The specialists of Bloom Garden Design are committed to helping you create environmentally responsible landscapes.

GARDEN TIPS

Invasive Plants

Many of my customers are interested in landscape designs that will be less energy intensive to maintain and better for the environment. The following tips can help plants to thrive, reduce water consumption and minimize infestation of pests and diseases.
Nature is the perfect picture of balance and harmony until a disturbance occurs.

[www.kootenayweeds.com]

Our human nature is to change our surroundings to please our needs. As soon as we disturb soil, weeds will come and take over the plants. Some of these weeds are native “pioneer” plants. Their job is to reestablish land and they love to be in the environment that we just created for them. Compare these with plants from the nursery that are fighting for survival in their new environment. On the other hand, invasive plants are not native to the area and were introduced from other parts of the world. Therefore their natural predators are not here to eliminate them and our climate might be more favorable to them. They need to be completely removed from the property and safely disposed. For more information about what plants are invasive in Nelson and area please visit www.kootenayweeds.com

Happy Gardening.

Drainage

Before you create a new garden, you need to take care of the drainage. Water is an amazing element and changing its natural patterns can cause lots of future trouble.
Grading the land in a two percent slope away from the house will help to keep the foundation dry. Any retaining wall you build has to handle the moisture that will build up behind it. A weeping tile placed in drain rock and wrapped in a filter cloth directed away from any structures is an appropriate addition to any retaining wall. It needs to be installed at the foot of the wall.

[www.mosslandscaping.com]

All pathways, steps and patios have to be sloped one percent to keep them water and ice free. As well, a one percent slope on newly installed lawns will help keep lawns puddle free. On the other hand, keeping slopes less than ten percent will make it safe to mow.
Considering those basic rules will save you money by making your newly installed landscape long lasting.

Landscape Designer and Horticulturist

Viktorie Hladik

List of past newsletter issues:

..... Deer Proofing .....

..... Using Natural elements.....

..... edible gardens .....

..... pests and diseases .....

..... foliage annuals .....

..... winter damage .....

..... edging beds .....

..... palace gardens .....

..... formal hedge .....

..... small trees .....

..... private garden .....

..... ground covers ......

..... house plants .....

..... conifers .....

..... winter preparation .....

..... garden year-round....

..... starting your landscape job .....

..... shade garden ......

..... landscape lights .....

..... designing your entrance .....

..... building a retaining wall .....

..... garden features .....

..... winter gardens .....