Really cool ideas for planters

Mary Ann sent me a picture of a log planter that was really cool. The photo came from this website and I thought I'd share the whole site. There are a lot of really neat planter ideas here:

Science Photo Library
Search term: Planter and select 'Flowers'.

This is the one Mary Ann found - we both would like to try to make one.

Here's another log planter.

I like this one too.

Well, both Mary Ann & I have tons of room to make logs into planters, but even if you don't, add some pictures here of what you might like to plant this year.

"Residential Gardening Basics" (Angela Sommers) Hort Week Speaker Series

I’ve stated in a previous post that I’d talk about the Hort Week Winter Speaker Series webinar by Angela Sommers. The following information is based on my notes, so if I’ve forgotten anything and anyone else attended (Tara?), maybe you can fill in the blanks. And these notes are based on what interested me in the talk.

The session was divided into 4 main areas:

(Part 1) Design Process
(Part 2) Design & Development
(Part 3) Style
(Part 4) Trends (ran out of time on this one)

(Part 1) Design Process:

Importance of Design

1. Suitability of the site
2. Utility & functional considerations
3. Economy (Budget)
4. Aesthetics

The design process is a logical sequence of steps that allows the designer:
• To isolate landscape problems
• To offer various solutions to best meet needs
• To incorporate existing structures
• To identify potential of the land, such as land forms & site drainage
• To create designated spaces for appropriate needs. Consider as a space, just as in house design

Research for an effective landscape design includes:
• Wants & needs - grass for the kids & animals, deck, shade, style, etc.
• Site inventory – actual inventory of vegetation. Lists of vegetation, measurements, photos, topography, drainage, etc. Tip: Do not include perennials in your initial site inventory
• Site analysis – soil conditions, environmental conditions, views
• Opportunities & constraints – weedy, soggy areas
• Real Property report – have it blown up so you can sketch on it
• Take Photos – blow up as well
• Site inventory analysis – use specific symbols. Mark existing buildings, etc.

Gather inspiration: create an inventory of things you like, find & print off pictures, build a portfolio
• If you want water features, consider size – in the country it is fine, as scale is big; not so great for an urban landscape. Note: maintenance of streams & ponds is high, so look to alternatives – dry streambeds, attach features to rain spouts, use local stones
• Paving & steps, as well as grassy areas
• Garden Rooms – places as intimate as inside – living, eating, cooking spaces. Gather, sit, talk, cook
• Secret Gardens – create mystery by closing off, then open up (use arbours, etc.)
• Accents – What do you like vs. what do you need
• Outdoor Living Rooms – extend the inside to outside. Smaller spaces to be more intimate. Include fireplaces, water, ceiling (create a sense of ceiling with canopy), walls (create with a fence, etc.), floor
• Summer Houses – retreat, cool evening spaces, art studio, etc. Create in logical lines, even with a lot of plantings on the sides
• Balconies – Need to be decorated – area rugs, curtains, plants, etc.

Look for the next installment - (Part 2) Design & Development.