It’s the perfect time to think about winter planters. We’ve talked before about how to design the perfect planter.
Check out our suggestions below for some unique plants to complete your winter display.
– Classic Christmas Colours
– Globe Boxwood
– Red Dogwood Twigs
– Pine and Cedar Boughs
– Pine Cone Garland
– Woven Willow Twigs
– White Birch Branches
2022 Winter Trends
– Silver and Gold Accents
– Fern Fronds
– Geometric Topiary
– Hemp or Jute Rope
– Coloured Feathers, Dried Flowers, and Grasses
Solstice Inspirations
– Dwarf Evergreen Holly
– Acorn and Walnut Garland
– Curled Willow Twigs
– Smoke Tree Branches
– Rosemary and Lavender Shrubs
Design Tip:
Many dwarf or miniature evergreens like Boxwood, Yew, and Juniper are available at DIY or department stores. These plants can be transferred to a garden bed in the spring and provide beautiful colour for many years.
Maintenance Tip:
Spray paint in silver or gold can turn a spray of ferns or dried flowers into eye-catching seasonal decor. A coat of paint also protects these delicate materials against wind and moisture.
This month we feature our amazing clients Kris & Katrina and their new backyard entertaining space. Waterfalls, a 3 season structure and lush planting are just a few features of this refined space.
Checkout what our clients have to say about the Earthscape process >>>
The goal of this project was to blend the rustic environment with the client’s modern taste. The challenge was to do this in a way that would look intentional in a rural farmhouse setting. Our design solution focused on selecting materials with the natural environment in mind and implementing them in a modern way. The project featured a square cut flagstone patio that slowly transitions into the surrounding lawn. The Corten fire pit adds a modern shape while still maintaining a rustic appearance. Natural stone steps and mossy boulders continue to blur the lines between the natural and the built environment. The result of this project produces a balanced ‘modern farm’ style
With the desire to get outside, our client wanted to capitalize on the beauty of their home and enhance their property to be able to enjoy their space. Having a spot to dine with friends and family was a must while also keeping in mind the change in grade from the house.
In the front yard, there was a strong desire to create a welcoming approach from the driveway. The blending of interlock stone from the street to the front steps creates a sense of continuity, while the offset orientation intuits a sense of flow. These elements help direct foot traffic towards the front door and provide an open, welcoming feeling on the way there. Careful consideration was given to the paver color and texture to ensure the landscape materials complimented the style of the house.
In the backyard, the focus transitioned towards entertaining and creating an aesthetically pleasing space that functionally integrated the landscape with the house. A large deck was built off the kitchen door to incorporate the BBQ and bistro set, while the under-deck area doubles as a storage shed complete with a custom-built barn door. Descending from the deck, a raised patio landing features a large dining area set under a soft-lit, open-air pergola for nightly entertaining. Using interlocking pavers and custom timber beams, feature walls and planters were created. Vegetation helped soften edges and settle the constructed elements into the surrounding landscape.
It’s time to add gardens to your to summer cleaning list! While we don’t recommend removing plant material solely based on which plants spark joy, rejuvenating your gardens will help declutter your landscape and leave you feeling satisfied with your outdoor space! Check out our tips and tricks below to bring your garden back to life and find peace in your space once again:
Purpose:
Gardens, when not maintained, grow thick, full, woody and lose their vigor/ flower show. Some shrubs and perennials can be rejuvenated, while others should be removed and replaced.
Shrub and perennial removals and/or heavy pruning are often necessary due to tight planting spaces that are no longer allowing for full potential of each plant.
Medium woody shrubs (dogwoods, large hydrangea etc…) can be pruned to encourage new, vigorous and colourful growth from the base
Large shrubs can be pruned(thinned out and lower branches removed) They then can add strong structural aspects to the design. Otherwise, it is advantageous to remove them to allow for smaller additions to the planting design
Old spreading perennials (black eyed susans, hostas, lungwort, grasses…etc) can be dug up, divided into multiple sections and replanted apart from each other allowing for room to grow and regain vigor. Perennials often thrive from division and transplanting if done properly and at the right time.
Soil should be overturned and amended with organic matter (ie. leaf compost or manure)
Steps to Rejuvenating Your Garden
Prune: Before you remove a plant see if it can be pruned back to full health. Proper practices for pruning and perennial division must be maintained for a successful reorder and healthy growth of existing plant material
Edit: Enlisting the help of a good garden designer would be very beneficial to ensure the right design aspects are taken into consideration when selecting which areas to keep and which areas to remove and adjust. Self assessment may lead to removing material that is still healthy and just needs rejuvenation. Always edit with caution if you are not sure about a plant.
Add New Material: Adding new material will keep your garden looking refreshed and on trend. Designs are built on principles such as proportion, order, repetition and unity. When selecting how to renovate or rejuvenate a garden, these principles must be considered. Additional plant material can be considered once existing plant material has been worked into the design.
Need help deciding what stays and what goes? Our expert gardeners will help edit your landscape and help create a refreshed garden.
Every spring, between snow melt and summer blooms, you may find yourself looking at the bare, brown gardens and wishing for things to hurry up and grow. Fall planted bulbs like crocuses, tulips, and daffodils beautifully fill this gap before perennial flowers really start to shine!
Crocuses are the earliest blooms in many gardens, frequently adding bursts of colour as early as March 15. These charming little flowers come in a range of whites, purples, and yellows. They are also unpalatable to deer, rabbits, and squirrels and therefore suitable for most Ontario gardens.
Daffodils (also called Narcissus) follow the crocuses, blooming between Mid-April and Mid-May. In addition to the classic yellow daffodils, plant breeders now produce white, pink, orange, and multi-coloured options. Like crocuses, daffodils are not attractive to squirrels or deer.
Tulips are one of the most beloved features of springtime in Ontario. They are available in almost any colour and size, with most blooming within the month of May. They can be planted among existing perennial displays without disturbing mature plants, and come back year after year (as long as the squirrels don’t dig them up!)
All of these spring beauties must be planted between October and December to bloom the following year. Here at Earthscape, we offer a complete bulb installation service from selection and purchasing through to planting and fertilizing.
Every landscape needs its finishing touches. The same way you decorate the inside of your home you can also add decor to the outside of your home. Seasonal planters are the easiest and most fun way to do this. They can elevate your space by bringing colour to your front porch or by adding life to your deck. If you don’t have space for a garden or only have a balcony, planters can provide the much needed green your space craves.
If you set up your planter correctly, it can be left out year round and updated with the changing seasons. Check out the following tips for the perfect seasonal planter:
A Solid Foundation- The Pot and the Soil
Getting the right pot ensures you will have enough space for your plants to thrive. The right soil mixture will increase the success and longevity of your planter.
Getting the right size
Keep in mind the size of the planter you have when you start to pick your plants. You want to have ample space for your plants and their roots to flourish. Check out these suggestions below for plant quantity:
Small Planter (10-12”): 6-8 plants
Medium Planters (14-16”): 8-12 plants
Large Planters (16-20”): 12-16 plants
If your plants start to overcrowd one another, trim them back to maintain overall health.
A Good Soil Mixture
It may be tempting to use whatever soil you have on hand as the base of your planter. However, to set yourself up for success, we recommend using a potting soil mix to ensure plants are getting the nutrients they need.
Different types of planters
There are many different types of planters you can pick from. While design and colour are important, there are benefits from some planters that can make caring for your plants a lot easier.
Weather proof: If you are wanting to keep your planters out year round, you will want to look for a planter that is weatherproof. Check that your planter will resist cracking in winter weather and won’t fade in the summer sun.
Self watering: These planters have a reservoir for water that releases into the soil to keep your plants properly watered. Self-watering planters and container systems can go without watering for 2-6 weeks and are an ideal system for those new to gardening.
A Recipe for the Perfect Plant Blend
The recipe for a perfect planter includes a variety of plants that have different purposes but all work together in harmony. The best way to achieve this is a combination of thrillers, fillers and spillers.
Thrillers are the centerpiece and the main attraction of the planter. They provide a base to build everything else around. Thrillers are almost always your tallest and largest plant material.
Fillers are the plants that surround the thriller. These plants should complement the centerpiece but not steal the spotlight. Fillers should be subtle but play around with different textures to achieve the perfect blend.
Spillers are your final touch. They are plants that cascade over the side over your planter adding a bit more drama to the overall look.
Keep an eye out for upcoming newsletters that will outline some of our favorite season specific plant choices.
Proper Maintenance
Once you have a beautiful planter established, you want to make sure it stays looking beautiful all year round. There are a couple key areas to consider when maintaining your planters:
Water is one of the most important factors in a healthy lush planter. Make sure your planters are getting watered on a consistent basis as to not dry out. However over watering can cause just as much harm as not watering. Only water when the top of the soil is dry.
Fertilizing your planter will ensure your blooms stay vibrant all summer long. When initially creating your planter use a fertilizer with a slow release technology. Continue to fertilize once a week to help your plants maintain their luster.
Changing seasonal material will help your planters look fresh and in season. If you are keeping any of the material, make sure you prune and deadhead anything that is looking shabby to maintain the health of your planter
Following all these tips will ensure your planters will look their best no matter what the season. Our team of professionals is here to help you! If you have no idea where to start, let us put together a planter that will be sure to have your neighbours doing a double take this season. Planter inquires >>>
Your front yard says a lot about your home. It is the first thing people see when they walk into your house and therefore influences your guests first impressions. If you take into consideration a few key elements, you’ll be sure to make anyone feel welcome the moment they pull into your driveway.
1. Curb Appeal & Style
Ensuring that your property is appealing to walk up to is not only important for first impressions but can also help when selling your home.
Plants (specifically trees) are a great investment. They only get bigger in time, and increase the value of your home. If you are lucky, trees will eventually shade a portion of the house which will lower your air conditioning bill.
When creating an aesthetically pleasing front yard, you also need to consider the size and scale of the elements. Most walkways and steps are too small. To be in proportion with the rest of the house, walkways and steps should be wide and welcoming.
Your front yard is a reflection of you. It should reflect your style and tastes. However it is also important to consider how your house will fit in with the rest of the neighbourhood. If you don’t want your house to stick out, you will want to pick up on the details and styles of the homes in your neighbourhood.
2. Privacy
Privacy is an important element of creating a front yard that feels safe and secure. Whether you want to fully enclose your front yard or block views to your porch, privacy needs to be considered.
Large front yards can be challenging to keep private. Your first instinct may be to block off views entirely by putting up a wall. However, there are softer ways to create selective views. Adding plant material and trees allows passers-by to catch glimpses of the property without seeing everything directly. Layering plant material allows the level of privacy to increase from the curbside and open up as you approach the home.
This can also be achieved in smaller yards by adjusting the scale and size of the plant material. With minimal space to work with, taking advantage of angles and plant material will help your front yard feel sheltered yet welcoming. Tall grasses and shade trees can help accomplish this.
3. Functionality
A good front yard is as functional as it is aesthetically pleasing. This includes pathways, accessibility and proper lighting.
You need to take into consideration the main point of entry into the house. If you have more than one entrance, it should be obvious which one you are trying to highlight. Pathways can help provide direction and create a grand entrance into your home. If your front door has a small or awkwardly angled path, consider a wider path to open up the space.
Pathways
Pathways and steps make your property accessible to you and your guests. You want to make sure they serve a purpose. Think about how you park in relation to your entrance. You will want to align the path with where you typically get out of the car. Decide whether you want your path to be short and direct or meander for a grander feeling.
Accessibility
If you have elderly family members living with you or are planning for the future, you may want to look for ways to reduce the amount of steps or add a ramp. A front entrance that is accessible, means everyone will feel welcome.
Lighting
Lighting contributes to the functionality of the space. Whether it is a lamp post, some path lights or a door light, having your property well lit is important. Lighting increases the safety of your property by guiding the way to your home at night and deterring unwelcome guests by illuminating dark pockets.
Homeowners who value creative design and exceptional craftsmanship, trust Earthscape’s simple step-by-step process to transform an outdated or non-functional landscape into an exceptional outdoor escape.