Category Archives: Blog

Look For Winter Blooming Perennials Now!

Posted on by

Lenten Rose, Snow Drops and Cyclamen are flowering now. It is a good time to think about adding these to your garden for next year.

It is also a good time for a stroll through The Washing Park Arboretum, Kubota Gardens and other local parks and botanical gardens to see what is blooming now.  You will notice other plants and trees that stand out.  Many extraordinary and colorful  varieties of conifers and deciduous trees with intriguing bark are striking during the winter months.

Enjoy the view and fresh air or take notes and pictures if you are looking to update your garden and make it more “winter friendly”.

Back home, look at your own garden and decide what adjustments would make a show at this time next year.  If you are getting ideas for a new garden or major renovation, a garden designer will help you to select the right plants and incorporate the best choices into a comprehensive plan for your site.

Whether you need help with plant selection or a comprehensive landscape plan, I tailor my services to you project and lifestyle.  Contact me if now you are looking to make changes to your garden in 2015.

Heleborus niger 'HGC Jacob'

Landscape Design with Succulents brings new life to the summer garden

Posted on by

By definition, Succulent plants are plants that have some parts that are more than normally thickened or fleshy usually to retain water in acrid climates or soil conditions.  This means, universally, they store water and are drought tolerant.

Sedum is a genus of over 400 leaf Succulents including hardy perennial bushes that that can grow as tall as four feet.  These low maintenance gems provide an array of foliage and flower variations.  Nearly indestructible and virtually disease resistant, the species that thrive in the Pacific Northwest do best in full sun, in average to poor soil with good drainage, and little or no supplemental water.  At this time of year, Succulents are a great way to refresh pots and add to perennial borders or annual plantings that need a boost.  Tender varieties that will not make it though the winter in this climate (mostly due to soggy winters causing them to rot), lend a dramatic and almost desert or tropical feel during the warmer months of the Pacific Northwest.  Varieties like ‘Metallica’ (pictured) grow to several inches across offering great scale and a wonderful spectrum of color variation.

With hundreds of varieties to choose from, the possibilities are endless!

Michael Muro Garden Design offers garden planning and comprehensive landscape design in Washington State.

 

 

 

 

Seamless Connectivity to the Outdoors

Posted on by

Connecting with nature has long been acknowledged as an important part of well being. Some of us find ourselves feverishly tripping over the door jams and down the stairs to get to the garden once spring finally arrives; however, not all of us feel connected in a way that satisfies. As I recently I walked through a freshly completed project that I was especially excited about, I asked myself what made it so satisfying and how did it expand my definition of connectivity to outdoor space.

The Seattle-based project included an opportunity to collaborate with the architect of the house during a remodel of both the structure and the landscape. Selecting finishes and design features for the inside in concert with designing the new landscape created a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Corridors lead to garden views instead of closet doors and a mini-terrace off the master bedroom takes advantage of a private corner of the back yard. With a kitchen door that serves as a side entrance, adding an herb garden hosts fresh flavors and smells all year round. The effect of these synergies is a feeling of being more connected to the outdoors, whether you are inside or actually in the garden space.

While a structural remodel might not be in the plans, landscape design that is in strategic harmony with the architectural elements on the site can enhance the connection to the outdoor space. Optimizing small spaces as visual focal points is simple do to with container gardens. A water feature adds instant calm while masking any ambient noise. To create separation from close neighbors or municipal structure, use a trellis or arbor to create privacy and reduce visual impact. Beds of seasonal color outside a living room window remind us that summer will come again with time to actually go out and smell the moist earth, dig in the soil, plant the first seedlings and connect…if only for a few minutes.

Contact me to help you plan for summer and a great outdoor room in which to enjoy it.

 

 

 

HARDSCAPING: What kind of patio or walkway best suits your landscape?

Posted on by

If you’re not familiar with the term, hardscaping is a word used to describe any type of hard surface impressed upon the landscape, including patios, driveways, walkways and more.

When choosing a hardscape option, keep both the aesthetic and the practical in mind. Here are some examples:

Drainage:

Often, a portion of the area needs to be “permeable”, to control where and how run-off drains into the surrounding areas. Pavers and natural stone are considered permeable if they are not mortar set, while cement or aggregate are less so. If there are drainage issues, sand set natural stone or pavers may a good option. These materials allow moisture to drain through the spaces between them evenly without creating much run off.

If there are significant drainage, erosion or moisture problems on the site they should always be addressed before, or as part of, installing any landscape project.

Design and aesthetics:

What fits the space, the surrounding architectural effects and the overall setting? A Japanese garden may work with a traditional tudor, and professional designers can develop ways to merge themes that might otherwise seem incompatible. Considerations such as colors, the size and shape of the space, and most importantly, how it will be used.

Budget:

There are various price ranges associated with installing hardscapes. The extent of leveling that is needed, as well as the materials selected, are both significant factors. Pavers are often the most cost-effective, followed by some concrete and natural stone treatments, just to scratch the surface. It is best to get an idea of budget ranges during the design process.

Accessibility:

If the site is difficult to reach and supplies and equipment need to be moved by hand it may limit the options. Logistics require careful advance planning. While a cement truck may not be practical in a tight space, a smaller scale option, such as combining pavers, tile or natural stones and using bagged cement may be ideal solutions.

An experienced landscape designer has solved these issues many times: knowing what’s out there and how to make informed choices based on aesthetics, budget and logistics. I am available as a consultant to help you make those choices and also provide for implementation services.

Please contact me if you are not sure what hardscape best suits your needs.

Cordially,

Michael

A combination of natural stone and sand set pavers

provide a striking contrast.  Greenlake, Seattle WA

Landscape Design and Spring Blooming Bulbs

Posted on by

Planting bulbs and gathering grand bouquets of colored leaves are the hallmarks of fall and the changing season.  Choosing and planting bulbs can be anything from a simple family activity to an extensive plan for an open garden space.  Bulbs come in many varieties ranging from tiny Crocus, which are less than 3 inches tall to Parrot Tulips, which are over 3 feet high. Color palettes can be bright with primary colors, or softer with pastels.

For smaller gardens, I plant clumps of  like varieties and complimentary combinations with varying heights.  For gardens with larger areas, a drift of all one type of bulb  – in a single color – is stunning.   If the terrain is more open, such as hillsides or woodland gardens, bulbs can be used in bands to replicate the flow of a stream or other patterns.

Bulbs provide a non-stop show from late winter through late spring, depending on how you sequence them.  Snow Drops bloom as early as late January and some varieties of Tulips bloom as late as May.   Some of my favorite bulbs include: early-blooming ‘Lake of Fire’ Tulip, mid-blooming ‘Naturalizing Dream’ Narcissus and late-blooming ‘Merlin’ Narcissus.   The honorable, late blooming ‘Queen of the Night’  Tulip in an aubergine purple is always stunning.  Bulbs are extremely hearty and they don’t require a complicated process to plant in an existing garden.  If you have young people in the family, involving them in bulb planting  is an excellent way to expose them to outdoor education.  Write a note of what they planted and watch their realization when the sprigs of green start coming up.

I hope these tips keep you active and motivated to be in your garden space.  Feel free to contact me for a consultation if you have questions or need help developing a plan.

Water thoroughly and keep your garden healthy

Posted on by

Especially this year, our typically dry July, August and September quickly erase any reserves stored below the surface of the soil.  Fine-tuning watering techniques can not only conserve water but also create healthier plants.

Keys to watering:

  • My answer is to water deeply and less frequently.  This can be accomplished most easily with either a drip or soaker irrigation system.  The drip system can be set to water individual plants, shrubs, or trees.  The water requirements of different plants can be met by using different sized emitters, and by placing several emitters on large shrubs or trees.
  • A soaker system will water the whole garden evenly and can be hidden underneath mulch.
  •  Hand watering is also an option, but make sure that the water is penetrating deeply.
  • The final way to irrigate is with an old-fashioned sprinkler head.  Make sure that the spray hits all areas and that you leave it on long enough to water deeply.

Tips for watering:

  •  Getting water to the bottom of the root zone promotes drought tolerance by keeping the roots deep in the soil, instead of on the surface where they can dry out quickly. Water should soak in deep enough so all roots are thoroughly wet.  The first few times you water, test to see how deep it goes.  After a few tries, you’ll know how long the water needs to run.
  • Always water during the cooler part of the day to lessen evaporation.  Nighttime or early morning is best.
  • Make sure you mulch.
  • Plant densly enough so plant roots are not overheated by the sun.

As your garden matures and plants become well established, you’ll be able to cut back the frequency of watering.

Michael Muro Garden Design offers garden planning and comprehensive landscape design in Washington State.

 

 

Waterwise landscape design

Posted on by

Even with the likelihood of a drought in the Pacific Northwest again this year, there is no need to be resigned to wilted, brittle and brown plants this summer.  There are many ways to keep a garden looking lush during summer, while conserving water.  First, by analyzing the site environment, we can select the right plants for the existing conditions.  The most successful plantings will be those that thrive in existing conditions. The less that has to be done to alter those conditions, the more successful the landscape plantings will be.

Water less often and more deeply.  This encourages plants to develop deeper roots and draw from water stored deep below the surface of the soil.  Shallow watering equals shallow roots and drier conditions for plants.  After heavy rains or a deep watering, mulch garden beds to help seal in moisture and insulate roots from heat, resulting in less need for water. Prune back overgrown perennials and shrubs — fewer leaves mean less plant mass to support and less need for water.  Never allow plants to wilt.  Stressed plant are more susceptible to disease and insect infestation.   These simple steps will keep plants healthy and therefore better looking, no matter what the weather does.

A drought tolerant garden requires thoughtful planning.

I like to draw from a palette offering an array of interesting flowers, leaf types and growth habits.  I recently designed a garden that cascaded above a rock retaining wall using a combination of Artichoke, Barberry, Blue Oat Grass,  Rock Rose and trailing Rosemary — all  plants that not only survive, but thrive, in Northwest landscapes. Well drained soil,  direct sun and conditions on the dry side are perfect!   Once established, they will thrive with little or no watering.

Typically, most drought tolerant plants fall into the lower maintenance category.  Many thrive in dry summer  conditions and tolerate wet winters, making them excellent choices for the changeable  Pacific Northwest climate.

Here’s to  summer around the corner and an easy care, beautiful garden!

Cordially,

Michael Muro

 

Fall Planting Season is Here

Posted on by

Trees and shrubs love to be planted in the fall. Now is an ideal time to get your plants in the ground so they can begin to establish a sound root system before the heat of summer.

Winter precipitation means less watering to get a plant established, and there will be fewer insects in cooler weather. Wait to plant tender varieties until spring. But most trees, conifers are ideal for fall planting.

Before you start, it’s a good idea to do a few of those post-summer chores throughout the garden, like deadheading flowers, cleaning out dead leaves and amending the soil. Use organic soil amendment to feed the soil with important nutrients. This will give your new plantings a healthy beginning.  And, of course, water until the rains start next month.

Feel free to contact me with your questions about what type of trees and shrubs to plant now.

If you need more ideas, schedule a design consultation and learn about the best plants for any spot in your garden!

Best wishes,
Michael

Extend Summer Color with Perennials

Posted on by

Showy, Fall-blooming perennials extend summer color in the garden.

These garden mainstays flower reliable, year after year. Unlike annuals and biennials, which live for only a year or two, perennials are permanent plants that need only periodic division and replanting.  About as low maintenance as it gets! Some plants are evergreen; others die to the ground at the end of each season, and then reappear from the roots the following year.

After the dog days of summer, the landscape can begin to look a little peaked. Using fall-blooming perennials is a great way to extend a fresh splash of color until the first frost and beyond.  These robust specimens will extend the blooming cycle and can be planted among summer-blooming perennials and annuals for a seamless display of color that can last from early spring through November.

Here are some of my favorites:

  • Echinacea  ‘Hot Paypaya’.  Rich, dark green foliage and large orange-red flowers atop stems up to 48″ high.  Full to part sun, drought tolerant.
  • Sedum spectabile ‘Neon’.  Sturdy Foliage capped with dark pink disks of tiny star-like flowers.  Full to part sun, drought tolerant.\
  • Asters (many, many cultivars).  Sturdy plants covered with small daisy-like flowers.  An array of growth habits and colors to choose from.  Full sun, drought tolerant.

Late summer is a great time to reevaluate the perennials in your garden. Choosing carefully can maximize bloom season and refresh the garden. Then, look to broad-leaf and coniferous evergreens for color, texture and structure come winter.

If you need more ideas, contact me for a design consultation and learn about the best plants for any spot in your garden!

Best Wishes,
Michael Muro