Posts Tagged ‘naturalistic planting in the south’
The Crinum of Downton Abbey
Victorian Britain was the epicenter of fashion, trends, politics, and horticulture. Natural history and plants were serious studies, serious hobbies for the rich. Sailors, explorers, and traders brought plants from all over the world to tempt rich collectors. An abundant supply of coal meant hot-houses and conservatories allowed for tropical plant gardening. Those collectors who…
Read MoreTransition from Turf to Meadow Using Spring Annuals as First Step
When I first met with the owners of Blue Poppy Farm, we stood surrounded by endless turf. They said, “We ride the horses into the woods around here and it’s so beautiful out there. ” Can you make this look more like that?” The transition will take years. The long term goal includes Sandhills meadow…
Read MoreSeptember is Still Summer
Late summer here extends into September and October. Plants love it. This is the best time of year for gardens in the south. I like to garden visit now, everything is full and flowing, purple and orange, dripping with the weight of summer growth and buzzing with moths and the energy of life. Here are…
Read MorePlants for Deep South Meadows
You know those meadows that you see in magazines? The ones that beckon pick-nickers with knee high whispering grasses and painterly masses of wildflowers? The kind of meadow you might skip through, roll in, take off your shirt and nap with your dog in? In the Deep South, we only have those in calendars and…
Read MoreParking Lots Become Parking Gardens
Form might follow function. But too often in designing parking lots, many important functions get ignored. In parking lots, nothing but parking and getting customers in the door seems to matter. Whatever happened to the very important functions of pedestrian safety, rainwater run off, shading cars and providing beauty? And whatever happend to the function…
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