Mother Nature's Montrose Garden: December 2020

Friday, December 25, 2020

Happy Holidays from Mother Nature's Montrose Garden.

Friday, December 18, 2020

Creating Your Colorado-friendly Garden: 8.b – More Hardscape

New raised beds for vegetable garden - Mother Nature's Montrose Garden

Planters, Raised Beds and Containers

Planters, raised beds and containers (pots; window boxes; etc.) can make a garden more attractive and emphasize a garden’s theme. They can also improve functionality. For example, planters can be used to create a level planting surface on gentle slopes or to provide better drainage. Raised beds make garden tasks easier for young gardeners or those with physical limitations.

Many Western gardeners are well acquainted with planters; they are common in local gardens. Traditional planters made of brick or concrete are found in many older gardens and can still be a good idea. In more natural gardens rocks, cut stone, ‘urbanite’ (chunks of concrete paving) or fabricated ‘stones’ make natural-looking planters and raised beds. Planters – or even slightly raised, edged beds – can also provide a formal look if that is desired.

Raised beds make excellent sense in a vegetable garden. They concentrate water and nutrients, keep vegetables clean and help dissuade slugs and snails. They also make it easier to plant, weed, provide plant support and harvest the crops. Raised beds can be made to a convenient height – even allow the gardener to work from a seat or wheelchair. Raised beds are becoming popular in many parts of the country, including Colorado. You might want to consider them for vegetables or flowers.

We’ve used a smaller urban/suburban garden as an example in previous posts (see Mother Nature's Montrose Garden: Creating Your Colorado-friendly Garden: 1a. Drawing a Base Map and other previous posts). The garden at 112 Willow St. will have a vegetable garden with raised beds (see above sketch). The area is 14 ft. by 24 ft.

The gardeners explore plans for raised beds on-line and learn that 3 ft. is the best width to provide easy access. There is room for four beds, each 3 ft. x 8 ft., with 2 ½ ft. walkways; there’s still space for water storage container(s) at the north end of the garden as planned.

The gardeners have many choices of design and materials, ranging from fairly inexpensive, home-made models to more expensive purchased kits or custom-built raised beds. Some kits are available locally – others will have to be ordered from gardener’s supply companies. To learn more, there are extensive resources on-line. Good how-to books are available at building supply stores and your local library. We’ll discuss designing vegetable gardens and utility areas in greater detail in February, 2021).

An arbor makes a nice entry to the garden.

Arbors, Arches and Pergolas

Arches, arbors and pergolas are sometimes employed in Western gardens. They are not for every garden, but can be effective features. An arch can be used as an entrance to the garden or to areas that are treated as separate garden ‘rooms’. Arbors and pergolas provide shade and are a good place to grow grapes, native Honeysuckles and other fragrant vines. They often include seating areas. In Mother Nature’s Montrose Garden, we have a pergola attached to the house and porches (below). It’s handy for sitting on a warm day and for entertaining.

A pergola makes an inviting seating area in summer.

There are dozens of designs, plans and pictures of arbors, arches and pergolas on the internet. If interested, we suggest you start there. These are strong design elements. They may dominate the garden landscape and are often used to make a large garden seem smaller. If you have a small yard – and still want to include these elements - we suggest you keep them small, darker colored and in proper scale for the size of your yard.

Trellises

Trellises are often used to provide support for vines and trailers, although lattice and other trellises are being used alone in contemporary gardens. They can be used to create shade, cover a wall/fence or provide a visual screen. They are particularly useful in narrow spaces or as stand-alone elements in the interior of the garden. Things to consider when choosing a trellis:

Strength: is it strong enough to provide support for a mature vine?
Attachment: where/how will you attach it? Will the attachment be strong enough
Design : trellises can be a strong design element. Choose design, materials and color to complement the garden design
Materials : there are many choices; consider appearance, cost and maintenance

As discussed in previous episodes, the side of the neighbor’s garage is an eyesore in the 112 Willow garden (see sketch, below). It presents a design challenge for the Quiet/Meditation area, which is narrow and fairly shady. After considering several options, the gardeners decide to grow a vine screen to block the view. They can either erect a free-standing trellis or attach one to the existing wall. Local building code specifies that fences/walls can be no taller than 6 ft. But an open lattice trellis could be taller – perhaps 7-8 ft – and nicely block the view. They pencil in a trellis that will conceal the neighbor’s garage.

For more inspiration on trellises, search the internet and visit well-stocked local garden stores. Trellises can be beautiful and functional. They have come back in style for a reason – they are useful in contemporary gardens.

Shredded wood mulch accents the colors of native shrubs.

Mulch and Non-living Groundcovers

A mulch is simply a protective layer of materials placed over the soil, primarily to modify the effects of the local climate. Mulching is an integral part of water-wise gardening; but mulches are used for a number of other purposes including heat regulation and aesthetics.

Like all other types of hardscape, mulch should be suited to the garden conditions. These conditions certainly include the types of plants you plan to grow. But the conditions also include aesthetic and even cultural considerations. For example, many mulches are available in different colors and textures. You need to consider which is best for the look of your garden. For example, if your garden design has a Mediterranean/Italian influence, you may want to use an appropriate crushed gravel mulch – at least in part of the garden. You may even want to use mulches in areas of your garden that have no plants at all! On the other hand, a ‘natural’ garden with Coastal Sage Scrub plants will look best – and thrive with – a thin mulch of wood chippings.

We have written an extensive post on mulches in S. California gardens. It describes the use of mulch, types of mulch and other considerations. It discusses the use of mulch for different types of California native plants. The information covered is relevant for gardeners in other Western states as well. We suggest you read Understanding Mulches - http://mother-natures-backyard.blogspot.com/2012/07/understanding-mulches_23.html

The best advice when considering mulches is to look at various materials on-line, then go to a local building supply source and see the materials first hand. You may be able to take small samples of the materials how to see how you like them in the garden.

Pond - Mother Nature's Montrose Garden.

Water Features

Water features are decorative hardscape elements that feature the sight, sound and sometimes the feel of water. Included in the category are decorative ponds and pools, waterfalls, constructed ‘streams’ with re-circulating water and fountains of all sizes and types. Water features are treasured in hot climates because they give the illusion of coolness. As our climate heats up, you may want to consider a small, water-wise water feature.

As with arches and pergolas, scale is important. A large, ornate fountain or massive waterfall will look out of place in a small garden. But even the tiniest garden can include a small fountain – even a miniature waterfall – to give as sense of cool. In a previous, we constructed a simple bubbler fountain from large glazed pots [below]. The scale is right, the pump is solar powered, and the fountain is quite water-wise (requires re-filling with 1 gallon a week during the hottest weather). People are instinctively drawn to the fountain. Birds love to drink and bath in the splash; some even fly through the water in hot weather!

Simple fountain made of glazed clay pots.

Large gardening/home improvement stores carry a selection of ready-made fountains; most are ready to place, fill and plug in the pump. Most re-circulating fountains require an electrical outlet; but solar-powered pumps and fountains are available on-line. Local nurseries also stock fountains and can suggest local businesses that will create custom fountains, pools and other water features.

Garden Art

Garden art is very personal. Art is an important part of some gardens – in fact some gardens are built to house a treasured sculpture, mosaic or other piece of art. Other gardens have no art at all. The best gardens follow the old adage – less is more.

Included in ‘garden art’ are statues, other sculpture, sundials, decorative birdbaths, mosaics and decorative tiles, pebble mosaics, decorative signage or light fixtures and more. Garden art should reflect your taste; it may also reflect your cultural or family heritage. Garden art can provide just the right accent to make a garden appear authentic, alive, unique.

Garden ‘art’ can include artful objects from nature: an attractive boulder, interestingly shaped log or branch, shells or pebbles, other found objects. Japanese gardens are well known for their use of natural objects in gardens.

A bird bath can add a decorative element.

Garden art can be invaluable for difficult parts of the garden, such as areas of deep shade where nothing will grow. A light-colored statue can be just the ticket – lovely, water-wise and low maintenance.

You needn’t have a specific piece in mind when you design the garden. In fact, sometimes it’s best to wait and see what the garden itself requires. Leave room for a sundial or small statue if you wish. You’ll ultimately come across the perfect piece for the space.

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We welcome your comments (below). You can also send your questions to: monaturesmontrosegarden@gmail.com

Friday, December 4, 2020

Plant of the Month (December) : Winterfat – Krascheninnikovia lanata [Ceratoides lanata]

Winterfat (Krascheninnikovia lanata): backlit in winter
Mother Nature's Montrose Garden

In the best of worlds, a garden looks good all year long. While that’s not difficult in spring, summer and even fall, late fall and winter can present a gardening challenge. That’s why we’re grateful for those native plants that add a touch of winter interest – even when others are dormant. One such plant is our Plant of the Month, Winterfat or Winter Sage. The scientific name is pronounced krash-en-in-ee-KOV-ee-uh lan-AY-tuh.

The genus name, Krascheninnikovia, is a mouthful for those who don’t speak Russian. The name honors honors Stephan Petrovich Krascheninnikov (1713-1755), a Russian botanist and professor of Natural History, who explored eastern Siberia.[1] The other members of the genus are native to northern Asia or Eurasia. While formerly classed in the Goosefoot family (Chenopodioideae), the genus is now commonly placed in the subfamily Chenopodioideae of the family Amaranthaceae (the Amaranth Family). [2] Most members of the genus resemble our native Winterfat.

While we’re on the subject of names, Winterfat has an interesting history. It’s also commonly known as Lambstail, White Sage, Winter-sage, Feather-sage and Sweet sage, although not even distantly related to the sages (Salvia species). The species has been classed as Eurotia lanata (Pursh) Moq., Ceratoides lanata (Pursh) J.T. Howell, Ceratoides lanata var. ruinina S.L. Welsh, Ceratoides lanata var. subspinosa (Rydb.) J.T. Howell and Eurotia lanata var. subspinosa (Rydb.) Kearney & Peebles. It currently is accepted by U.S. taxonomists as Krascheninnikovia lanata, although some feel it’s better classed as Krascheninnikovia ceratoides ssp. lanata. [3] And some in the nursery trade still offer the plant as Ceratoides lanata. We’ll just have to see how the name game plays out!

Winterfat is widely distributed in arid plant communities from Saskatchewan and Manitoba, Canada to western Nebraska, Colorado, west Texas, California and Washington. It’s found in most Colorado counties - from the eastern plains and Front Range to the westernmost parts of the Western Slope (Colorado Plateau region). In Colorado it’s a common shrub seen ‘on the plains and foothills, on open slopes, and in pinyon-juniper and sagebrush, 4000-9500 ft.’ [4]

You’ve likely observed it in the wild if you’ve done any exploring in the Western states. It grows from near sea level to 10,000 feet elevation in salt desert shrub, pinyon juniper, sagebrush/grass and near the edges of some forested plant communities in the Intermountain region. In the Southwest it can even be found growing in Joshua tree communities. That’s quite a variable range for a plant species!

Winterfat (Krascheninnikovia lanata): plant growth habit

Winterfat is a small to medium-sized sub-shrub, 1-3 ft tall and spreading. It’s commonly sprawling in habit, but some varieties are more upright. In general, the sprawling forms are more herbaceous, and the upright forms more woody (makes sense). New branches sprout yearly (or after being browsed) from a woody crown and branch bases, so the plant increases in width. The older wood is gray-brown with exfoliating bark; newer branches appear silvery green due to dense hairs (trichomes).

Winterfat (Krascheninnikovia lanata): foliage

Winterfat (Krascheninnikovia lanata): new leaves

The leaves are alternate or in bunches (fascicles) (see above photos). The plant shows several adaptations to hot, dry conditions. For example, the leaf blades are linear to narrow lance shaped, with margins that are rolled under. Leaves remain on the plant during winter and are shed when new leaves grow in the spring or when the plant is water stressed. And as with the new branches, the leaves are densely covered with trichomes, helping to cool them.

Another water-conserving feature is seen in the plant’s root system. As with many shrubs from places with intermittent/variable precipitation, Winterfat has both a deep taproot and a system of shallow, fibrous roots that grow near the soil surface. The taproot is commonly 3-6 ft. in older plants, but even greater depths have been recorded. This complex root system allows plants to utilize precipitation when it occurs and survive on ground water in times of drought.

Winterfat (Krascheninnikovia lanata): flowers

The flowers are wind pollinated and fairly inconspicuous (above). Most plants are monoecious (separate male and female flowers on the same plant) but some are dioecious (male and female flowers on different plants). The flowers grow on short stems that arise from the leaf axils (where leaves attach to stem). The male flowers are in small clusters, while the female flowers are spread along the stems (see above). Flowering occurs from mid-spring to summer.

Winterfat (Krascheninnikovia lanata): plant with seeds

One of the attractive seasonal characteristics of Winterfat are the fluffy seeds. The seeds themselves are small; but the hairs make the seeds easy to see. Seeds are mostly wind distributed largely close to the mother plant (see below). The seeds have scant food reserves. That means that seeds must germinate the next spring to be viable. The seeds also provide food for sparrows and other seed-eating birds.

While we’re on the subject of food, Winterfat provides good winter browse for a range of animals including rabbits, antelope, deer, elk, and bighorn sheep. It is a nutritious and important source of food in the wilds. And if you have garden rabbits, they may assist you with winter ‘pruning’.

Winterfat (Krascheninnikovia lanata): natural re-seeding

Winterfat is an easy-to-grow sub-shrub in the garden. It can be grown in USDA Zones 3-10, in just about any soil. Fortunately for those gardening in the Four Corners region, Winterfat tolerates soil pH from 6.5 to 9.0 (neutral to alkali). It likes full sun and can tolerate the heat. It also does fine with compacted soils and moderate salinity.

What it cannot tolerate is flooding. It is very drought tolerant, but can take weekly water in well-drained soils. It makes a great choice for those hard-to-water areas of the garden.

Winterfat (Krascheninnikovia lanata): in fall garden

Why include Winterfat in your garden? We like it for its drought tolerance and forgiving nature. We also like that it provides winter sustenance for animals and birds. But Winterfat is important for its aesthetic attributes as well. In spring and summer, it provides fine-textured gray-green foliage that contrasts nicely with the darker green of shrubs and evergreens. In fall and winter, the colors tend to pink and silvery-gold. We particularly like them in front of the darker-foliage perennial sunflower species.

Winterfat (Krascheninnikovia lanata): lovely fall color.

Winterfat is widely used as a rangeland restoration species – there are even cultivars developed for just that usage. In the garden, consider planting common Winterfat associates including shadscale (Atriplex confertifolia), fourwing saltbush (A. canescens), spiny hopsage (Grayia spinosa), greenmolly (Kochia americana), and black greasewood (Sarcobatus vermiculatus). Winterfat also looks great with the native green rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus viscidiflorus), Indian ricegrass (Oryzopsis hymenoides), galleta (Hilaria jamesii), Needle-and-thread grass, western wheatgrass, black sagebrush (Artemisia nova) and the various other sagebrushes (Artemisia spp.).

Winterfat (Krascheninnikovia lanata): contrasts well with
Purple coneflower, any time of the year

In winter, Winterfats fluffy seeds are an interesting and decorative element in the dormant garden. The stalks create contrast in dried flower arrangements. And if you’re interested in medicinal plants, Winterfat is a traditional medicinal species. Decoctions of the leaves have been used to treat fevers and a wide range of other ailments. A poultice of the roots is traditionally used to treat burns, rashes, boils and other skin ailments. Blackfoot Indians soaked leaves to create a hair wash. [refs 5-8]

In summary, you may not have considered Winterfat as an addition to your garden. It is a little ‘wilder’ looking than many garden favorites. But it does have lots going for it. It may be just the thing for a hot, dry area of the garden. And your wild friends will thank you on those cold winter days!