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Friday, April 29, 2011
Garden Conservancy Open Days Spring 2011
Sunday, April 24, 2011
April Showers - Properly Watering New Plants
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| Put on your rain boots, it's time to water! |
Proper watering will require enough hose to reach to the base of all plants. Watering is done best with a Dramm Water Wand with diffuser nozzle and shut-off valve and possibly soaker hoses if you don’t have enough time to water plants individually by hand. Do not water your plants with sprinklers - sprinklers are for lawns.
Frequency of watering will vary depending on weather conditions but a general rule of once a week in spring and fall and two to three times a week in summer should be sufficient. Before watering, run hose to remove hot water that may have built up during hot sunny days. Larger trees and shrubs can be watered with a slow trickle, placing the hose at the base of the tree and allowing it to run for approximately 15-20 minutes or until approximately 15-20 gallons of water have been applied.
Smaller shrubs are best watered by hand using a water wand and diffuser, applying the water at the base of the plant for approximately 20-30 seconds or until water begins to run off. Repeat this at least two to three times allowing water to soak in between applications. Although it is preferable to water either early morning or evening, watering during the day is acceptable and essential if a plant is dry and under stress
Perennials may require water more often than woody plants will. A steady rain will take the place of a watering. During extreme temperatures or sun exposure, plants may show signs of wilting and can be watered to relieve stress. Continue to water until cooler temperatures bring on dormancy. Evergreen plants in exposed sites will benefit from water even when dormant.
It is important to ensure that the seeded lawn areas receive a good soaking with each watering. Water until slight puddling occurs. This will encourage development of the root system. Also, under-watering at this stage will prevent the seeds from sprouting. Once the lawn is established, frequency of watering will depend on factors such as weather, soil type, seed type, etc. If large puddles of water pool on the ground, it indicates over-watering. If grass starts to brown or ground starts to crack, the lawn is being under-watered.
Water sod EVERY DAY for ½ hour in each “zone” until squishy, use a walking sprinkler, or begin watering at the farthest point so you won’t be walking on wet lawn. Try to avoid walking on sod until rooted especially when wet. Water this way until rooted—lift a corner to check this. During the initial period of four weeks, sod and under soil should be kept moist at all times. The reason this is so important is to prevent the sod from shrinking at the seams and prevent any browning. After this time, frequency of watering should be reduced. Water as needed to prevent browning.
Thursday, April 14, 2011
An Apple for the Teacher
Listening to one of the morning shows today I am again frustrated by the information offered to homeowners seeking to hire a contractor. Among the practical advice such as “Verify the company is insured, licensed and trained, Get referrals, See examples of their work and Make sure you feel a personal connection” the piece also included the tip: “Get three bids and throw out the lowest”. Why does this bother me? Not because I feel I am the lowest bid, but because I feel part of my job is to educate my clients. If they don’t know what they are asking for, how can they possibly make an appropriate decision?
There is no such things as an “apples to apples” bid, Let me repeat that: NO SUCH THING! Competitive bids are typically issued for commercial building projects when an architect has designed and specified every detail of the job. There are also residential projects where an architect has issued a RFB but unless you have hired someone to handle that aspect you will not get that sort of comparison.
You can have three landscape companies look at a project and offer three very different prices, not because their overhead or profit margin vary significantly – but because they plan to accomplish it three different ways or use three different grades of materials. And do you know what else? It is possible that every one of them is planning to do it correctly! If the project we are discussing is a patio on a slight incline one may have suggested grading the lawn up to it, another could have suggested a retaining wall, while yet another could have suggested building up the low end, installing a wall and steps – All three are potentially effective solutions at different price points.
Even maintenance prices can vary due to a number of factors. Are the beds to be edged? Weeded? Do the plants need to be pruned? Fertilized? What sort of mulch is being specified? How thick? Is fan-raking included? Is a pre-emergent herbicide being used? If you have only asked how much it cost to mulch your landscape, one contractor could be providing a quote to throw three inches of mulch over what is existing, another could be planning to provide all of the details listed. The cost in both these scenarios will vary, as will the result.
There are always “bad apples” that spoil the reputation of contractors – but the best way to ensure that you get a good one is to thoroughly discuss your project with any contractor you speak with. A good contractor will take the time to ask questions about your needs, expectations and budget. Select from those who explain how these factors impact the price of their estimate. The best contractor for your project is one who will satisfy those needs and expectations at a figure closest to your budget.
Monday, April 11, 2011
New Jersey Grounds for Sculpture
Spent one of the first nice days of April at the New Jersey Grounds for Sculpture. This creative outdoor museum and garden, located nearby in Hamilton NJ, is well worth the price of admission (twelve dollars to be exact!) A link to their site can be found under "Public Gardens" on the Resources section of Our Website at: http://www.martinshawllc.com/resources.html
One of our favorite pieces, "The Nine Muses" features 9 depictions of the human form displayed on a slab that appears to float on the pool.
We got to meet the head gardener - oops! No this is just one of many lifelike bronze sculptures by Seward Johnson on the Grounds.
A view of the Museum (currently featuring the work of equine sculptor Deborah Butterfield) as seen through the branches of a Contorted Filbert, aka Harry Lauder's Walking Stick.
Soft undulations created in the lawn with steel edging. A sculpture in the distance features river stone in a steel cage.
Yes, those are real peacocks! They roam the Grounds freely and allow you to get close enough to photograph them. (I think they rather enjoy it, seeing as they are known for their pride!)
The Cafe courtyard is filled with seating designed by Richard Schultz. We profiled his work with Knoll Furniture recently on Our Blog, here: http://bit.ly/hQlmHo
Richard Schultz Topiary Chair is designed to look like a shrub, maintained to look like a chair! A company link can be found at the end of Our Blog featuring his work, here: http://bit.ly/hQlmHo
This cherry log bench was carved by chainsaw and chisel artist Emilie Brzezinski. You know, I think we could make something like this.
The Water Garden terrace outside the Domestic Arts Building is constructed of concrete with asymmetrical bands of granite throughout...we could do this too!
Cast aluminum Pumpkins sculptures are nestled among a mock-orchard of Crabapple and Cherry planted in precise rows.
The Pergola and Lotus Pond as glimpsed through the branches of a Weeping Pink Cherry.
A forest of welded tree sculptures are planted on a hillside surrounded by real specimen evergreens.
A pair of sculpted 'Ents' (tree people) dance joyfully in a clearing.
A lovely little stained-glass lamp illuminates a pathway.
Rats Restaurant as seen from the Grounds across the pond, over a tumbling waterfalls and through an arbor of branches. Don't worry, Rats is named after the character from Wind in the Willows. Their last chef was winner in a culinary TV competition and their latest is a relative of Johnny Cash!
"Nice Doggie..." This ferocious little guy is cousin of the Beast who called New Hope home for many years, having both been created by artist Dana L. Stewart.
The pink blooms of a cherry provide a colorful backdrop for the form of another weeping tree.
A Decomposed Granite pathway passes through the shining contemporary sculpture.
Beyond a Weeping Norway Spruce an enormous arbor spans the entrance to the New Jersey Grounds for Sculpture.
A Travertine Limestone gate as seen through the branches of a spring blooming Saucer Magnolia.
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Community Garden Planning Announcement Spring 2011
Love to garden or want to learn? Join us in planning a community garden at the Doylestown Mennonite Church. Volunteers don’t have to know anything about gardening, so this is a great way to learn or to share your knowledge. We welcome volunteers of all skill levels including those with other talents such as building, clerical or distribution.
We seek to create a community garden that will donate a portion of its’ harvest to those in need. Food pantries are a valuable resource for families struggling to provide needed nutrition. But because they need to rely on an inexpensive, shelf stable and simple to prepare source of food, pantries are filled with processed foods. These are often high in salt, calories and preservatives. But it doesn’t have to be that way, fresh produce can be grown almost anywhere with only a few resources.
This first meeting is open to everyone interested in the project as we set our goals, decide what to grow and plan events! Invite your friends or get your own organization involved, more hands make lighter work, more fun and yield a better harvest! Join us 6:00 pm, Wednesday April 20 at the Doylestown Mennonite Church (right off the Broad Street exit of the by-pass), 509 N. Broad Street in Doylestown, PA. For more information, contact Sharon Shaw at martinshawllc@gmail.com
See bottom of our web page page for additional information on Community Gardening and links to related articles: http://www.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
What's My Name?
Why is it so important for me to share this with you? Because many companies misrepresent themselves online. I love the internet, how it allows me to reach people around the world; see what they are doing, show what I am doing, research and learn. Anyone with a connection can share their opinion, their ideas, their talent and be judged for it; those who are good will be rewarded, those who are not will be exposed and those on the fringes may find their niche. We want to be known as one of the good. Not everyone has to like us - but we have a niche with those of you who do (and perhaps a lively discussion with those of you who don't!)
It is important, then, that our clients, readers and peers know who we really are; we believe in what we do, we represent ourselves truthfully and we deal with them honestly. I am happy to give credit to others, I appreciate the knowledge they have, the ideas and information they share. When I have enjoyed or learned something, my niche might too, so I may share it. If I post an article written by someone else I will include their name, their link and their publication wherever possible. If I post a video, album or photo, I include the source.
Sounds reasonable, right? So why am I making such a point of it now? I recently saw work posted on another landscapers site that was not theirs. I know it wasn't theirs and know whose it is. The actual builder might not care in this case - but you should! Online, you could turn to this company for ideas, information or referral and you should know if the work they are showing you is actually their work.
So, if the posts slow down - it is because we are busy, if you have a question - you can ask us, or a complaint - you can direct that to us too! If you need some work - you can call us and if you like our work - you can thank us...because at least you know who we are!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Back to the Drawing Board
Springtime at Martin Shaw, LLC Landscape Design & Construction
By Michelle Garling
By now we have all heard the term ‘outdoor room’ used, but few understand the correlation between a clean, comfortable home and the nature which surrounds it. Sharon A. Shaw, owner of Martin Shaw, LLC Landscape Design & Construction is a landscape designer and writer with a degree in Ornamental horticulture, who has been creating outdoor living spaces for clients in New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania for over twelve years.
Sharon grew up working on her fathers’ tree farm where she enjoyed both working outdoors with nature and pursuing more artistic activities. She says “I have always loved drawing, crafting and writing.” Sharon continues to combine her passion for art, craft and nature by working with clients to create beautiful gardens and build functional landscapes. “Women have a particular talent for decorating & design,” she says “We understand how a family will use a space and know what features are important to an outdoor room.”
Her work has received a PLNA award and been featured in the Philadelphia Inquirer. Sharon also enjoys sharing her knowledge of design. She has written articles that have been published in the Philadelphia Business Journal, Philadelphia Style and has broadcast on WDIY radio. An active member of the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, Sharon serves as chairperson of the Bucks Beautiful Garden Fair Committee which co-ordinates the organizations springtime fundraiser. She says “Giving back to the community is a responsibility I feel strongly about.” Sharon has also been active in establishing volunteer run community gardens which donate produce to area soup kitchens and food pantries.
Her company, Martin Shaw, LLC provides landscape care and maintenance, including spring clean-up and mulch, as well as design and construction of patios, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces and gardens. Spring maintenance is a popular service this time of year. For more involved projects Sharon asks her prospective clients to fill out a questionnaire that helps her understand their style, wants and needs for the landscape. “When I design, I think about how the family will experience the space,” she says, “Things like; how easy it will be to get from the home to the grill with a plate of food, if they can easily see the children playing while indoors and what their view will be in the winter.”
Sharon explains that by dividing a large yard into a series of separate areas, distinct outdoor rooms can be created for a variety of activities including cooking, dining, or reading. Like any other room, the outdoor room is composed of four walls, a ceiling and a floor which define it from the rest of the yard, though in a landscape they are created with plants, stone and structures. Martin Shaw, LLC builds with a variety of materials to accomplish these effects, including dry laid and masonry stone, trees, shrubs and flowers. Sharon says, “Just as indoors, there are many styles, colors, textures and accessories to choose from when creating an outdoor room.”
Also like a home, the landscape can benefit from a good spring cleaning. Heavy winter snow, ice and wind can damage trees and shrubs. Pruning removes these broken branches while improving the shape and controlling the size of the plant. Debris such as leaves twigs and the remains of last years’ flowers should be removed from the garden and a fresh layer of mulch applied. Mulch not only looks great, it also helps to discourage weed growth, retains moisture and may improve the soil over time. Growing plants need proper soil nutrition to produce lush foliage and colorful blooms. Plants will benefit from regular mulching and fertilization, but what many people don’t realize is that too much of a good thing can be harmful. Mulch build-up can smother perennials, allow pest and disease to damage trees and deplete soil nutrients, while over-fertilization can damage tender roots and buds.
Professional landscape maintenance is not just a matter of convenience, Sharon points out that the knowledge and experience of a trained landscaper can be crucial to the health and appearance of your garden. Martin Shaw, LLC landscape manager, Barry Martin says “We inspect the health and development of plants when we are on-site in order to ensure the landscape matures as we envisioned.” He advises selecting high quality, large sized plants and placing them appropriately for their growth. Barry also suggests using classic materials and proper construction methods that will create a landscape which looks great and functions well. “A correctly built patio is designed to endure years of use.” He adds that, “The most successful landscape is one you don’t have to worry about.”
Sharon believes in educating her clients so that they can get the most from their landscapes. She strives to maintain and an on-going relationship that includes good communication. The Martin Shaw, LLC website provides detailed information on care, while the blog and facebook site Sharon maintains keeps visitors up to date on local events and educational articles with helpful links that she shares.
www.martinshawllc.com
Bucks County:
PO Box 18 Furlong, PA 18925 (215)-550-5730
Main Line:
PO Box 898 Bryn Mawr, PA 19010 (610)-990-6610
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