For:
By: Daniel E. Mullins
Extension Horticulture Agent
Sometimes It’s Hard to do Nothing
A fellow gardener once made an interesting comment that has impacted my attitude about gardening ever since. We were viewing a large residential landscape, a portion of which included about one half acre of large, well established native trees. The tree canopies had met, and underneath was a smooth deep layer of fallen leaves that had collected for many years.
A combination of the natural mulch and low light condition had prevented weed growth, and a few native shade tolerant shrubs were growing as under-story plants. I thought “perfect, this section of the landscape will require no irrigation, no mowing and no pest control.” The homeowner can let this part of the yard take care of itself and concentrate efforts in other areas.
My partner that day had a different opinion, and I quote: “Someone should rake up all of those leaves and plant grass.” I was surprised by such a comment, but it provided some insight.
Major problems would have developed if the homeowner had indeed stripped the soil bare and planted grass underneath those large trees. First, much tree root damage would have occurred, as the feeder roots of even large trees grow in abundance just beneath the mulch surface. Next, it would have been discovered that grass would not grow there. And then, with the protective covering gone, the loss of soil through sheet erosion would have occurred with each heavy rain.
This was over ten years ago and as it turned out, the owner of that property evidently had a more laid back approach and did nothing. Today that part of the yard is still doing just fine. In fact, a native ground cover has crept in, even providing some green color at ground level.
Nothing increases the enjoyment of a home more than a well designed and established landscape. On the other hand as gardeners, we sometimes have a tendency toward overkill – planting areas that don’t need planting. Remember that gardening in the right amount is healthy and enjoyable. It can be turned to drudgery if more areas are planted than can be maintained.
I realize that some residential areas include covenants and ordinances that require a certain amount of landscape installation and maintenance. Even within these limitations, each yard usually includes areas that can be left in a natural state. This reduces the amount of maintenance required and provides much needed wildlife habitat.
Question of the Week: I would like to grow some flowering plants in large pots. The plants must be low growing and able to tolerate full sunlight. Any suggestions?
Answer: Yes, there is a long
list of low growing, colorful plants, most of which prefer full sunlight all
day. Following are some to
consider: Gaillardia, Pentas, Zinnia,
Blue Daze, Plumbago, Golden Shrimp Plant, Bush Daisy and Butterfly Weed.