Did you spend much of the summer wishing you had a better deck? If you act quickly, fall may be the time to address that issue.

If you can make some decking decisions, you are readying to get a deck project underway. Perhaps the most important decision is what decking materials you will use.

Traditional deck materials

Natural wood is a long-time favorite. It looks great, and adds a natural element that seems right at home in the landscape. However in the maritime Pacific Northwest weather, natural wood takes a beating and requires regular maintenance to extend its life. Pressure-treated wood will last longer (and should be used anywhere there is ground contact) but eventually it, too, will rot. Note that pressure-treated wood won’t work for the visible and usable surfaces of your deck — it fails to provide a clean, quality presentation.

The new composite woods

As a traditionalist, it took me a long time to accept composite wood as a viable alternative for building decks. Just a few years ago the only composite materials were flimsy and fake looking. But today there are some true contenders — an array of excellent, natural-looking options in a variety of realistic-looking finishes and colors. In fact, it is sometimes hard to tell the difference between real wood and composite counterparts. The benefits of using composites are obvious: they are much more attractive than pressure-treated wood and they offer many more options for color, texture and grain than traditional natural wood. Best of all, composites require much less maintenance — possibly just a yearly power washing.

Don’t expect a bargain with composites, but do expect less maintenance, no yearly painting or staining, easy cleaning, and an indefinite lifespan if quality materials are used. You’ll save money, headaches and time!

The ironwood option

Purists should consider the natural hardwoods known as ironwood. They come with a premium price tag and are more difficult to work with, which adds labor costs. However, ironwood is a good option for longevity, requires less maintenance and provides a handsome appearance superior to that of other of natural woods.

Paint is never a solution

In my case, I inherited an older natural wood deck. It’s still holding its own due to the vintage quality of the wood, but it takes annual maintenance to keep it looking good and protected from the elements.  After years of maintenance, replacements, painting and staining this deck, I am now considering a composite option. Note that you should never paint a deck under any circumstances — unless you are prepared to deal with it as an on-going pet project or a high-maintenance addition to the family.

Next steps for your deck project

Experienced landscape designers can help you evaluate design and materials options based on your budget. We know what’s out there and can help you make informed choices.

Please contact us if you’d like to find out more about decking and other landscape design projects.

For July, we would like to introduce you to Hydrangea serrata ‘Blue Bird’, the Blue Bird Lacecap Hydrangea — also called Blue Bird Mountain Hydrangea. This shrub has a soft look that I do not usually associate with Hydrangeas (unless you consider the Hydrangea aspera, which has soft, fuzzy leaves).

The Blue Bird’s flowers are a soothing, pale, sky blue that combines extraordinarily well with its soft, grass green foliage. The plant grows in a useful, loose, rounded mound — about 4 feet high and wide. Like all Hydrangeas, the Blue Bird reacts well to pruning and benefits from a yearly, well-timed, trim. Check how to best prune the variety in your garden.

In our maritime Pacific Northwest region, the Blue Bird Hydrangea can take full sun. However, part sun is optimal for best results. This cultivar should not be allowed to dry out during the summer.

When selecting a location for this and other Hydrangeas, don’t forget that they have a lot of “down time.” They’re dormant from fall through winter, and don’t look very attractive. Therefore they are best planted as part of a mixed border where other plants will fill in during the dormant months. Hydrangeas are elegant when planted en masse, but won’t be the best choice front and center during the off season.

With that in mind, the Hydrangea is a durable, versatile and easy-to-care-for plant that delivers, year after year. So it’s perfect for the novice or frustrated gardener who wants fast results with out a lot of work! You’ll find Hydrangeas available in a staggering array of species and cultivars.

To learn more about garden planning, landscape design, and easy plants for your garden, please contact us.

For June, we introduce you to the stalwart perennial Rodgersia aesculifolia, commonly known as Fingerleaf Rodgersia.

Rodgersia is often over looked, although it been a standby in gardens, especially English ones, for a very long time. Dormant in winter, it comes into its own in late spring and early summer, with foliage pushing up from a basal clump.

Fingerleaf Rodgersia lives up to its name with pinnate leaves above rigid stems followed by long tendrils of flowers, made up of tiny flowerets tightly lining its erect stems, that look like old-fashioned pipe cleaners. Though not flashy, its flowers are abundant and long lasting. They range in color from white to red, depending on the variety. ‘Bronze Peacock’, for instance, is known for huge dark-bronze foliage like peacock feathers and huge spikes of dark pink flowers in spring. All parts of the Rodgersia plant have tiny, bristle-like hairs. The result is an almost prehistoric look akin to Rhubarb or Gunnera.

Rodgersia adds bold texture to the garden. It can combine nicely with more delicate plants in a border or serve as a clump form as part of a composition with other ornamental plants.

This is a strong plant that is truly versatile, tolerating an impressive spectrum of light and moisture levels. While often associated with shady damp spots near water, Rodgersia will also do well in full sun in the maritime Pacific Northwest, as long it is not allowed to dry out. I prefer it in part sun or shade which results in richer, darker green leaves. The plant’s big foliage and upright stem create shadows that are most dramatic in dappled light.

Be sure to leave plenty of room for your Rodgersia. Over time some varieties will top four feet high and grow at least that wide, with flowers extending above that.

To learn more about garden planning, landscape design, and easy plants for your garden, contact us