Today as I am raking and adding to a new 10ft x 15ft compost pile #3 I am becoming well aware of our vast variety of plant material. Over last seven years I have added many different species and genus to our landscape.

Along with the fact that our landscape backs up to a farmers Oak savanna once used as pasture for cows. I miss seeing the cows grazing in the savanna, for it added much charm to our rural setting.

The leaves that I have gathered thus far (common names) come from maples, ash, walnut, oak, butternut, cherry, mulberry, and elm. While the leaves from shrubs include hydrangeas, lilacs, forsythia, viburnums, chokecherry, witch hazel, and dogwoods.

This wide variety along with the evergreens give the birds a natural food source and protection in a natural habitat.

Our pond at present has a tented net over it at , but still there is access to water at the water fall for birds and mammals.

2009-10-20T10:44:00.002-05:00

For the past two weeks I have been chipping branches and leaves for compost. The organic material has been added to several of my island beds. I also have two rather large compost bins which have been filling up rather quickly.

My point being is that the natural nutrients from these decomposing plant materials are a great source for the shrubs and herbaceous plant material in my gardens. Thus simulating a rather natural woodland bed.

Fertilizer with man made alternatives is fine to a point, but nothing beats natural decomposition as a nutrient for growth and production of flower.

May your composting efforts be worthy of time spent to gather and let time produce nutrients for your gardens.

Fall is a great time for transplanting , pruning, and dividing. So if you have not already given time to propagating by dividing. Time to take out fork and shovel to help out over crowded beds.

2009-09-16T13:43:00.002-05:00

I am working on a site that has river rock as their mulch. After removing two dead shrubs I have suggested replacing them with a hydrangea x paniculata 'limelight' and a hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle'.
The concern I have is that the hydrangeas prefer a acid soil and the rocks provide too much alkaline along with heat. I will amend the soil with organic material and fertilizer for acidic plants, however, if given the choice I would much rather mulch them with a hardwood mulch. This would retain moisture and provide them with nutrients needed over the long run.
I use all sorts of rock as accents in my gardens to provide different textures and to stop run off, but given a choice would always lean to use of hardwood mulch for the plants.

2009-08-29T07:43:00.002-05:00

This past week we have received over two and half inches of rain which has resulted in many shrubs drooping from water. Seems the balance of water for a landscape is a never ending concern. Too little or too much can both have a significant effect on the performance of both shrubs and perennials. I am always pleased when I see plants that can adapt to the conditions given wet or dry along with hot or cold. Thus survival tis result of adapting to environment in which placed.

My grandfather who was a farmer in Iowa once told me when I was young that we must live with the weather not to fight nor complain about the weather. Wise words which I try to live by the best I can in this ever changing environment.

Thus we must just try to retain balance on our landscape and in our life!

2009-08-09T17:19:00.002-05:00

Today as I am planning for a garden party at our home I was reminded of effect lighting can have on a landscape.

I just hung a light over our table on our deck. The light is a soft yellow bug light that has a warm feeling as one sits to eat or chat.

This week I will be hanging party lights with cans and xmas lights... just remember that down lighting or up lighting can really highlight a landscape. The spot light that I installed to shine on the waterfall at our pond creates a mystical mood.

So keep in mind that lighting is a real bonus to any landscape feature!

2009-08-04T12:43:00.002-05:00

The mystery to lost Koi was revealed two days ago as I was weeding and cleaning garden behind pond. Within less than ten feet a dark furry critter scampered by me into the raspberry patch. I was not sure so I looked it up in my wildlife book and on google. To my surprise it was American Mink. Since they can dive to depth of sixteen feet my poor Koi had little chance of survival.

My gardens are planted with design in mind to create a very Natural setting, and thus we attract quite the variety of wildlife. As we enjoy the interaction of life within the gardens we must remember that birds and animals live by instincts.

May you enjoy the beauty of Nature within your own gardens!!

2009-08-01T18:29:00.002-05:00

Today I built two stone benches at a firepit lakeside. They were built to compliment a arbor and outdoor room with shrubs, perennials, and mulched path just completed. As I was finishing the mortar on benches I was once again reminded of how well different textures compliment each other.

When designing a garden never forget the importance of texture as you blend the leaves of a plant with wood and stone. A natural blend is much more pleasing to a person's eye than boring repetition.

Somehow there is more serenity to a garden or park when it is more near natural than straight lines and sterile. May you find serenity in your own gardens, for if built with spirit in mind they can be also a health benefit for mind, body, and soul.

2009-07-28T07:08:00.002-05:00

This past week we have had about three-quarters inch of rain. Tis great for the gardens when Mother nature does the watering. As for her timing it could not have been better for gardeners such as myself, for the rain came during the night.

Our pond was ravaged during the night by some unknown predator, and thus we loss five Koi to the natural food chain. Since it is just part of nature's natural plan must accept and replace them.

In my gardens this year I have had to transplant many perennials that were into their third year, for they had multiplied. Given the right 'home' perennials thrive and multiply. So fellow gardeners relocate them or PASS the beauty on to others to plant in their gardens. This spring I shared some Monarda with a neighbor and it was a treat to see joy on her face.

Enjoy the summer blooms for weeks ahead!

2009-07-08T10:53:00.002-05:00

I have been dead heading my perennials that have been fading to extend their bloom time. Though it takes time to dead head the perennial flowers the rewards are well worth the effort.
So reach for your clippers and proceed to extend the bloom time of your favorite early bloomers.

My rosas and roses have been given their second systemic/fertilizer to promote blooms and protect from powdery mildew/black spot. Seems roses are like teenage youth they require plenty of food for their growth and to bloom.

This time of the year it takes a good eye to know when your plants require watering. Too little is bad for plants for they may go into distress, however, too much is just as bad. So let your trees, shrubs, and flower beds speak to you ...'Water me or Not'.

May your gardens provide many blooms and joys as our season proceeds thru summer into fall.

2009-06-21T20:35:00.002-05:00

June 21st
Today I pruned the peonies back taking off the heavy past prime blooms to allow space in the garden. The surrounding phlox paniculata will greatly appreciate my work, for they prefer air flow around them. One of the major cause for powdery mildew on phlox is the lack of air flow.

I also pruned up the Blue Muffin Viburnum to allow understory plantings enough light to bloom.
It always amazes me on how fast plants can fill in to maturity, just like children they are small young plants turn around and they are full grown.

Pruning and dead heading are two chores that reap many rewards so feel free to clip..clip!

2009-06-08T07:14:00.002-05:00

The cooler weather has allowed me to transplant many of my perennials that have outgrown their designated place. So early mornings my shovel has divided many and gave them new homes in empty places provided by NEW garden beds. Ah the joy of perennials the multiply so readily.

Last week I helped a elderly neighbor divide Siberian iris which she then kindly gave many to me.
In return I walked home with gift only to return shortly with three varieties of Monarda 'bee balm' for her garden. Remember fellow gardeners there is much joy in sharing Nature's beauty!
Rachel

2009-06-03T06:38:00.002-05:00

June has arrived with a slow start for my many May/June blooms. As a gardener and a designer one thing that we can never count on is the weather. This year 2009 has thus far been colder than most years. This has caused many of the plants to bloom almost two weeks behind normal bloom time. As a landscape designer this can really upset my plans for transition in the gardens.

Another unexpected weather twist is the rainfall which has been far more than our normal Spring. Which has given has many overcast cloudy days, and reducing necessary BTU's for plants to germinate.

So in essence I am saying never count on the weather in our Midwest or any where else as being a constant. We must learn to work with what ever our weather is at the given time. May your 'Blooms' whether late or on time give you many joys!
Rachel

2009-05-17T06:15:00.002-05:00

Yesterday before I left to install a garden for a homeowner I pulled 500 garlic mustard from various places on our landscape. I know that my persistence will prevail and keep them from going to seed. A little at time is better that putting one's arms up in despair and giving in to their need to occupy space in unwanted beds. So remember your other plants will appreciate your efforts as you remove invasive garlic mustard.

The garden that I installed yesterday was a cut flower bed that had transition of blooms the entire summer with colors of yellow,white, and pink. It now with provide beauty to them both outdoors and indoors throughout the summer.

We had a mild frost last night which only proves that the weather in Illinois (Midwest) even in May is quite unpredictable. Though the perennials and shrubs can handle it any tender annuals or vegetables that were not covered may have had a short life in 2009.

Enjoy your spring of 2009 and just take the weather as it is sunshine , rain, or (cold ..brrr)

2009-05-08T06:04:00.002-05:00

My day yesterday was in maintenance as I repaired and cleaned any bird houses in need. Then weeded all our paths while transplanted any seedlings that had made a inappropriate home. I would not want the young tender plant children to be trampled.

Next I edged around the flower beds with my straight shovel to create the clean neat trench that I can mulch later today. I am not one to put in the plastic edging or metal, for in my opinion the grass just grows under being as persistent as it desires to spread.

Our pond has been inundated with tadpoles, and thus any cleaning will be delayed till they are bigger.

My loyal and reliable chipper will be put to use today, and then I will use my leaf/wood mulch to give all the beds a healthy layer. This will help them retain necessary moisture to thrive.

I am a little late on amending my roses this year with systemic fertilizer, for I generally like to have it done by end April.

To my fellow gardeners remember a little time and care will have immense hours of pleasure in reward as you gaze upon the blooms provided.

2009-05-03T11:21:00.003-05:00

I returned last night from a week of creating landscape beauty on a magical piece of property in Fish Creek, Wisconsin (Door County). Long days of hard work as we created a granite fence wall on both sides of the entry drive each having shrubs & perennials to create a very country look. Many other projects completed that gave me as a designer very much satisfaction.

Today I told myself would be a day of rest, however, as I strolled our property to observe all the blooms that arrived while I was away GARLIC MUSTARD caught my eye. I just took a break after pulling over a thousand. Then some ferns were begging to be transplanted away from the edge of the yard.

It seems to me that gardens are like young children always in need of tender care and love!!

2009-04-25T19:34:00.003-05:00

Today I planted two Witch Hazels one vernal and one common in the woodlands. Then I found old semi-rotten logs to accent followed by accents of Trillium, Mertensia, Bloodroot, and Trout Lily. I know that the spring native plants shall only last a short while, but i find joy in recreating what nature has done in the past.

I can only imagine what our property here in northwest Illinois would have looked like if i could have strolled through the woodlands and oak savannas one hundred years ago. With all the construction of new homes over the years the native plants have been at lost for ground to thrive in.

May you be fortunate enough to view our native Illinois plants in a habit that shows their beauty!
Rachel

Spring Has Arrived!

2009-04-18T07:19:00.003-05:00

Today as I walked our woodland path I was ecstatic to see that the Mertensia 'Virginia bluebells' and the Trillium were blooming. Spring has arrived here on our property officially.

I also spent time once again pulling up garlic mustard so as not to invade new beds along with the fact it was trying to crowd out some established woodland plants. My persistence shall prevail in the long run!

Transplanted Trillium

2009-04-12T13:49:00.004-05:00

This morning I transplanted 40 trillium to a new woodland garden in midst of viburnum. Now I just wait patiently for them to multiply and naturalize. Saved from the lawnmower and I feel like a successful rescue was completed.

Cutting Back Ornamental Grasses

2009-04-10T11:48:00.004-05:00

Today I went to do maintenance on a rather large prairie garden I installed which takes some hands on time. While I was cutting down the prairie grasses I was thinking of homeowners who have installed ornamental grasses.

Thus I recommend NOW is the time to cut back if you have not already done so, and then you will not cut new growth. As you cut them back you will note green for the grasses are emerging with our warmer weather. If you are like me I enjoy the grasses through out the entire winter as they wave in the winter wind.

Gooseberries & Garlic Mustard

2009-04-08T20:42:00.002-05:00

This morning I mulched all nine new viburnums from Fall 08 plantings, and also mulched/fertilized 7 gooseberries. The gooseberries are a excellent food source for the birds. However, I remember my Aunt Edith on her Iowa farm gathering gooseberries to make a pie.

As I have been for the past two days continued the task of removing garlic mustard from beds that have needed tending. At this point this morning alone I reached number 600 pulled/dug, and I never ever put them in the compost pile. Instead they are placed in a plastic bag to be disposed of with trash.

Spring cleaning of the gardens is a joy for me, for that is when I see my shrubs & perennials coming alive for the season ahead. May your gardens also be finding rejuvenation so that they may give you blooms that provide many days of joy.

Pond Waterfall Cleaned & Running

2009-03-15T15:37:00.002-06:00

Got the pond waterfall going today so it's all set for migrating birds to arrive. There was still ice on top, so got stepson Blake to use a sledgehammer and break it up so we could remove some of the debris that had fallen in.
We also cleared dead trees from the new lot and prepared the campfire area for future bonfires and marshmallow roasts. Raked leaves out of the beds and broke an "unbreakable" rake in the process! Piles of leaves and branches await to be chipped when our chipper comes back from repair. The hammer inside broke, and the vibrations caused pieces to break off inside and come flying off at me! A frightful experience! Luckily I was able to shut it off with only a minor injury on my shoulder.
Tomorrow I'll work on the compost bins. Need to enlarge them with new fencing and stabilize the supports.

Scattering Snow

2009-03-06T17:03:00.001-06:00

This morning I have thus put 42 wheelbarrows full of snow around the hydrangeas and viburnums planted Fall 2008. This will give them the moisture they so need to start the Spring season. Still more snow to scatter. The compost & snow will provide a good organic bed for future understory perennials.

Winter Reflections

2008-12-15T01:19:00.003-06:00

Well, November was a busy month putting my many gardens to rest. Along with laying out & preparing new beds on our outlying lots, I planted ten (10) new viburnums which were generously fed last years compost. Then logs with character placed to age & decompose. All this so transplants & new woodland perennials have a Spring home to move into.

The idea on both lots is to preserve native trillium, cranesbill, mertensia, ferns & so much more.

It took my new shredder hours to make big piles of leaves into chomped down bits which were mixed with perennials shredded. Then many a branch from dead trees & shrubs shredded & added to compost. So sitting in two large 10'x10' framed bins are future Black Gold for gardens of 2009.

Lastly now comes time in January & February to do the planning. Plan for transplants and plan for any new material. Picture in your mind bloom times as your gardens transition the seasons.

With our home being listed as a habit for wildlife I consider two other factors being food source & protection for nesting.

Take time now to reflect likes & dislikes of your gardens / landscape of 2008. Enjoy now the icy & frosty magic of winter that put our landscapes here in Illinois in a deep sleep.

Happy Composting!

2008-10-03T17:37:00.003-05:00

Today is a good start on my compost pile. Sixteen wheelbarrow loads of leaves and cuttings from the garden beds added to recent grass clippings. The push lawnmower then did its job cutting them into very fine pieces to speed up decomposition. My recent baking of cookies had many egg shells to add with the mix.

As leaves continue to fall and I clean garden beds, my Compost Gold for 2009 will continue to grow. Whenever town, villages and cities have pick-up service of fall's leaves which are hauled to a farmer's field, I am please. For what better way to recycle Mother Nature's fertilizer!

A little TLC goes a long way!

2008-09-03T12:27:00.002-05:00

Today I fertilized all of our hydrangea's with a 5 gal mix of fertilizer (Miracle-gro acid loving plant food). Then I started mulching and using our compost to prepare our hydrangea macrophylla for winter. A little tender car goes a long way to enjoy next year's blooms!

Hauling rocks!

2008-08-28T14:22:00.008-05:00

New garden along the front side of our property.

We gathered flagstone for a bench in the new garden.

New flagstone viewing ledge at the pond.

Tucker checking out the new ledge.

This past week I went to the quarry with Janet to get flagstone for the pond to create a ledge for children to stand on safely to feed our koi. First I removed a larger juniper and replaced it with a smaller cedar so the fish are more visible and there is easier access to the new flagstone ledge. I am reminded that when designing, I must take in mind the many aspects of function and view when choosing plantings.

I also created a new bed in our front so as to lead the eye down our side yard. Janet had the idea of adding a stone bench in our new bed. I, physically and mentally, found a way to get the mass of rock home and in place, and it was worth the effort as it adds charm and character to the bed. I’ve also started a rustic curved fence as a backdrop to the new garden.

All I have left to do is mulch the new plantings for moisture retention. Then I’ll continue cleaning up the existing beds. I feel like gardening is caring for toddlers — they both have needs of care so they can grow to flourish! :)

Weather and Blooms

2008-07-23T12:20:00.001-05:00

This year has been a hard year to predict bloom time as in a "normal" year.

I had a Garden Party June 29th this year and Spring Blooms were two weeks behind because lack of heat (BTU's).

On top of that we followed now with record rainfalls (7 inches over norm for month). This has caused many plants to curl as if swimming in a pool way tool long. The only thing we as gardeners can do is provide plants with excellent drainage.

This week I had to replace a rose that had its feet soaking in water. After I removed the rose from site I used pea gravel & peat to provide a proper home. Then fertilized with Bayer Rose Fertilizer with a systemic to prevent disease.

As my grandfather once told me, "We can not change the weather, so we must learn to work with it!"

Garden Competition

2008-05-21T19:03:00.003-05:00

The celandine poppies are a welcome site as the shade garden comes alive!

I continue to attack the garlic mustard so that it does not have a chance to go to seed.

This week I worked at a customer's home updating and adding to a butterfly garden. I was saddened to see how much grass had grown into the perennials, so I quickly started to make a trench and remove the grass from the midst of flowers.

Seedlings most definitely need not compete for water or nutrients with grass. One need not put in plastic or metal edging if they periodically create a trench with a shovel, for grass roots do not like air and will not then creep into flower beds. This creates a softer, more natural edge to the flower bed.

2008-04-18T13:58:00.001-05:00

I've been out in the vegetable and rose garden today prepping the soil getting ready to
turn it over, fertilize and have it ready for the cool weather plants that I'll be putting in this week.

Plants such as broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, lettuce - all the cool weather plants - can go in now here in Illinois, but our warm weather ones are still a few weeks away. Our last freeze date here technically is May 15, so don't rush the tomatoes or you'll just have to plant them again!

It's important to know your USDA plant hardiness zone and know your last frost date before you put in your warm weather vegetables.

2008-04-16T11:01:00.003-05:00

Keep your eyes open for garlic mustard as Spring evolves! With a diligent hands-on approach of removing it, you may keep it from invading your gardens. It is INVASIVE and can choke out other plants. Garlic mustard is difficult to eradicate because seeds can lie dormant for years, so don't allow it to go to seed in your garden.

Starting to get busy!

2008-04-13T16:41:00.001-05:00

Of late I've been raking up the leaves and mulching them so they're ready for compost and adding them to the gardens. Been working on a new compost bin. Also been doing maintenance for other people and coming across ornamental grasses that have not been cut yet. It's getting right to the end of cutting the ornamental grasses. They should be down 6-8" because they're starting to shoot new growth. So if you haven't done your ornamental grasses yet, now is the time.

This week I'll be going around fertilizing all the evergreens to green them up. They've had plenty of moisture this year because we had a record-breaking snowfall, but we're a little short on chelated iron in the plants around the pond. So I'll be adding an evergreen fertilizer to add the supplements ammonia sulfide and chelated iron and things that keep to them nice and green and promote growth.

I'm also going to get ready to fertilize the shrubs now - the spring blooming ones, lilacs - and I'll probably fertilize the hydrangeas and other things too so they're ready for the summer along with any of the other shrubs that look like they might need a boost. So spring is coming in!

I've also been going out and dividing some of the plants. Now's a good time for division just as they're breaking ground and popping. If you can get out there and divide them they won't go into too much of a shock because of the cool nights and plenty of moisture to help them to promote root growth. I'm glad spring is here and I hope you're looking forward to a productive spring as you add plants, divide, multiply, or re-create your gardens with a design that's more suitable for you're area. Enjoy your gardening!

Spring Is Near!

2008-03-19T09:07:00.001-06:00

Finches roosting outside our window.

As our record-breaking snowy winter comes to an end, all the trees, shrubs and perennials are pleased with the additional water to start the spring season. However, in Illinois the unexpected drastic fluctuations in March temperatures can still hurt plants. The worst scenario is a day in the 60's-70's followed by a heavy freeze. That harms buds in flowering trees and may cause crown rot in perennial flowers.

The crown is the point where stems are about to emerge just above the root system. When the crown has been exposed to thaw/freeze conditions, the crown gets up heaved and exposed, making it susceptible to rot.

Do not pull away any mulch protection completely or too soon. From now until the end of April you may have to keep an eye on your beds. Warm weather and then deep freeze is brutal on plants in Spring.

If you see signs of a heavy freeze after the temperature went below 25̊F and there was ½" to 1" of ice at the base of the plant, cover the bed or plant crowns with mulch. When temperatures warm again, pull the mulch back from the crown to avoid having plants rot from too much moisture.

Signs of frost on trees and shrubs will be noticeable on the buds where the moisture turned to ice when the buds were just ready to emerge. On the plant you will see emerging buds turning dark brown to black , thus stunting growth for the season or decreasing blooms on flowering trees and shrubs.

Parenting a flower means a constant observation of preparation for weather changes - much like making sure your child has gloves on a snowy day! Spring is drawing near for as I walk my gardens I see buds on trees and shrubs that almost speak to me, saying, “Be patient, I’m almost ready!”

Happy New Year 2008!

2008-01-16T18:04:00.000-06:00

Robert and Rachel hiking in Colorado late Dec. 2007

I just had a reminder of the awe and the wonder of nature, as stepson Robert and I went to hike up the Denny Creek Trail in Colorado, of the beauty of the mountains, the beauty of the trees, the snow glistening and what it reminded me of is all seasons are beautiful.

Winter has a beauty of its own as the skeletal of the trees come alive, so when planning a garden or a landscape one has to keep in mind the shape of the trees, the shape of the shrubs, what they'll look like in the winter when the perennial flowers go dormant, when the shrubs have their buds sitting and waiting for the next season.

So remember winter, it's a forgotten season, but remember the beauty and the awesome skeletal look - the winterscape. At this point and time right now, being January 1st, it's time to start planning again for laying out a new garden or laying out the perimeters for a garden. So plan your garden with heights and textures that include the winter glory.

Late Fall 2007

2008-01-16T17:29:00.000-06:00

Forgot to add this blog entry...!

Building the arbor in Door County

Well, the last week in Oct. we headed up to Door County, WI to create a little bit of landscape wonder. Put in an acre and a half of tall prairie - had 1700 plugs to plant. Did a 12'x12' arbor that you can sit and look out on to the prairie. We also put the plugs in for a short meadow and then started a woodland wonder.

Drove back home and did a small job in Stillman Valley, IL - did a courtyard - then turned back around and went back to Door County. The weather was nice up there - it was in the 40's and 50's which is great for putting in the plugs. They'll go dormant until springtime and then take off. We also over-seeded with 8000 sq.ft. in the prairie of seeding and about 4000 sq.ft. of over-seeding in the meadow. And the weather was okay... it was in the 30's in the morning but warm enough to work during the day.

Now back home, I'm putting my gardens to rest - mulching the leaves - giving them a nice bed - 2-3" of leaf compost, which is Mother Nature's way of fertilizing and taking care of the woodland plants - esp. around the amelanchiers and viburnums. The hydrangeas are appreciating the good thick bed of leaf mulch also since they need the nitrogen to keep their blooms.

We had an unfortunate accident in the pond. It looked like a wild critter - most likely a raccoon - had knocked a big rock in the pond which is approx. about a 3000 gal. pond, but they put a slice in the liner, so we're going to have to replace the liner and work on the waterfall. But, whatever I do I will try to keep it as natural as I can because the birds and the wildlife love to use it as a water source and I don't like the sterile ponds, so as much effort as it takes we will move the rocks and limestone to re-create as much as I can a natural pond for the birds and for the wildlife to enjoy - including our cats, who like to go out and take a drink and a sip.

As I put my beds to rest I will transplant and move things around if need be or create curves which makes maintenance and cleaning a whole lot easier. I will clean out the beds of any dead debris but try to keep it as natural as I can because the birds do need some of the dead wood just to create a home and live in.

It is nice to put the beds to rest and look forward to the renewal in the springtime. Trying to create my big shrub rugosa roses into an arch that I can walk through. Might take a little work to convince them which way to grow, but I will do my best. My arch out in front has grown over now as an entryway as I've arched living trees to create a living arch. So hoping to do the same with the roses. And going to go today and continue picking up leaves - should be getting near to the end of it soon.

Filling in the holes

2007-10-12T14:21:00.000-05:00

New plants going in where the black walnut was

Sunday night we had a pleasant rain. Everything needed it - we were getting a little short for September, so was glad to see a long steady rain to water in the plants and getting them ready for the transition into winter.

Today I'm going to continue to work on the lawn. I have to repair the lawn from when the tree was taken down so this'll be a good time for getting the seed started. And I was glad to see the finches landing on the brand new arbor I put up for the climbing hydrangea. So it was a dual purpose - an arbor and an arch for the entryway into our pond area for the climbing hydrangea, but also the finches have found it for a resting place. So October is here and it is getting closer to fall clean up.

2007-10-03T23:17:00.000-05:00

Yesterday I built another arch for a climbing hydrangea that's been taking 2-3 yrs to grow.. going to give it something to go over. Also working again today on an arbor on the entryway to the pond that I started yesterday.

It's the one that was unfortunately knocked down when the black walnut branches were falling. I'm going to accent it with a pyramidal yew, and then in the background I'll use a global arborvitae. I'll try to scrounge and plant some ferns and woodland phlox in that area if I can, and maybe a hydrangea.

I have to re-create a garden that was destroyed when the black walnut came down. I'm going to go around today and try to get the beds to rest the best I can. Start to edge & transplant a little bit before I go off to do another landscape site analysis & a little bit of work for somebody else.

Rainy August

2007-09-26T17:53:00.000-05:00

Huge black walnut limb that fell into pond

Another day, another limb - broke my arbor!

We had unusual amounts of rain in August - 14 inches, which was way above the normal and causes plenty of problems for my yard and everybody else's yard. We had rust on the lawns and fungus and blackspot on many of the plants making it necessary to clean them out and let them dry out. So mother nature gave us too much. Everybody needs a balance and the plants can tell you when they have too much.

The rain also caused our black walnut tree to be heavy and overladen with nuts. We had 2 and 3 inch branches fall. They knocked down my one arbor and a lot of it landed in the pond which caused an acidic problem we had to take care of. So because of that we've had our 83 yr old black walnut tree taken down. It's kinda sad to take an old, old tree like that down, but it was a necessity. The wood is going to be used and recycled into furniture which makes us feel a little bit better that the tree is still serving a purpose. I will have to rebuild my arbor and also the garden that was behind it. So just one more project in hand.

It's getting close to putting the gardens to rest. I've been called and asked to give a garden talk all about putting beds to rest. September's here - time to think about letting everything go to sleep for the winter. I've enjoyed a couple of installations using ornamental grasses, which are becoming real popular. Looking forward to writing a book and doing some lectures this fall. I hope your garden beds are looking good for now with the fall color. Let's start thinking about putting them to rest.

Garden Feelings

2007-07-19T13:37:00.000-05:00

[+]click photos to enlarge

Prairie Garden July 2007

Butterfly - Hummingbird Garden July 2007

As I walk our gardens I am pleased with the feel generated about me. The butterfly - hummingbird garden is a splash of color. It is filled with pinks of phlox paniculata while the heliopsis stands tall in its summer yellow. The many colors of the hemerocalis make the garden have the effect that someone had splattered color here and there.

Whenever I walk thru our prairie garden I feel a comfort with nature. A feeling that nature's natural beauty has a soothing effect, yet provides a food source for the many birds and animals that visit regularly.

This past week I created some natural gardens with winding paths thru them for owners to enjoy on their lakeside home. While on their boat to view the gardens I pondered the thought, "which is the front door?" When creating curb appeal is the dock another form of a curb to their home?

Our pond on the 17th had a crash unexpectedly when a large branch from a walnut tree was blown loose. Crack, crash and ka-boom - landing right in our pond between an arbor and bench! I cut up the branches and pulled them out of the pond when I arrived home. Janet next day cleaned up the mess left all about and in our pond. She is a conscientious caretaker of our pond, and our koi appreciate all her matronly efforts.

Yesterday I started the layout of a memorial garden being installed for reflection of two loved ones. Of course stripping sod for the future courtyard fountain and bench in midst of colorful perennials is tedious and not one of my favorite chores. Yet I just think to myself the beauty being created with each section cleared.

May you find beauty and serenity as rewards to your labor in your gardens.

Country Bench Gardens

2007-06-22T23:05:00.000-05:00

Country Bench before plantings

New garden additions have been added to our home. With the purchase of a new bench with country charm came a need to provide a pleasing view. So now 4 varieties of hosta, 3 new hererocallis and a hydrangea macrophylla accent the bench. Looking up the hill towards another new arbor - you now see a pleasant curve and a new garden bed with new hosta wide brim and heuchera.

I walk the prairie garden each morning and for the past week I have been greeted with the bloom of something new. Ahh, monarda & heliopsis can sure start my day with a good morning cheer.

May you enjoy the greeting of summer color as you stroll your gardens in the next day or so.

Great-grandma Hubbard's Peony

2007-06-05T18:43:00.000-05:00

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Rachel's great-grandma Hubbard's peony, originally planted in 1884 in Iowa. Rachel has propogated and multiplied it over the years and has moved it five times as she has relocated.

Potting secret

2007-06-05T18:39:00.000-05:00

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Rachel's secret to quick pot planting: buy hanging baskets on sale, then transplant into large pots.

Digging In

2007-06-05T18:14:00.000-05:00

I have been busy planting for other homesites and ours as well. In past few days a new berm installed along street side. A log used to stabilize slope and then junipers, hostas, and hermerocalis planted. So now mulched and ready to fill in over time.

For the past few days I have been edging all the gardens so they could be mulched. Getting ready for our June 11th garden walk has me tweaking the gardens by dividing, transplanting, and pruning.

Today I prepped a new bed along side our house to create a pleasing curve. Planted two new hydrangea macrophylla to compliment others nearby along with hosta gold standard and lamiastrum (yellow archangel) for its color/texture. Anxious for this bed to flourish! As always working in our gardens gives me peace & joy!

New beds

2007-05-17T02:07:00.000-05:00

Monday May 14th

Today I created a new curve at the beginning of a new arbor to invite the walk of a new path. I planted lilacs to frame the corner along with a clematis vine called, "Niobe." Hopefully Niobe will adorn the arch beautifully.
Also worked my arms hard by edging several hundred feet so that once mowed, the yard has a finished look.

Tuesday May 15th

I started clearing a new bed today of years & years of undergrowth. Always hardest part is preparation of a bed before planting. So many saplings to meet the axe before my shovel can create. I weeded and pruned in a gentle rain today, and though wet, found work pleasant.

Food and more...

2007-05-05T18:41:00.000-05:00

Tues May 1
Work in our garden started with weeding ten 5 gallon buckets of weeds then transplanting 12 trillium and 12 native cranesbill to accent a hydrangea. I was excited to see & smell the first bloom on the lilac off our deck. The green and blooms of Spring seemed to take forever to arrive, but now that life is emerging in full force I am revived also.

Wed May 2
Hours of work in our vegetable and flower garden has it ready to produce. I added some hollyhocks to give it some country charm. Also planted more strawberries for Janet, and do hope I can harvest them before the birds have a feast!

Sat May 5
I planted the hemerocallis (daylilly) sent to me from the American Horticulture Society (AHS). Then was quickly sidetracked by need to eradicate wild garlic mustard in a few beds. I decided to stop pulling them up "for now" at 500.

Three Days In Door County

2007-04-29T17:20:00.000-05:00

[+] click images for larger view

I just spent 3 days in Door County, WI creating arbors and paths for a woodland and evergreen lane on approx. 2.5 acres. The plan now is to naturalize this created woodland with native perennials. I look forward to transplanting & planting mertensia, trillium, a variety of ferns, phlox divaricata and so much more.

The use of local moss covered stone and branches from a variety of trees to build the arbors made them appear to have been there for years. I am pleased with progress thus far to create a very natural setting for the family and friends to enjoy over the years!

Spring fix-up

2007-04-23T18:41:00.000-05:00

Today attention given to pond area in early morning. Checked water temperature and was pleasantly suprised - 58°! Thus first feeding of koi.

The arbors that provide entry needed to be stablized. I pulled them back to square, then packed in crushed limestone. Wind in Midwest can often howl with gusts that cause shifting.

The entry to pathways into our swing and woodland garden needed to be addressed. Now flagstone marks entry with less “bump” for those not paying attention.

The compost pile that has aged for 2yrs was put to good use today around evergreens as mulch. Secured a woodcarving of bird we bought in North Carolina to the post at entry of vegetable/herb garden. A friendly greeter, indeed!

Also this morning as I ventured out I could hear frogs at the pond. Though I could not see them, I definitely heard them. Janet was able to see them, and her camera caught them in action. Wildlife adds much charm to our gardens, and hopefully are always made to feel welcomed.

Spring catch-up

2007-04-19T14:04:00.000-05:00

Tuesday (4/17)
I fertilized 27 hydrangeas and pruned them. Then followed with generous leaf mulch. Dug out 3 rosas lost to upheaval “crown rot” from warm to freeze one too many times. Always sad to lose any of my plants. However, divided some monarda that spread profusely!! Yeah!
Wednesday (4/18)
Today I weeded my iris and peony bed. The phlox and shastas in same bed poking up as if to say, “be patient - I am on my way, too!” Repaired and added to arbor that invites one to walk path, but rugosa roses need to be put in their place since now 6-7ft tall and want to hang over into path. Spring is finally a reality in Illinois, for in 60’s yesterday.

April snow setbacks

2007-04-13T14:29:00.001-05:00

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April Snow at Rachel's Gardens (photo by Janet Shingleton)

[+] click photo for larger view
American Goldfinches at feeder (photo by Janet Shingleton)

I am way behind on fertilizing and dividing because of our unexpected snow. About 10 days behind. Usually by now my roses would've been fed and pruned. The heavy wet snow caused limbs to snap, so I have to do some unexpected pruning of trees and shrubs.

For the birds... (note from Janet)

2007-04-07T14:32:00.000-05:00

[+] click photo for larger view
Red-bellied Woodpecker at Rachel’s arbor (photo by Janet Shingleton)

Janet’s note: I set up a tripod in our kitchen this morning armed with my Dad’s borrowed Nikon DSLR with a Sigma 100-300mm telephoto lens.
It was a chilly morning, and my first glimpse of the bluebirds today saw them puffed up to stay warm. Of course by the time the camera was set up they were gone, but other birds were anxious to sample the suet feeders on Rachel's arbor.

We use a cable clip to keep squirrels and raccoons from opening the cage. We’ve also secured the cage to the arbor with a locking clip. We had several suet feeders go missing, only to turn up under our deck, where a family of raccoons hangs out each spring & summer. I think we finally found solutions to keep the suet feeders intact!

Emergence of Spring

2007-04-06T09:53:00.000-05:00

It is once again time for our hands to come to the aid of our gardens. Weeding out invasive garlic mustard and grasses. Fertilizing shrubs and trees with proper “food.”

My hydrangeas were calling to me this past week. We have 27 hydrangeas in “foster care”. Oh, they also enjoy my coffee grounds.

Spring care for lawn - first application prior to Easter is the general rule of thumb in our area. Ornamental and prairie grasses should be cut back by now to six inches. New growth visible by now. Enjoy the emergence of Spring!