VT (for all of my design-obsessed peeps)

VT (for all of my design-obsessed peeps): VT 1.6.13 : imagecourtesynotesondesign.tumblr To say that trees are the slowest-growing of all plants is misleading.  Just because a tree might tak...

imagecourtesynotesondesign.tumblr To say that trees are the slowest-growing of all plants is misleading.  Just because a tree might take a century, or even more, to reach its ultimate height does not mean that it is slow, just big!  But woody plants do vary enormously in the speed at which they grow and the slowest can frustrate your efforts to achieve early maturity.  This does not mean that the fastest are necessarily the best to choose.  Rapid shrubs can be coarse and leggy, or can be immature even though they get large quickly.  These may be useful for a quick-growing shelter belt on the edge of the property.  For the central part of design, there is more to making the best selection than going for the fastest growers.  We need artistic merit as well as speed. Nigel Colborn, 'Shortcuts To Great Gardens'

VT (for all of my design-obsessed peeps): VT 31.5.13 : imagecourtesygiftsoflife.tumblr Although purists may insist on native plants, a well-planned woodland garden can carry exotic wild spec...

imagecourtesygiftsoflife.tumblr Although purists may insist on native plants, a well-planned woodland garden can carry exotic wild species and even certain hybrids without losing its natural look.  The secret is to use plants which give the impression of being wild--plants with small simple flowers and foliage which is not abnormally marked. In the wild, woodland plants grow where there is a natural covering of leaf litter.  In an artificial wild garden, such plants as primroses, trilliums and epimediums grow better with plenty of organic matter in the soil.  Fertilizer will ruin the character of wild flowers. Nigel Colborn, 'Shortcuts To Great Gardens'

VT (for all of my design-obsessed peeps): VT 30.5.13 : imagecourtesygiftsoflife.tumblr Steps, too, can make strong central features.  A slope, a drop or indeed any difference in levels is an...

imagecourtesygiftsoflife.tumblr Steps, too, can make strong central features.  A slope, a drop or indeed any difference in levels is an invaluable asset in garden design, subdividing the area and thus increasing the interest quotient.  A stairway through a gap in the wall draws attention to itself and, if it has to be there, is better made grandiose than understated! Nigel Colborn, "Shortcuts To Great Gardens'

VT (for all of my design-obsessed peeps): VT 29.5.13 : imagecourtesygiftsoflife.tumblr Water is the stuff of life.  From a biological point of view, every living being needs it to surviv...