In addition to the plants already mentioned, the following plants and materials are used to complete the garden area: - Leatherleaf mahonia (Mahonia Bealei) (figure A), often found in large Japanese public gardens. It's low growing and should be used in the front of the streambed area for interest and texture.
- Heavenly bamboo (Nandina Domestica) (figure B), a plant that looks like bamboo but isn't. As it gets taller, trim low-growing leaves from the stems to expose the base. Nandina also produces a stunning range of green, bronze and red foliage in the fall season.
- Mother fern (Asplenium Bulbiferum) (figure C), a smaller plant that reproduces asexually, spontaneously generating young plants from the surface of the leaves.
- Carpet bugle (Ajuga Reptans) (figure D), ground cover known for its purple coloring and adapted for shade gardens. Plant ajuga close to the garden path.
- Frosty curls sedge (Carex Albula) (figure E), a spiky grass that can take some shade (grasses usually require full sun).
- Dwarf lilyturf (Ophiopogon Japonicus) (figure F), a quintessential Japanese garden plant. Use as a ground cover, but do not mass plants together. Instead, allow each plant mound to stand individually to emphasize the tufted shape of the plant. The plants will not grow taller, but do allow space between plantings for lateral growth.
- Encore (TM) azalea (Azalea X Encore) (figure G), a late-blooming azalea with pale-pink blooms. Control long, skinny branches by pruning to encourage more side branches, which will produce more blooms. Azaleas perform best in acidic soil conditions, with uniform soil moisture.
Bringing the Garden to Life Now that all the planting is complete, it's time to add finishing touches to bring out the best in your tea garden. - Idaho quartzite flagstone is laid as steppingstones along the path (figure H) and used as a bridge over the dry streambed (figure I). This type of flagstone mimics the shade of granite often used in Japanese gardens and shows up nicely in shade. If a different type of flagstone is used, weight capacity should be checked before installation. Many types of flagstone become brittle and can break under heavy weight. If granite is preferred, check with local countertop makers for salvage fragments.
- Fill the streambed with fine sand or with small gravel no larger than pea size. Use a rake to create decorative patterns in the sand or gravel.
- Mulch the side gardens.
- Place pagoda lamps near the path to light the area at night.
- Showcase a bonsai pot on a flagstone to highlight the feet of the pot and complete the look of the finished garden (figure J).
RESOURCES :
Soil Amendments and Fertilizers
Various fertilizing and soil enhancement products
Whitney Farms
Website: www.whitneyfarms.com
Volcanic Rock, Brick and Gravel
A variety of hardscape elements and materials.
Whitewater Rock and Supply
Whitewater, CA 92282
Email: wwrock@aol.com
Website: www.whitewater-rock.com
Plants from Monrovia Horticultural Craftsmen
Monrovia Horticultural Craftsmen
Website: www.monrovia.com
Garden Maker Software
Garden Maker Software
Email: mo@moplants.com
Website: www.moplants.com/garden_maker_software.html
Bamboo and Rattan Works Inc.
Bamboo and Rattan Works Inc.
Lakewood, NJ 08701
Phone: 732-370-0220
Fax: 732-905-8386
Website: www.bambooandrattan.com
Garden Lantern
Garden lantern, small (Model #812); color: natural
Al's Garden Art, Inc.
Colton, CA 92324
Website: www.alsgardenart.com
Square Footed Planter
Serial #3-451-A
Asian Ceramics Inc.
Website: www.asian-ceramics.com
Medium-Size Brown Jar
Serial #2-253
Asian Ceramics Inc.
Website: www.asian-ceramics.com
WOLF-Garten of North America, L.P.
Minneapolis, MN
Phone: 612-455-1500
WOLF-Garten of North America L.P.
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Phone: 612-455-1500
Website: www.ohmygarden.com
Plants from Plant Development Services Inc.
Plant Development Services Inc.
Loxley, AL 36551
Phone: 888/922-PDSI
Fax: 251/964-6759
Email: pdsi99@gulftel.com
Website: www.plantdevelopment.com ; www.plantsbymail.com
GUESTS :
Jim Berry
17325 County Road 68
Loxley, AL 36551
Phone: 888/922-PDSI (7374
Fax: 251-964-6759
Email: pdsi99@gulftel.com
Website: www.plantdevelopment.com; www.plantsbymail.com
General Manager, Plant Development Services Inc.
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