Using Plants in the Landscape

1
Using Plants in the Landscape

• Section 7

2
Annual Bedding Plants

• Unit 25

3
Objectives

• Identify four uses of annual flowers
• Design a bed layout using annual flowers
• Explain the steps in preparing the soil for
  annual flowers
• List the six steps in the aftercare of annual
  flowers
• Demonstrate proper transplanting techniques for
  annual flowers

4
General Info

• Annuals are plants that complete their life cycle
  in 1 year
• Starts from seeds, grows blooms, sets seed, and
  dies in 1 season
• Flowering plants are more often used in
  landscapes
• The market for annual bedding plants has grown in
  the last 10 years

5
Flowering Annuals

• Create a colorful landscape
• Figure 25-2
• Flowering annuals are used to
• Provide a mass of color around a house
  foundation in flower beds, or in front of
  evergreens
• Fill spaces between shrub plantings or
  other perennials and give color when these plants
  are not blooming
• Provide color in bulb beds after the bulbs
  have bloomed
• Supply cut flowers
• Plant along fences or walks
• Create seasonal color

6
Selecting Flowering Annuals

• First consider the purpose of the plant and where
  it is to be planted
• Consider height
• Select plants w/ colors that will blend in well
  with one another

7
Planting Hanging Baskets

• Baskets range from 4 to 14 inches
• Must have adequate drainage holes
• Plant 1 less plant than the size of pot
• Ex. In an 8 pot, plant 6 annuals around the
  outside of the basket and 1 in the center

8
Planning and Designing a Flower Bed

• Flower beds range in size and design according to
  individual needs and preferences
• Figure 25-6

9
Preparing the Soil

• Prepare soil in the fall
• Dont let bed dry out completely when dug
• Before preparing new beds, test the soil for
  drainage
• Dig a 10 hole and fill it w/ water fill again
  the 2nd day, if all water is not gone w/in 10 hrs
  on the 2nd day, drainage is a problem

10
Seeding

• Most annuals are seeded indoors
• Plants are set outside in the flower bed as soon
  as the danger of frost has passed
• Plants that can be seeded outdoors should be sown
  as early in spring as possible
• Soil should be 60 degrees before setting plants
  outdoors
• Plant seedlings at about the same depth as they
  were in starting container

11
Perennials, Ornamentals Grass, Vines, Bamboo,
and Prairie Gardens

• Unit 26

12
Perennials

• Perennials are plants that live from year to year
  and do not require replanting
• Some bloom in 1st year but most produce larger
  more attractive flowers and develop stronger root
  systems
• Demand for perennials has expanded due to the
  growing public interest in gardening and
  landscaping and desire for plants that come back
  every year

13
Perennial Beds and Location

• Bed should 1st be designed on paper to fit the
  garden area
• Guidelines p. 276
• Use and island bed w/ an informal-shaped
  border, surrounded with a lawn area
• Use a perennial border planted along a fence
  or property line as a divider
• Be sure to consider all factors soil, light, and
  view

14
Selection

• Should be selected by personal preference, color
  scheme, texture, shape, growth habit and the
  microclimate of the area
• Ask advice from a professional
• Mass plants in groups of 3, 5, 9, or more for a
  full appearance

15
Designing a Perennial Garden

• Consider Soil, time of blooming, and space
• Have a plant list including the colors and
  varieties best suited

16
Soil Prep and Fertilizing

• Perennials live in the same soil for years so
  soil prep is important
• Organic matter and drainage are important
• Fertilizer should be dug in at 1 foot deep

17
Mulching

• Creates aesthetics that enhance the perennials
• Source of organic matter
• Helps control weeds
• Conserves moisture
• Promotes even ground temps

18
Ornamental grasses

• Excellent for use as accents and make attractive
  edging

19
Vines

• Used to mask various landscape features and
  create a flowing effect throughout the garden
• Soften the appearance of walls, fences, porches,
  etc.
• Effective where space is limited

20
Prairie Gardening

• Natives, annuals, biennials and perennials are
  used
• Prairie Plants are grown informally in a meadow
  environment
• Attract butterflies, songbirds and other wildlife
• Special seed mixes are available

21
Narrowleaf Evergreens

• Unit 27

22
Objectives

• Identify and plant narrowleaf evergreens in the
  landscape
• Differentiate between the 2 types of narrowleaf
  evergreen leaves
• List 4 reasons for using narrowleaf evergreens in
  the landscape
• Describe the primary purpose of a lath house
• Describe the proper fertilizer practices for
  narrowleaf evergreens
• Demonstrate the proper procedure for planting
  narrowleaf evergreens
• Calculate fertilizers 3 active ingredients of
  nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium

23
General Info

• Narrowleaf Evergreens are a popular landscape
  plant because they remain green year-round
• Adaptable to various soil types and weather
• Leaves can be needlelike or scale like

24
Uses

• Standard choice for foundation plantings because
  of year-round green foliage
• Also boundary plants to accent borderlines of
  property
• Also used to screen a view of a less attractive
  area or
• Control air currents

25
Care

• Narrowleaf evergreens are grown in nurseries
• They are shipped 3 diff. Ways
• Bare root (BR)
• Shipped while seedlings
• Balled and Burlapped (BB)
• May be moved at almost any time of the year,
  except when plant has shoots or few growth or
  when ground is frozen
• As Container Stock (C)
• To maintain healthy plants, they should be
  watered regularly and stored in a lath house
• Lath house gives protection from sun to control
  transpiration

26
Planting Balled and Burlapped Plants

• Holes should be 1 ½ to 2 times as large as the
  ball of soil
• Ball of tree is set 1 above soil line
• Add prepared soil in and around the root ball
  until covered
• When hole is 2/3 filled w/ soil, fill it w/ water
  and let it soak
• Finish filling the hole

27
Planting containerized trees

• Planted the same as balled and burlapped trees
  except
• 1) Container is removed from tree roots
• 2) after container is removed, check if the roots
  are pot-bound, if yes, it is necessary to cut the
  roots to encourage growth
• Pot-bound the root ball will be excessively
  tight

28
Staking

• Staking evergreens is important because it gives
  the tree needed support to allow the root system
  to become established
• A 10 tree should be staked using 2- 5-6 stakes
  that can stay in the ground for 2 years

29
Fertilizing

• Fertilize 3-6 pounds of 5-10-10 per 100 square ft
  placed in a circle under the drip line at the
  outer end of the branches
• Do so before new growth starts in the spring
• After applying fertilizer, water w/ a garden hose
  sprinkler

30
Watering

• Need to be watered every 10 to 14 days during the
  1st year

31
Pruning

• Pruning individual branches give a natural
  informal appearance
• Shearing is done as when shaping a hedge
• Ends of all small branches are clipped to shape
  the edges of the plant in straight lines

32
Characteristics Listed on Landscaping Lists

• Trees on lists are listed according to height
• Hardiness Indicates where plant can be grown in
  the US
• Foliage color color of the plant
• Vary from light to dark green
• Period of interest time of year which plant is
  most attractive

33
List (cont)

• Landscape use indicates how a particular plant
  is used in the landscape
• Ground cover refers to plants that are used to
  cover the ground (prevent erosion)
• Foundation planting refers to plants that are
  used around buildings to help accent the
  buildings
• Rock Garden refers to plants used in gardens in
  a rocky environment
• Specimen plants refer to plants that are used
  alone for their own beauty
• Screen plant an hedges refer to plants that
  confine certain areas

34
Broadleaf Evergreens

• Unit 28

35
Objectives

• To identify the cultural requirements, planting
  techniques, care, and uses of broadleaf
  evergreens in the landscape
• List 4 ways in which broadleaf evergreens are
  used in the landscape
• List 4 cultural requirements of broadleaf
  evergreens
• Describe the soil and fertilizer requirements of
  broadleaf evergreens
• Explain the procedure for transplanting broadleaf
  evergreens
• List 3 pests that attack broadleaf evergreens and
  1 control for each

36
Description

• Evergreen plants (hold leaves all year) with
  broad leaves rather than needlelike

37
Uses of Broadleaf Evergreens

• Around foundations
• Smaller-leaved evergreens
• As Specimen plants
• Individual plant, not massed
• As hedges
• Along Sidewalks
• Lead the way to a home entrance
• In woodland plantings

38
Cultural requirements

• Ample moisture
• Organic matter holds moisture
• Good soil drainage
• Planting can be raised above soil level
• Mulching
• Hold proper supply of moisture
• Frozen soil cannot allow roots to pick up moisture

39
Cultural Requirements (Cont)

• A location that is sheltered from strong winds
• Cold winds and winter sun do the most damage by
  removing moisture
• Enough Sunlight
• Plants grow tall and leggy w/ too much shade
• If plants do not flower well, they are probably
  getting too much shade

40
Soil and Fertilizer

• Any good loam soil is satisfactory for most
  broadleaf evergreens
• Acidic soil is best
• Use fertilizer in small amounts
• Add fertilizer in the spring

41
Transplanting

• Roots must always be in close contact with moist
  soil
• Evergreens are moved with the root ball
• Soil is left intact around the roots and moved
  with the plant
• 12-18 inches should be spaced around the root
  ball
• Planted at same depth or higher than were growing
  before
• No soil on top of root ball
• Do not pack the soil but water gently

42
Pruning

• May be pruned for special effect or cut back to
  thicken the plant
• Done in early spring or just after blooming

43
Insects and Diseases

• Insects are rarely a problem
• Fungus diseases cause the most damage
• Use a spreader sticker to apply all sprays
• Chemical added to a pesticide that causes the
  spray to break into small droplets and spread
  evenly

44
Deciduous Trees

• Unit 29

45
Objectives

• To properly position and plant deciduous trees in
  the landscape
• List the 6 functions of trees in the landscape
• Select at least 2 specific trees to fulfill each
  of these six functions demonstrate the proper
  planting technique for bare root, balled and
  burlapped, and containerized trees

46
Uses of Trees in the Landscape

• Usually serve a specific purpose in the landscape
• To provide shade keep temps inside houses
  cooler in summer and provide outdoor shade
• Can reduce summer indoor temps as much as 20
  degrees
• To frame the house make the house the center of
  attention
• To soften lines placed at the back of a home

47
Cont

• Ro relieve bare spots end walls of houses
• To screen an object block the view of an object
• To frame a view tall trees w/ underplantings or
  small trees
• To ensure privacy
• To accent the landscape flowering trees
• To break monotony should be placed off center
  as to not make it appear cut in half
• As windbreaks tall evergreens

48
Tree Types

• Figure 29-11 lists deciduous trees
• Grouped according to height
• Classified according to characteristics
• Form, Flowering, Color, Texture, How to
  propagate, Height, Hardiness, and Ornamental use

49
Classification

• Form shape of the tree
• Flowering and Color if and when tree flowers
  and color of the blossoms
• Texture size of the leaves
• Large leaves coarse texture/creates boldness
• Small leaves fine texture/ refinement
• How to propagate way a tree is reproduced

50
Classifications (cont)

• Height average height the tree grows
• Hardiness ability of the tree to live in a
  particular climate zone
• Influenced by temp, rainfall, and soil
• Ornamental use common uses of the tree in the
  landscape

51
Purchasing Deciduous Trees

• Trees can be purchased in 3 forms
• Bare Root (BR)
• Balled and Burlapped (BB)
• Containerized (C)

52
Fertilizing

• Slow release fertilizer is recommended
• Otherwise drill holes around the drip line of the
  tree and apply directly into the holes then fill
  the holes

53
Mulching

• Needed for moisture retention, weed control,
  supplying organic matter, and moderating temp
• Also improves the aesthetics of the area
• Keep mulch away from tree trunk
• Apply mulch 2/3 the distance from tree trunk to
  drip line

54
Aftercare

• Water during dry conditions especially during 1st
  year
• Never less than 1 of water at a time
• Sufficient for 1 week

55
Deciduous Shrubs

• Unit 30

56
Objective

• To select, use, and care for deciduous shrubs
• Identify at least 5 deciduous shrubs
• List at least 2 uses of deciduous shrubs in the
  landscape
• Explain the 3 ways deciduous shrubs are purchased
• Outline the planting procedure for deciduous
  shrubs

57
Uses in the Landscape

• Deciduous Shrubs are used widely in the landscape
  to form borders, screens, background plantings,
  and foundation plantings
• Selected for effects created by flower color,
  form, fruit, color and shape of stem, and color
  and height of foliage

58
Factors to Consider

• Period of Interest
• Time of year which plant materials create the
  most interest in the landscape
• Foliage
• Height
• Hardiness
• Low minimum temperature the plant can endure

59
Purchasing Plants

• BR
• BB
• C

60
Planting time

• Best time to plant BR is when in dormant stage
• BB and C may be transplanted any time during the
  growing season usually fall or early spring

61
Planting Site

• Well-drained soil
• Site is important since deciduous shrubs are
  long-lived plants
• May be fertilized in the spring
• Holes for BB and C plants should be 3 times
  larger in diameter than root balls

62
Care of the plant

• Bacteria and Fungi cause the most diseases
• Pruning is used to thin out old or dead wood, to
  shade plants, and control plant size

63
Rules for Pruning

1. Shrubs that bloom on wood grown the previous
   season should be pruned immediately after
   flowering
2. Bloom on current years growth pruned in fall or
   early spring
3. Some shrubs require annual pruning to thin out
   old wood
4. If shoots or suckers are sent up from roots or
   base some of them should be removed so growth
   doesnt become too thick

64
Ground Covers

• Unit 31

65
Definition

• Ground Covers are low-growing plants that cover
  the ground in place of turf
• Fill in bare spots in landscapes
• Help prevent erosion
• Fill in shady areas under trees

66
Types of Ground Covers

• 3 types
• Broadleaf evergreens retain leaves year-round
• Deciduous plants lose leaves
• Narrowleaf evergreens needlelike leaves that
  retain color year-round

67
Uses

• Can be used in areas where soil is not suitable
  for grass
• Also used for beauty they contribute
• Make great foreground plantings
• Also used between evergreens to keep soil cool
  and shade roots or other plants

68
Questions before Selection

• In what type of soil does the plant grow best?
• Is it suitable for the locality?
• How is it propagated?
• How long will it take for the plants to cover the
  area in which they are planted?
• What is the mature height of the plant?
• Are diseases and insects a problem?
• How expensive are the plants?

69
Planting Ground Covers

• Spaced according to size, growth rate, and time
  allowed for plants to spread

70
Caring for Ground CoversFertilizing

• Fertilizer should be applied only as needed to
  keep plant healthy
• Can be applied as a dry granular fertilizer or a
  soluble fertilizer

71
Pruning

• Necessary only to confine the plant to the area
  it is desired

72
Watering

• Water as needed during the 1st year
• Anytime the soil becomes dry or plants start to
  wilt, apply at least 1 inch of water

73
Controlling Insects and Diseases

• Rarely a serious problem

74
Bulbs

• Unit 32

75
Objectives

• List 4 uses of bulbs in the landscape
• Describe the soil and fertilizer used in the
  flowering of bulbs
• Explain how planting depth and spacing of bulbs
  are determined
• Describe how to care for bulbs after they have
  flowered
• List the steps in the forcing of bulbs

76
Bulbs

• Word used to refer to bulbs, corms, tubers, and
  rhizomes
• All are structures containing an embryonic plant
  and the necessary stored food for plant growth

77
Uses Of Bulbs in the Landscape

• Bulbs are most striking when they form a massing
  (grouping of color)
• Not attractive in thin rows
• In wooded areas bulbs grow well
• Some grow well w/ evergreen groundcover

78
More Uses

• Rock gardens are excellent places t use flowering
  bulbs
• Using color masses throughout the garden accents
  the areas in which they are planted
• Flowering bulbs are used to add color around
  evergreen shrubs
• Also used as cut flowers

79
Soils

• Bulbs grow well in well-drained loamy soils
• Soil should be a neutral pH (6.0)

80
Planting Bulbs

• Some are planted in the fall and some in the
  spring
• Each bulb has a recommended planting depth and
  spacing
• Showy bed bulbs closer spacing
• Bulbs are usually placed the same distance apart
  as the planting depth

81
Fertilizing Bulbs

• Fertilized when planted by digging fertilizer
  into bottom of the bed
• Cover w/ 1 of soil before planting
• After planting and covering w/ 2 of soil, use
  special bulb food and then cover completely
• Each spring a light application of complete bulb
  food (N-P-K) should be added
• 5 pounds of 5-10-5 per 100 square feet

82
Care After Flowering

• Bulbs should be dug up, thinned and replanted
  occasionally
• Some are done annually, other 3-5 years
• When digging, use a nursery spade to gently
  remove the bulb store at 50 degrees in a dim
  light
• Dust w/ a pesticide to prevent insects, rodents,
  and diseases

83
Forcing Bulbs

• Forcing plants to flower at other than their
  normal season
• Identify bulbs to use for forcing
• - select large bulbs
• Select a well-drained potting medium high in
  organic matter
• Place drainage material in the bottom of the pot
• Place a layer of the medium in the pot, set the
  bulb in and fill in around the bulb with the
  growing medium so top is exposed

84
Forcing Bulbs (cont)

• Water by setting the pot in a pan of water
• Be sure to label the pot correctly
• Set the planted pot outside in a cold frame at a
  temp. of 50 from Nov 25 until Jan 15
• Remove the pot from the cold frame and place in
  the greenhouse
• - check for root development
• Tulips bloom 5 weeks from removal from cold
  frame. Other plants may require more or less time

85
More on Bulbs

• Always plant bulbs at the depth prescribed
• Never plant in shallow soil
• Always plant in a well-drained soil
• Provide protection from mice
• All bulbs have planting instructions supplied
  be sure to follow directions