Hedge Heaven With the steps in place and stained -- along with the deck itself -- it's time to plant the hedges and add a variety of "foundation" plants for extra color and texture. This will give the deck an attractive, finished look. The first step is to remove all lawn withing a 4' area around the entire base of the deck. (While this step is fairly straightforward, it's unfortunately also rather boring -- simply make a cut at the edge of the area to be removed, then dig and lift!) Since the grass along the right edge of the deck has been worn away, a boundary is laid in place using 2x4 and stakes. After a 3" trench is dug along this area, the 2x4s are laid within, with the top 1" above the ground's surface to help define the planting area. The stakes are inserted firmly in place at evenly spaced intervals along the length of the 2x4s, which are then nailed securely to the stakes (figure A). Adding "walls" with hedges makes this area seem more roomlike while enhancing the deck with color and texture. Ordinances in many parts of the country, however, require that decks 18" or more above ground be equipped with constructed railings. Check your local ordinances to determine the requirements for your deck. (Regardless of codes, many people simply prefer railings, since they provide a feeling of enclosure, and often choose to build them on decks lower than 18" high.) Since constructed railings are not part of this particular deck design, boxwood hedges are used to create a sense of enclosure here. This is a popular plant in the Northeast and includes two varieties: Japanese Boxwood (Buxus japonica) and Common (European) Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens). Here, the Japanese Boxwood 'Winter Gem' (figure B) is chosen for the landscape design, since it's the hardiest of the varieties and stays greener throughout the winter. For those in warmer climates, garden designer Annie Hall recommends Newport Dwarf Escallonia as a good hedge alternative. (Warmer-climate gardeners who want a more informal look may opt for a lavender hedge.) 'Winter Gem' grows from 4' to 6' in height and width. To achieve the right density for the hedge, the boxwoods are planted about 2' apart. If they were spaced farther apart, there would likely be gaps in the hedge after the plants reached full size. (Closer spacing can also help minimize or prevent large holes should one of the plants die.) Important note: Brush off the top of boxwoods after a heavy snowstorm -- the weight of the snow can break the branches. Flowers and Foliage Once the boxwoods are in place, the rest of the foundation plants are arranged along the front of the hedge while still in their containers. This allows the design to be previewed before the plants are permanently placed; after the layout is determined, each one is planted in its designated space. To further emphasize the stairs and entry, a Carpet Rose Tree (Rosa) 'Flower Carpet Pink' is placed on either side of the steps. Not only is this variety low-maintenance and disease-resistant, it also boasts beautiful pink flowers throughout the summer. Horticulturist Jacklyn Nagasawa says that this variety does need special care, however. Since it's created by grafting and is therefore very tender for the first few years, it must be given adequate protection from cold winter temperatures. To plant the young trees, the planting holes are dug about 2 -1/2 times the diameter of the rootball and as deep as the top of the surface soil in the container. When it's the right size, the rootball is placed in the hole and earth is tamped firmly around it. (Firm tamping ensures the tree won't be knocked over by strong winds or storms.) Finally, a well is formed in the soil around the base of the tree to hold water directly above the rootball. Since sufficient water supply is crucial during the time the tree is establishing its roots, this step is essential. Around the perimeter of the well, smaller plantings in bright colors are added to provide interest at ground level (figure C). In selecting the foundation plants, a variety of forms and textures are included to create interest against the green background hedge. The perennials featured here are all cold-hardy plants and include the following:
- Yellow Broom (Genista pilosa) 'Vancouver Gold'
- Mixed Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica) (easy to separate)
- New England Aster (Aster novae) 'Angeliae 'Purple Dome' (attracts butterflies and blooms June through October)
- Autumn Joy Sedum (Sedum spectabile) 'Autumn Joy' (starts with a late flower, turns pink and finally, russet in late fall)
Note: In warm climates, good choices for foundation plants include hibiscus, crape myrtle and lantana. Gorgeous Grasses and Mulch Maintenance Grasses also bring variety to a bed. Here, Maiden Grass (Miscanthus sinensis ) 'Morning Light' is used to surround the lower portion of several posts (figure D). Fall frosts turn the foliage of this plant a striking reddish-bronze. To complete the planting beds, brown pine mulch (figure E) is placed around the base of the plants. The results of the planting design have added color, texture and depth along the perimeter of the deck (figure F). With taller perennials in back and shorter ones in front, each plant has maximum visibility and is guaranteed to get sufficient sunlight. Time elapsed: 11 hours.
RESOURCES :
Plants from Monrovia Growers
Monrovia Growers
Website: www.monrovia.com
GUESTS :
Annie Hall
Phone: 949-458-3974
Email: ahall@gardendesigns.com
Website: www.gardendesigns.com
Garden Designer
Jacklyn Nagasawa
Sunland Water Gardens
9948 Sunland Ave
Sundland, CA 91040
Phone: 818-353-5131
Email: 2Honor@aol.com
Horticulturist
| 
)
)
)
)
)
)
