The garden reader:

When less is more

By William Scheick

Book Reviewer

Vincent A. Simeone. Grow More for Less: Sustainable Garden Methods. Cool Springs Press, 2013. 192 pp. $21.99.

Marta McDowell. Beatrix Potter's Gardening Life: The Plants and Places That Inspired the Classic Children's Tales. Timber Press, 2013. 339 pp. $24.95.

Less money, less work and less water - what gardener wouldn't prefer so much "less"? In Grow More for Less, sustainability expert Vincent Simeone aims to help gardeners discover how less can become more.

The typical garden, Simeone points out, is mistakenly treated as a "disposable" landscape. "Homeowners seem content to get 5, 10 or 15 years out of a newly designed landscape before it is renovated or replaced."

A better goal, Simeone advises, is to aim for long-term viability in an organically managed, low-maintenance environment supporting useful insects, birds and other wildlife. Simeone particularly emphasizes smart garden designs, "the right plant for the right place," managing invasive species, lawn-replacement, composting and water conservation.

Although many of the plants featured in Grow More for Less would be poor bets for most of Texas, the principles they are used to demonstrate are sound and adaptable to our settings - making this book a good general introduction to inspired practical decisions in the garden.

Inspiration of another kind is celebrated in Beatrix Potter's Gardening Life, a richly illustrated consideration of the life and plant-interests of the famous author of The Tale of Peter Rabbit.

After the death of her fiancé, Potter distracted herself from grief by applying her well-honed observations about plants (reflected in her paintings and book illustrations) to an actual garden (her first). "Like many a guilty gardener before and since, Beatrix added to her plant palette with occasional pilfering."

It might surprise some readers that generally children were unwelcome in Potter's garden at Hill Top Farm, at least when they were unsupervised. Dogs had to be dealt with as well, especially Fleet, who easily opened the latch of the garden gate to let herself in.

Beatrix Potter's Gardening Life is a smoothly written, beautifully designed and entertaining book. Whether or not you are familiar with Potter's children's stories, this biographical account is a cozy read.

American Society of Landscape Architects

Consumer demand remains strong for attractively designed residential landscapes that are perfect for entertaining and relaxing, according to the 2014 Residential Landscape Architecture Trends Survey conducted by the American Society of Landscape Architects. The survey also shows continuing popularity for both sustainable and low-maintenance design.

Landscape architects who specialize in residential design across the country were asked to rate the expected popularity of a variety of residential outdoor design elements in 2014. The category of gardens and landscaped spaces received a 94.2 percent rating as somewhat or very popular. Outdoor living spaces, defined as kitchens and entertainment spaces, were second most popular at 92.0 percent. Outdoor recreation came in third at 75.8 percent.

Across all categories, 98.3 percent of respondents rated lighting as somewhat or very in-demand for 2014, followed by seating/dining areas (97.7 percent), fire pits/fireplaces (95.4 percent), grills (94.3 percent) and installed seating (89.6 percent), which include benches, seatwalls, ledges, steps, and boulders.

"Homeowners know that designed landscapes add value to their lives as well as their property values," said ASLA Executive Vice President and CEO Nancy Somerville, Hon. ASLA. "They're interested in livable, open spaces that are both stylish and earth friendly."

In the realm of landscape garden structures, terraces, patios, and decks are high on people's lists (97.7 percent), as are fencing (88.5 percent), pergolas (82.8 percent), and decks (82.3 percent).

Survey respondents noted that the most popular landscape and garden elements for 2014 include low-maintenance landscapes (95.4 percent), native plants (84.5 percent), and fountains/ornamental water features (83.9 percent). Slightly more than three quarters of respondents (76.4 percent) noted food and vegetable gardens, including orchards and vineyards, will be in demand this year.

Decorative water elements - including waterfalls, ornamental pools, and splash pools - were predicted to be in demand for home landscapes (86.1 percent). Spas (76.4 percent) and swimming pools (73.8 percent) are also expected to be popular.

The most in-demand eco-friendly design elements include native/adapted drought-tolerant plants (88 percent) and drip/water-efficient irrigation (84.5 percent). Permeable paving (78.9 percent), reduced lawn (72.6 percent), and recycled materials (65.1 percent) are other popular elements that will help American homeowners reduce their environmental footprint.

Additional information on residential landscape architecture can be found at www.asla.org/residentialinfo.

Outdoor Design Elements (Overall rating for 2014)

Percent Rating Popular or Somewhat Popular:

Gardens/landscaped spaces - 94.2%

Outdoor living spaces (kitchens, entertainment spaces) - 92.0%

Outdoor recreation amenities (pools, spas, tennis courts) - 75.8%

Sustainable design practices - 74.2%

Vegetable/fruit gardens - 72.4%

Turf lawns - 54.0%

ADA/accessible design - 29.7%

Outdoor Living Features (Overall rating for 2014)

Percent Rating Popular or Somewhat Popular:

Lighting - 98.3%

Seating/dining areas - 97.7%

Fire pits/fireplaces - 95.4%

Grills - 94.3%

Installed seating (benches, seatwalls, ledges, steps, boulders) - 89.6%

Outdoor furniture - 84.1%

Counter space - 75.5%

Utility storage - 65.5%

Stereo systems - 60.7%

Wireless/internet connectivity - 56.0%

Sinks - 55.0

Refrigerators - 53.7%

Televisions/projection screens - 49.4%

Outdoor heaters - 48.9%

Showers/baths - 46.8%

Outdoor cooling systems (including fans) - 37.2%

Hammocks - 34.1%

Bedrooms/sleeping spaces - 14.9%

Outdoor Recreation Amenities (Overall rating for 2014)

Percent Rating Popular or Somewhat Popular:

Decorative water elements such as ornamental pools, splash pools, waterfalls, grottos, water runnels or bubblers - 86.1%

Spa features (hot tub, Jacuzzi, whirlpool, indoor/outdoor sauna) - 76.4%

Swimming pools - 73.8%

Sports/recreational spaces (tennis courts, bocce ball, etc.) - 58.6%

Movie/video/TV theatres - 42.3%

Landscape/Garden Elements (Overall rating for 2014)

Percent Rating Popular or Somewhat Popular:

Low maintenance landscapes - 95.4%

Native plants - 84.5%

Fountains/ornamental water features - 83.9%

Food/Vegetable gardens (including orchards/vineyards etc.) - 76.4%

Xeriscaping or dry gardens - 69.1%

Organic gardens - 64.0%

Ponds/streams - 60.0%

Rain gardens - 58.3%

Rooftop gardens - 53.1%

Plant walls/vertical gardens - 49.7%

Sustainable Design Elements (Overall rating for 2014)

Percent Rating Popular or Somewhat Popular:

Native/adapted drought-tolerant plants - 88.0%

Drip/water-efficient irrigation - 84.5%

Permeable paving - 78.9%

Reduced lawn - 72.6%

Recycled materials - 65.1%

Rainwater/graywater harvesting - 60.6%

Compost bins - 51.2%

Solar-powered lights - 42.7%

Geothermal-heated pools - 27.2%

Outdoor Structures (Overall rating for 2014)

Percent Rating Popular or Somewhat Popular:

Terraces/patios/decks - 97.7%

Fencing (includes gates) - 88.5%

Pergolas - 82.8%

Decks - 82.3%

Ornamental water features such as fountains or splash pools - 81.6%

Arbors - 81.1%

Steps - 77.7%

Porches - 74.4%

Kitchens/ovens - 71.4%

Art (sculptures, murals etc.) - 64.4%

Play structures (tree houses, swing sets, etc.) - 60.6%

Utility sheds (tool sheds, garden sheds, etc.) - 59.0%

Pavilions - 56.6%

Gazebos - 48.5%

Awnings, including retractable - 47.7%

Columns - 45.4%

ADA-accessible structures (ramps, bars, accessible shelving, etc.) - 33.1%

About the Survey

The survey asked residential landscape architecture professionals about the estimated popularity of various design elements for 2014. The survey was fielded January 16 through February 14, 2014, with 179 responding.

Austin: The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office in Travis County and Travis County Master Gardeners is presenting a series of five monthly drought-related programs in Austin, which began with a composting program on Feb. 6. The four remaining Dealing with Drought Conditions programs will be held from 10 a.m. to noon on their respective dates at the AgriLife Extension office in southeast Austin, located at 1600-B Smith Road. Each program is $10 for early registration and $15 for late or on-site registration. To register, go to http://agriliferegister.tamu.edu. Still to come: March 6 - Rainwater harvesting. Don't let valuable rainwater wash down the gutter; capture it and use it to water gardens and landscapes. Learn the basics of rainwater harvesting and how to construct a basic system suited to your needs. April 3 - Landscaping to conserve water. Learn proper techniques for watering, feeding and maintaining healthy grasses and landscapes. May 1 - Drip irrigation for the garden. Learn how to install an effective water-wise drip irrigation system and how to monitor its efficiency. Includes an explanation of the irrigation system at AgriLife Extension's demonstration garden. June 5 - Alternative methods of gardening and irrigation. People with time, space or physical limitations can learn how to raise vegetables, herbs and flowers using self-sufficient grow boxes, as well as keyhole gardening and "hugelkultur," to expand their gardening repertoire. For more information, contact Richards at 512-854-9600 or drichards@tamu.edu.  

Conroe: The Montgomery County Master Gardeners are having their annual Spring Sale, featuring perennials, vegetables, herbs and more, on Saturday, March 8, at 9020 Airport Road, Conroe. Program is at 8 a.m.; sale is from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. For more information, call 936-539-7824 or visit www.mcmga.com.

Dallas: Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the greenhouse on this family friendly walk at Texas Discovery Gardens, 3601 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Dallas, Saturday, March 8, at 11 am. It ends in time for the Butterfly Release talk at noon in the conservatory. Included w/admission. For additional information, visit http://texasdiscoverygardens.org/events_and_classes.php.

Humble: From 10 a.m. until noon March 8 learn about the plants that will be available for sale at Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens' forthcoming March Mart. The presentation will be held at the arboretum, 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble. For reservations or more information, call 281-443-8731.

Huntsville: The Walker County Master Gardeners Plant Sale will take place from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. March 8 at the Pilot Truck Stop on Hwy 75 N in Huntsville.  

The Woodlands: Buddy Lee, a nationally known plant breeder, horticulturist and creator of the world's best-selling reblooming azalea, Encore Azalea, will be a featured speaker at the 12th Annual Spring Home and Garden Show in The Woodlands, Texas, on Saturday and Sunday, March 8 and 9 at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center. Lee's presentations, scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, and 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 9, will include "New, Better, Yours - Plant the Newest Best Plants this Spring," and "Easy Steps to Grow Beautiful Azaleas." For more information about the event, visit WoodlandsShows.com.

Houston: The Houston Urban Gardeners will meet at 6:30 p.m., March 10, at Houston's Multi-Service Center, 1475 W. Gray, Houston.  For more information, visit www.HoustonUrbanGardeners.org. 

Humble: March Mart will be held Friday, March 14, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday, March 15, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. at Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble. One of the Texas Gulf Coast area's largest and most anticipated horticultural events, March Mart features a huge selection, more than 2,000 varieties, of quality plants rarely found at local retail nurseries. Many of these plants are grown by Mercer's volunteers, who will be on-hand to help with selection and offer advice on the cultivation and care of plants offered at the event. Proceeds from the sale benefit the gardens and programs at Mercer.

Brady: Central Texas Master Gardeners Association will host a workshop on March 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. that will focus on fighting invasive species and protecting Texas from their negative effects. The training will be presented by Justin Bush, the Invasive Species Program Manager at the University of Texas - Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin. The workshop will be held at Brady Housing Authority, 405 E. Main St., Brady. Lunch is provided by CTMGA. There is no charge for the workshop, but space is limited and advance registration is required.To register, call McCulloch Extension Office at 325-597-1295, contact slvanzant@gmail.com, or visit http://tinyurl.com/lo8dsa4.

College Station: "Be Earth-Kind - Compost" will be presented by Master Gardener/Composter Molly Harris, 6:30 p.m.-8 p.m., March 18, at Cypress Grove Intermediate School, 900 Graham Road, College Station. 

La Marque: "Minimize Tomato Stress Factors to Maximize Yields"with GC Master Gardener Ira Gervais will be presented 9-11:30 a.m., March 29, at Galveston County AgriLife Extension, Carbide Park, 4102 Main, La Marque. Email reservations to galv3@wt.net, For additional information, call-534-3413 or visit www.aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston. Free.

Orangefield: The Orange County Master Gardener Association of Orange will hold their annual Bloomin' Crazy Plant Fair Saturday, March 29 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Jewel Cormier Park, 8235 FM 1442, Orangefield (about 1.5 miles south of IH10 (Exit 869S). Available will be a large variety of plants from annuals, perennials, Texas SuperStars, Natives, vines, butterfly, house, tropical, lilies, citrus, shrubs, trees, vegetables including herbs and a huge selection of tomato and pepper plants. There will be many hard-to-find plants available also. Vendors selling bromeliads, and unique gifts will be available along with Master Gardeners to answer horticulture related questions. Concessions will be available. For additional information, visit www.txmg.org/orange.

• Many, many practical and timely garden tips that are for Texas - not Maine or California!
• Organic, earth friendly tips to make your garden grow and prosper
• Lots of space to record your own activities for future reference
• Planting dates and tips for vegetables, flowers, herbs, fruit and lawns

The Vegetable Book

By Dr. Sam Cotner

Finally, back by popular demand and in its fourth printing, the most informative and comprehensive "how-to" book on vegetable gardening in Texas (also, suitable for most other areas of the South) written by the late, great Dr. Sam Cotner, former head of horticulture at Texas A&M University and lifelong gardener. This interesting read has over 370 pages of detailed information on every crop, from Asparagus to Watermelon including problem/solving sections for each vegetable. If you want to maximize your enjoyment and success growing vegetables in Texas, this book is a "must have," whether you are a beginner or a seasoned gardener. Price $34.02

By William D. Adams

The best thing for tomato enthusiasts since the tomato itself! Adams draws on more than thirty years of experience to provide a complete, step-by-step guide to success in the tomato patch. Learn everything from soil preparation, planting, feeding, caging and watering. Liberally sprinkled with the author's easy humor and illustrated with his own excellent photographs, this must-have book has everything you'll need to assure a bumper crop! 189 pages. Lots of color photographs! Price: $31.94

($15.82 if ordered separately)

Remit payment to:

TG Books * PO Box 9005 * Waco, TX 76714

or call Toll-Free 1-800-727-9020

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