March 31, 2008
Growing The Delighful Flowering Crabapple Tree
Author: Lee Dobbins
Flowers are one of the most delightful creations that nature has to offer but not all flowers need to grow at ground level. In fact, the flowering crabapple tree offers a gorgeous cascade of flowers right at eye level. <br />
Crabapple trees are very popular for being able to provide aesthetics throughout the year. They give delight in all four seasons. During springtime, the delicate colors of the buds and leaves of crabapple trees can be very pleasant. The buds can be of one color and the opened flowers can be of a different hue.
Come autumn, the fruits of the crabapple tree will surely match the life of the environment. The fall makes the colors of the fruit become even more vibrant while the snow during winter can provide the best accent to the landscape. Flowering crabapples are definitely the best pick for use in your own home, even in schools, parks and commercial areas.
The flowers of crabapple tree are to be expected in full bloom during late April up to middle of May. There are classifications of the flowers of the crabapple tree. There is the single type with only five petals in it and the semi-double has six to ten petals. The double type has more than ten petals. Double-flowered crabapple trees will be able to keep the flowers longer but the fruits are not abundant. The colors of the flowers can range from the almost pearly white, delicately fine pinks or even a deep red. Some can even grow crabapple trees with flowers having coral or salmon color.<br />
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Given all these wonderful things about a flowering crabapple tree, it is only expected that one will aim to have one in his or her own yard. Crabapple trees, like any other trees, have peculiar characteristics and needs that will require certain responsibilities from the owner. Here are some pointers to take note in growing your own flowering crabapple tree.
1. Size of the Flowering Tree
Flowering crabapples can differ from one another in their sizes.
On the average, most crabapple grows at 15 to 20 feet height while some types average eight feet. There are certain cases when they reach up to 40 feet.
Taking this consideration seriously will help you utilize well the space in your yard. At the same time, it will ensure that your crabapple gets enough space to maximize its growth.
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2. Shape of the Crabapple<br />
The crabapple tree can take on different tree shapes. The crabapple can have a weeping, horizontal, columnar, rounded, pyramidal or vase-shaped structure.
The kind will generally depend on the growth habit of the tree.
3. Type of Soil
The growth of the flowering crabapples will depend largely too on how well the owner selected the site where it will be planted.
It is best to check the nutrient and ph levels of the soil that will best suit the crabapple.
Crabapples can best grow in rich loam. A loam basically is a combination of sand, clay and salt. <br />
This flowering tree can also grow in other soil types. Just make sure that it gets a good drainage.
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Maintain good moisture in the soil but avoid getting it excessively moisturized.
Acidic soil best supports the crabapple like with a pH ranging from 5.0 to 6.5. If needed, make the proper adjustments to make the environment favorable to the tree.
4. Exposure to Sunlight
Flowering crabapples require direct exposure to sunlight throughout the day to ensure the development of the flowers, as well as the fruits.
This means the trees must be planted on locations where they can access the sun for at least eight hours every day.<br />
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5. Avoiding Plant Stress
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Crabapples are very sensitive to stress. Unfavorable environmental factors can affect the development of these trees.
The stress can result to a very unhealthy disposition of the plants like poor color of the leaf or scorches.
Some of the factors that can stress the crabapple include insects or pests, lack or excess in water supply, insufficient sun exposure or even kids who may damage the tree.
Conclusion
Flowering crabapple trees are delightful addition to your garden. Make sure that you plant and tend it well to ensure the beauty of this creation in your landscape.
About the Author:
http://floweringtrees.garden-g8way.com where you can learn more about flowering trees like the flowering crabapple tree.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/growing-the-delighful-flowering-crabapple-tree-88197.html
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March 30, 2008
Make Your Flower Borders the Envy of the Neighborhood
Author: August Holcombe</a></strong><br />
Borders, as one sees in the pictures of the great country homes and gardens in England, are often a work of considerable art, painted with flowers.Often the borders there run 200 feet or more in length to 20 feet or more in width. Also, they are quite labor intensive, what with all the deadheading, cutting back, and weeding. However, this is no reason for you to be without a mixed border or two of manageable proportions. A mixed border may have grasses, annuals, perennials, groundcovers, vines, shrubs, roses, or small trees in any combination. Perennials are considered the mainstay of the mixed borders. Though some are short-lived, most live for years increasing in number. Each winter they die down, then spring comes and up they spring. Some bloom just once and briefly, while others may bloom, if dead-headed (removing the spent flowers), for months and months. Although there are perennials you never disturb, for example - peonies; most, however, need dividing every few years. If you only have one mixed border, you probably would like to have flowers throughout the growing season. Choose plants that are lovely for more than just a week or two. If there are any gaps (no blooms) in the border, you can fill in with annuals or other flowering plants in pots. Flowering shrubs and remontant (repeat blooming) roses add color to the background. The border should be at least 10 feet wide. The plants should be planted in drifts of odd numbers . The plants should vary in height from low to high. To keep the border from looking like a stairway to heaven , vary a few drifts throughout the border with a drift of shorter plants in back and a drift or two of taller plants in front.<br /> just one color, using different shades and tints. Some are happy with using two colors of which they may be two complementary colors, such as red and orange, or contrasting colors, such as red and green. About the Author:
August is a baby boomer and he retired 4 years ago. He studied ornamental horticulture in the late 60’s and early 70s. August enjoys reading, gardening and surfing the internet. Please visit my website,<a href=”http://gardendesign.awardspace.com”>Contemporary Garden Design
You may have borders using all types of color schemes. If you have 2 borders, you may choose to have one border of cool colors, and one border of hot colors. You may also have the border begin with cool colors and gradually increase the intensity of color until the other end has hot colors. Some people enjoy doing their borders with
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Many people use three or more colors. Using color is a tricky thing with plants, particularly if you use different seasonal color schemes. Out of the blue two plants that are neighbors and should not bloom at the same time all of a sudden clash, because of strange weather. Use color to achieve unity. At the same time, shake things up a bit to create tension. This is a fine line. But all borders need a touch of pizazz to arrouse your neighbors’ envy to shades of green.
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March 20, 2008
Choosing the Best Plants for Your Garden
Author: Nicky Pilkington
Many times we buy plants on impulse then find there is nowhere in the garden that really suits them. Before buying plants carefully examine your garden to see how much sun and shade it gets, whether the soil is well drained or waterlogged and whether your aspect is sheltered or windswept. You’ll then be equipped to go and buy the best plants for your situation; shade-loving plants for the sheltered areas, sun-lovers for the warm spots, drought-resistant plants for the parched areas which may be either sunny or shaded, and swamp plants for the poorly-drained parts.
But wait! Test your soil first, to determine the pH level of your soil and what kind of nutrients you need to add, if any. Is the soil acid or alkaline? Most plants prefer soil that is slightly acidic, but there are some that must have alkaline soil to grow. You can alter the soil’s pH level, but it’s much easier to simply plant for the soil you have.
Now you are ready to plant. Well - almost. Will you plant in groups or singly? If you buy ‘one of everything’ your garden may seem rather spotty. Group plantings are organised, harmonious and you can vary the color for interest.
Before planting out, place your chosen plants around the garden bed in their pots to see how they will look. Re-arrange them until you are satisfied. Grouping plants in sets of threes or fives usually looks better than planting in groups of even numbers. Be sure that you have an interesting combination of colors and textures of plants. Tall plants should go to the back, or the centre if your garden will be viewed equally from all sides. Try to keep your plants away from trees. The roots of trees are fiercely competitive and will steal all the nutrients and moisture meant for your flowers.
The right color scheme is one way to maintain the harmony in your garden. Imagine the color of the flowers when they are in bloom. Some colors may clash with others, but can still be planted side-by-side if they have a different blooming season. Foliage color is also important. Many flower plants have silver, grey or purplish foliage that is just as attractive as the flower. This means that they are still attractive well past the blooming season and so have added value.
About the Author:
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