Sustainable landscapes are healthy and resilient to the environmental elements of a location and will endure over the long term without substantial resources or maintenance. Sustainability is increased when the urban landscape is in harmony with local conditions.

Jim Fogarty, Melbourne landscape designer says, “Gardens should have the correct sense of place, whether it be a leafy city garden or a natural-styled native coastal garden that blends with the environment.”

The landscape designer is critical of aesthetic landscape designs that are unique and trendy, but simply don’t fit in the surrounding environment and therefore, require more resources and maintenance to upkeep.

“The key is aesthetic design that ensures the garden lasts rather than being a faddish makeover,” says Fogarty. “The word ‘sustainable’ has been overused in gardens sadly and I think the value of the motive behind the word has been diluted as a consequence.”

Native plants foster sustainability

Fogarty says all gardens are good for the environment as long as designers make ethical choices when it comes to plant and material selection.

A combination of careful plant selection, good planning, soil preparation and effective irrigation will assist in the implementation of a sustainable landscape.

Other factors to consider are the use of water-wise plants, low energy consumption, avoidance of chemicals, sustainable and locally sourced materials and products as well as habitat creation.

“Trends in landscape design continue to include green walls, edible gardens and sustainable gardens,” says Fogarty. “These all have a place in landscape design but I think there will be an emphasis in the future on a greater selection of plants rather than just creating entertainment spaces.”

Built landscapes should blend with the surrounding environment

Plenty of built urban landscapes across the country use plants and practices unsuited to the arid environment. This makes them resource-depleting because they require significant water, nutrients, chemicals and energy to survive.

To achieve a successful sustainable landscape with a healthy future, urban landscapes must work with local climactic and ecological conditions.

Design for Geographic Location and Conditions

• Consider the characteristics of the proposed landscape including sunlight, shade, frost, wind and rainfall.
• Avoid bringing in too much organic mulch and compost, but rather, work with the natural soil and choose plants that will suit the soil.
• Consider drainage. Design a water-capturing and water re-use system.
• Plan for possible drought, fire, or flooding that can occur in the area and choose appropriate plants.
• Select trees and plants that grow naturally in the area. Vegetation varies greatly from one part of Australia to another. Using native plants almost guarantees success.

Add to favorites

Download Article

1st Image: via BPN
2nd Image: via susancohan gardens
3rd Image: via Jim Fogarty

Click here to cancel reply.

Let’s Grow!
STEVE BOEHME
Touring the fantastic Columbus gardens

An interesting peek into one of the prettiest private gardens in Columbus, courtesy of this year’s Columbus Landscape Association Outdoor Living and Landscaping Tour (GoodSeed Nursery photo)

By Steve Boehme

We spent a recent Saturday exploring a dozen private landscapes in and around Columbus, recharging our creative batteries with lots of fresh landscape ideas. A varied assortment of projects, by some of the best landscapers in Columbus, opened to the public as the Columbus Landscape Association hosted its annual Outdoor Living and Landscaping Tour. A few readers of this column were paying attention and took advantage of the free tickets we offered several weeks ago. Ticket sales benefitted Hope Hollow, a non-profit sanctuary for cancer patients and also a stop on the tour.

So, what do the newest custom landscapes look like? This is the second time we’ve taken this tour, and we spotted some trends worth watching. Some of the homes we visited were very expensive, with landscape budgets in six figures. Others were more modest, but clearly landscaping was a big part of the quality of life in these homes and there were lots of unique ideas on display.

One thing that struck us was that the more affluent the owner, the more boxwoods, hostas, and ground cover plants dominated the landscape. One reason is that luxury homes tend to have lots of large trees and plenty of shade, so ground covers for shade are widely used in nice neighborhoods. The use of color is more tasteful, with evergreen plants as a background, for a very classy upscale effect.

We saw lots of extensive hardscaping; retaining walls, paver walks and patios (even driveways), natural stone, and water features. Slate patios, stone bridges, rock outcroppings, and sturdy privacy fences covered with vines were everywhere. City dwellers who want privacy surround themselves with large woody plants like viburnum, holly, hemlock and arborvitae. Unlike most rural and suburban landscapes, these backyards had plantings all around the edges, not just close to the foundation.

The owners of these homes have big landscape maintenance budgets, so they can afford to cram lots of plant material into small spaces and keep it clipped, pruned and sheared constantly. The landscape companies clearly aimed for “instant results” rather than spacing for the mature size of plants. We chuckled at the mass plantings of roses underneath young weeping cherry trees, lots of taxus yews, hostas in sun, grasses in shade and other obvious mistakes. Most of the landscapes were recently re-worked, so the inevitable culling and casualties haven’t happened yet.

Our favorite stop was an older home overlooking the Scioto River, with mass plantings of Hosta among stone walls originally built by the WPA many years ago. A tasteful waterfall and stream had been added, which will blend nicely into the natural setting as the stones age.

Another treasure was an intimate Japanese garden tucked in behind the Muirfield golf course. Slate pathways, a stone bridge, and yes, more hostas, were artfully arranged to disguise just how close the house was to its neighbors. We also admired a lovely stone mansion in Bexley, laced with formal borders of miniature boxwoods and carefully clipped ivy. Yes, ivy hedges as a formal border. The opposite of low maintenance, but certainly charming.

Last stop was the Learning Garden at Chadwick Arboretum on the Ohio State campus. You have a few more weeks to check out their annual cultivar trial gardens, full of new varieties being tested. There were standouts and duds. Very interesting, and certainly colorful. Well worth a stop next time you’re near the OSU campus. Go Bucks!

Steve Boehme is the owner of GoodSeed Nursery Landscape, located at 9736 Tri-County Highway, near Winchester, Ohio. To e-mail your landscaping questions click “Contact Us” from their website at www.goodseedfarm.com or call (937) 587-7021.

SHARE:

The Andover Garden Club will hold a membership meeting and landscape-design lecture titled “Simplifying Gardens to Fit Our Lifestyles,” Tuesday, Oct. 1, at 10 a.m. at South Church, 41 Central St., Andover.

Nationally known gardening expert and teacher Kerry Ann Mendez will provide easy-to-follow landscape downsizing strategies, recommend no-fuss plant material, and offer design tips for stunning year-round gardens that will be as close to autopilot as one can get.

Mendez is director of marketing for Faddegon’s Nursery, a premier garden center in Latham, N.Y. She is dedicated to teaching the art of low-maintenance perennial gardening and landscaping. As a garden consultant, designer, writer, teacher and lecturer, she focuses on time-saving gardening techniques and workhorse plants, as well as organic practices. She has been in numerous magazines, including Horticulture and Fine Gardening and has been a featured guest on HGTV as well as local television shows. Self-taught, with more than 25 years of experience, she is a “passionate perennialist” who enjoys mixing humor with practical information.

This event is free for members. A $10 donation is requested for guests (includes refreshments).

For information about joining the Andover Garden Club, contact AGC membership chairs Linda Carpenter (978-475-7430, lcarpenter1@comcast.net) and Ronnie Haarmann (978-475-4414, rchaarmann@comcast.net).
 

The Friends of Weeki Wachee Springs State Park is recruiting volunteers for National Public Lands Day today at Weeki Wachee Springs State Park. Volunteers are needed for invasive plant removal, trail maintenance and general park cleanup. Trail maintenance volunteers need to bring a lopper or pruning saw. Suggested attire for the cleanup includes closed-toe shoes, gloves, a water bottle and sunscreen or insect repellent. For information call (352) 592-5656.

The Korean War Veterans Legion No. 5053 and Ladies Auxiliary will hold its annual Fall Festival today at VFW Post No. 10209, 14736 Edward R. Noll Drive, Spring Hill. The festival will feature a performance by Gypsy Star an American gypsy concert band. Door open at 1:30 p.m. There will be a social hour 2-3 p.m. A buffet-style dinner by John Mason Catering will be served 3-4:15 p.m. The concert will follow 4:30-6 p.m. The cost is $20 per person. There will be a cash bar and door prizes. There will be no tickets sold at the door. Call Rich at (352) 688-7196.

The Florida-Friendly Landscaping Program of the Hernando County Utilities Department will hold a rain barrel workshop from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Monday at the Hernando County Extension office, 1653 Blaise Dr., Brooksville. The cost is $55 per person and customers of Hernando County Utilities Department will receive a $25 credit on their water bill. The workshop will be given by the program coordinator, Sylvia Durell and pre-registration is requested to ensure availability of a rain barrel. Contact Sylvia Durell at (352) 450-6230 or email sdurell@co.hernando.fl.us to register or for more information.

The Hernando County Ostomy Association evening meeting is changing to the first Tuesday of the month starting Tuesday, from 7-9 p.m. at the Spring Hill Enrichment Center, 10441 Quality Dr., Medical Arts Building, Suite 105, Spring Hill. Family and friends are welcome. For questions call Bob Barnard (352) 442-9789 or Carol Krause (352) 683-5586.

The Sandhill Crane Chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America upcoming meeting will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday at Faith Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 200 Mt. Fair Ave., Brooksville. Groups of members will be taking classes, but open stitching for others will occur and membership is open to anyone who is interested, from the most experienced to those who would like to learn. Mentors are available! For more information please call (352) 666-8350.

The GFWC Brooksville Woman’s Club monthly luncheon and general meeting will begin at 12 p.m. Wednesday at 131 S. Main St., Brooksville. Luncheon donation is $6. Meeting will begin at 1 p.m. with Community Improvements by Marilyn Townsend. Guests welcome. Club Information: Cherry Stettin 799-3801 or Yvonne Malone 848-7988.

Jazzercise Spring Hill is celebrating its 2nd anniversary by holding an Anniversary Bash/Open House on Thursday at 7257 Forest Oaks Blvd. (Forest Oaks Plaza), Spring Hill. Admission is free to everyone and participants should dress to exercise. Festivities will include 6 classes at 8, 9 and 10 a.m., 4:30, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. There will be giveaways, prizes, and registration incentives for new or returning customers. For information on Jazzercise contact Becky Mooneyham at (352) 442-8595.

The African American Club membership meeting will start at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Regency Oaks Civic Center, 4445 Breakwater Blvd., Spring Hill.

The Historic Hernando Preservation Society cordially invites the public to our monthly meeting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Brooksville City Hall Council Chamber. Our speaker this month will be Jerry Morris with the Seminole Wars Historic Foundation. For information contact Vickie Jimmerson (407) 401-1600, email hernandopreservation@gmail.com or visit our website www.hernandopreservation.bravehost.

The New York State Club monthly meeting will start at 5 p.m. Thursday at the Knights of Columbus, 10470 Spring Hill Dr., Spring Hill. Our Nov. meeting will be our annual picnic; therefore this month will be a turkey dinner. Contact Carolyn at (352) 684-6979 for tickets. Bowl for fun every Monday morning at 11 a.m. at Spring Hill Lanes. Contact Marge for information (352) 686-8015.

The Hernando Audubon Society is having a Marine Biology field trip to Ft. Island Gulf Beach on Thursday. Birding of marsh and woods begins at 8 a.m. and at 9 a.m. Wear pants and footwear that can get wet to get a close look at whatever is caught in the seine. Contact Eileen Riccio at (352) 613-5289 or naturecoastbirder@yahoo.com.

The Hernando Fishing Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. Friday at VFW Post 9236, 4345 Shoal Line Blvd., Hernando Beach. For information, call Rich at (352) 796-7711 or visit www.hernandocountyfishingclub.org

Mariner United Methodist Church Craft Group will hold its annual bazaar from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at the church, 7079 mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. There will be many infant, children and kitchen handmade items, as well as a white elephant sale. A silent auction will be held for a handmade queen size quilt and a light lunch will be available. Call (352) 596-0080.

Hernando County Animal Services invites the public to an Open House and “Dollar Days” special from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday located at 19450 Oliver St., Brooksville. All pets will be available for a $1 adoption fee and the Animal Services staff would like to introduce their new cat adoption rooms and veterinary medical/surgical room. This is an opportunity for the staff to thank the individuals and organizations that have supported and partnered with Animal services. There will be educational and informational tables staffed by the Hillsborough Community College vet tech program, the County Health department and several volunteers and students. For more information contact Animal Services at (352) 796-5062.

The Brookridge Social Dance Group will host an Oktober Fest themed dance from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Saturday at the Club House, 8150 Hampton St., Brooksville. Cost is $5 per person and includes wieners, kraut, beer, coffee and ice (BYOB). Music provided by Retro Express (Diana Mitch). For information and/or reservations call Dot (352)597-0723.

HPH Hospice is offering a Pet Loss Workshop at no charge from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at The Partners Club located at Oak Hill Hospital, 11375 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. The interactive workshop will be facilitated by experienced HPH bereavement counselors to help one better understand and come to terms with the depth of their grief. Participants will receive a workbook and the opportunity to share their loss. Photos of one’s pet are encouraged. Due to space limitations, pre-registration is required by calling Carla Hayes at (352) 597-1882.

The Brooksville/Spring Hill (CWC) Women’s Connection, affiliated with Stonecroft Ministries, is hosting their “Quarter Auction” luncheon from 12 to 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 8 at Silverthorn Country Club, 4550 Golf Club Lane, Brooksville. The cost is $14.50, inclusive. The guest speaker will be Kelly Stigliano from Orange Park. All ladies are invited and bring your quarters for bidding on great items. For reservations call Jan by Oct. 1 at (352) 556-4658.

The GFWC Brooksville Woman’s Club is sponsoring the 11th Annual Victorian Tea from 12 to 3 p.m. Oct. 8-11 at 131 S. Main St., during the Brooksville Founders Week. The cost is $7 per person. Please call ahead if a large group. The menu will be assorted teas, finger sandwiches, jams tarts, sconces with jam, clotted cream and petit fours. For information call Cherry Stettin (352) 799-3801 or Yvonne Malone (352) 848-7988.

The Tarpon Coast Fly Fishers next monthly meeting will start at 6 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Boston Cooker, 5375 Spring Hill Dr., Spring Hill. A selection of plate dinners will be served at $18.99 each. The speaker will be Capt. Jimbo Keith from Cedar Key and all members, guests and visitors are welcome. For information call Bobbie Cox at (352) 228-7976 or email flyfishergal@live.com.

A Historic Hernando County Courthouse Centennial Celebration will be held 4-6 p.m. on Oct. 11 and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Oct. 12. The reception on Friday for past and present elected officials is in the historic courtroom and the public is invited. Saturday’s events include entertainment, birthday cake, historical displays and “cracker” cattle demonstration. Come enjoy downtown Brooksville’s shops and eateries. Contact Hernando County Community Relations for information (352) 540-6780.

The Hernando Hills Hi-Lites Chorus, Hernando County’s only ladies barbershop chorus and members of Harmony, Inc. will present their 20th annual show “Doo-Wop More” at 2 p.m. on Oct. 12 at The First Baptist Church of Spring Hill, 7279 Pinehurst Dr. (corner of Cobblestone Dr.), Spring Hill. Tickets are $15 for adults, $7 for students (5-18 yrs.), children 4 and under are free and special rates for groups. Included in the price is a self-serve dessert and beverage table during intermission. The Hi-Lites new quartet, Southern Sass will be making their first appearance and vocal and guitarist Ray Soleau will entertain as guests are ushered in. There will be door prizes and a chance to win a basket full of goodies. There is a limited number of seating. For information and advance tickets call Norma at (352) 540-9192.

The Spring Hill Garden Club will host a waterfall fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 12 in the Nature Coast Botanical Gardens, 1489 Parker Ave., Spring Hill. The Spring Hill Garden Club has been responsible for the maintenance of the waterfall since 2011. Businesses, clubs, organizations and individuals are invited to decorate a scarecrow to be displayed in the botanical gardens from Oct. 12 to Nov. 15, during which time visitors will be able to vote for their favorite. Entry forms and contest rules are on the club’s website, http://www.naturecoastgardens.com. Residents are also invited to become “Supporters of the Waterfall” by making a donation in one of five categories: Patron ($250); Sponsor ($100); Donor ($50); Contributor ($25) or Scarecrow Sponsor ($10). Donations may be mailed to the Spring Hill Garden Club, P. O. Box 3504, Spring Hill, FL 34606. For information call (352) 683-9933.

St. Frances Cabrini Knights of Columbus Council 13209 will hold their 2nd Chinese Auction in Xavier Hall starting at 5 p.m., dinner served at 6 p.m., on Oct. 12. Tickets for the auction and sit down dinner are $15 per person and include 25 raffle tickets. There will only be 200 tickets sold for this event. Reservations are available for tables of 8 or more. Approximately 150 prizes valued from $20 to $80 will be raffled off. Additional raffle tickets available at $5 for 25 and special raffle tickets will be available for higher value prizes. The proceeds from this event will be used for many charities that St. Francis Cabrini Knights of Columbus supports. Tickets available from Jack Hauser (352) 686-9767, John Moonan (352) 596-4709, Billy Lueke (352) 666-9202, Chuck Bugge (352) 597-8878, Bud Quehl (352) 596-6111, Dan Coad (727) 856-4982, or Parish office (352) 683-9666.

Marine Corps League Detachment 708, 8405 Sunshine Grove Road, Brooksville, will hold a benefit breakfast from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 13 for the Breast Cancer Support Group of Hernando County. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the charity. The group assists the uninsured and under insured in obtaining mammograms through Spring Hill Regional Hospital. For information call (352) 597-7979.

The Arc Nature Coast will hold their Annual Membership Meeting at 6 p.m. Oct. 15 at their Education Center and Regional Evacuation Shelter, 6495 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. We will recognize our enclaves and review the past fiscal year. Appetizers will be served. For additional information contact Nancy Stubbs at (352) 544-2322 ext. 109 or nstubbs@thearc-naturecoast.org.

The Hernando Audubon Society will have a walk starting at 8 a.m. on Oct. 15 at John Chesnut Park and Wall Springs Park, Palm Harbor. Walk the boardwalks and trails of these beautiful parks looking for fall migrants and early winter birds. For information contact Eileen Riccio at (352) 613-5289 or naturecoastbirder@yahoo.com.

The Arc Nature Coast Halloween Dance Party will be from 7 to 10 p.m. Oct. 18 at The Arc Nature Coast Education Center, 6495 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill. The cost is $5 per person with door prizes, refreshments and music by PJ the DJ. Wear your costumes and join us for a frighteningly fun night. For information call (352) 544-2322, ext. 109 or email nstubbs@thearc-naturecoast.org.

Joshua’s House for Golden Retriever Rescue will hold its annual Golden Retriever Rescue Reunion from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 19 at Rainbow Springs State Park. Registration will start at 9:30 a.m. with coffee and something sweet. Dr. Trish Kallenbach from The Healing Place will speak at 11 a.m. Admission to the event is a gift of canned or bagged pet food and admission to the park is $2 per person. The event will feature a “Duke Look alike” contest, raffle and silent auction. All dogs must be on a leash, they are not allowed in the water and poop scooping is required. For more information call (352) 527-0669.

The Sons of Italy Nature Coast Lodge No. 2502 will hold its annual Columbus Day Dinner Dance on Oct. 19 at the Elks Lodge, 14494 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville. Doors will open for a 5 p.m. The dinner will be at 6 p.m. and the entertainment by All Shook Up will run from 7 to 10 p.m. There will be a cash bar, gift basket drawing and a 50/50 drawing. The cost is $20 per person. For information call (352) 688-9234.

The Nature Coast Modelers will have a show and tell Model Show from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Oct. 26 at 4042 Deltona Blvd., Spring Hill. There is no admission fee and no charge for available tables, please bring your own chair. All ship, airplane, car, truck, military, plastic, wood models and dioramas are welcome. Parking and refreshments will be available. Call (352) 684-2484 for details.

The Hernando County Stormwater Engineering Department has scheduled a Coastal Clean-Up from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 26 starting at Linda Pedersen Park, 6300 Shoal Line Blvd., Hernando Beach. Volunteers will report to the park to receive trash bags and complete clearance forms. The Coastal Clean-Up is the first event of its kind in several years and we hope to attract youth groups, civic organizations and individuals. Help keep Hernando County beautiful. For information contact Mr. Black at (352) 754-4062.

The Marine Corps League Detachment 708 will hold a benefit breakfast for Toys for Tots of Hernando County on Nov. 3 from 8:30-11:30 a.m. with a full menu at 8405 Sunshine Grove Rd., Brooksville. Bring a $10 toy (minimum) and receive 50 percent off your breakfast. Come help us make Christmas 2013 a very special one for the needy children in our community. For more information call (352) 597-7979 or visit www.mcl708.org.

The Early Learning Coalition of Pasco and Hernando Counties Inc. is seeking sponsors, exhibitors and presenters for its sixth annual Early Learning Conference on Nov. 2 at Bishop McLaughlin High School, 13651 Hays Road, Spring Hill. Last year’s conference attracted more than 800 attendees and presenters from across Florida as well as other states, including Georgia, Maryland and Texas. These early-childhood educators, caregivers, mental-health professionals, students, child advocates, owners/directors of preschools, parents and community members enjoyed a full-day conference, including a complimentary breakfast and lunch. For more information about how to become a presenter, sponsor or exhibitor, contact Bev Doucet, quality supervisor, at b.doucet@phelc.org or (727) 233-8291. For information, visit www.phelc.org or call (727) 233-8291.

The Marine Corps League 708 will celebrate the 238th year of the United States Marine Corps with a Birthday Ball on Nov. 8 at Silverthorn Country Club, 4550 Golf Club Ln., Spring Hill. The evening will start with cocktails at 4 p.m., ceremony at 5 p.m. and dinner at 6 p.m. Tickets are $45.00 per person and are available to league members and the general public. The theme is “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans” with guest speaker Lt. General Stephen G. Olmstead, USMC retired. The evening’s entertainment will feature Norm Bernard Southern Exposure. Seating is limited and all tickets must be purchased by Oct. 30. Contact Sr. Vice Commandant Al Tamburrino at (352) 277-2732 or visit www.mcl708.org.

American Legion Auxiliary, Charles E. Murray Post 186, will host its annual Fall Yard Sale from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Nov. 9 at the post, 12091 Cortex Blvd., Brooksville. Available spaces for the yard sale are $10.00. Homemade baked goods, coffee and donuts will be available. Proceeds will benefit the military, veterans, their families and the community. To reserve a space, donate articles or obtain more information call Lynda Anderson at (352) 596-4436 or Betty Corbin (352) 797-0099.

The Hernando County Crime Stoppers, Inc. presents “Red, White, Blues Country: A Veteran’s Day Celebration” from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Nov. 9 at the Strong Tower Vineyard and Winery, 17810 Forge Dr., Spring Hill. Tickets are $15 by advance purchase only. Host-sponsor Strong Tower Vineyard and Winery will offer a wine tasting included with ticket purchase. The festivities will open with the Presentation of Colors and the entertainment will be Brooksville’s own “The Blues Pig” band, followed by local award winning country artist, Jenny Rimmer. Food, beer and wine will be sold and prizes will be raffled throughout the evening. Guests are asked to bring a chair and flashlight. All proceeds to benefit the Crime Stoppers organization. For credit card or cash purchases: Strong Tower Vineyard and Winery, (352) 799-7612 (Wed.-Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.) or Friendly Car Wash, 1108 Commercial Way, Spring Hill (Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). For cash or check purchases: Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) 18900 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville (Civil Unit) or 7499 Forest Oaks Blvd., Spring Hill. For information call (352) 346-5914.

A “Stand Tall Together” USO-style evening of entertainment will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Nov.11 at the Brooksville Elks Lodge.

The event will honor all men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Services, especially those who served during World War II.

The Friends of Chinsegut Hill will host the inaugural Chinsegut Hill Celebration from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 16 on the grounds of Chinsegut Hill Manor, 22495 Chinsegut Hill Road, Brooksville. The free community event will feature arts and crafts, educational activities, student art, music by the Hernando Youth Orchestra Quartets, and food and beverages compliments of Hernando High School’s Culinary Institute. A members’ only reception will run from 6 to 9 p.m. Nov. 15. Non-members can join at the door for $20. The reception will feature a silent auction to benefit Chinsegut Hill, music and refreshments, an update on current and future goals and plans by Friends of Chinsegut and special guest Gary Mormino, author and retired professor of Florida Studies at University of South Florida who has conducted educational events at Chinsegut. For information visit www.chinsguthillcelebration.org, email friendsofchinseguthill@gmail.com, or call (352) 799-5400.

The 10th Annual Festival of Trees and Craft Show, sponsored by GFWC Brooksville Woman’s Club and St Anthony Catholic Church, 20428 Cortez Blvd., will take place Dec. 6-7. There will be bake goods, plants, towels, wood craft, jewelry, jams, and much more. Vendor spaces $35 donation for two days. For information or application please contact Yvonne Malone (352) 796-6026 or ymalone@tampabay.rr.com or Christy Stafford (352) 796-2096, ext. 22.

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Hernando County have an opportunity to assist the Brooksville based Florida Army National Guard aviation unit, the 1st Battalion, 244th Aviation Regiment. RSVP of Hernando County, sponsored by Mid Florida Community Services, Inc., has identified the need and interest in providing services to this unit. RSVP needs your help to collect care package items for “Holiday Care Packages” to be shipped in late Oct. Please contact Abby Evert, RSVP project coordinator at (352) 796-8117 or aevert@mfcs.us.com for a list of items and drop off sites.

South Brooksville Neighborhood Watch is seeking volunteers. Meetings are held 6-7 p.m. the second Monday of the month at 601 E. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. For more information, call Cecile Davis at (352) 397-1423.

Gifts from Home, a nonprofit organization that sends packages to the troops in Afghanistan, is in need of food items for our soldiers. Items needed are crackers, granola/power/cereal bars, peanuts, Slim Jims, beef jerky, drink mixes, trail mix, hard candy (please, no candy bars at this time), tuna, VanCamp’s Beanee Weenees and Fruit Roll-Ups. Items should be in individual packages. Monetary donations accepted. Donations can be dropped off at the following locations: Up 4 Breakfast, 14359 Spring Hill Drive in Spring Hill; Magnolia Tea Room, 5598 Commercial Way in Weeki Wachee; and the Marine Corps League Detachment 708, 8405 Sunshine Grove Road in Brooksville. To donate money or for more information, call Linda Kidwell at (352) 684-4185 or email giftsfromhome @tampabay.rr.com.

Hernando County Public Library welcomes parents to bring their 18- to 35-month-old children to Toddler Time at 10:15 a.m. and 3- to 5-year-old children to Storytime at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays at the Main Library, Wednesdays at East Hernando Library, Thursdays at Spring Hill Library and Fridays at West Hernando Library. Call (352) 754-4043 or visit http://hernando countylibrary.us for more information.

The Hernando County Recreation Department offers “Tribal Belly Dancing” 6-7 p.m. Tuesdays at Springstead High School, 3300 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill, and Thursdays at Kennedy Park, 895 Kennedy Blvd., Brooksville. Tribal belly dancing is unique because of the dance steps and the ability to be improvisational. This form of dance is a melting pot of movements and attitudes taken from various dance cultures throughout the world. The instructor is Jayne Arrington. Dance experience is not necessary. The cost is $10 per class paid monthly, $9 per month for six weeks or $15 for drop-ins. Advance registration is not required, and all ages are welcome. Call (352) 540-1568 or (352) 754-4031, or visit www.hernandocounty.us/parks_rec.

Live Oak Theatre Company’s first production of the 2013 season will be “Fiddler On the Roof,” which will be performed Oct. 18, 19, 25, 26 theatre. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m. with doors opening for dessert at 7 p.m. Sunday performance begins at 3 p.m. with doors opening for dessert at 2:30 p.m. For more information, call the box office at (352) 593-0027, email LiveOakTheatre @gmail.com or go to www.LiveOakTheatre and 27. All performances will be held at Faith Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 200 Mount Fair Ave., Brooksville. All performances are dessert .org.

Sons of Italy Nature Coast Lodge 2502 holds its monthly dinner/business meeting at 5:30 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of each month at The Lake House, 1202 Ken Lake Ave., Spring Hill. Social Night is on the first Wednesday. The lodge functions supports local charities sponsors bowling, bocce, Italian culture yearly trips. Membership is open to all. Call Richard (352) 263-7829 or Rose (352) 796-7711 for more information.

Brooksville Elks Lodge No. 2582, 14494 Cortez Blvd., has karaoke 2-5 p.m. every Tuesday with a lunch from noon to 3 p.m. Every Thursday evening dancing is available in the main hall with entertainment by Bill Castner. A pub menu is served and there is a $3 cover charge. There is also karaoke starting at 7 p.m. on Fridays. For information, call (352) 596-2582.

News releases to be published in Hometown Happenings should be received 10 days in advance and will not be published without complete information, such as the time, date and physical address of the location of the meeting or event. Also, an information telephone number for the public and the name and telephone number of a contact person must be included. Email news releases to Michael Terry at mterry@hernandotoday.com, fax to (813) 579-9246 or mail to Hernando Today, 12973 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34613.

In the wildlife garden

Wildlife habitat gardener Nancy Bauer, author of “The California Wildlife Garden,” is the featured speaker for the October 3 meeting of the Valley of the Moon Garden Club. Her talk “Bringing Nature Home: A Wildlife Habitat Garden for Bees, Butterflies and Birds” begins at 7 p.m. at the Sonoma Community Center.

The session addresses supporting gardens as one of the last refuges for many songbird species, butterflies, bees and other beneficial creatures that have lost habitat due to human development. Bauer will review successful ways owners of Bay Area wildlife habitat gardens and ponds have provided the basics of food, cover and water for these creatures. Habitat gardens are environmentally-friendly, use less water, are easy to maintain, and offer a daily invitation to have a more intimate relationship with nature in one’s own backyard.

Bauer has been giving programs and workshops on habitat gardening for nature organizations, school groups, garden clubs and botanical gardens throughout the Bay Area for the past 12 years. She also wrote “The Habitat GardenBook: Wildlife Landscaping for the San Francisco Bay Region. ”

The public is welcome to the free talk, which will be followed by refreshments and a garden raffle. The Valley of the Moon Garden Club is a non-profit organization hosting gardeners of all levels to share about gardening in a fun and community-supportive atmosphere. For more information call 935-5939.

No Comments »

Until recently, Phil and Pamela Clevenger didn’t use their backyard and didn’t know their neighbors well.

Things are changing for the San Francisco couple. On Saturday, they hosted dozens of neighbors to show off their welcoming outside space, which underwent a much-needed makeover this year and is now home to raised garden beds, beautiful landscaping and a sunny sitting area.

The Clevengers were one of 20 households in the Portola district, a middle-class area sandwiched between the Bayview and Excelsior districts, to host the neighborhood’s seventh garden tour.

What started as a fundraiser for the now-built neighborhood branch library has blossomed into an annual money maker for horticulture and floristry scholarships at City College of San Francisco, and become a must-see event that last year attracted 300 people and raised more than $7,000. For the Clevengers, it was a chance to show off phase one of their two-step garden project – next up is a gazebo and hot tub – and get to know some of their neighbors.

“These houses are like fortresses and the streets are wide, so you never see anyone,” Phil Clevenger said, adding that their garden was put on the tour after organizer Ruth Wallace peeked over their neighbor’s fence and insisted they join.

“We weren’t really ready, but it’s been fun,” he said. “And last weekend we went and saw all the other gardens.”

Wallace, who moved to Portola from South of Market 12 years ago, said the tour has created a sense of community and allowed the neighborhood to reclaim its history as the city’s Garden District. It was once home to floral greenhouses, and is still a great place to grow fruits, flowers and vegetables because of its relatively warm climate and lack of fog.

One of the last remaining greenhouses was owned by the Restani family, whose rose and carnation business lasted through the 1970s. They closed the greenhouses in 1979, but the family held on to some of the land and over the past five years has built four homes on adjoining lots across the street from McLaren Park. Their gardens are reminiscent of Italy, with stone pathways, grapevines and overflowing vegetable gardens.

On Saturday, neighbors wandered through gardens and peeked into a stone-covered shed that Dominic Restani and his family built. Restani, whose grandparents were the last generation to work in the greenhouses, and his wife, Holly, shook hands with neighbors as he explained the family’s neighborhood history.

Wallace said those sorts of interactions are the best part of the tour.

“It really has let people get to know each other. Like most of San Francisco, the gardens and yards are closed off, so we don’t meet in our yards,” she said. “This has given people a reason to look over the fence and reach out and meet more. That’s the big thing – to meet people you normally wouldn’t.”

It’s also good inspiration for gardeners. Linda Chen and her husband, Willie, have lived in the home next door to the Clevengers for 32 years, and just redid their backyard this spring. Now dotted with drought-resistant succulents and bushes, Chen says the backyard is more environmentally sustainable – and a labor of love.

“I’m out here practically every day,” she said.

Marisa Lagos is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: mlagos@sfchronicle.com

When landscaping with trees, it helps to unify house and plants.

Shrubs and trees should be planted near the house in such a way that they balance and frame the house and soften the corners, Greg Davis, professor of landscape design at Kansas State University, said. “We try to blend the house or any built structures into the site. We can’t reproduce nature, but we try to emulate it.” Tall trees in the backyard provide a background for the house, anchoring it and breaking up the roof line.

Balancing the house does not necessarily mean using the same plants on each side. One design trick is to reverse in plants the shapes that are present in the house, Davis said. For example, if one side of the house is blocky in shape and the other side is elongated, you can use blocky-shaped plants on the elongated side and use elongated plants on the blocky side, “to pull that and bring that down into the landscape.”

It’s that matter of unifying. Another way is to follow the rule of thirds, a principle used in composing photographs. Translating it into landscaping means planting in odd numbers and choosing heights of plants that reach one-third or two-thirds up the side of the house, Davis said. “The human brain tends to separate in even-numbered things, so if you plant halfway up, you look at that and say, ‘There’s plants down here and house up there.’ But if you break it up in thirds, psychologically and visually,” the house and plants come together as a unity.

Concentrating on the size and form of plants simplifies the process of plant selection, Davis said. A good way to find plants that fit a certain shape you’re looking for is to go to botanical gardens and arboretums that label their plants, he said. That way you can see mature specimens. But you also have to go with a different eye, focusing on form rather than looking at details such as leaves and flowers, he said. If you choose plants based only on the flowers you like, for example, your yard can turn into a mini arboretum rather than a design, he said.

Some of the places in the area with labeled plants are Botanica, the Sedgwick County Extension Center grounds at 21st and Ridge Road, Dyck Arboretum of the Plains in Hesston, and Bartlett Arboretum in Belle Plaine (open for concerts and other special events; next chance is Oct. 13 for pianist Phil Aaberg; tickets $10; gates open at 3 p.m., concert is at 4).

Nurseries are another place to look. While you usually won’t see plants in their mature form, you will find the expertise to steer you in the right direction, Davis said. The county Extension Service also has lots of resources to help, he said.

He also recommends taking drives in the autumn to enjoy fall color and see what plants you enjoy that might fit into your home landscape.

In addition to beautifying, landscaping helps cut utility bills. Trees or other plants planted around the house provide a buffer so that wind doesn’t reach the house as strongly and reduces the energy exchange in the skin of the house, Davis said. A shade tree can reduce the temperature in an attic by 40 degrees, he said. Conifers that hold their leaves over the winter planted on the north and northwest side reduce wind speed and provide wind screening, he said. Shade trees planted on the west, south and southwest provide energy savings in summer.

When choosing a tree, be sure to take into consideration the mature height and width of the tree, so that you’re not planting something that will interfere with power lines or grow too close to the house, for example.

To find a tree that will thrive in your yard also consider your soil type, the amount of sun or shade the spot receives, exposure to wind and drainage.

September 28, 2013

Longstanding program is also supported by Putnam Highland Audubon Society and Masonic Lodge #236

By Alison Rooney and Betty Monroe

Each summer, interested students from area public and private schools vie for one of five internships at local nonprofits, where they spend a minimum of 20 hours a week throughout the summer working on a variety of designated tasks, largely outdoors. The program is sponsored by the Philipstown Garden Club (PGC), with support from the Masonic Lodge #236 and the Putnam Highland Audubon Society.

This past summer, students — who must be entering their junior or senior year of high school or freshman year of college — from Haldane and O’Neill High Schools were placed at Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary; The Garrison Institute; Glynwood Farm; Manitoga; and Stonecrop Gardens. The process is competitive: the students must display an interest in horticulture and/or the environment, and submit an application and then undergo an interview with Garden Club members. Interns, who must write a report detailing their experience, receive a $1,000 stipend, the cost of which is split between the PGC and each nonprofit.

Betty Monroe, from the PGC, met with each student toward the end of their internship and reported the following:

PGC intern Yem Carabello (center) at Glynwood, with Jarrett Nelson, left, and Dave Llewellyn

Yemajha Caraballo, a recent graduate of O’Neill High School, spent part of his summer working at Glynwood Farm. Glynwood, a non-profit, is dedicated to promoting locally grown food and sustainable agriculture. It has also maintained a commitment to the highest standards in humane animal husbandry. Glynwood’s mission is to improve the regional food system for the sake of human, animal and environmental health.

Yem’s responsibilities included the many necessary steps involved in agriculture such as weeding, transplanting, thinning, harvesting, and pruning in order to produce the vast array of produce at the farm. “I learned so much from my two supervisors, Dave Llewellyn and Jarrett Nelson, about proper plant care and treatment,” Yemajha said.

He also credits the many interns and apprentices working at the farm who were always more than happy to do additional work without complaint, and who were happy to impart their years of experience. He enjoyed their diversity and their common love for healthy organic farming, and the superior results it provides as opposed to store-bought produce. Parts of the experience he particularly enjoyed were pick-up days, when he got to meet people from surrounding counties who have a love for fresh produce and the benefit it provides for body and mind.

Russell Cox, a senior at Haldane High School, has been doing a lot of physical work this summer on the four miles of walking trails at Manitoga in Garrison. Manitoga, named after the Algonquin word for “place of great spirit” was the home of industrial designer Russel Wright. Today the home, studio and 75-acre woodland gardens express Wright’s ideas about creating design which works in harmony with nature.

Garden Club intern Russell Cox at Manitoga

During July and August, Russell, under the supervision of landscape designer Emily Phillips, helped to maintain Manitoga’s grounds and general landscaping. The summer’s heavy rains did not make this an easy task. The heavy run-off eroded paths, clogged drainage ditches, knocked out sections of the natural landscaping, and brought down many heavy tree branches. Russell enjoyed the hard work afforded by this experience. He was also part of a team that worked at Manitoga’s day camp to create a new location for campers to congregate. This was done in an effort to allow the overused Mary’s Meadow, to reestablish itself. He recalls the highlight of his experience as the day he built a stage for the young campers in the pouring rain.

Haldane senior John Hughes, who is interested in environmental engineering, was selected to be the first PGC intern to participate in the program at The Garrison Institute. The Institute is the newest community member to join the internship program. Founded in 2003, it has been host to more than 40,000 participants at retreats and events held during the past 10 years. Forests and fields and contemplative gardens help to germinate ideas and practices conducive to personal growth and social change.

Garden Club intern John Hughes at Garrison Institute

John was very complimentary of the staff and found everyone at the Institute to be friendly and outgoing. Under the direction of Paul Blasak, John was given various responsibilities caring for the center’s beautiful gardens and grounds. Weeding, watering, mulching and controlling invasive species were part of his daily routine. One of the most challenging, and the most fun for John, was clearing the large tracts of invasive bamboo found in various sections on the property. John’s favorite week at the Institute was getting ready for a scheduled outdoor event. The area where the affair was being held needed to be cleared, weeded, planted and mulched. “It was cool to see the transformation. It went from a very ugly area to a really nice flower bed.”

Garden Club intern Ashley Cooper at the Marsh.

Recent Haldane graduate Ashley Cooper spent her final summer before starting college interning at Constitution Marsh. The Sanctuary, a 270-acre tidal marsh, is a New York State Bird Conservation Area and a Coastal Fish and Wildlife Habitat. The marsh provides refuge to the wildlife of the Hudson River Estuary and the group provides stewardship to the fragile wetland. Their goal is to give visitors a chance to observe river life and to gain insight into the conservation of the natural world.

Ashley was involved with setting up groups for the educational programs. She also acted, on occasion, as a tour guide. She was involved with marsh and stream studies, providing information about ecology and identifying various species. She also worked with other interns to control an invasive plant, phragmites, which is found in the marsh. By tarping the invasive reeds for a period of two years, heat will destroy the invasive species. Although a rather muddy endeavor, it was one of Ashley’s most enjoyable experiences.

Her most memorable day at the marsh was with a group of teachers from Westchester. They used a telescope and located a Bald Eagle’s nest. They were able to observe the bird in its natural environment, a truly wonderful experience.

Garden Club intern Kieran Austin at Stonecrop.

One beautiful sunny day and a chance meeting brought a realization to Philipstown Garden Club’s intern, Kieran Austin. As he was going about his daily assignment, a mom walking by with her young daughter commented, “You’re really lucky to work here.” It became his most memorable moment, as it made him aware that working at Stonecrop seemed more like a vacation spot than a work destination. Stonecrop’s gardens cover an area of approximately 12 acres and comprise a diverse collection of plants found in woodland and water gardens, a grass garden, raised alpine stone beds, cliff rock gardens, and an enclosed English-style flower garden. The entry to Stonecrop is highlighted by a glass conservatory at the edge of a water lily pond. Walking the winding pathways leads visitors through what seems like a storybook wonderland.

Kieran, a senior at Haldane, is interested in biology. He was first introduced to Stonecrop by his parents when he was a boy. Through his experience at Stonecrop, he learned that “horticulture is a lot less precise than he thought … it is kind of taking nature as it is.” Under the guidance of Stonecrop’s Emily Detrick, he learned how to prune, start plants from seeds, transplant seedlings, and properly mulch, water and dead-head various plant species. Kieran found transplanting and pruning to be a relaxing task which provided the most enjoyment because it allowed him to see the direct impact his actions had on the plants.

Images courtesy of Betty Monroe, Philipstown Garden Club

Landscaping with Texas Native Plants Seminar set for Oct. 9

Winecup

Landscaping with Texas Native Plants Seminar set for Oct. 9

Echinacea

Landscaping with Texas Native Plants Seminar set for Oct. 9

Helianthus maximilian

Landscaping with Texas Native Plants Seminar set for Oct. 9

Pigeonberry

Landscaping with Texas Native Plants Seminar set for Oct. 9

Bamboo Muhly

Related Content

Texas native plants seminar

What: A panel of horticulture experts will present on why Texas residents should use plants native to Texas in their gardens

Where: Thomas Leroy Education Center, 9020 Airport Road

When: Oct. 9 at 7 p.m.

Posted: Saturday, September 28, 2013 12:34 pm
|


Updated: 1:20 pm, Sat Sep 28, 2013.

Landscaping with Texas Native Plants Seminar set for Oct. 9

By Linda Crum
Montgomery County Master Gardener

Houston Community Newspapers

Several years of drought and water restrictions in Southeast Texas have brought about a renewed interest in landscaping with native plants.

Native plants use less water and serve as a food source for wildlife. A hesitancy to use native plants may be lack of knowledge of how to landscape with them or a lack of availability in local nurseries.

The Montgomery County Master Gardener Association will sponsor Landscaping with Texas Natives seminar Oct. 9 at the Thomas LeRoy Education Center, 9020 Airport Road, Conroe at 7 p.m.

Door prizes include native plant books and everyone will receive a native plant. Two speakers will be featured at the seminar.

Alan King of College Station, Texas is an award-winning, registered landscape architect. He will make the case for why residents in Texas should be using native plants in the landscape.

He will present basic elements of good landscape design including style, scale and color.

King has won several awards for his landscape designs including one from HGTV. He is passionate about landscape design and will give information needed to make a good design

Diana Foss, wildlife biologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife, is not only an expert in managing wildlife in urban environments, but has an intense interest in native plants and resource conservation.

She will give recommendations of native plants specific to Southeast Texas.

Those interested in planting for wildlife will learn why native plants are so important in designing wildlife gardens.

Native plants are used in all the demonstration gardens at Texas AgriLife Extension. The garden on the north side of the Extension building is devoted exclusively to native plants.

Come early to the seminar and take a tour around the gardens. And do not forget to come to the 2013 fall plant sale Oct. 12.

The Master Gardeners will offer many native, well-adapted, vegetable and herb plants for your garden.

Sponsored by:

• 
  Discuss
  
• Print
  
  
  

Posted in
Living

on

Saturday, September 28, 2013 12:34 pm.

Updated: 1:20 pm.

From gardens installed to new hardscape, we offer everything you could ever need to maintain develop a perfect landscape. And with over 20 years of experience and skilled craftsmanship, we can guarantee you will be very happy with your results.

Londrigan Landscaping

Serving Queensbury Surrounding Areas

Call us at: 518-792-4128

View Our Website