where to begin?

18 years ago

Been in this house 1 yr. I hate the landscaping. It's in an older development,lots of lawn and island beds. The front yard has lots of creeping bushes,juniper i think, maybe yew also.The backyard is wet woods with a stream running through it.I'm sure both could be really beautiful. Working with a plan has never been easy for me.No...I'd rather plant in dribs and drabs and slowly turn it into what I want.Actually, this time I'd like to find a nice mix of planned and piecemeal!Digging up and replacing everything is a major undertaking. I'd like to begin landscaping with plants native to my area in

CT. Seeing some yards,landscaped with natives would be helpful but I'm not finding books..any suggestions

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Comments (5)

john_mo
18 years ago
Winter is a great time to read for inspiration and advice about native-plant landscaping.

Native landscapes naturally look different in different parts of the country, but I bet there are books that will have specific examples and recommendations for your part of the country.

By the way, are you familiar with the group, Wild Ones native landscapers? Their web site and newsletter are a source of great information and inspiration.
One book that I have that will probably have some suggestions that are relevant to your area is 'The Natural Habitat Garden', by Ken Druse. He has several books that are somewhat similar, all of which combine great photography with helpful text.

For more general inspiration about the pleasures (and problems), I would recommend the books by Sarah Stein, including Noah's Garden and Planting Noah's Garden. The first tells the story of her 'conversion' to native plant gardening, the second tells more of the how-to story. It's all set in upstate New York but a lot of the lessons are universal.

Here is a link that might be useful: Wild Ones
vbain
18 years ago
Look for a wild plant society in Ct. Look at the North American Native Plant Society (NANPS on line.
They showcase plants, and have lists of dealers.
Go to nurseries and see what is there. If you go to the library, and go to 582, that is native plants. You may not find Connecticut specifially, but you will fine LOTS of New England books. Also, if you go to the gardening section, you should find books on gardening with natives. They may not all be YOUR natives, but they will give you lots of ideas!
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Each manufacturer and line has slightly different sheens and names for the sheens. I prefer an eggshell on the walls, flat on ceilings, satin on trim. I am using BM Regal select. Matte and Flat are not the same. Matte is slightly shinier than flat but not as shiny as eggshell. I don't find eggshell overly shiny and the glossier the paint the easier it cleans. Regal select Technical specifications (found on the Technical Data Sheet) Gloss / Sheen Flat (1 – 3.5 @ 85°) Gloss / Sheen Matte (2 – 5.5 @ 85°) Gloss / Sheen Eggshell (15 – 22 @ 85°) Gloss / Sheen Pearl (15 – 25 @ 60°) Gloss / Sheen Semi Gloss (50 – 60 @ 60°) Aura does not come in flat and Matte is slightly shinier than the Regal Select Matte Sheen / Gloss Matte (3 – 6 @ 85°) Aura Eggshell can be less shiny or ass shiny in the eggshell formula when compared with regal select. Sheen / Gloss 10 – 22 @ 85° Benjamin Moore Scuff X (seems to be a hot new favorite, especially for households with kids) has a matte that is somewhere right between Regal select Matte and Eggshell. Might be the best compromise between cleanability and not too much shine. Gloss / Sheen Matte (8 – 13 @ 85°) (9.5 @ 60°) Gloss / Sheen Eggshell (15 – 25 @ 85º) I have not used Scuff X, but have read quite a few posts where people absolutely love the durability. It was designed for commercial applications, but is being used by homeowners. "Ideal for high-traffic areas in commercial spaces such as school hallways, hospital waiting areas, hotels lobbies, gym locker rooms and bathrooms, retail fitting rooms, cafeterias, bathrooms and stairwells."
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windchime
18 years ago
I'm planning on picking up The American Woodland Garden: Capturing the Spirit of the Deciduous Forest by Rick Darke. It looks really good, and has received excellent reviews. I'll give a review after reading it! He photographs a stream, from the same location, throughout the year. So this may provide good inspiration of your backyard.

Here is a link that might be useful: The American Woodland Garden on Amazon
Phylla
18 years ago
Rick Darke's book is excellent, sure to be a classic on the subject. If you have a chance to see him speak/give a garden walk, do, he is an excellent guide.

Also, William Cullina, of the New England Wildflower Society, has two fine books out on Native Wildflowers and Native Trees, Shrubs, and Vines. Very fine writing, and excellent propagation tips. Excellent photography, too.

Here is a link that might be useful: Bill Cullina's books
Scbnymph
18 years ago
Contact the New England Wildflower Society and there is a CT chapter that is associated with them. They may be able to off LOADS of valuable information

Here is a link that might be useful: CT Botanial Society

where to begin?

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john_mo

vbain

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