Practice what you preach?

The world of Garden design is chock full of talented people from all walks of life, and from all corners of the globe. And depending upon one’s perspective, the approach to designing a garden might follow a certain criteria to success. But does this mean that there are hard and fast rules? And (for the purposes of this post), do artistic denizens of Garden Design practice what they preach on their own Gardens? Well the answer to each of these questions is a definitive Yes…. and No. You see, just like the “Pirates Code” in the Pirates of the Caribbean, these rules  ” is more what you’d call “guidelines” than actual rules”.

Here are a few of the rules… er guidelines that I follow when designing a Garden:

The Garden must match the surroundings. A garden or landscape should appear to fit comfortably into its space, and should complement the architecture of the home. The transition of that, which is designed, be it house or garden, should appear seamless, to that which is nature.

The soft tones of Boston City Hall pavers, and the blue of Nepeta create a pleasing entranceway.

The design should address realistic expectations of the client’s interaction with the garden. For the client with a green thumb (or even a want of a green thumb) bold swaths of perennials can be combined with shrubs and even vegetables. For those with little time or desire to work in the garden, lovely conifers, shrubs and a smattering of perennials will require little maintenance. For the entertainers, a patio garden and lawn space will provide ample room to play.

Bold swaths of perennials capture the remains of the day.

It should embody Genius Loci. Genius Loci, or sense of place, ties the garden to the heritage of its site. Alluding to the past can be a powerful design element when creating a garden. Experiencing the history of the site connects us to the life force of garden.

This Brownstone slab was found three feet below ground, when digging the corner pier for this porch. It now stands as a welcome reminder of what lay beneath this garden.

Finally, to paraphrase Captain Barbossa, there really are no rules, so have fun, and create something you will connect with and enjoy!

For myself, I do follow these guidelines at home, but it seems the one I am most successful with is Genius Loci, as evidenced by the wagon wheel in the picture below. It came with the house, and was soon placed against this sugar maple. That was over ten years ago now, and every time I pass by I am reminded of those that brought it here, and I hope they are happy with my efforts.

A lingering reminder.

This post was inspired by friend and fellow Garden Designer Susan L. Morrison of Creative Exteriors Landscape Design in the San Francisco area. She recently proposed a question to me and two other of our colleagues, Susan Cohan of Susan Cohan Gardens in New Jersey, and Rebecca Sweet of Harmony in the Garden, also in the San Francisco area. The question: Do designers practice what they preach? She then suggested we all post our responses on our blogs at the same time. It’s a great idea Susan thanks, it’s an honor to be included with three very talented designers

You can read each of their responses here:

Susan L. Morrison    Blue Planet Garden Blog

Susan Cohan     Miss Rumphius’ Rules

Rebecca Sweet     Gossip in the Garden

Thank you, dear reader,  for sharing this time with us, and I sincerely hope that you are happy with the garden you’ve created. Please leave a comment below and let us know.

Regards,

Scott Hokunson

www.blueheronlandscapes.com

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Fall Images from a Cornfield

On a recent walk through a nearby cornfield, I came across these irrigation reels. I really love the size and scale of this setting. It had me thinking of all that had come to pass in that field over the course of the year, and that in a few short months, how different and hopeful this scene would become. No matter the size of the garden, there is always inspiration to be found. Enjoy!

 

 

Here’s hoping you get your garden tucked in before the freeze,

Scott

www.blueheronlandscapes.com

 

A Thankful Garden!

All the world’s a garden, and all the men and women merely gardeners. With apologies to the Bard of Avon, that is how I prefer to think of the existence we have carved out here on this planet. As I was on my way to Costco this morning, it struck me, that although my little portion of the garden had suffered quite a few setbacks of late I had much to be thankful for. So in the spirit of Thanksgiving, a holiday that increasingly and annoyingly, has become simply a preamble to Christmas, I would like to share with you, some of what I am thankful for this year.

I am continuously thankful for all that nature has to offer. I am always amazed at the wonder to be found both far and near to home. Thank you Mother Nature.

Cattails backlit by the sun on a recent walk on the Bike Path

I am thankful that my business has survived this economy. Reading daily of the many businesses that close, reminds me that I am lucky to have the customers I do, and that they are a patient and appreciative. Thank you, dear clients.

The Blue Heron crew working on the Fox 61 Backyard Makeover project.

I am thankful for the many new contacts and friends I have made this year through social media. Upon sticking my toe into the social media pool last year, I thought it much too cold to enjoy, but I was wrong. I have interacted and met with many new interesting, warm and funny people from all corners of the earth, and from many different professions. Thank you Twitter and Facebook friends.

Twitter group on the New Engalnd Garden Tweetup at Innisfree

Mostly, as you might have guessed, I am thankful for my family. I am blessed with a successful and compassionate wife, two healthy children, and very supportive parents. I would not be the person I am today, without the influence of each member of my family. Thank you family members, you are my strength.

The Family at graduation.

So in spite of the doom and gloom spread across the airways these days, I will be thankful for what I have, a Garden that produces in any soil, no matter how much rain it receives, and no matter how infrequently it is tended.

I am also thankful that you dear reader have found your way to this post. Please consider leaving a comment before you go, and share with us that which you are thankful for.

May your garden always florish!

Scott

www.blueheronlandscapes.com

Garden Blogger’s Bloom Day For November

As Autumn slowly fades into winter here in Southern New England, we find fewer and fewer blossoms for Garden Blogger’s Bloom Day. That doesn’t leave us devoid of color and interest though, for despite being far past peak foliage color, there are still many wonders to behold in the garden. With that thought in mind, I ventured out with camera in hand to capture the beauty that is the turn of the season.

 

I hope you find as much enjoyment as I do in the following photos. Remember, you can click on each to see a larger version.

 

Though the Bee covered yellow frosting from late summer has passed, the spent flower heads of Goldenrod (Solidago) still provide us interest. They almost resemble cotton waiting to be picked.

Solidago

 The common name Fleabane, does not do the lovely flowers of Erigeron justice. Here still putting on a display mid-November.

Erigeron

 We have been using several different Coral Bells (Heuchera) in containers the last few years, and one of our favorites is ‘Caramel’. It’s foliage is a wonderful contrast to the annuals and Hostas it’s been pared with. This container, on its last legs of the season, is still looking vibrant thanks to the many wonderful shades of color provided by ‘Caramel’

Heuchera 'Caramel'

 Not to be outlasted, our Scabiosa ochroleuca, will just not turn in for the season!

Scabiosa ochroleuca

 Looking weary and a bit haggard, but still festive, Swamp Sunflower is holding on, adding color to the ever increasingly dull hues of late fall.

Helianthus angustifolius 'Gold Lace'

Not all plants shun fall and winter, the Common Witchhazel (Hamamelis virginiana) does not bloom until this time of year. Its crinkly spider like blooms here are glistenig from last night’s rain.

Hamamelis virginiana

A star of late Autumn, Winterberry Holly (Ilex verticillata) explodes this time of year. Found on the edge of wet meadows and woodlands, the bright red berries will continue to draw our attention until every last one is gobbled up by our avian friends.

Ilex verticillata

On the edge of our meadow, I found the following plant. I’m not quite sure what it is, but  am completely mesmerized by the whispy structure and the wonderful tan and brown hues of the foliage. What a wonderfully welcome volunteer to have made its home here.

One of our meadow volunteers

So there you have it, the last of the 2009 blooms from our garden. I hope you have enjoyed these posts as much as I have enjoyed sharing them with you. If you have, then fear not, for there will all sorts of frozen wonders to explore as we venture out into the winter garden, stay tuned.

 

See you in the Garden,

Scott

www.blueheronlandscapes.com

 

 

Invasive Fall Color

We have all been told of the dangers posed to the environment by invasive species. Zebra Mussels threaten our waterways, Tall reed grass is ruining our marshlands, and bordering any interstate, you’ll find Asian Bittersweet, Kudzu and Grape Vines. These offenders are easy for us to come to grips with, but not so those plants still sold in our nurseries and garden centers, and beloved for generations. Plants like Barberry and Burning Bush.

Burning Bush Covers a woodland hillside in North Granby, CT.

 Early spring is the time to get a glimpse of Barberries invasiveness, but now, in Autumn, is the time for Burning Bush. Sold for years as for it’s red foliage in the fall, Burning Bush (Euonymous alatus compactus) is used everywhere. It is planted next to bridges on the highway, used a a splash of color in the mixed border, and ironically widely used as a staple of the woodland garden because of its shade tolerance.

Burning Bush shades out native plant species and reduces the biodiversity of the woodland.

Ironic, because it is here in the woodland, that Burning Bush poses the biggest problem. Thriving wthout the threat of major disease or pests, Burning Bush spreads fast and covers the forest floor, shading out the meager streams of light so needed by the native vegetation. It so thoroughly infests, that it effectively limits the diversity of flora, and in turn the fauna that make a healthy ecosystem.

Next time you think you need a plant with great red fall color, I hope you will turn your back on the Burning Bush for something equally as impressive, but not aggressive. Consider the elegant Enkianthus, or one of my personal favorites, and a great native, High Bush Blueberry. Ooh I can almost taste the blueberry cobler now……

 

Enjoy the Autumn color!

Scott

www.blueheronlandscapes.com

 

 

 

 

 

Garden Bloggers Bloom Day for October

As October’s cool temperatures settle in, we find the garden slowly winding down for the season. Most plants have finished blooming, and many begin to die back with the onset of winter. But there is color to be found in the fall landscape, and oh so much more than the chrysanthemums that are found on every doorstep. Brilliant foliage, colorful berries, and even a few perennial flowers take center stage deep into the autumn season. And so, as the skies turn gray, and you feel a hint of snow this October, I hope you find enjoyment in these pictures of our autumn garden.

 

Remember you can click on each image to see a larger version.

 

Fall is the time for the Swamp Sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius) And ‘Gold Lace’ is putting on a show as we speak. Towering in the garden to a height of 6-8′ its bright yellow blossoms thrive in the moist soil of our meadow.

Helianthus 'Gold Lace'

Bolton’s Aster (Boltonia asteroides ‘Snowbank’) is still managing to paint the garden with its white asterlike blossoms.

Boltonia ‘Snowbank’

Even the shaded areas of the garden offer up a display late in the season, as eveidenced by the Cinnamon Fern (Osmunda cinnomomea). It lacy dark green foliage explodes in the fall, lighting up the dark corners with its golden brown hues. Visible from across the yard, it provides a welcome greeting home.

Osmunda cinnamomea

A plant I’m sure many of you have seen along the woodland and wetland edges, the Winterberry holly begins to make itself known to the caasual viewer. Its bright red berries will hang on the branches well after the foliage drops. That is, until our bird friends clean each branch, leaving only the stem until next spring’s leafout.

Ilex verticillata

Blue Shadow Fothergilla (Fothergilla ‘Blue Shadow’) is a wonderful small shrub in the mixed border. It’ early creamy bottle brush flowers, give way to soft powder blue foliage, that eventually erupts as though it were a Sugar Maple. Reds, yellows and oranges consume the plant in autumn before finally dropping to the ground leaving an attractive branching habit to enjoy all winter. Truely a four season gem!

Fothergilla ‘Blue Shadow’

Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia), a native vine, grows wildly in the woods surrounding our yard. This time of year it also turns a deep red, and is visible from many parts of the garden. Look for this beautiful vine climbing a white birch, and you will see Mother Nature at her creative best.

Parthenocissus quinquefolia

What would fall in New england be without maples. This Red Maple (Acer rubrum) never fails to impress, and is commented by nearly all who visit.

Acer rubrum

 

May you all find enjoyment in your Autumn Landscapes!

 

Scott

www.blueheronlandscapes.com

Bloom Day for September

September 15th was Garden Blogger’s Bloomday, a day I spent dealing with with truck problems which prevented me from posting in time. Now, it’s a couple of days late, but what the heck, I went to all this trouble so you might as well enjoy the show. Some of the pictures below are from our yard, some are from the meadow we are coaxing along, and some are from our nursery area, but regardless, whether they’re ours, mother nature’s, or are waiting for someone else’s yard to call home, they still brighten my day. I hope they brighten yours also! 

 

Click on each picture for a closer look at each these beauties! 

 

 Sedum cauticola has performed well for us on our deck in this old cedar planter.  

 

Sedum ‘Matrona’ is well on its way from pink to red and eventually russet in color.

 

 

Boltonia asteroides ‘Snowbank’ is just beginning to bloom. Next week this Bolton’s Aster will be covered with white blossoms.

 

 

Goldenrod has been keeping the meadow buzzing for about two months.

 

 

Rudbeckia ‘Henry Eilers’, a very unique petal.

 

 

Lobelia cardinalis is a Hummingbird and butterfly magnet!

 

 

Geranium ‘Rozanne’ began flowering in June, and will continue through October. She really has staying power!

 

 

Eupatorium perfoliatum – This Boneset is doing well at the edge of the meadow.

 

 

A favorite of mine! Cimicifuga simplex ‘Pink Spike’. Dark foliage and tall pink tinted flowers are a dramatic addition to the shade border.

 

 

Chelone obliqua – Pink Turtleheads, need I say more?

 

 

The white Wood Aster (Aster divaricatus) has been thriving on te edge of our woods for years.

 

 

Lastly, one of my all time favorites, Aster novae-angliae ‘Alma Poetschke’ A old fashioned stunner in the natural garden!

 

 

 

Thanks for sharing our garden, I hope to see you in yours one day!

 

Scott

www.blueheronlandscapes.com

 

 

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Bloom Day for August!

Today is Garden Bloggers Bloom day for August, A time we share what’s blooming in our gardens with the world. Enjoy!

 

 

 

Buddleia 'Black Knight'

Hemerocallis ‘Chicago Apache’

Lobelia cardinalis

Echinacea – assorted

Hydrangea ‘Endless Summer’

Liatris ‘Floristan White’

 

 

 

 

 

See you amongst the flowers!

 

Scott

www.blueheronlandscapes.com

More RAIN!

Another day of rain yesterday, and honestly, I am struggling to find the silver lining. Here are a few positives; the reservoirs are full, lawns are staying green and the irrigation systems are not being used as much (Yeah!), most of the wet weather has been spaced out enough to limit basement water (Double Yeah!). What I am most excited about though is the crop of mushrooms that have appeared in our yard. Have a look!

 

 

 

 

 

It’s Hard to outdo Mother Nature, when it comes to simple beauty, and I look forward to moments like these. Truly, it’s the little things that make life enjoyable.

 

See you in the mushroom garden,

Scott

www.blueheronlandscapes.com

When the cat’s away…..

Recent events have kept me from attending to all the details that keep each project moving along smoothly, and that has caused there to be a little downtime for the crew. When faced with idle time in the past, I could usually trust that my crew would keep themselves busy in some sort of constructive fashion. My current crew, consisting of 2 college aged males on the otherhand, upon finding themselves with some empty time, decided they would rather exercise their ceative muscles. When instructed to move an existing pile of brick, they instead decided to build a monument any mason was sure to be proud of. So, move it they did. All that was left was to sit back and soak up the accolades.

So my friends, I give you – “Pile of Brick”, by Justin and Mike.

 

 

Now in the past, I may have over reacted to this kind of “tom-foolery”, but I have matured over the years, and have learned to accept things for what they are. After all, they could have used their idle time in all manner of degenerate ways (that’s a story for another time!).  No, this time I took into account that the customer was fairly amused, and that their actions didn’t leave me with any repairs or the need to replace anything (which is also a story for another time!), instead I focused on the positive, and….. promoted them.

I am pleased to introduce the new Vice President and Executive Assisant, of material storage and brick stacking for Blue Heron! (I’ll let them decide which is which).

 

 

Now if I could only find their time cards……..

 See you in thegarden!

 Scott

www.blueheronlandscapes.com