getting started
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DO'S AND DON'TS Here is the perfect place to start. This article is
the result of an interview with a professional gardener whose years of
experience enable her to share her principles of success. From knowing how
much effort you're willing to put into your garden, to understanding that
changes don't need to be permanent, these are some handy thoughts to keep in
mind. (http://www.thegardentrellis.com/article1009.html)
ideas
- LAYOUT IDEAS AND CONSTRUCTION HINTS
Browse through these photographs of finshed projects from a professional
landscaping company for original ideas. Get a feel for the incorporation
of stone walls, mulch, gravel, use of lighting, water and more. Also contains
information on beneficial and harmful insects and weeds. (http://www.lotf.com)
- PLANTLESS LANDSCAPING IDEAS Great portfolio of
photographs of interlocking pavers, natural stone patios, retaining
walls, and pond / water features. (http://www.gomegapath.net/hamlandscaping/samplesof
constructionstyle/)
environmental benefits
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FIRE-SAFE LANDSCAPING This fact sheet, from the United States Fire
Administraion, encourages you to provide a 'defensible space' around your
home while incorporating fire-resistant plants and materials. Also included
is useful information on how to maintain your property as seasons change.
(http://www.usfa.fema.gov/safety/landscape.htm)
- BENEFITS OF ENERGY
EFFICIENT LANDSCAPING The National Renewable Energy Laboratory offers
a quick overview of the benifits of wind / sun protection - but also links to other
information such as climate and site design considerations and selecting
appropriate plants. (http://www.pioneerthinking.com/landscape.html)
- SHADING, WINDBREAKS,etc.
Trees, shrubs, vines and arbors as sources of shading and as windbreaks,
the use of absorbent or reflective materials as groundcover. From a group
of 'Green professionals' who are commited to environmentally responsible
practices. (http://www.greenbuilder.com/sourcebook/LandscapingEnergy.
html#Guidelines)
specific landscaping goals
- TO ATTRACT BIRDS
Taken from a US Fish & Wildlife Service publication, "Homes for Birds", you
will find benefits of, suggested plant types, a bibliography for further
reading and links to Baltimore Bird Club pages. (http://www.bcpl.net/~tross/
by/attract.html)
- DEER RESISTANCE Four free
garden designs using deer-resistant plants, and a deer-resistant plant
encyclopedia with 7 different avenues for searching. Also offers
numerous solutions to deer problems. Custom plans can be ordered from this
professional designer. (http://www.mydeergarden.com)
- EDIBLE LANDSCAPINGAlthough this site
would like you to order some of their 48 seeds and plants (including fruits,
nuts, and coffee), the information can be garnered for its own benefit. It
includes a plant care guide, recipies, and an active bulletin board for
sharing questions and answers among other afficionados. (http://www.eat-it.com)
find your zone!
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HYPERLINKED ZONE MAP Visit the US Dept. of Agriculture's map to
find your zone, as well as the coldest zone that various plants can
normally survive in. This site was authored by a past Director of
the US National Arboretum. (http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/)
- FROST DATES AND
MORE Lists frost dates for the various zones as well as frost date
definitions and sunlight definitions. More importantly, this site provides
a gardening glossary and an online seed catalog. (http://www.boldweb.com/
greenweb/g_zoneus.htm)
ready to go
- PLANT ENCYCLOPEDIA AND
SEED SWAP This encyclopedia is searchable by common name, group name,
botanical name, variety name, cultivar name, genus name, and species name.
If you've got a clue, you'll find it here! Searching can be limited by various
factors such as region, sun/shade, bloom season, color, height, etc. The best
part of this site is the seed swap where gardeners offer their seeds for
sale or trade, and the message board where you can get answers to your
gardening questions! (http://gardening.sierrahome.com/encyc/)
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