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Storm Water Management For Your Landscape

Storm water management is a key aspect of landscape design. Most people are enthusiastic about planting a rain garden, but it’s not always the primary solution. I commonly suggest that clients address their drainage concerns before proceeding with a planting design and installation. Read on to learn about storm water management for your landscape.

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Climate Resilient Landscaping Series – Plant Selection for Increased Heat Tolerance

This summer I was excited to visit a new to me nursery – Sandy’s Plants in Mechanicsville, VA. One of the plants I came home with was Gaillardia aestivalis “Grape Sensation”, a Texas native, hardy to zones 6-9, with extreme drought tolerance. I planted a group of 3 in my very summer-dry front yard, where a mature willow oak takes most of the limited summer rain.

Photo Credit: https://www.sandysplants.com/plant-name/Gaillardia-aestivalis-var-winkleri-Grape-Sensation
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Climate Resilient Landscaping Series – Succession Tree Planting

If you’re a tree lover like me, the thought of losing mature specimen trees is a real concern. In my garden I have a mature Willow Oak (Quercus phellos) that reaches well over the house, offering shade, wildlife habitat, and a canopy that adds a sense of maturity to my garden. I love this tree and would hate to lose it.

Several weeks ago a report on tree canopy loss in Wake County was widely reported on – including this article from WRAL. Additionally, this summer Duke Hospital clocked a 72mph wind speed recording on their roof, which is just one mile from my house.

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Climate Resilient Landscaping Series – An Introduction

As landscapers and designers we experience the weather every day, whether in our customers’ gardens or our own. The summer of 2023 was the hottest recorded, and here in Durham we also experienced 80 mph wind during a short lived, but very damaging thunderstorm.

Downed trees
Part of our nursery damaged in the August storm
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Fall Color In Containers – Looking Beyond Mums!

We recently had the opportunity to redesign the container plantings at Fullsteam Brewery in Durham NC. Inspired by the copper color of the containers, the vintage brick, deep red logo and the prospect of fall around the corner we went all in on a fall color palette. Plantings this time of year are often designed around seasonal mums which offer a short term burst of color. Read on to learn what we did instead.

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Creating Dynamic Container Plantings

If you’re familiar with container plantings you’ve probably heard the phrase “thriller, filler, and spiller” as a shorthand for mixing plants to create a pleasing combination. I would argue that the concepts of “color, texture, and form” from landscape design are actually more relevant – read on to learn more.

Thriller, spiller and filler

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Some Tips For Summer Container Plantings

As the summer weather heats up it’s important to select plants that can tolerate our high temps and humidity and keep your containers looking great all season long. Read on to learn about my formula for container plantings in hot and dry locations.

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Landscaping for Privacy in Hillsborough

In this Hillsborough landscaping design project, we faced unique challenges given that the home sits at the top of a hill. Because of its position, the homeowners had no privacy whatsoever while enjoying their patio area.

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More Interesting Evergreens for Screening

In our last blog post, we discussed my go-to trees and shrubs to create privacy on your property. Whether individual specimens or through a mass hedge planting, there are a variety of plants to create privacy for every space. This week I’m discussing some more unusual plants that can be used to create privacy. Read on to learn more.

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My Go-To Landscaping for Privacy

As temperatures cool and the leaves begin to fall, many of our clients start to notice that their gardens feel less private. Views that were previously blocked by deciduous shrubs and trees are now open which can be wonderful, or not, depending on what the view contains. If you are looking to make an investment in your property this fall, consider identifying areas that could benefit from increased privacy through a screen or hedge planting. Read on to learn about some of my favorite landscaping for privacy!