Margery Fish was born in 1888 and passed away in 1969. Margery had a huge influence on gardening, not only in the United Kingdom. She became well known for her passion and ability to mix a large variety of plants in a very small area. She was also famous for the ability to mix contemporary plants with older type plants. She was one of the most important influences in the English Cottage Gardening genre and she had a large influence on the style and type of gardening done during her lifetime.

Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe was born in 1900 and passed on in 1996. He had a huge influence on all those around him and had a very long career of almost seventy years. He will be remembered for the great and innovative changes he made. He trained as an architect, but soon found himself working as a town planner and landscape architect. His passion became obvious as a garden designer. He described it as “the mother of all arts”. His landscaped gardens are indeed very architectural as well.

It was his idea to start the Institute of Landscape Architects, and was also its president from 1939 to 1949. The International Federation of Landscape Architects, of which he was Honorary Life President, was a large influence on the thinking at the time which can be seen in his work from Ditchley Park through to the designs for Sutton Place.

A lot of his works remain for all to see. Jellicoe’s creations such as Cheddar Gorge in 1934 and the Kennedy memorial at Runnymede, is considered to be one of his greatest works. Water was often a feature in his garden designs. He would often use water in many different ways from being very still and reflective to vibrant and busy like a waterfall or down steps.

Sir Geoffrey Jellicoe combined a deep understanding of classical design with a modern take. He had a unique way of having a feeling for the totality of a viagra and a rare sense of volume. His contribution to the profession into what it has become today is largely because of his innovative foundation.

Images: Great British Gardens
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My favourite flowering tree is, without a doubt, the African Yellowood (Falcartus Podocarpus) found in abundance in a very specific area – the Knysna forest in South Africa – and therefore considered rare and expensive.

The tree grows quite fast to reach the forest canopy, but is actually a slow grower. This very sought-after wood is light in colour and quite soft but makes good furniture and is very attractive to look at. It blooms in spring like so many other trees in the forest, but it produces beautiful blossoms that looks like a little orchid with white and yellow petals which last about three weeks.

The blossoms turn into seed. A full grown Yellowood can drop thousands of these by the end of summer. The tree is evergreen and will not lose its leaves in winter which makes winter a good time to transport and plant as it will then get a few months to settle down.

A large Yellowood can have a thick trunk as big as 15 feet in diameter and the usual height of an average indigenous canopy is between 30 and 50 feet. The tree is able to grow very old and there are some that have been found to be well over 100 years old. Most of the Yellowoods in Africa are now protected although there is still controlled harvesting and growing of Yellowoods for the wood industry.

Image: Creative Commons

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When it comes to New Jersey the summer months can get very hot very quickly. Summer is also one of the months where most inexperienced farmers typically use their fertilizer. Instead of making the biggest mistake of your life, try fertilizing in different parts of the year. I would recommend fertilizing in late May, early September, and the first week in November. These dates might seem a little close, but they are the best time to fertilize. In most cases there is no heat factor to that plays a role and you fertilize the recommended three times per year. Doing this will ensure that your lawn remains health and ready for the next summer.

References

1. About.com
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If it is fruits and vegetables you are worried about, the exact time can vary. The best method isn’t to guess and hope for the best, but instead do some research and find out what is the best time. This is a great resource for planting food crops in New York. Most farmers will already know this, but if you are just planting a small garden for vegetables, this information can come in handy.

Now we have the decorative plants. For this, there margin of error is really a lot less. The general rule of thumb is to plant in the spring while everything is growing back. This gives it the maximum amount of time for it to grow before the dormant season. However, there are some plants and trees that should be planted in the colder seasons, they are rare, but they do exist. To be on the safe side, ask the person that you are buying from. They would most likely know and can even give you advice for keeping your plant or tree healthy. That way your new addition to your garden can grow big and strong!

References

1. almanac.com
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photo by KENPEI

If you are searching for a tree that will create an explosion of color, then the Red Dogwood will beat all your expectations. The Red Dogwood Tree produces beautiful pink and red flowers that will be the main showcase to any landscape. These hardy trees are easy to plant and recommended for zones 5 – 8. Red Dogwoods are sun lovers which should be planted in full sun for exceptional performance. They may also be planted in partial shade, but be aware that the foliage will be more dense with fewer flowers.

For a longer lasting Dogwood, be sure to plant it in slightly acidic and well-drained soil. Be careful not to plant in wet, heavy soil unless you plan to prepare a raised bed to allow drainage. If you don’t have the proper drainage system then the roots will slowly rot.

The best part about Red Dogwoods is that the blooms will outlast other flowering trees. The flowers bloom in spring and remain in bloom until late fall, then turn bronze and produce tiny red fruits. This gorgeous tree’s mature height is 20 – 25 feet, making it perfect for small yards or tight spaces. Paired up with hostas, lilies, gladolias or flowering shrubs, it will create a show stopper for admirers driving by and neighbors all around. So hunt down this award winner today and it will become one of your most favorite gems.
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Eventually, the dog learns to step back when the warning beep goes off, avoiding a shock altogether.

The problem with electric dog fences, though, is that other dogs (and other animals) can come into the yard without impediment. This could mean other animals coming after your dog and either playing or picking fights, which can cause injury. And if your dog, under the influence of adrenaline from playing with or fighting another dog, goes across the perimeter without stopping for the shock, then it might have trouble coming back in, as the shock would prevent him from crossing back into the yard.

Another problem is that, since the fence is electric, any power failure means a fence failure. The dog would be free to leave (although the hope is that the training from the collar would make the dog continue to avoid the perimeter).

The good thing, though, is that your beautiful landscape is available for everyone to enjoy. It makes you a friendly neighbor, too.

Several brands of electric fences are available, like Invisible Fence, Dog Watch, Pet Stop, Dog Guard, etc. Have you tried one or several of those? What electric dog fences work? (Note: if your dog is heavily furred, an electric fence may not work as well since there’s insulation between the dog’s skin and the shock.)

Be cautious, though: Some cities, towns or neighborhoods restrict or ban the use of electric fences. Check your local laws and/or HOA guidelines first if you plan to use one.
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