Published: Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at 6:53 p.m. Last Modified: Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at 6:56 p.m.

We need trees for many, many reasons. Ecologically, trees reduce air pollution filtering the air we breathe. Leaves absorb ozone, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide and release precious oxygen. Storm water runoff is greatly reduced as trees intercept the water even reducing flooding possibilities.

Trees provide homes for wildlife and, of course, tree houses for us. The benefits of trees economically, environmentally and socially is overwhelming.

Probably the benefit that most of us think about first is shade. Strategically placed trees can cut down on cooling bills in the summer. I dont know of many people who place their picnic table out in an open area. No, we find picnic tables under trees ... in the shade. While you may think this article is about trees, its not. Its about shade, the shade trees provide in our landscapes.

Many phone calls come in this time of year pertaining to lawns. Some are questions about weed infestations, but a lot have to do with moss moss overtaking the lawn.

This is a bit of tale moss is not actually taking over the lawn. Rather, moss grows in conditions that arent favorable for the growth of lawns. Lucky us, nature plants a ground cover where are grasses do not grow well.

Dani Carroll is the regional extension agent for home grounds, gardens, and home pests for Etowah County.

Mosses are small, green, primitive plants that have reduced leaves and a mass of fine, threadlike stems. Mosses produce their own food and do not take steal nutrients and water from our lawn grasses.

Mosses are able to absorb nutrients directly from the air when the humidity is right. They form a low green mat atop the soil an excellent ground cover. I, personally, love the light, almost lime green color of some of our mosses. There are more than 400 species of moss (liverworts and algae, too) that grow in the Southeastern U.S. Many homeowners may gasp at the thought of moss growing in the landscape, but it is quite beautiful and has been a part of Japanese gardens for years. Feel lucky if you have moss growing, it is a good bio-indicator of air and water quality.

Dani Carroll is the regional extension agent for home grounds, gardens, and home pests for Etowah County.

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EXTENSION CORNER: Moss can be beautiful, but it's not in everyone's landscape plans

One of the joys of attending garden tours is seeing how other gardeners creativity can make their yard into a personal expression.

So, grab a camera and attend the Muskogee Garden Tour on June 7 and get some new ideas for sun, shade and poolside.

Homeowners Leslie and Randy Scott have spent a few years transforming their front, back and side yards into a relaxing spot for friends and family.

We started in the fall of 2010 with a plan by Steven Williams Landscape in Tulsa, Leslie Scott said. What I like about the plants he selected is that once they are established, they take little water and care.

When you first arrive at the Scotts home, you are treated to their pleasingly landscaped front yard on a corner lot. Look for azaleas, oak leaf hydrangea, crape myrtle, boxwood, leatherleaf viburnums, mugo pines and Otto Luyken laurels.

The Otto Luyken laurel is a dwarf variety of English laurel that is hardy in zones 6 to 9.

The bees like the white flower spikes, and the birds enjoy the black berries on the Laurel, Scott said. I like to plant things that bring birds into our yard.

Immediately out the back door of the Scott home is an outdoor kitchen with an entertainment area and swimming pool.

When we bought the house, the lawn was filled with 40-year old sweet gum trees that we had to remove, Scott said.

Other structures in the back yard include the pool house and a potting shed where Leslie stores the mower, tools, pots, etc. Randy takes care of the mowing, and Leslie prunes and continues to add plants. A large potting cart sits by the shed.

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Scott garden one of four on Muskogee Garden Tour

Provided by Networx.com

Gardens that grow vertically rather than spreading across the landscape are all the rage among urban gardening fans these days. Their popularity is due in large part to the fact that they allow home owners and renters alike to grow bountiful crops of produce or flowers in a small area of square footage. You dont need a big backyard a vertical garden will work just fine on a small strip of soil in front of your house or even on a balcony. But beyond their highly-touted space-saving abilities, vertical gardens have a host of other benefits to offer you.

1. Hard-working vertical gardens help shield your homes exterior against harsh weather conditions and ultraviolet rays. If you live in an exceptionally rainy state like Alabama, green wall gardens can help protect your Birmingham paint job from damage.

2. These vertical plantings also act as a form of insulation, increasing the energy efficiency of your dwelling and potentially earning LEED credits for your house.

3. Placed on the outside of a window, a vertical garden will shade the room from both strong sunlight and inquisitive passersby, as well as creating a lovely view in a crowded urban neighborhood.

4. Vertical gardens may be either trained to grow up an existing fence or supported on purpose-built frames or posts. These green fences will offer you not only privacy and aesthetic appeal, but also noise reduction.

5. You might want to hide unsightly objects on your property, such as garbage cans or an electric meter, with a screen formed by vertical plantings.

6. Indoors, a vertical garden will work as an attractive room divider. Planting in wheeled containers is recommended so that the divider can be moved -- or removed altogether -- according to your needs.

7. Speaking of indoor vertical gardens, adding plants inside your home will serve to improve the air quality. Live greenery removes carbon dioxide and absorbs common indoor pollutants like formaldehyde (yuck!), found in some carpet dyes and wood flooring resins.

8. Vertical gardens lend themselves to the use of repurposed materials. They may be planted in such unusual pots as recycled plastic bottles or old shoe organizers.

Originally posted here:
Vertical gardens offer more than just space saving

Originally published May 23, 2014 at 8:00 PM | Page modified May 24, 2014 at 8:16 AM

Tips for beginning gardeners

Do your homework. Read the description card that comes with each plant or research plants online, says Mary Kulseth, who learned this lesson the hard way. I didnt know that anemones could be so invasive, she says. It took me years to get rid of them.

Mulch a lot. I never liked the look of mulch, but now I swear by cypress mulch, she says. It keeps moisture in and looks nice and neat.

Start small and be flexible. If a plant doesnt work in one spot, try it in another, she says.

Plan ahead. Learn when plants bloom and coordinate plantings for all-summer-long color.

When in doubt, plant day lilies. They are so pretty and hardy, and come in so many colors, says Mary, who has 20 varieties. Strawberry Candy looks good enough to eat.

Consider investing in a watering system. Im glad we have a drip-irrigation system, she says.

Star Tribune (Minneapolis)

In 1999, when Mike and Mary Kulseth built their home in Andover, Minn., all they wanted for their yard was a carefree, low-maintenance landscape.

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Beginners luck: Inexperienced gardeners create beautiful yard

AMES, Iowa Creating a beautiful, functional landscape depends on putting the right plant in the right place.

Which shrubs grow in shade?

Most deciduous shrubs perform best when grown in areas that receive partial to full sun. However, there are shrubs that can be successfully grown in partial shade. Sites in partial shade receive two to four hours of direct sun.

Deciduous shrubs that can be successfully grown in partial shade include; gray dogwood (Cornus racemosa), bush honeysuckle (Diervilla lonicera), fothergilla (Fothergilla spp.), common witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana), smooth hydrangea (Hydrangea arborescens), Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica), Japanese kerria (Kerria japonica), alpine currant (Ribes alpinum), arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum) and American cranberrybush viburnum (Viburnum trilobum).

Yew (Taxus spp.), arborvitae (Thuja spp.) and Russian cypress (Microbiota decussata) are evergreen shrubs that can be grown in partial shade.

Which trees grow in shade?

Deciduous trees that can be successfully grown in partial shade include serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.), American hornbeam (Carpinus caroliniana), redbud (Cercis canadensis), pagoda dogwood (Cornus alternifolia), corneliancherry dogwood (Cornus mas), ironwood (Ostrya virginiana) and hoptree (Ptelea trifoliata). Locations in partial shade receive two to four hours of direct sun each day.

Which shrubs grow well in wet soils?

Deciduous shrubs tolerant of wet soils include red chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia), common sweetshrub (Calycanthus floridus), buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis), summersweet clethra (Clethra alnifolia), gray dogwood (Cornus racemosa), redosier dogwood (Cornus sericea), Virginia sweetspire (Itea virginica), northern bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica), purpleosier willow (Salix purpurea) and arrowwood viburnum (Viburnum dentatum).

Which trees grow well in wet soils?

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Yard and Garden: What will grow where now?

Friday, May 23rd, 2014 Issue 21, Volume 18.

INLAND EMPIRE Palm trees survive well in the Valley and can be found lining majestic driveways as well as providing a tropical, ornamental touch to a front or back yard landscape.

One of the greatest benefits of a palm tree is that it does not lose it leaves all at once and can provide instant beautification to just about any spot in a landscape. Most importantly, palm trees are low maintenance plants. They run a close second to conifers in the level of attention they require beyond the basics. And, to top it off, theyre fairly easy to plant, too.

Let there be light

All plants have preferences when it comes to light. Some like full sun, while others prefer shade. Palm trees are no different. Its important to research the type of palm one is planting; otherwise, the results may be less than satisfactory. Fortunately, there are more varieties of palms than one can shake a frond at they vary in size from small (10 to 20 feet for a Windmill Palm) to very large (the 50 foot tall, aptly-named Queen Palm).

Planting a shade-loving palm in full sun produces a burnt and eventually dead tree; while planting a sun-loving palm in the shade gives you a weaker tree with a thicker trunk and stretched-out leaves.

The highs and lows of temperature

Another concern people have with the tropical-appearing palm is temperature. Actually, palm trees grow in almost all climate zones, depending on the type of palm. As with light, good research into temperature needs or better yet, asking an expert is crucial to having a healthy, happy palm tree.

Soil

Most palms fare pretty well in both soil types, acid or alkaline. There are a few that are more particular in their needs. The Queen Palm, for instance, prefers acidic soil. However, with the amazing variety from which to choose, it should be no problem selecting the perfect tree ones soil type. One piece of advice for all palms: the soil must have good drainage. Using a soil amendment such as Kellogg Palm and Cactus Mix when planting in pots or mix with the native soil when planting the ground will help give the new palms good drainage.

Continued here:
Palms provide feel of the tropics to the Valley

Thursday, May 22nd, 2014 Issue 21, Volume 18.

FALLBROOK Palm trees survive well in Fallbrook and can be found lining majestic driveways as well as providing a tropical, ornamental touch to a front or back yard landscape.

One of the greatest benefits of a palm tree is that it does not lose it leaves all at once and can provide instant beautification to just about any spot in a landscape. Most importantly, palm trees are low maintenance plants. They run a close second to conifers in the level of attention they require beyond the basics. And, to top it off, theyre fairly easy to plant, too.

Let there be light

All plants have preferences when it comes to light. Some like full sun, while others prefer shade. Palm trees are no different. Its important to research the type of palm one is planting; otherwise, the results may be less than satisfactory. Fortunately, there are more varieties of palms than one can shake a frond at they vary in size from small (10 to 20 feet for a Windmill Palm) to very large (the 50 foot tall, aptly-named Queen Palm).

Planting a shade-loving palm in full sun produces a burnt and eventually dead tree; while planting a sun-loving palm in the shade gives you a weaker tree with a thicker trunk and stretched-out leaves.

The highs and lows of temperature

Another concern people have with the tropical-appearing palm is temperature. Actually, palm trees grow in almost all climate zones, depending on the type of palm. As with light, good research into temperature needs or better yet, asking an expert at Grangettos Farm & Garden Supply in Fallbrook is crucial to having a healthy, happy palm tree.

Soil

Most palms fare pretty well in both soil types, acid or alkaline. There are a few that are more particular in their needs. The Queen Palm, for instance, prefers acidic soil. However, with the amazing variety from which to choose, it should be no problem selecting the perfect tree ones soil type. One piece of advice for all palms: the soil must have good drainage.Using a soil amendment such as Kellogg Palm and Cactus Mix when planting in pots or mix with the native soil when planting the ground will help give the new palms good drainage.

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Palms provide feel of the tropics to Fallbrook

cleaning

Ellen Sturm Niz TODAY contributor

7 hours ago

FeaturePics.com

We have all been there: You spent hours planting a flower bed or manicuring the lawn, only to have the family pet wreak havoc on the whole thing. Sharing a yard with a dog or cat does have its challenges, but with a little careful planning, you can create an outdoor space that both humans and animals can enjoy. Check out advice from gardening experts to start this summers outdoor experience off on the right footand paw.

Designate a pet-friendly section

Save yourself the headache and design a landscape around your dog or cats behavior, suggests gardening expert gardenerMelinda Myers.

Take dogs, for instance, who tend to trample over the same patch of grass until its muddy and worn. Instead of planting something beautiful over their stomping grounds, work with the running path.

Mulch to reduce the mud if he has worn the grass down to soil level, Myers says. Then strategically place plantings next to the running path to create some added beauty.

One important thing to note: Avoid cocoa bean mulch, which can be toxic and even deadly to some dogs, and wood mulch, which contains lots of twigs that can puncture your pets mouth, she adds.

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Dog eating the grass? 6 ways to pet proof your lawn and garden

CAROL LINK | SPECIAL TO THE TIMES I snapped a shot of a bird flying around and landing in our backyard. Although I enjoy watching birds, I cant identify many, except for hawks, eagles, owls, redbirds, bluebirds, blackbirds, finches, robins, killdeers, wrens and a few others.

I suppose the word casual would best describe my bird watching. I am not a serious birder or ornithologist by a dictionary definition, but I enjoy watching birds as they flit and float about our yard. I dont watch birds through binoculars or a telescope, although I do use a zoom lens for taking bird photos. Generally, I observe birds with my naked eyes, and I enjoy listening to their songs and chirping.

Because we live on several acres in the country, we have a very large open yard. One recent morning, I looked out the kitchen window and saw what (at first glance) resembled blue Easter eggs scattered on the ground. Quickly, I realized a flock of bluebirds had landed in our yard and were pecking in the grass, nibbling on bird feeders, flying about the yard and sitting on tree limbs.

Ironically, I had seen the same thing a few years ago, only that time, a flock of redbirds had landed in our yard and were dispersed all around.

My thought then was that it appeared as if a load of red Christmas ornaments had been spilled all over the yard.

Early this spring, when Oscar was sitting in the office at the computer desk, directly in front of a window, a hummingbird flew up and hovered, looking at him, as if to ask, Where is my feeder? Im hungry!

Thirty years ago, right after we moved here, Oscar and I were working in the back yard when a mama quail sauntered across the yard, with a group of baby quail running along behind her.

Another time, a small bird slammed into the den window and dropped to the ground. From the window, I could see the little bird, lying on the ground, completely still, appearing to be dead. Oscar went out and picked up the little bird, placing him in the palm of his hand. The bird was lifeless. Using his index finger, ever so gently, Oscar rubbed the birds chest. First, the bird moved a little, then he aroused completely and flew away. Oscar had performed CPR on a bird and saved his life.

Each year, in early spring, to make sure each little hummingbird is well-nourished until they migrate south in the fall, we hang nectar feeders from the back porch. We can see the tiny birds from our kitchen table as they feed. Watching them is one of Oscars favorite pastimes. At times, though, he gets frustrated because there always is a bully sitting on a wrought iron post, protecting the feeders from all comers and chasing the other birds away, in an attempt to keep all the sugar-water for itself.

To attract birds to our landscape, we have situated colorful birdhouses throughout. A couple of bird feeders are suspended from a tree out back, another one is hanging in the gazebo and bird baths are in several locations.

Continue reading here:
CAROL LINK: Make your landscape attractive to birds with color, feeders, plants

The yard is blah.

It needs a certain something to give it curb appealand make it more useful and enjoyable.

But dont expect to grab shovels, trees and paving bricks at the local big box, spend a weekend afternoon horsing stuff around and then getting a satisfactory result.

To get a good resultwhether a do it yourself project or letting the landscaping professionals do itit takes a number of steps, but one in particular: Planning.

Dont start landscaping without a plan even if you intend to do the work in stages, HGTV advises in 7 Top Landscaping Donts. Know where your hardscaping (the inanimate features of the yard) needs to go, allow room for access by delivery or work vehicles, and, where theres going to heavy traffic, put plants in last.

Thus, delay the trip to Lowes, the Home Depot or one of the areas several greenhouses before beginning. Remember, people go to school to learn how to landscape properlyand artistically.

Further, landscaping is more than just some trees, shrubs, flowers and a weed-free lawn. As Topeka Landscape notes on its website at topekalandscape.com, the choice of landscaping elements is broad: deciduous trees and shrubs, evergreen trees and shrubs, vines and groundcovers, grasses, perennials, annuals, rock, walls and patios.

Add in further luxury items like fountains, pools, fire pits, kitchens, walkways, fancy planters and gazebos and the complexity of the project compounds.

Though a simple or complicated plan, one local horticulturist and landscaper says having a design focal point is key.

Its a point of interest that youre creating, said Kirk McFadden of Urban Prairie Lawn in Eudora, Kansas. You want something thats a little out of the norm. Thats where your eye will go.

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At Home Living: Careful landscaping creates curb appeal