Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'

Getting Started

 1. Select a tree or shrub that branches in a way that fits the type of espalier you want.   Formal patterns such as diamonds or a  candelabra will take longer to train than informal designs like a fan.  If you can’t find a specimen that has the  form you desire, start with a young whip (one long slender trunk with no side branches) or a small shrub or tree and prune off all the side branches.  As the plant begins to put out growth you can train each branch.  Prune off young branches  that grow in the wrong direction.  Continue to prune throughout the growing season.  Attach young pliable shoots to the support with twine or special attachments designed for vines. 

Loquat espalier

  Some nurseries sell plants that have already been trained to grow in a particular pattern.  This will give you a head start but may not be as satisfying as creating your own design. 

2. Provide a structure to support  your espalier.  Whether it is a formal or an informal design, install a trellis, lattice or wire fence at least six inches away from the wall or fence it will grow against.  This will provide better air circulation and  make it easier to prune the plant.  In addition, the building will be easier to maintain.  Wire works well for fruit trees,  and lattice or trellis is good for shrubs.  To create a wire support use two sturdy posts, 7 or 8 feet tall, spaced at a distance that you think the espalier will eventually reach.  Anchor the posts and then using staples, attach the wire between the posts.  The first wire should be about 3 feet up from the ground.  Additional wires should be placed about one foot apart. 

free standing Espaliered Pear

In a small space espaliered plants, trees and shrubs can lift your garden up walls and fences, while providing you with the opportunity to show off your imagination.  And in larger spaces espalier can create dramatic backgrounds and accents.

Fortunately I am still thinking back to my recent trip to Alaska where in addition to all the wildlife; a grizzly bear chasing a caribou in Denali National Park, Black bear catching and hoarding salmon in Valdez, sea otters, moose and all  types of birds; we saw beautiful wild flowers including monk’s hood, delpheniums, yarrow and lots of Fireweed, Epilobium angustifolium.   This two week trip was the result of my invitation to speak to a gardening group in Homer, AK. After my talk my family and I decided to take a two week trip.    

But, before I tell you anymore about this amazing trip and all the wonderful plants and people I met, let me say how happy I am to have photos to go along with this story. Normally this would not be a big deal but upon my return from Alaska I promptly deleted all my photos (about 400) when I reformatted my memory chip.  It’s hard to fathom that my Canon Rebel did not give me any warning message, you know where they ask you are you sure you want to do this, or if you do this, you will delete all your photos?  I assure you there was no such message.  I talked with someone else who had the same experience.  Anyway, my savvy computer consultant was able to retrieve all my photos and I will be much more cautious in the future.

Brenda Adam's garden and view of Kachemak Bay

Hardy Geraniums and Primroses

Alopecurus pratensis 'Aurea' in Brenda's garden

Les Brake's garden in late July

Berberis 'Cimson Velvet' and 'Lady Bird' Poppy

As beautiful as Alaska is it has its own challenges when it comes to gardening.  The day after I visited Les he had planned to work on his compost pile but changed his mind after a neighbor reported seeing a grizzly in the area.  And while deer may not be a problem Brenda has moose in the winter that come right up on her back deck.  So maybe I’m not ready to move to Alaska quite yet but I can’t wait to go back for another visit.  Special thanks to all the folks that made my visit so memorable.  In addition to Brenda and Bill Adams, Les Brake and Jerry Conrad;  Roni Overway, Barbara Landi and Saraphine Bailey drove me around and made sure I was fed.  I also appreciate Neil and Kyra Wagner showing me their garden and what they are working on with permaculture and sustainable gardening.  If you want to know more about what they are up to visit www.sustainablehomer.org.  And, If you don’t have plans for next summer Home has their annual garden weekend which includes speakers and tours of private gardens.

Garden House with recycled materials

Creating outdoor rooms is something that Susanne knows about.  When I first visited her garden years ago, she had created an outdoor living room with salvaged windows from a church.  Years later it looks as if it has always been there.  Boxwoods and hydrangeas look lush on this June visit and visitors are lounging on the glider.  She also has an outdoor dining room complete with an electric chandelier that works.

outdoor garden room

In my own garden I have a small gravel area with chairs next to a water garden but I love the idea of a garden house.  Now if only I can find someone to build it.  Until then I will enjoy my summer blooms including daisies, ‘Casa Blanca’ lilies, coneflowers and later hydrangeas and big plants like Silphium perfoliatum , called the cup plant it grows to 6’ or taller.  Other favorites include Hemerocallis ‘Autumn Minaret’ which also grows to heights of 6’ and offers fragrant yellow flowers with a dark peach center. 

my garden in August 2009

It’s too hot to plant but there is plenty of weeding and mulching to keep me busy.

Well, maybe I’ll add some more annuals.  You can never have too many plants.

Zephirine Drouhin, thornlesss and fragrant

As Kathy Jentz, publisher of Washington Gardener magazine (DC and surrounding areas) www.washingtongardener.com

stated recently “ thornless, blooms in shade, great fragrance, what’s not to love,” and I would also add that  it produces masses of cerise pink flowers.  A point worth noting is that last year many of  the flower buds on my ‘Zephirine Drouhin” were destroyed by a green caterpillar chewing into them.  This year I was ready.  Once the flower buds were swelling and showing color I  inspected the plant and sure enough the green worms were back.  Although I  avoid using pesticides in my garden (one dog and one 8 year old, need I say more) on occasion I resort to using organic pest controls like  Bacillus thuringiensis commonly known as Bt.  Bt is a naturally occurring bacterial disease of insects.  By spraying (mix it with water according to the directions) the leaves (both the tops and undersides) as well as the buds, it will kill the chewing caterpillars when they ingest it.  This insecticide is considered safe for people and wildlife and is also used on food crops. 

The bottom line is that it works as exhibited by all the flowers my rose has produced this year.  It also helps that we have had plenty of moisture and I am fertilizing with organic chicken poop.  Roses are heavy feeders but most years I don’t fertilize as often as I should.  I will try to do better this year.   

Rosa 'Perle d'Or' and Spiraea 'Ogon'

I select roses for my garden that are tough and for the most part undemanding. In talking with some of my fellow gardening friends we all agree that so far this has been a great year for roses. 

David McMullin of GardenHood says some of his favorites this year include R. ‘Climbing Pinkie,’ with gorgeous deep pink flowers, R. ‘Cecile Brunner,’ R. ‘Darlow’s Enigma,’ an upright tidy shrub with yellow buds opening white, R. ‘Altissima,’ a climber with single deep red flowers and R. chinensis mutabilis also known as the butterfly rose with single blooms in shades of yellow, pink and orange. 

Garden Designer Caroline Riggins says she is excited by roses but stresses that she is a  no spray gardener.  She too grows the roses I mentioned and also likes R. ‘Climbing Pinkie’ and  R. ‘Climbing Old Blush.’

Paula Refi who is also a garden designer says that she is not a big rose grower and that she currently has 7 or 8 bulletproof roses.  Her top five are

R. ‘Buttered Popcorn,’ a white polyantha, R. ‘Baby Love,’ a single yellow polyantha she grows with Clematis ‘Arabella,’ R. ‘Perle d’ Or,’ R. chinensis mutabilis and R. ‘Nearly Wild.’ 

Rosa 'WEOpop' or 'Gourmet Popcorn'

If you aren’t already growing roses, the ones listed here are satisfying and for the most part easy to grow provided they have plenty of sun (6-8 hours of direct sun is ideal), moisture and fertilizer.

Viburnum macrocephalum, Chinese snowball

 He had his crew deliver and plant it with a tree spade.  However, due  to the drought it  struggled along until this spring when it exploded into bloom.  I guess it was just waiting for the rain we had last fall and winter.  Other  key players in April  include Heuchera ‘Caramel’ which  looks good with its companions Acer palmatum ‘Sangu Kaku,’ the coral bark maple, a smoke tree and a clump of fennel. (sounds like a menu selection at a restaurant)  Heuchera ‘Citronelle’ and Euphorbia wulfenii  add welcome brightness with their chartreuse foliage and flowers.  Another combination that pleases is Amsonia hubrichtii; also known as Arkansas bluestar, a plant that  always makes the cut if I am forced to name 10 perennials I can’t live without,  and Heuchera ‘Mocha.’ The large dark foliage of this coralbells provides the perfect contrast for the willowy leaves of Amsonia and its blue flowers which are just beginning to show color.  I only grow a few clematis, although I am always trying new selections, and the first to bloom this year  is Clematis ‘Miss Bateman,’ with rounded white flowers.  It is described as a large flowered early blooming type.  I purchased it at a big box store (I shop everywhere for plants)  while it was in bloom last year so I am especially happy to see that it overwintered and is thriving. 

Amsonia hubrichtii and Heuchera 'Mocha'

 I have ‘Miss Bateman’ planted at the base of Rosa ‘Zephirine Drouhin’ which I have trained to grow up a trellis.  This rose which is virtually thornless continues to be a favorite of mine with its cerise blooms and delicious scent.  It too is just beginning to show color.  Planted in front of it are two big clumps of Baptisia ‘Carolina Moonlight.’ A strong grower,  the asparagus looking buds will open soon to soft yellow spikes of flowers.   

Clematis 'Miss Bateman'

This is just a sampling of some of my favorites and is subject to change.  I am also trying a new fertilizer for my garden called GEO 4-2-3 Organic Fertilizer (visit their website to find out more http://think-geo.com ) which is derived from processed poultry litter.  I’ll keep you posted on my thoughts and observations regarding its benefits.

   Now is the perfect time to visit gardens with your pen, paper and camera.  Then head to your local garden center and bring home some color.  Below is a list of garden centers and nurseries with great offerings.

Ashe-Simpson Garden Center, 4961 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30341-770-458-3224

GardenHood,353 Boulevard SE, Atlanta, GA 30312-404-880-9848

Habersham Gardens, 2067 Manchester St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30324-404-873-2484

McMahan’s Nursery, 5727 Cleveland Hwy., Clermont, GA 30527-770-983-3666

Scottsdale Farms, 15639 Birminham Hwy, (Hwy 372), Appharetta, GA 30004-770-777-5875

call for hours of operation or visit their websites

Daffodils, Scilla and Puschkinia

Narcissus ‘Tete-a-Tete’ planted in combination with Puschkinia scilliodes var. libanotica and Scilla siberica.  These perennial bulbs are easy to grow and  a delight in early spring.  Great for the woodland or the edges of borders, they also naturalize easily.  In another area of the garden I was delighted to see the spring ephemeral cutleaf toothwort, Cardamine concatenata,  formerly known as Dentaria laciniata (a name I prefer).  This native wildflower not only attracts butterflies but I just read that it  is consumed by the white-footed mouse.   Last year George Sanko, Director of the Native Plant Botanical Garden at Georgia Perimeter College, the Decatur campus gave me a good definition for a spring ephemeral.   As George puts it,  these plants are “living in the fast lane.”   Because they need sun to grow, they come up in early spring and go through their sexual life cycle and then die back before the deciduous canopy puts out its new leaves.  Mission accomplished, they remain dormant until next spring.  In many cases it’s as if the plants have disappeared (no top growth is visible)  even though the roots are storing up sugars for a performance next year.  To keep track of where spring ephemerals are growing  in your garden, George recommends that you combine them with ferns.  The ferns act as a marker and then they provide a transition to summer.    Other spring ephemerals that I spotted included  Mayapples, Podophyllum peltatum  and   Bloodroot, Sanguinaria canadensis.  Patches of  the exotic  Primula veris ranged in color from the typical soft yellow to red and shades of pink. 

cutleaf toothwort in late March

Shrubs like Corylopsis species and the striking Stachyurus praecox   ‘Rubriflora’ were also in full bloom and added to this spring scene. 

In another garden in my neighborhood I discovered a big patch of trout lilies, Erythronium americanum.  According to some the leaves look like a trout but I find the flowers to be charming. 

These are just a few of the delights that let us know that spring is really here.

Each day brings more blooms and new discoveries.  If you have a woodland garden think about adding some of these plants and you will be rewarded next spring and for many years to come. 

Stachyurus praecox 'Rubriflora' in late March

red buckeye

During these cold days I have been thinking about some of my favorite spring flowering trees including Aesculus pavia, red buckeye, Chionanthus retusus, fringe tree, Cornus mas, cornelian cherry dogwood, Halesia tetraptera, carolina silverbell and Styrax obassia, fragrant styrax.   I was thrilled when I purchased my styrax from Piccadilly Farm in Bishop, Georgia last fall.  It’s only about waist high so I probably won’t get many blooms this spring but someday soon it will be a beautiful specimen.  It produces masses of fragrant white bell shaped flowers. 

Among the earliest bloomers Cornus mas (typically from mid-February to March) produces vivid yellow flowers on bare peeling  branches.  The selection ‘Golden Glory’ matures at about 25,’ making it perfect for small gardens.  For carpeting under this beauty I recommend Helleborus x hybridus and early blooming varieities of daffodils.  Blooming in April, the red buckeye  has handsome palmate  leaves and bright red to red-orange blooms.  (This native is poisonous if eaten so keep it away from animals and small children.)  While our native fringe tree, Chionanthus virginicus , also known as grancy grey beard is beautiful in its own right , it’s Asian counterpart Chionanthus retusus appeals to me for its glossy foliage, fleecy white blooms, handsome bark and sometimes dark blue fruits.  While it makes a fine specimen tree in the garden I have also seen it thriving as a street tree in Savannah, GA. 

Another April bloomer, carolina silverbell is covered with white pendulous blossoms which are beautiful to look up into.  In summer the attractive winged fruits add to its charm.  

In addition to my familiar favorites there are a host of spring flowering trees that are garden worthy.  I recently spoke with Luca Gianturco of Scottsdale Farms and Tiffany Fischer of McMahan’s (and GardenHood) about some of the trees they are excited about for this spring.  Here are a few of  their recommendations.  It’s worth noting that one tree showed up on both of their lists and neither knew what the other had said.  This makes me pay attention to Aesculus x carnea ‘Ft. McNair’ which has light pink flowers with a yellow throat and disease resistant foliage. 

Magnolia 'Butterflies'

Luca Gianturco, Scottsdale Farms

15639 Birmingham Hwy

Hwy 372

Alpharetta, GA 30004

770-777-5875

Amelanchier x grandiflora ‘Autumn Brilliance , autumn brilliance serviceberry –flowers are pink in bud and open to white

Cercis canadensis – many different selections of redbud

Magnolia ‘Butterflies’- with canary yellow flowers

Tiffanny Fischer

GardenHood

353 Boulevard SE

Atlanta, GA 30312

404-880-9848

Cercis canadensis ‘Appalachian Spring’- the flowers on this redbud are deep purple-red in bud and open to bright, bright pink

Magnolia ‘Jon Jon’- A Gresham hybrid, this late blooming selection has flowers that are deep reddish-purple at the base and lighter towards the tips. 

Magnolia liliflora ‘Nigra’- also late blooming with deep dark burgundy flowers (almost black)

Prunus campanulata- early blooming small cherry tree with single  pink flowers

Plants with interesting forms have always beckoned to me and winter is a season when I especially appreciate trees and shrubs with distinct branching as well as a particular growth habit, such as upright, fastigiate, weeping or pendulous.   Winter is also a time when we notice  bark, shiny, flaky, peeling or colorful.  Buds too, like those on big leaf magnolia,  Magnolia macrophylla, one of my favorite trees, or the distinct flower buds of Edgeworthia chrysantha, also known as paperbush.  Of  the plants I added to my garden last fall, paperbush elicits the most comments from my neighbors who wonder about this shrub which looks like it has been decorated with tiny pendulous ornaments on bare branches.  My yellow twig dogwood (the stems actually look more yellow-green) reminds me that I still want to add the shrubby dogwood called Cornus ‘Winter Flame’ and my Prunus mume has a few buds (it is a white flowered selection I bought from McMahan’sNursery last year).  I also have a small witchhazel with fragrant orange yellow flowers which I’m excited about even if I can’t remember its name.  Hellebores have started to bloom and daffodils are pushing up through the thick layer of  leaves in my woodland.   These are just a few of the gems in my garden that cheer me up especially on dreary days which there seem to be a lot of recently.

Below is a list of shrubs and trees with interesting forms or showy bark. 

Acer griseum- paperbark maple has shiny cinnamon colored bark and shines in the winter garden.

Acer palmatum ‘Sangu Kaku’- coral bark maple has coral red stems

Betula nigra ‘Dura-Heat’- a selection of river birch with beautiful bark and a high tolerance for heat and humidity.

Carpinus caroliniana- our native ironwood

Clethra barbinervis- a shrub with mottled bark, it also blooms in summer

Cornus mas ‘Spring Glow’ handsome bark and early yellow blooms

  Cornus sericea ‘Cardinal’- red osier dogwood with winter  stems

  Corylus avellana ‘Contorta’- Harry Lauder’s walking stick, twisted branches and showy catkins

Crataegus viridis ‘Winter King’- winter king hawthorn has mottled colorfulbark and persistent red fruits

witch hazel in February

Fagus americana -American beech has beautiful smooth gray bark and tawny  colored papery leaves that sound like gentle rain when they blow in the breeze

 Parrotia persica- ironwood has colorful bark and tiny red flowers in late winter

Ulmus alata – winged elm- distinct branches and buds

 Stewartia pseudocamellia- Japanese stewartia with beautiful mottled bark

Sources for Edgeworthia chrysantha:

Ashe-Simpson Nursery, 4961 Peachtree Industrial Blvd.,Atlanta, GA

770-458-3224

GardenHood

353 Boulevard SE
Atlanta, GA 30312

404-880-9848

  Despite this winter which seems particularly long and cold this year in the South, spring will be here soon and many of these winter beauties will transform when almost magically overnight they put out their new foliage and flowers.

winterberry in the landscape February

Winter buds of Edgeworthia chrysantha

On March 5 and 6th, 2010, from 10am to 4pm,  take the opportunity to see thousands of lenten roses (Helleborus x hybridus) in full bloom at Piccadilly Farm which is located at 1971 Whippoorwill Rd, Bishop, Georgia near Watkinsville.  Turn from GA 53 at the Oconee Civic Center on to Union Church Rd., then right on Whippoorwill.  Phone 706-769-6516.  The owners Sam and Carleen Jones will be there to greet you.  Sadly they have no website, but the trip is worth it.    Purchase plants to take home!

Helleborus x hybridus seedlings

While I think it’s great (essential) to try new plants David and I agree that the best money you can spend is to a hire a professional garden designer to create a plan for your garden. Not only will this save you from costly mistakes, it will provide you with a guide to refer to time and again over the years.

My own garden is about four years new and it continues to evolve and change as some plants mature, others die and my tastes change. But, it’s important to note that I did start with a plan and a list of plants I wanted to include. The most expensive parts of any garden are the permanent structures but these also provide a framework and act as the bones in every season. In my case a low granite wall defines the space and acts as a seating area too. I chose granite to complement my granite house.

Helen Yoest’s autumn garden in Raliegh, NC

What follows are some basic steps that David recommends and that I think are useful for you consider when designing your garden.

1. Assess the site for what is possible and what is not. The latter is most important here, as creativity is best exercised under limitations. Likewise, the least effective gardens are the ones where there is a lot of money, plenty of land and the owner wants everything. When summing up a site, look for the light, look for the water, and for the ways in and out, and look in your checking account. Try to avoid expectations before you’ve gotten real about what’s possible.
2. Start applying the basic elements of design- balance, scale, symmetry. The most common mistake is an improper use of scale. Skimpy features in a garden make it look cheap and wrong. A rule of thumb is the smaller the garden, the bigger the features. Think broad strokes. (I suggest that for structures like arbors, if you think it’s big enough it could probably be one size larger. While this is not a scientific approach it works.) Think about the hard elements of your garden—the paths, the walls, the floor and the ceiling. They should all make sense, connect and guide the experience with a minimum of confusion. The materials used should be closely allied to each other, the architecture of the house and the broader landscape.
3. Understand how nature works, particularly the nature of your own backyard. Follow the weather, know its extremes, understand your seasons, and the patterns we experience, because they can be subtle but surprisingly consistent. Learn about where frost gathers in your garden, where the water flows, or where the breeze comes from. Learn about what kind of rock is under your backyard as this will affect the success of the plants you grow. If a hot, humid landscape with limited air movement will stop you from spending time in your garden during the hot summer months, plant a garden for spring and fall.
4. Know something about plants. Plants are an integral part of any garden and are the kind of furnishings that go into making a garden unique and personal and a joy through the evolving seasons. Select plants that will work for you and include those that:
   • will mature in place without an unacceptable amount of labor to keep them in check;
   • flower during the times of year when you will most appreciate their gifts; and
   • evoke a time or place or emotion that is important to you.

Rely on the best local and regional nurseries in your area for advice and as a source of plants.

Fountain in Nancy Goodwin’s garden

5. Stay fresh and keep inspired. There are many wonderful magazines and books to inspire you. Visit your local botanical garden and attend garden tours. Don’t be afraid make changes in your garden. And, remember that above all else your garden should please you. Go forth, plant and have fun.

There are many great garden designers in the Atlanta area. You can contact David McMullin at newmoongardens@aol.com or call him at 404-635-9023. His website is www.newmoongardens.com

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