Topofpage

Le Jardinet Newsletter

 February 2011

We all need inspiration. Landscape architects and designers have extensive reference libraries, subscribe to various gardening publications, attend continuing education classes and symposiums, visit other gardens and glean ideas from one another. It's not that we're stuck for what to do so much as we value another perspective and fresh ideas.

Hardy geranium trio
 

That's the beauty of events such as the Northwest Flower and Garden Show. With over 6 acres of show gardens brimming with ideas for every taste, the container show offering designers the opportunity to showcase their talent and 300 vendors in the marketplace you're sure to come away with a notebook full of ideas and a bag full of goodies. 

Turk poppy
 

Seminars are an invaluable way to glean tips from seasoned garden designers and horticulturalists. Books only tell us so much - the rest comes from experience. The show offers dozens of free seminars to choose from including hands-on demonstrations such as mine on the DIY stage to impressive PowerPoint presentations from internationally acclaimed speakers.


 alchemillamollisalpina

So when you return home inspired and full of enthusiasm to rejuvenate your garden this year, call me if you're not sure how to implement all those great ideas. I would be happy to arrange to meet you for a landscape consultation to make sure you're on the right track. I'm even offering a special discount coupon this month to celebrate the promise of warmer days ahead.


 Back to top

Time to get Naked!

February is the perfect time to plant bare root trees and shrubs. They transplant much easier when they are dormant and are cheaper too, with nurseries often offering discounts. Not sure what to get?

Styrax japonica
Japanese snowbell

 

What about a specimen tree such as Japanese snowbell (Styrax japonica)? Fragrant bell shaped flowers dangle from the branches of this small tree in spring. For a pink flowering variety consider 'Pink chimes'. Grows 15-20' tall and wide. Sun-part shade.

 

Franklinia
Beautiful Franklinia flowers


 

 

 

The Franklin tree (Franklinia alatamaha) is an underused ornamental tree with fragrant camellia like blossoms in July followed by stunning fall color. Growing just 15' tall and wide it is suitable for smaller gardens.


 

House front
The golden locust tree makes a wonderful accent

One of my favorite trees for golden foliage is the golden locust tree (Robinia pseudoacacia 'Frisia'), which grows 25' tall and 15' wide after 10 years. Standing beneath the golden canopy is like being bathed in sunshine. Look how it beautifully balances the scale of the house in the photo above.

Espalier apple

This espaliered apple is underplanted with herbs

 

Espaliered fruit trees are a great way to get a lot out of a small space and most are grafted to produce several different varieties on one rootstock. 

  

 

There are so many to choose from so visit the nursery now for the best selection - and take the golf clubs out of the trunk first!

 

Not sure what would be the perfect tree for your garden? Take advantage of the coupon below and schedule a landscape consultation. Together we can turn your garden dreams into reality. 

 

Back to top



My Blog
 
'Garden Adventures - for thumbs of all colors' is full of fun ideas and articles on all aspects of gardening - with a sense of humor. I was asked recently how I knew so much about gardening.  My reply was simple - I've made lots of mistakes! I'll share the good, the bad and the hilarious to hopefully save you from some of the same blunders.
Zen courtyard

Photo credit; Alyson Ross Markley


If you haven't been to the blog in a while take a look at some of the archived posts. Last month I ran a four part feature on designing a garden journey and your favorite post was 'Garden Design - planning special moments'. Don't miss out! Sign up on the blog to receive the posts by email twice a week.  Join in the fun, then share it with friends.

 

www.karensgardenadventures.com

Northwest Flower & Garden Show


NWFGS logo

It's here - our favorite gardening event of the year!

 

Mark your calendars for Wednesday February 23rd - Sunday February 27th at the Seattle Convention center. Order tickets now to save money and time.

 

 

 Back to top

My Seminars this Month

I love to share the fun of gardening with others and am always honored to be asked to give talks and demonstrations to fellow gardening enthusiasts. I am presenting two seminars this month and have also been invited to speak to the Master Gardeners of King County in April. Here are the details - join me!

 January color Splash

 

Trilogy Garden Club, Redmond, WA
February 2nd 7-8pm
 
Adding Sparkle to Small Spaces. February may be our greyest month but we can brighten up the darkest corner with colorful container gardens that will make you smile. Demonstration style seminar with the planting of two unique container gardens. For details contact Suzanne Kalish By invitation only

showNorthwest Flower and Garden Show, Seattle, WA
February 23rd 9.30-10.15am, DIY stage
 
Pizzazz in a Pot. Using color and drama I will create two exciting container garden designs while teaching tips and tricks to take your pots from ordinary to extraordinary. Novice gardeners will appreciate my covering the basics of container selection, potting mixes, fertilizers etc whilst I always aim to engage more experienced gardeners by the inclusion of unusual plants, combinations and innovative ideas. Click here for details. Open to the public

Master Gardeners of King County, Woodinville, WA
April 20th 10.30-12.00pm
 
Secrets to Success with Containers. Take your container garden designs to the next level as I share tips on how to create artistic combinations for both sun and shade. After planting two unique designs, I will also demonstrate the best methods for container drip irrigation to keep your pots looking fabulous even when you're on vacation. For registration and further details click here or contact Karen Hausrath .Open to the public

In the Nurseries Now

Daphne odora

I wish this was 'scratch and sniff!'

Daphne odora 'Aureo-marginata' is just coming into bloom and its heady perfume always stops me in my tracks. The delicate pink and white flowers are born in profusion amongst the evergreen leaves, delicately edged in yellow-cream. They prefer morning sun with afternoon shade and a good water retentive soil so add compost at planting time. Daphnes don't like to be transplanted so this is one shrub to know where you want it before you dig the hole! 

 

Back to top 


New Publication

Fine Gardening magazine is compiling a 2011 special publication on container gardening and will be including the article I wrote for them a few years ago on 'Stylish Shady Containers'. I'll let you know when it hits the news stands!

Share the News
Love these newsletters? Now it's easy to share them with your friends and family. Either click  or use the social media links at the top of the page to send via Facebook, Twitter and the like. Encourage them to sign up so they don't miss out on special offers, plant news and local garden events!

Want more? My newsletters are now archived on my website so you can look up seasonal tips, design ideas and photographs from previous editions.
See you at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show

Karen Chapman CPH
Le Jardinet
425 765 3574 
In This Issue
Time to get Naked!
My Blog
Northwest Flower & Garden Show
My seminars
In the Nurseries Now
New Publication
Share with Friends
TIP OF THE MONTH 

 

  Hyacinth

Freshen up containers by the front door by adding fragrant hyacinths. Keep them in their pot and just nestle amongst the other foliage. For shady areas buy blooms almost fully open and use a bamboo skewer to make them stand up straight if needed!

Professional Affiliations


GWA logo

GGS logo 

WSNLA logo

 NHS logo

Quick Links




 

Pottery

Imagination goes here
 
Join Our Mailing List

couponFlower & Garden Show Special!

 

$10 off any landscape consultation during February 2011.



Offer Expires: 2/28/11. May not be combined with any other offer.