One of my most important goals of the 2024 gardening season is to seek out companies that are working hard not only to beautify our environment, but also to protect it. I believe that Embassy Landscape Group, based out of Kansas City, Missouri exemplifies those qualities.
Which Ornamental Grass Is Right For You?
Just like in making other garden choices, the old adage “the right plant in the right spot” applies to ornamental grasses too. While many thrive in full sun and dry soil, some prefer a little shade and consistent moisture. Some are towering, structural specimens perfect as a focal point, others are diminutive varieties, better suited to edging a border. Some are cool season, some warm. Knowing the typical characteristics of the ornamental grasses you are considering before you do any planting can help you choose just the right one.
Why Plant Ornamental Grasses
I’m embarrassed to admit this, but the first year we planted our patch of prairie in the front yard I secretly hated it. It just looked messy to me, especially with so many clumps of unruly grasses sticking up everywhere. The few scraggly flowers certainly didn’t help. Every time I looked at it, I regretted that we had put this eyesore in our front yard for everyone to see. Six years later, my regret is that our prairie is so small; I wish it covered the entire yard. Over the years, the community of plants has matured and so have I. I came to understand the functions of ornamental grasses in the landscape and to appreciate their unique beauties.
The Value of Landscaping
We have two houses in the neighborhood that are up for sale. Being the curious sort (and I have to admit, wondering about property values), I’ve scouted both of them out a bit. They are remarkably similar in age, layout and upkeep but their prices are markedly different, to the tune of almost $14,000. Looking at both of them objectively, I can understand and justify the price difference. One has incredibly beautiful landscaping. The other…well, just doesn’t.
Planting the Perfect Spring Container
Every spring I tell myself that this will be the year that my container plantings will be “knock out gorgeous.” But somehow, what I see in my mind's eye doesn’t come close to the reality of what’s in front of me. They aren’t awful, just amateurish.
Pretty in Pink
My granddaughter and I were browsing through some seed catalogs on Sunday when out of the blue she said “PINK “ in her tone that implies don’t argue with me. “Ok,” I agreed, we can try some pinks this year if you want. They probably won’t do too well with our soil, but maybe we can do a big pot full of them.” “NO! I want to plant all pink flowers this year.” Considering that this child is as “ungirly” as you can get, the demand for only pink threw me, especially since I had my heart set on a burst of vibrant colors this year. But if Holly wants a pink garden, pink it will be!
Consider Micro-climates When Using a Climate Zone Map
We are having our typical February break from winter. The sun is shining and it’s even warm enough to trade the heavy winter coat for a light jacket. No matter what chores are looming inside, the pull is to be outdoors and in the garden. Obviously it isn’t time to plant (here in Missouri we are almost guaranteed another burst of winter soon), but it is a great time to plan.
Reflections on the Garden
I gave myself an after-Christmas gift last week – the monograph Piet Oudolf At Work, produced by the London- based publisher, Phaidon. Oudolf, a world renowned Dutch designer, was the featured speaker at a perennial plant conference I attended a few years back, and I’ve been a fan of his work ever since. His gardens are what I want mine to be – seemingly wild, yet subtly restrained and coherent. Everything in his designs fits together beautifully throughout all of the seasons of the year.
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