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Using native plants in landscaping in an urban setting exudes a certain character and at the same time requires fewer resources; such as water, etc… Here are some things that you should know when planning to embark on this endeavor.

Why use native plants?

Using native plants for landscaping is a way of celebrating natural heritage and a way of returning back to a land ethic established 50 years before by Aldo Leopold. Looking closely at native plants, it can be ascertained that these plants have many traits that make them very appealing in terms of aesthetic value, ecological value, and practicality. They can also present some health benefits when used properly.

Native Plants

So what are native plants? Native plants are plants that have evolved naturally in the United States. In particular, native plants in a certain area are those that were thriving in the particular area long before humans brought plants from faraway places. Both in Central and Eastern North America, the native plants grow in areas that have other species which have adapted to similar weather, moisture, and soil conditions. Some of the more prevalent types include tallgrass prairies, beech and maple forests, freshwater marshes, bogs, and savannahs among others.

Native plants are energy savers

Since native plants have been present in their respective areas for thousands of years, they have adapted and toughened against local conditions. They are resilient and can withstand the cruel winter cold or the sizzling summer heat. After getting a firm hold on the land, these types of plants will need no fertilizers or irrigation and are less prone to pests. Because of these reasons, native plants are very ideal for a low-maintenance type of landscaping and gardening.

Native plants are fascinating

Due to their diversity, native plants include wonderful flowers and interesting foliage. Trees and shrubs native to an area present a multitude of shapes, textures, and sizes to the landscape. Besides this, native plants have very interesting cultural as well as historical dimensions. A lot of the species are considered to be of value both as food and medicine. Some types have been used for textiles, dyeing, and cordage to name a few of their uses… It also serves as a reminder, a link to yesterday and its memories.

These are some of the reasons why native plants are used for landscaping. If you think that these are well grounded reasons and that you concur with it, then there is no reason why you should not delve into native plant landscaping.

Aquatic based water gardening is concerned with the growing and preservation of various kind of plants. The specific plants discussed in this piece of writing are typical of the numerous species that are members of the diverse groups. An encyclopedia or a manual that deals with aquatic based water gardening will contain a more all-encompassing list.
An all time favorite in aquatic-based water gardening are the water lilies, despite the fact that it is quite likely to maintain an attractive water garden even in their absence. Categorized as tropical or hardy, these water lilies are biologically useful to ponds since they safeguard against fish and inhibit the development of algae.
Water lilies classified as hardy comprise of the Albatross that bears great white flowers; the orange-red flower bearing Graziella; and the delicate yellow flowers borne by the Moorei. Among the water lilies that fall in the tropical category are Maroon Beauty, Red Flame, and Blue Beauty.
Deep water based aquatics refer to plants grown in aquatic water gardens that need water no less than 30 inches below the surface. Japanese Pond Lily is a well-known species as also the Sacred Lotus and the Golden Club. Plants, which are not alike, need varying levels of water and hence it vital for you to carry out an in-depth study prior to growing such plants.
Submerged plants are very essential since they serve as oxygenators so crucial to the existence of fish and other forms of marine life in the pond. In addition, they act as biological filters, eliminating wastes and salts on which algae flourish, from the pond water. Some species also bring forth blossoms on the surface.
Always remember to plant oxygenators a couple of weeks prior to placing fish in your pond. Carolina Water Shield, Anacharis and Canadian Pondweed are a few of the underwater plants that are frequently used in aquatic based water gardening.
Marginal plants refer to those that prosper just fine
in a mere couple of centimeters of water or in the soft mud surrounding the pond. A majority of them make fantastic choices for the container water gardens.
Among those which are well-accepted are the Pickerel Weed with pretty blue blossoms; the Hardy Canna that gives violet blossoms on elongated stalks; and Japanese Iris considered to be very gorgeous amongst all irises.
Peripheral plants are typical of those which form a border or edging for the water garden. If the pond is not located in an appropriate setting, it will appear incongruous and not realistic.
Moreover, these peripheral plants tend to disguise or conceal features, which may cast a blemish on the spotless splendor of your aquatic water garden such as service structures and enclosures. Peripheral plants should be in line with the dimensions and ambience of the remaining part of a water garden. Are you interested in creating a conventional, proper ambience or a more contemporary, casual ambience? Evergreens make excellent choices for a conventional environment. An assortment of plants, which thrive naturally close to ponds such as bog lilies, sunflowers and ferns are fabulous for a laid-back locale.
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Go about hiring someone to spruce up your water garden and in all likelihood you’ll end up emptying up your pockets. Try to Do-It-Yourself (DIY) with the help of a few gardening supplies and you’ll discover that it’s a much cheaper option due to the low cost of the supplies. There is plethora of information available for the seeking gardeners who like to take on the challenges. So whether it’s about that heavenly pond project in the backyard or that perfect water container garden, if you can dream breathtaking waterfalls, you have all the water gardening supplies available to make that dream a reality.
Container Water Gardens
Creating one’s own water garden is always a very satisfying experience as it allows a person to explore his/her creative abilities and watch his/her personality get manifested in the form of the final design. Many people prefer the oriental themed water gardens that range from lotus gardens with calm still water to the multi-level ones with waterfalls from large sculptures.
Your selection of water gardening supplies will largely depend on the scale of project that you are undertaking. While the simplest container water garden can be made by rooting plant cuttings in the water accumulated in your windowsill, the largest types can take shape of lined containers that carry pond plants like bog plants or hyacinths. Introduce a small motor into the picture and you can also enjoy a mini waterfall in your water garden container.
Large Water Gardens
Larger Water Gardens or ponds normally require gardening supplies that are little more complex in nature. They also need much more time and effort to construct as compared to container water gardens. However, where there is demand, how can the supply be too far behind! Many companies have special DIY kits available to guide you through this process as well. You can consider picking up one of these DIY kits and build your water garden in phases every weekend. It may take long time, but it’s the best way to go about it in case you’re a working person.
Water gardening supplies available for such type of gardens include plastic tubing, filters, skimmers, liners and other pond and water treatment materials.
Water Garden Maintenance
Once your basic water garden container is ready, you can consider introducing flora and fauna to complete the ecosystem. However, make sure that you don’t go overboard with fishes in the water garden as excess of them will result in lots of waste and more burden on filters. Having too many of them also encourages algae growth.
Algae are almost inevitable in any type of pond. While buying water gardening supplies to get rid of algae, you must take care that you pick only those that help you remove the undesirable algae and not the kind that is beneficial to the pond. Sometimes Barley straws are also employed to reduce algae levels in the water garden.
No matter what size of water garden are you planning to build, the gardening supplies are easily accessible nowadays on internet. What more, nowadays most of them are Do-it-yourself. If you follow the water gardening instructions well, it’ll take no time for you to turn into an avid water gardener.

Shrubs are essential to a successful garden. They provide fragrant flowers in the spring, lush green foliage during the summer and colorful foliage throughout the fall. Evergreens add color to the winter landscape. Shrubs give a landscape design its overall structure. With a seemingly endless list of shrubs available to the gardener, choosing the appropriate one for your garden takes a bit of planning. This article covers some common, easy to grow shrubs.
Many deciduous shrubs, those shrubs which lose their leaves in winter, are easy to grow and require very little maintenance. Hydrangea, for example, is a popular deciduous shrub which can thrive for years with only occasional pruning. Hydrangeas are essential to the garden in summer for color and foliage texture. They’re one of the few summer blooming shrubs and no garden is complete without them.
Butterfly bush is an easy care, summer blooming shrub with fragrant flowers. As the name suggests, they’re attractive to butterflies. Some varieties grow up to six feet tall and six feet wide so they’re more suitable to the larger garden.
Viburnums have long been a gardener’s favorite as they’re one the most versatile, adaptable and easy care shrubs available. There are over 120 varieties of Viburnum so there’s one for every garden. Some viburnums, such as the Korean spice or judii varieties are suitable for shrub borders and as specimen plants. Others have a more natural feel, such as the arrowwood or maple-leaf viburunum, which are great for the woodland garden. Most varieties retain colorful berries in the winter.
Many evergreens are easy to grow as well and provide gardens with year-round interest. Rhododendrons, for example, a showy, spring blooming shrub, are ideal for the mixed border and perfect for naturalizing the landscape. Once a rhododendron is planted, it requires little maintenance. Though not necessary, pinching off spend blooms encourage a healthy bloom the following year.
Azaleas, like rhododendrons, are quite versatile and suitable for a number of garden situations. They’re perfect for the shade gardens as their colorful spring flowers brighten up the landscape. They work as well planted among other shrubs in a foundation planting as they do in the woodland garden or formal garden. Occasional pruning may be needed to keep them at the size which is best suited to your garden.
Hollies are wonderful evergreen shrubs which are perfect as a hedge or as a privacy screen. They’re also suitable for the foundation planting. Hollies require a bit of pruning to retain their shape, but they are worth the effort since they form beautiful red berries in the winter.
Evergreen boxwood shrubs are hardy and, unless you’re your planting a formal garden, require only light pruning once a year. Boxwoods are generally available in mounding and upright varieties. They’re ideal for hedges, the entrance garden or a courtyard.
When designing your garden, its important to determine the site conditions of your garden. Refer to a plant hardiness map to determine what will grow well in your area. Choosing the appropriate plant results in fewer garden problems and less maintenance. Ideal for people with busy schedules, easy care shrubs thrive with little upkeep and remain beautiful for years.