ARMCHAIR GARDENING
One look outside this morning convinced me that today was not going to be a gardening day. Another hard frost has glued the fallen leaves to the ground and there was no way to dig out and transplant the Astilbe that are on my 'must do before spring' list.
So as I sipped my hot tea and added an extra log to the fire I looked out of the window and made plans for what I want to do in the garden this year. There's the usual list of throwing out, dividing, transplanting and weeding plus a few border shapes and paths that need adjusting. I have also decided to experiment with adding more containers actually in my borders this year. The challenge is to do so in a way that makes sense artistically and avoid turning the garden into a container shopping mall.
Curious? Read on to see what I've got in mind. |
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ADDING COLOR TO THE WINTER GARDEN
As I was taking photographs in my garden this week I was enjoying the quieter color palette of sepia-like tints. (If you'd like to read more about this you might enjoy my latest blog post). Tucked away next to the cabin and nestled among lower shrubs is my bright orange pot, however, and there is nothing quiet or subdued about that! That pot got me thinking....
Why add containers to the border?
Instant color
Focal point
Adds height
Can be used where nothing will grow (roots, rocks)
Keeps the rabbits off!
Do's and Don'ts
Can be planted or left empty
Make sure it has drainage holes
Raise up off the ground to allow water to drain through
Tie in the pot color to the surrounding plants
Keep to a theme, style or color scheme
Don't use too many!
Bigger is better for impact
Special bonus
They are deer resistant!! I'm going to plant Midwinter Fire dogwood in a large pot and set it in a border that I can see during the winter. The twigs will finally be above deer height and get a chance to grow!
Given you some ideas?
Email me to set up an appointment for a landscape consultation or design.
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Trilogy Garden Club, Redmond, WA Wednesday February 4th (7.00-8.00pm) Container CPR - Reviving your Winter Containers. Demonstration. Members and guests only
Northwest Flower &Garden Show, Seattle WA Wednesday February 11th (11.45am-12.45pm) The Squish Factor: Designing abundant containers. Demonstration. Details Northwest Flower & Garden Show, Seattle WA Thursday February 12th (6.45pm-7.30pm) Hanky Panky in the Shade Powerpoint. Details Back to top |
EDMONDS CC CONTAINER GARDENING COURSE
WHERE;
Edmonds Community College, WA (day 1) and Molbak's Garden & Home, Woodinville, WA (day 2)
WHEN;
March 30th and March 31st 2015 (9am-1pm both days)
WHAT;
Container Gardening - Design and Business Savvy
WHY;
A fast paced 2-part course for horticulture students and professionals wishing to improve their design skills.
TO REGISTER
1. If you are not already a student you will first need to apply for admission to the college (A $35 fee). You can do this any time
2. You can then register for my class on February 24th when the schedule and my syllabus is made available online. (You cannot register before this date). Fee approx. $117
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GOLD AWARD WINNING FINE FOLIAGE
Fine Foliage received the 2014 GOLD award by the Garden Writer's Association for overall best product, winning over all other books, magazines, flyers, brochures, catalogs and calendars printed last year!
Remember you can buy signed copies from my website. Great gift!
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TO FEED YOUR FOLIAGE FANCIES
Just for all you leaf lovers - welcome to FINE FOLIAGE - THE BLOG!
Well you were obviously desperate because this was the top December post!
Click on the title to enjoy it again and see what got everyone so excited.
Keep up with the fun;
www.fine-foliage.com
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Interested in booking a seminar or presentation for your area, event or garden club? Just send me an email and feel free to read reviews of my talks on the Great Garden Speakers website.
Want to know more about the talks I offer? For those within driving distance of Seattle here are some suggestions. For those further afield I still offer a great selection(but can't manhandle heavy pots and plants onto planes!) Of course I am always happy to tailor it to your audience. Contact me for fee details
I'm also happy to design custom workshops for your group
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KEEP UP WITH THE FUN AT LE JARDINET!
BLOG
Garden Adventures - for thumbs of all colors, is a lighthearted, information packed blog for all gardeners and garden lovers. Laugh while you learn, pick up new ideas and be inspired by others is the theme as I cover everything from container design to slug patrol.
Sign up below to receive the blog posts by email.
Also find me here;
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SHARE THE NEWS
Love these newsletters? Want to tell your friends about some of the fun events or share some of my design ideas? Either click or use the social media links at the top of the page to send via Facebook, Twitter and the like. Encourage friends and family 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 and photographs from previous editions.
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May 2015 be a wonderful slug, rabbit and deer-free year for you all
Karen Chapman CPH
Le Jardinet
425 765 3574
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Fine Foliage Now
| Feelin' Blue deodar cedar |
- Full sun
- Well drained soil
- Low maintenance
- Drought tolerant
- Rabbit and deer resistant
- Fabulous weeping, blue foliage
- Can be grown as a ground cover or trained as a standard
An outstanding evergreen conifer that gets better every year. Hardy in zones 7-9 ( or possibly zone 6)
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TAKE MY 5 STAR
CRAFTSY CLASS
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Squish Factor!
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Imagination goes here
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