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Jan Kirsh Landscapes and Studio
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Greetings!
What a crazy time we are having with the weather this spring. You don't know whether to layer up with a fleece jacket or toss on a pair of shorts and a big sun hat. The gardens seem to be taking it in stride except for the jumble of blossoms appearing out of their usual well ordered sequence. Enjoy it all regardless; even as the temparatures careen about, we all know scorching summer days are not far off.
Check out the shrub recommendations below and think about possibilities for your garden. I am always in the middle of designing or re-thinking an "outdoor living room." There are so many choices and ways to customize your outdoor entertaining spaces to make them striking, comfortable, whimsical, colorful, private, tropical, and more. From decks to shade structures and swimming pools, stone or paver walkways and vegetable gardens to outdoor lighting...Imagine it and we can help you make it happen. Call the office to set up an on site Garden Consultation.
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| Sculpture News | | |
Look for artichokes, figs, pears, peaches and more tucked into the gardens at The Inn at 202 Dover, the Bartlett Pear Inn and the gorgeous, newly remodeled home on Beech Street during the Talbot County Historic Society Kitchen and Garden Tour this Saturday, May 22rd in Downtown Easton, MD. www.hstc.org
If you are in the Allentown, PA area, check out the SOTA Designer Showhouse. My Asparagus and deep red, hot Chile Pepper are turning heads in gardens designed by my Allentown based friend Kathleen Forte of Buds Gardens. Through May 23rd. Great reception from the local arts community. www.sotashowhouse.org
Next sculpture installation in Washington, DC is planned for the end of the month: Five Asparagus, minutes away from DuPont Circle on Q Street, between 17th and 18th Streets. Lime green and terra cotta Asparagus set in the entry garden of a fabulous, late nineteenth century home with a stone facade.
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| May Gardens are Full of Color and Scent | | |
Time to stop and smell the roses and more. Walk slowly in the garden to take in Lilacs, Viburnums, old fashioned Roses, Wisteria (the native is my preference), and the hardy Gardenias. Catch their beguiling fragrance. The Gardenias are fairly new on the scene; they thrive in our gardens, if sited carefully in a protected spot. The scent is enough to knock your socks off!
Gardenia jasminoides 'Kleim's Hardy' (Hardy Gardenia)
Flowering shrubs are a terrific solution for my clients who seek low maintenance gardens, but still crave bold and plentiful color. Flowering shrubs don't shine for just the time they are in bloom. So many of the newer introductions have multiple seasons of interest. A few additional favorite shrubs that look great in May and beyond...
Deutzia gracilis 'Nikko' (Slender Deutzia): This low growing shrub is covered in clean, white blossoms for about three weeks. Deutzia has fresh medium textured foliage, good burgundy fall color and a subtle winter presence. It's a knock out when paired with Doublefile Viburnum 'Mariesii' or 'Shasta'. It's the classic look: White on White.
Syringa patula 'Miss Kim' (Dwarf Lilac): A small scale shrub with a tight structure; it's more compact than older varieties. Though, the delicate icy blue flowers are equally as fragrant as the larger forms. These Dwarf Lilacs are lovely planted with companion perennials: Salvia 'Blue Hill,' Phlox subulata, Veronica 'Georgia Blue' or Verbena 'Sisinghurst'. Or, team them with the late flowering Grape Hyacinth, Muscari comosum plumosum; it's feathery blossoms are wildly different and fragrant,too.
Chionanthus virginicus (Fringetree or Old Man's Beard): Not planted often enough, this native tree is a true specimen. The delicate white, slightly fragrant flowers are pendulous and give this small tree with a shrubby form, a fleecy appearance while in bloom. The flowers are followed by dark blue, egg-shaped drupes (fruit) that are a great attraction for birds. The Fringetree grows to be 15' tall in as many years and thrives in full sun or partial shade. |
| Landscape Design Consultations are in Full Swing | | |
Early spring is a busy time for everyone as we make our gardens ship shape. We're working with landscapers, carpenters, pool builders and masons to install new gardens, plant replacements as a result of Mother Nature's harsh winter, and build structures; decks, outdoor showers, swimming pools, fences, gates and pergolas. I love the quicky consultations where I get to give advice about "what if you tried this" or "have you thought about moving that over here". It's great fun to chat about gardening and I get to wave my arms around while talking about the big picture, or the smallest detail. Sometimes all you need is a different point of view and a fresh set of eyes. I would love to see how your garden grows! |
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Jan Kirsh
Jan Kirsh Landscapes and Studio
410.745.5252 |
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