Saturday, March 8, 2014
Best New Blog Black Walnut Dispatch
Black Walnut Dispatch, written by Virginia based gardener and garden designer Mary Gray, is one of the best new garden blogs I’ve come across in a long time. Full of heart and humor, Mary has already started an impressive number of high quality entries, from mocking oversized outdoor kitchens, to a satirical ode to L.L. Bean catalogues, to a moving manifesto about why we garden. The writing sizzles. It is like Garden Rant with a wry sense of humor. I recently subscribed by email so I wont miss a single post. Be sure to check out Black Walnut Dispatch. You will not be disappointed.
Friday, March 7, 2014
Katsura Tree
Cercidiphyllum japonicum ( Katsura Tree )
The first time I ever seen a Katsura I remember was back while in high school and I was visiting in Niagara Falls, Ontario and seen 3 large shade trees on a front lawn that were not only perfect in shape but also had very beautiful foliage and intresting bark. They appeared somewhat similar in foliage to the Redbud but I knew it wasnt. Was intreagued to come across a tree that I had not previously known. While not a common tree; the Katsure Tree is very much at home and grows very vigorously in southern Ontario, Canada and the New England region of the U.S. though it also grows well much further south into North Carolina if not exposed to excessive reflective heat ( thus not meant for the local Walmart parking lot ).
This Oriental ( Japan through Himalayas ) native, eventually forms a large tree yet retaining its elegant horizontal branching habit. Broadly pyramidal when young; the Katsura tree eventually forms a massive domed crown resembling an open grown Oak. A very long lived tree; its mature size in the U.S. is still unknown but possibly over 100 feet. Indeed some have alreadt reached 82 feet or slightly more in both Philadelphia and Fort Wayne, Indiana. The U.S.A. champion grows at Phillys Morris Arboretum ( approx 72 x 100 feet x 7.5 feet diam. ). Another large tree ( 101 x 72 x 4.5 feet grows in Hartford, CT ).
In its native habitat; the Katsura rivals the Ginkgo and the Tulip Tree as among the worlds largest temperate hardwoods. Some records include: first year from seed - 5 feet; fastest growth rate - 6 feet; 5 years - 25 feet; 20 years - 45 feet; 30 years - 60 x 30 feet;
52 years - 78 x 50 feet with a trunk diameter of 3.1 feet; 370 years - 150 feet with a trunk diameter of 10 feet; largest ever recorded - 180 x 82 feet with a trunk diameter of 22 feet!
One of the worlds longest living hardwoods; the Katsura tree can last up to 2000 years in age and is rarely bothered by either insect pests or disease.
It makes an attractive street tree in the cooler parts of its range where reflected heat and drought wont scorch its leaves or stunt its growth.
The foliage resembles that of the unrelated Cercis - Redbud. It is reddish when unfolding turning to blue-green and is up to 4 x 4 inches or less often 6 x 6 inches on very vigorous shoots. The autumn color on the Katsura is exceptional!!! In full sun the colors can be intense and often multiple colors ( red, pinks and yellows ) occur on the same tree. In autumn the foliage is also cotton candy smelling aromatic.
The tiny early spring flowers borne from the leaf axils are not an ornamental feature simply because they are so small. They are followed by a curved, small, green pod.
The brown shaggy bark is very attractive in all seasons.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 ( possibly zones 2 and 3 however this is an estimation based on using seed source from the far northern part of the trees natural range planted into sheltered locations only ). It has been reported to grow in Winnipeg and in fact generally do like climates with hot summers and cold winters.
. Though very different in appearance; the Katsura is related to the Magnolias and enjoys similar growing conditions.
The Katsura does not like root compaction and grows best on deep, moist, fertile acidic, well drained soil though it more tolerant ( in fact it grew very well on almost pure sand in Leamington, ON with extra fertilizer and absence of turf competition ). The Katsura is also clay tolerant. This tree can be grown in sun or shade, though forest grown trees tend to be tall and thin. Young trees should be pruned to a single leader and feathered with lower branches eventually limbed up to form a tree that can be walked under. The best time to prune is in March. This tree does not like to be transplanted at large sizes however small trees can establish rapidly when planted while dormant. Easy to grow and deer resistant; they are virtually immune to insect pests or disease. Katsuras leaf out early and is thus not recommended in mountain valleys or other areas prone to late freezes. It also prefers to be somewhat sheltered and is more at home on a wooded lot than on the side of a freeway or farmers field.
Propagation from seed is easy however the seed needs to go through a "chilling" period before they germinate. As for the cultivars; they are readily reproduced from cuttings taken in late spring or summer and root easily as long as kept cool and moist.
TURF GRASS COMPETITION STUNTS GROWTH OF KATSURA ( in many cases to half or less than figures quoted above )
* photos taken on April 28 2010 in Clarksville, MD
* photo taken on May 16 2010 @ Cylburn Arboretum, Baltimore, MD
* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 in Washington, D.C.
* photos taken on July 17 2010 @ Morris Arboretum, Philly, PA
* photos taken on August 3 2010 @ University of Guelph Arboretum, Ontario
* photo taken on August 4 2010 @ Stratford, Ontario
* photos taken on Sep 16 2013 in Columbia, MD
Amazing Grace
Forms a massive mound of cascading branches. It can eventually reach 25 x 30 feet though only about 12 x 12 feet in 10 years. Foliage turns attractive yellow-orange in autumn. Not as hardy as the coldest region seed source of regular Katsura but can still survive north into zone 4
* photo taken on May 21 2011 @ Brookside Gardens "Party with the Peonies" tour in Fulton, MD
Heronswood Globe
A dwarf form, forming a bushy, dense, rounded, small tree, reaching a maximum size of 20 x 20 feet. Some records include: 10 years - 8 x 6.5 feet.
Vigorous when young, unlike the parent trees which grows huge, this cultivar slows down considerably as it matures.
Purpurea
a rare cultivar with deep purple spring foliage that turns to dark purple green in summer. It also forms a large tree.
Raspberry
Reaches up to 60 x 4o feet with foliage that is reddish in spring, green in summer then red in autumn.
Sinensis
No major differance except possibly even faster growing ( record growth rate - 8 feet ). The foliage is somewhat downy beneath.
Strawberry
Foliage turns to scarlet in fall rather than the typical mix of colors.
Cercidiphyllum magniphyllum
Similar to Cercidiphyllum japonicum but with larger leaves to around 5 inches
Cercidiphyllum magniphyllum Pendulum ( Weeping Katsura )
The Weeping Katsura tree grows in the same shape of the Weeping Willow but is much more low maintenance. It matures into a very beautiful weeping tree and is infact among my favorites of all weeping specimum trees. It is very fast growing and some records include: fastest growth rate - 7 feet; 6 year size - 25 feet ) but soon slows down to a mature size around 35 x 30 feet, though after 100 years may become much larger. One in Japan is 75 feet in height with a trunk diameter of 4.7 feet at an age of 170 years.
Its leaves are cordate to rounded, are up to 6 x 6 inches and are blue-green in color. They turn yellows, oranges and red in the fall and often with all colors on the same tree.
* photo taken @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C. on Feb 2009
* photo taken @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C. on August 2005
* photo taken on March 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum
* photo taken on May 6 2010 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
Read More..
The first time I ever seen a Katsura I remember was back while in high school and I was visiting in Niagara Falls, Ontario and seen 3 large shade trees on a front lawn that were not only perfect in shape but also had very beautiful foliage and intresting bark. They appeared somewhat similar in foliage to the Redbud but I knew it wasnt. Was intreagued to come across a tree that I had not previously known. While not a common tree; the Katsure Tree is very much at home and grows very vigorously in southern Ontario, Canada and the New England region of the U.S. though it also grows well much further south into North Carolina if not exposed to excessive reflective heat ( thus not meant for the local Walmart parking lot ).
This Oriental ( Japan through Himalayas ) native, eventually forms a large tree yet retaining its elegant horizontal branching habit. Broadly pyramidal when young; the Katsura tree eventually forms a massive domed crown resembling an open grown Oak. A very long lived tree; its mature size in the U.S. is still unknown but possibly over 100 feet. Indeed some have alreadt reached 82 feet or slightly more in both Philadelphia and Fort Wayne, Indiana. The U.S.A. champion grows at Phillys Morris Arboretum ( approx 72 x 100 feet x 7.5 feet diam. ). Another large tree ( 101 x 72 x 4.5 feet grows in Hartford, CT ).
In its native habitat; the Katsura rivals the Ginkgo and the Tulip Tree as among the worlds largest temperate hardwoods. Some records include: first year from seed - 5 feet; fastest growth rate - 6 feet; 5 years - 25 feet; 20 years - 45 feet; 30 years - 60 x 30 feet;
52 years - 78 x 50 feet with a trunk diameter of 3.1 feet; 370 years - 150 feet with a trunk diameter of 10 feet; largest ever recorded - 180 x 82 feet with a trunk diameter of 22 feet!
One of the worlds longest living hardwoods; the Katsura tree can last up to 2000 years in age and is rarely bothered by either insect pests or disease.
It makes an attractive street tree in the cooler parts of its range where reflected heat and drought wont scorch its leaves or stunt its growth.
The foliage resembles that of the unrelated Cercis - Redbud. It is reddish when unfolding turning to blue-green and is up to 4 x 4 inches or less often 6 x 6 inches on very vigorous shoots. The autumn color on the Katsura is exceptional!!! In full sun the colors can be intense and often multiple colors ( red, pinks and yellows ) occur on the same tree. In autumn the foliage is also cotton candy smelling aromatic.
The tiny early spring flowers borne from the leaf axils are not an ornamental feature simply because they are so small. They are followed by a curved, small, green pod.
The brown shaggy bark is very attractive in all seasons.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 ( possibly zones 2 and 3 however this is an estimation based on using seed source from the far northern part of the trees natural range planted into sheltered locations only ). It has been reported to grow in Winnipeg and in fact generally do like climates with hot summers and cold winters.
. Though very different in appearance; the Katsura is related to the Magnolias and enjoys similar growing conditions.
The Katsura does not like root compaction and grows best on deep, moist, fertile acidic, well drained soil though it more tolerant ( in fact it grew very well on almost pure sand in Leamington, ON with extra fertilizer and absence of turf competition ). The Katsura is also clay tolerant. This tree can be grown in sun or shade, though forest grown trees tend to be tall and thin. Young trees should be pruned to a single leader and feathered with lower branches eventually limbed up to form a tree that can be walked under. The best time to prune is in March. This tree does not like to be transplanted at large sizes however small trees can establish rapidly when planted while dormant. Easy to grow and deer resistant; they are virtually immune to insect pests or disease. Katsuras leaf out early and is thus not recommended in mountain valleys or other areas prone to late freezes. It also prefers to be somewhat sheltered and is more at home on a wooded lot than on the side of a freeway or farmers field.
Propagation from seed is easy however the seed needs to go through a "chilling" period before they germinate. As for the cultivars; they are readily reproduced from cuttings taken in late spring or summer and root easily as long as kept cool and moist.
TURF GRASS COMPETITION STUNTS GROWTH OF KATSURA ( in many cases to half or less than figures quoted above )
* photos taken on April 28 2010 in Clarksville, MD
* photo taken on May 16 2010 @ Cylburn Arboretum, Baltimore, MD
* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 in Washington, D.C.
* photos taken on July 17 2010 @ Morris Arboretum, Philly, PA
* photos taken on August 3 2010 @ University of Guelph Arboretum, Ontario
* photo taken on August 4 2010 @ Stratford, Ontario
* photos taken on Sep 16 2013 in Columbia, MD
Amazing Grace
Forms a massive mound of cascading branches. It can eventually reach 25 x 30 feet though only about 12 x 12 feet in 10 years. Foliage turns attractive yellow-orange in autumn. Not as hardy as the coldest region seed source of regular Katsura but can still survive north into zone 4
* photo taken on May 21 2011 @ Brookside Gardens "Party with the Peonies" tour in Fulton, MD
Heronswood Globe
A dwarf form, forming a bushy, dense, rounded, small tree, reaching a maximum size of 20 x 20 feet. Some records include: 10 years - 8 x 6.5 feet.
Vigorous when young, unlike the parent trees which grows huge, this cultivar slows down considerably as it matures.
Purpurea
a rare cultivar with deep purple spring foliage that turns to dark purple green in summer. It also forms a large tree.
Raspberry
Reaches up to 60 x 4o feet with foliage that is reddish in spring, green in summer then red in autumn.
Sinensis
No major differance except possibly even faster growing ( record growth rate - 8 feet ). The foliage is somewhat downy beneath.
Strawberry
Foliage turns to scarlet in fall rather than the typical mix of colors.
Cercidiphyllum magniphyllum
Similar to Cercidiphyllum japonicum but with larger leaves to around 5 inches
Cercidiphyllum magniphyllum Pendulum ( Weeping Katsura )
The Weeping Katsura tree grows in the same shape of the Weeping Willow but is much more low maintenance. It matures into a very beautiful weeping tree and is infact among my favorites of all weeping specimum trees. It is very fast growing and some records include: fastest growth rate - 7 feet; 6 year size - 25 feet ) but soon slows down to a mature size around 35 x 30 feet, though after 100 years may become much larger. One in Japan is 75 feet in height with a trunk diameter of 4.7 feet at an age of 170 years.
Its leaves are cordate to rounded, are up to 6 x 6 inches and are blue-green in color. They turn yellows, oranges and red in the fall and often with all colors on the same tree.
* photo taken @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C. on Feb 2009
* photo taken @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C. on August 2005
* photo taken on March 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum
* photo taken on May 6 2010 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
english garden designs
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| english garden designs |
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| english garden designs photos |
Materials, equipment, and, needless to say, appropriate vegetation are all critical sides of a intimate cottage style garden design which brings elegance and sweetness to your outdoor area, as well as your home. Normal, twisting paths, edged using flourishing plant life and in the shade by beautiful trees, flourishing lawns to relax and taking part in, and standard county cottage fashion accessories build a simple outdoor liveable space full of attractiveness that complements your current home.
Building English Garden Pathways
Secluded paths with stylish curves as well as abundant, free-flowing vegetation are the base to creating an authentic English landscape design. Garden paths drift about through the landscape, making it possible for peaceful satisfaction of natural pleasures. The resources used to construct the paths are the critical for a romantic, English surroundings.
These supplies and design ideas are perfect for your own English garden style outdoor dining area:
Natural supplies, like pea gravel and sound off, make lovely paths having a simplistic appear. These materials are usually inexpensive and also relatively low-maintenance.
Elegant brick or perhaps stone pavers certainly are a more high-class option, financing an element of elegance and sophistication to your outdoor design.
Incorporate stone, tiny rocks, and large rock materials for the more legitimate English garden landscape design.
Avoid conventional angles as well as conservative designs, integrating gentle lines and also curving patterns that propose romance alternatively.
The Allure of English Garden Components
Your unusual English garden should be a calming and peaceful place that lets you enjoy the great thing about fine outdoor existing. The garden accessories you select are a significant influence on the entire atmosphere and also theme of ones outdoor space. Select furnishings that complements your free-flowing, natural individuality of the English country.
Green lawns along with picturesque landscapes of the most lovely aspects of the design are made practical with timber garden furniture, similar to teak, which includes an antique, outdated appearance. Romantic seats or close cottage style outdoor furnishings, along with stylish arbors and fragrantly decorated trellises, create the benefit of the country with out detracting in the modern beauty of the home. Gazebos, stylish foot links, and antique fences may add the allure of your nation style garden.
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| english garden designs ideas |
Wildlifes Function in the English Garden
Standard English gardens have been abundant with various insects, parrots, and other creatures that simply complements natural beauty of this specific landscape style. Garden components, like gardens along with rustic fowl baths or perhaps feeders, is one way to appeal to a number of types to your outdoor living area.
Certain plant life and terrain coverings are acknowledged to attract animals like seeing stars and hummingbirds. Plant great smelling lavender, clover, as well as small timber with brilliant colored fruits throughout the garden. Undisturbed grasslands as well as natural rock and roll arrangements can also be inviting to be able to area creatures.
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| english garden designs pictures |
English Garden Plants
The continent garden style is actually characterized by an expensive array of plants, shrubs, and grape vines in a range of vivid hues, together by beautiful, curving timber providing calming shade through the afternoon suns rays.
Select a various country garden vegetation for your design, which include blooms that supply color within each period. Some flowers as well as shrubs to consider are generally:
Traditional region rose timber, aromatic honeysuckles, foxglove and also primroses, and the indigenous, graceful lily in the valley are perfect plants regarding shady regions.
Potted botanical herb gardens as well as planters full of cornflowers, violas, and petunias can easily tolerate the actual tranquil hue of your English garden too.
Native blossoms, peonies, easy to look after geraniums, and fragrantly deluxe sweet peas are also suggestions.
English garden landscape models provide special outdoor living regions with a entertaining and elaborate atmosphere. A landscape design strategy that integrates the style of ones home into the straightforward, natural elegance of your outdoor area can be mastered with the aid of a professional landscape creator or garden developer. Your design firm may also offer tips on the best land garden style in your case and your home.
New for 2014 at A Guide to Northeastern Gardening!
Happy New Year everyone! I didnt want to wait to get started on my new years resolutions and one of them is a little reorganization. Heres whats new at A Guide to Northeastern Gardening! In an effort to categorize I have created two new navigation tabs: My Gardens and Botanical & Community Gardens. Simply go onto each individual link and check it out. As far as other plans...well more gardening of course and many more photography moments! Take a look. These are short cuts but you can also find them at the top of the page for easy access.
My Gardens
My Gardens takes you through the years in my own personal gardens and highlights each month and season like a diary. Now it will be easier to keep track of how each year compares.
Botanical & Community Gardens
Botanical & Community Gardens visits various gardens from around the world and highlights each one. I will keep adding as I visit new gardens on Long Island and elsewhere.
These pages will grow as I add new links so there should be frequently something new. Again Happy New Year 2014 and I look forward to all your posts!
As Always...Happy Gardening!
Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening, Copyright 2014. All rights reserved.
Russel Wright House A Pioneering Greenroof
While Russel Wright was better known for his 50s pottery and utensil designs he was a bit of a renaissance man. In the early 1960s he bought the grounds of an abandoned quarry in Garrison, NY and built a stunningly clean, modern house that often blurs the lines between the interior and exterior. He was a designer who loved being in nature and being inspired by it.
The design of the house and gardens were strongly influenced by Japanese architecture. In the 50s Wright was asked by the US government to visit the Far East to help artisans make their creations more saleable in America. He then worked directly with an American architect who had spent a few years designing buildings in Japan.
Its unclear to me where exactly Wright got the idea to create a flat roof filled with plants. But thats what he did. The restored greenroof is a testament to his creative instinct in smartly using natural materials in design. It may have been the first greenroof in the United States.
Today you can visit Manitoga: The Russel Wright Design Center. You can get a tour of the house for a fee and walk the hiking paths that Wright created throughout the property. Each year in the early spring you can volunteer to help clean up the 75 acre grounds and woodland hiking paths and walk through the house and design studio for free during the lunch break.
I love this inspiring place.
Click on first image
Read More..
The design of the house and gardens were strongly influenced by Japanese architecture. In the 50s Wright was asked by the US government to visit the Far East to help artisans make their creations more saleable in America. He then worked directly with an American architect who had spent a few years designing buildings in Japan.
Its unclear to me where exactly Wright got the idea to create a flat roof filled with plants. But thats what he did. The restored greenroof is a testament to his creative instinct in smartly using natural materials in design. It may have been the first greenroof in the United States.
Today you can visit Manitoga: The Russel Wright Design Center. You can get a tour of the house for a fee and walk the hiking paths that Wright created throughout the property. Each year in the early spring you can volunteer to help clean up the 75 acre grounds and woodland hiking paths and walk through the house and design studio for free during the lunch break.
I love this inspiring place.
Click on first image
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