The benefits of evergreens in the winter landscape are obvious but the question remains, are you considering the balance and long term form of that developing evergreen in the overall design and spacial relationship on your property? This is the question that needs to be addressed as I demonstrate through pictures both good and bad examples of Evergreen In The Winter Landscape.
Evergreens big and small are demonstrated in the picture to your right and they strike an overall balance. It is important to understand that each individual property owner and the coordinating landscape will be unique. Each of us has been imprinted by our many experiences. The many things we have seen usually dictate how our own properties are planted and designed. The challenge is finding the right people to help you determine all the needs and wants and how to tie everything together for all seasons. Winter I find to be the most challenging because trees have lost their leaves exposing all their possible structural flaws and the views that they so often block through spring, summer and fall. This is why evergreen and the many ways they can be used is critical in the garden/landscape planning stage. I am not going to go into complete detail. The one point I will continue to drive home throughout this article is proper development and maintenance of the evergreen planting choices you make.
The picture to your left is a clear demonstration of how the designer was considering all surrounding structures and lines in the front of the property. The two Norway Spruces are fastigiate varieties that are intended to grown taller but not much wider. With proper maintenance this is very manageable. The supporting evergreens, a variety of Ilex, framing the Norway Spruces, not only are planted to help frame the view to the front door and columns, they are designed to connect the larger plant material from the ground up to their top. Based on the center peek of the homes entranceway this planting for lack of a better word is perfect. Not overdone. Not difficult to maintain and presents a view throughout the entire year. Take your time viewing this picture and how it has developed to compliment the home and circular drive. I designed and planted this 5 years ago. I have done the maintenance on this property for the past 4 years.
It is not hard for me to demonstrate landscapes not planted property. It is also very easy for me to show you landscapes not managed correctly. What makes this so easy is that most homeowners don’t understand the short term and long term value to proper choices and correct maintenance. In the end, investments are compromised and the value of homes not planted and managed correctly is lost. The goal is to get the greatest results with the least amount of effort. The reality of that last statement is you need to spend money to make money. Nothing is going to just appear on your property fit as the way it needs to with no maintenance. So the following pictures demonstrate properties and their landscapes that were either not planted correctly, not maintained correctly or in most cased both.
These examples are not out of the ordinary. Decide how you want to spend your money and then consider everything once again taking into consideration all the facets I have mentioned here and what you want to be responsible for as your property and it’s gardens and plantings grown. I wish everyone a great year in 2012. I foresee planting many gardens, manageing the development of lots of landscapes and restoring the confidence of homeowners and their existing plantings.
Peace to all who have hope in the future of our planet and the people who live on it.