Do You Know What Xeriscaping Is?

Xeriscape is derived from the Greek word xeros, which means dry. Xeriscaping and zero gardening refer to landscaping and gardening in such a manner as to reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental water from irrigation.

Areas that do not have a readily accessible, exemplary, or reliable source of freshwater need xeriscaping .That is a popular concept in the arid portions of the United States. As our climate patterns shift, it is gaining acceptance in other areas.

Xeriscaping refers to a method of landscape design that minimizes water consumption. The Denver Water employees coined the phrase in 1970.

In essence, xeriscaping uses plants whose natural requirements are appropriate to the local climate, and care is taken to avoid losing water to evaporation and run-off. The specific plants used in xeriscaping depend upon the climate.

The Denver xeriscape concept is based on seven principles:

1. Plan and design – create a plot plan showing your landscape's significant elements, including the house, driveway, deck or patio, existing trees, and other elements.

2. Soil – most plants benefit from the use of compost; yet, some desert plants prefer gravel soils instead of well-amended soils. Remember plants should fit your soil, or you need to amend it to fit the plants.

3. Efficient irrigation – You can do this manually or with an automatic sprinkler system. It requires a bit of planning to ensure that the correct type of sprinklers is used. Spray, drip lines, or bubbler emitters are most efficient for watering trees, shrubs, flowers, and ground covers. Make sure to water deeply and infrequently to develop a deep root system. Watering during the day is a NO because most water disappears via evaporation.

4. Correct plant and zone selection – the different areas in your yard receive different amounts of light, wind, and moisture. To reduce water waste, group plants with the same light and water requirements and place them in an area that matches their needs. Place moderate water use plants in low-lying drainage areas, near rain gutter downspouts, or in the shade of other plants. A giant water hog is your lawn, and shrub/perennial beds will require about half of the water. Dry, sunny areas support low water use plants.

5. Mulch – mulch is your yard's best friend. It keeps plant roots cool, prevents soil from crusting, minimizes evaporation, and, every bit helps, reduces weed growth. Organic mulches should be applied 2 to 4 inches thick, and inorganic, such as rocks, should be applied 2 to 3 inches deep. Remember surrounding plants with rock tends to make the area hotter, which is not a good practice.

6. Use an alternative turf – native grasses (warm season) cultivated for turf lawns, such as buffalo grass, can survive with a quarter of the water bluegrass varieties require. Use the appropriate grass and limit the amount of grass to reduce the watering and maintenance requirements.

7. Maintenance – the dreaded word for us gardeners and landscapers alike. Well, all landscapes require some degree of care during the year. Your turf needs aeration and regular fertilization every 6 to 8 weeks in the spring and fall. The turf height should be kept at 3 inches, and let the clippings fall. Trees, shrubs, and perennials will require occasional pruning to remove dead stems, promote blooming or control height and spread. Most of the removed plant material can be shredded and used in your composting piles.

How can one start or seek assistance in proper plant selection? Contact your local nursery or an online nursery at tnnursery.net.

Source of Information on Xeriscaping

https://www.tnnursery.net

 

Old Fashion Snowball - TN Nursery

Old Fashion Snowball

Old Fashion Snowball is a showy deciduous shrub prized for its spherical clusters of large, flashy, sterile white flowers that resemble snowballs, adding charm and elegance to gardens and landscapes. It is a versatile and aesthetically pleasing shrub that offers numerous benefits when incorporated into landscaping. The old-fashioned snowball is a flowering shrub that was a mainstay in residential yards decades ago. Many people may remember these eye-catching shrubs when visiting their older relatives' houses. Of course, if you've never heard of this shrub, you may be surprised to learn that it's been around for centuries. It was first introduced into the United States in the 1700s. Its botanical name is Viburnum Opulus, and it's prized for its large white flowers. Other names for this bush include the Japanese or European bush. Prized Features of the Old Fashion Snowball Viburnum Opulus is a flowering shrub. Its large, round flowers, which have a three-inch diameter, are prevalent in late spring and summer. The flowers are initially green, then turn white and sometimes pink. These shrubs can reach heights of between six and 12 feet. In the fall, the green leaves turn red and purple, which helps give this bush three-season appeal. Best Landscaping Uses For Old Fashion Snowball Landscapers and gardeners can plant this vibrant bush anywhere they have space in their yard. Due to their lush foliage, they look best along fencelines and as focal points in medium—to large yards. They also make incredible living privacy fences. Old Fashion Snowball Is Great For Pollinator Gardens Old Fashion Snowball is a great shrub to add if you're looking to attract more bees and butterflies to your home. The pollen and nectar attract butterflies and bees, and the red fruit and its seeds attract birds, which is excellent for the birdwatcher in your family. Since Old Fashion Snowball can grow to a height of 12 feet, gardeners may want to choose plants to fill the void created by the shrub's stem and foliage. Great plants to plant under the Viburnum Opulus include lobelia, bacopa, and alyssum. Additionally, smaller bushes and shrubs usually do well under the viburnum. Gardeners can also plant vica vines and English ivy around these bushes. Gardeners who want to turn their yards into a botanical show will love the Viburnum Opulus. They're prized for their large round flowers and three-season appeal.

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Lilac Shrub - TN Nursery

Lilac Shrub

Lilac Shrubs are beloved for their fragrant blooms and versatile nature and offer various benefits when integrated into landscaping designs. Its striking appearance, captivating fragrance, adaptability, and contribution to the overall aesthetic and sensory experience make it a sought-after choice for enhancing outdoor spaces. The Lilac Shrub blooms in early spring. When you see it, you know that summer is not far away. Here's why this plant is so popular. Lilac Shrub Offers Perfume in the Air Many people find the intoxicating fragrance of them romantic. The aroma is fresh, clean, and powerful but not overpowering or cloying. Instead, it smells breezy, gentle, and refreshing. The scent is easy to identify because it is so unique. For many, it's reminiscent of childhood when the world was redesigned. Just one bouquet can create a refreshingly crisp scent in any room. The breezy floral fragrance can lift you, and the magical aroma adds another layer of charm to your home. Lilac Shrub Blooms Early Spring  The standard type may be the most beautiful of all the early spring flowering trees. The large clusters of tiny flowers are often pale purple but bloom in other shades. Yellow blooms are thrilling to the eye. The bright yellow flowers and their captivating perfume are almost too stunning to behold. These shrubs can make even a lackluster landscape look amazing. For such a show-stopping plant, they are surprisingly sturdy. They will grow anywhere and happily prosper in almost any soil, climate, or condition. Because these blooms are hardy, they need little attention and are virtually indestructible. They don't need watering, and they're highly drought-resistant. Many bushes still flourish where they were initially planted on the grounds of old homesteads. The farmhouses are long gone, but the plants continue to thrive. Because they can live for decades, they're a great addition to any property you intend to pass on to future generations. Lilac Shrub's Come In Many Shapes & Sizes  Lilac Shrubs come in a multitude of sizes and shapes. Mini bushes for smaller city gardens reach four feet, while the typical pastel purple plants can reach 15 feet. The showy plant fits in nicely and makes a strong statement almost anywhere. They will delight the eye for years to come.

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6 Pack -Pennsylvania Sedge Plugs - TN Nursery

6 Pack - Pennsylvania Sedge Plugs

Pennsylvania Sedge is a versatile, low-maintenance ground cover that transforms any space into a lush and enchanting haven. With its graceful appearance, adaptability, and numerous ecological benefits, it is an excellent choice for residential and commercial landscaping projects. Pennsylvania Sedge Is a Weeping Beauty It blooms from May to July each year. The blossoms usually feature white, green, or brown flowers. The grass can reach 20 inches tall and has a creeping growth habit with varying textures. Female spikes have lengthy, white, thread-like styles, while male spikes are about an inch long and have creamy-yellow stamens. The leaves stay pale green during spring, turning a golden-tan hue during fall. Use Pennsylvania Sedge For the Health of Your Soil Its horizontally spreading roots extend deep into the earth. This allows the roots to loosen compacted soil, improving its structure by increasing aeration and drainage. On slopes and other regions vulnerable to erosion, these roots also do an excellent job of retaining soil. As the plants mature and die back, the decaying leaves and broken roots provide organic material for the soil. This organic material stimulates microbial activity, increases soil moisture retention, and improves soil fertility. Because of its naturally low growth pattern, it forms thick clusters of leaves. And because these plants are thin and pliable, they spill over the sides of paths and flower beds with elegance. When used along edges and borders, this quality works well to create a weeping or cascading impression. Their evergreen leaves' year-round color and texture add color and vitality to borders and pathways. Their feathery-soft leaves have a thin, delicate texture contrasting with the border's other hardscape features and plants. This characteristic draws the eye and creates a sense of depth in landscaping and garden areas. Eliminate Weeds With Pennsylvania Sedge Shrubby is densely clustered, providing both cover and shade for the ground. This kind of dense growth can reduce the establishment and development of weeds by outcompeting them for nutrients, space, and sunshine. Many people use Pennsylvania Sedge to help with spring weed management and to keep annual weeds to a minimum in the winter.

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