Prairie Gardens
Since the grasslands of the Midwest extend down into N. Texas,
this can be an effective way of dealing with lots of acreage. For
some, it might simply be a restoration of their land to the former
grassland plains system. Even if you don’t have significant space,
the ideas and attractions of this kid of landscape can be adopted on a
smaller scale.
What are the defining characteristics of a Prairie garden? Certainly native
grasses interspersed with wildflowers are a must. It is best to stick with
native species that used to formerly populate your area, but that shouldn’t
exclude one from using species you like. Again, access is important and
typically this is easily solved by maintaining a grass path with a riding or
push mower.
A Prairie garden will attract numerous species of butterflies ,birds ,and beneficial
insects as the selection of native plants will provide the required
nesting and food sources. If possible, introducing a source of water should
be considered-both for visual and audio enjoyment, as well as an additional
reason for attracting our feathered friends.
If there are noticeable terrain points of interest (i.e. slope, meandering brook,
rock outcrops, etc..), then these should be expanded upon for additional interest.
The textural effect of grasses moving about in a light breeze has a sublime beauty
of its own. Since many of our native grasses (Bluestems, purple three awn, Muhlys,
Indian grass) exhibit coloration changes and dramatic displays of colorful seed heads,
it is easy to emphasize a particular season. Then, throw in a mix of perennial/annual
species of flowers, and you can create a dazzling display nearly year-round.
I would certainly recommend further reading by one of the leading authorities on the
Prairie style - Jens Jensen.
Woodland Gardens
As the title suggests, emphasis is on working with a light-heavy
shade canopy. In this part of North Texas, this would be characterized
by large communities of Post Oak trees. Typically the soil conditions
are sandy-to red clay and very dry. Oftentimes many of the Post Oaks
can be in excess of 100yrs old and it is critical to refrain from activity that
is going to disrupt the area under the immediate drip line. Unfortunately, it’s
all too common to see huge Post Oaks in irreversible, long-term decline due
to new construction and subsequent disruption to the feeder root system.
Depending on the size of one’s lot, the first issue is one of access. Generally
A path of gravel, mulch or flagstone set in decomposed granite make an attractive
and safe means of accessing the area. Further, a path will divide the area into
various sections that can then be landscaped in a phased approach. Additional
hardscape features such as a bench, table, footbridge etc… will give additional
interest. Lighting is another consideration for taking advantage of a mature canopy
and highlighting for nightime interest and security.
Plantings should reflect those types of plant communities that naturally ocurr in this
setting: ornamental trees(Redbuds), flowering/evergreens shrubs, perennials,
native wildflowers, groundcovers and grasses. There is quite an extensive range of
plants that will work, but a hardscape designmust be in place to help determine plant
selection and placement. I often like to incorporate large moss boulders as focal points
and their harmonious compatability with plants.
Irrigation should be limited to targeted hand watering. An irrigation system will cause
overwatering and can cause irreparable damage to existing trees ( they had to survive
on what nature gave and when).
In summary, creating a woodland garden can be just as challenging and interesting as a
full-sun garden. It is a recognition and a willingness to work with what you have and
using it to your advantage.
SPECIALTY GARDENS
These our gardens that typically I regard as a subset within
larger landscape themes(Cottage Garden, Prairie Gdn, etc..)
BUTTERLFY & HUMMINGBIRD GARDENS
Typically these will require a tolerance for a somewhat
‘wilder’ appearance and devotion of space to some species of plants
that can and will dominate the garden (i.e. Buddleias, Acanthus).
It is important to keep in mind not to limit your plant selections only on
herbaceous perennials and annuals, but include woody native shrubs,
specimen trees, grasses and climbers.
I find gardens of this type to be more personal and smaller in scale, and
therefore keep your choices simple when it comes to choosing seating,
arbours ,etc..
KITCHEN GARDENS & HERB GARDENS
Really, these are the genesis of a cottage garden as the need was derived
from maintaining a nearby food source for cooking and medicinal purposes.
Herbs in partic. deserve inclusion in almost any kind of garden-whether you are creating one of the above gardens or not. Many times, it is easier to simply maintain a few
pots of your favourite herbs or vegetables if you do not wish to create a significant
garden within this thematic style.
MEADOWS & DELLS
Again, these are elements one will encounter within a woodland garden setting, but
with the advantage of exploiting certain micro environmental ‘surprises’ one may
encounter.
NAKED GARDENING
Ha! Ha! Had you going! If I ever join a nudist colony, I will ‘bare’ all.
