![]() ![]() To lessen the chance of mortality due to cold, it is advisable to have a location where the plant is sheltered from the prevailing northwest winter winds. The K-W area lies largely at the edge of this zone, but as we are on the cusp of 5b, it is not uncommon to see a colder than normal winter with some degree of frequency. Japanese maples perform best in a Canadian Zone 6 hardiness zone or milder.While there are always exceptions, it is hoped that this will make you more aware of this plant's requirements for best growth, and assess prior to purchase the suitability of this plant in your garden. Growing one in a pot year round, for example, is not recommended, and is not warrantied. Japanese maples are not terribly happy growing under stress, and may perform poorly or fail entirely if sited or grown improperly. However, not all locations are suitable for growing this plant, no matter how much you may want to have one. Their striking texture, unique form, and beautiful colouring can't help but add value to your landscape. Instead, make sure they are properly set into the soil or gravel around them, perhaps with a bit of shallow digging first.Japanese maples are one of the most sought after plants for a property. So, don’t simply place them, where they could be knocked over. And remember that large rocks need to be secure to the ground. Stick to groups of three or odd-numbered clusters – it looks more aesthetically-pleasing than even numbers. A smaller, smoother one in front, surrounded by fine gravel, could represent clouds. An upturned, vertical stone could symbolise a mountain, for example. ![]() In other words, don’t cram every rock you can find in a jumbled heap of a rainbow of colours – instead, pick carefully, and think what each stone could represent. So, when you start creating your rock garden, keep it simple. Traditional Japanese rock gardens offer a restful view for the eyes and inspire a feeling of peace and stillness. ‘Alternatively, there are dwarf cultivars available, such as ‘Fire Power’, which has a more vibrant red leaf in autumn.’ How do you arrange rocks in a Japanese garden? ‘My Nandina has moved house with me about four times now, and if it starts getting too big, it can be easily pruned. ‘Another common Japanese garden plant is Nandina domestica or Sacred Bamboo, which although it is not a bamboo, has attractive foliage, flowers and fruit,’ adds Jake Davies-Robertson from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Gardeners’ World also suggests Hakonechloa macra – Japanese forest grass – to soften edges of paths. Ornamental quinces add colour for early spring (try ' Geisha Girl’ for apricot-hued flowers), as do camellias. Ornamental grasses are another good addition – try Ophiopogon planiscapus 'Nigrescens' for striking purple-black leaves. Rhododendron – azalea’s big sister – can be seen in larger gardens, as can hydrangeas with their showy heads full of blooms. But, if you’re after even more plants to fill your Japanese-inspired space, you’re in luck. ![]() Go miniature with treesĪs we’ve mentioned, popular Japanese garden plants include acers, azaleas, bamboo, moss, magnolias, and cherry blossoms. In karesansui, the plants provide a backdrop or small flourishes around the rocks.’ 2. ![]() ‘In many cases, the rocks are seen as more important than the plants in the garden, as in karesansai, or dry gardens. ‘Stones are often selected or arranged to represent mountain ranges, cliffs, or rocky outcrops, or just because they are particularly beautiful. ‘Japan is a very mountainous land and is blessed with many different rocks, but rocks are heavy, so usually a garden is constructed with local stone,’ says Jake Davies-Robertson, Botanical Horticulturist at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Light, small-sized gravel works well, and then, using a hand-held rake, create swirls and lengths of patterns – get creative! You can change the raked design every time, depending on how the mood takes you. Larger rocks can be used to resemble mountains, or islands, rising from the ‘water’ below. ‘Think raked gravel instead of grass, to interpret water ripples,' she adds. They are ‘a place of retreat to reset after a day in our busy modern lives.’ ‘Japanese rock gardens are all about embracing calm, balance and mindfulness,’ says Jessica Smith, gardener and florist of Flower and Land. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |