Sandra Story

Desmanthus

Desmanthus brachylobus ( Illinois Bundleflower )
The roots fix nitrogen enriching the soil and the seeds are rich in protein, making this an excellent potential perennial grain plant.

Desmanthus canadensis ( Showy Tick-Trefoil )
A vigorous, erect perennial, reaching up to 7 ( reports of 9 ) feet in height, that is native to much of North America ( from Alberta to Nova Scotia; south to Oklahoma to Arkansas to Virginia ). It looks best planted in groups rather than as individuals.
The trifoliate leaves are composed of 3 leaflets, up to 4 inches in length. The foliage is blue-green.
The pink to purple flowers are borne on branched inflorescences during mid to late summer.
They are followed by sticky seedpods which may stick to clothes or peoples pets.
Hardy zones 3 to 7 in full sun on moist soil.

* video found on Youtube


Desmanthus illinoiensis ( Illinois Bundleflower or Prairie-Mimosa )
A woody-based, shrubby perennial, reaching up to 8 x 3 ( rarely over 5 ) feet in height, that is native to central North America ( from North Dakota to Wisconsin to Ohio; south to New Mexico to Alabama ). It is also more recently also spread into the wild in parts of the eastern U.S. It is often late to appear during spring, often emerging during mid May in the Midwest.
The finely-textured, bipinnate leaves resemble that of Albizzia julibrissin ( Mimosa Silk Tree. Each pinnae, up to 4 inches in length, is made of many narrow leaflets. The foliage is luxuriant bright green.
The white puffball flowers are borne during mid-summer.
They are followed by twisted seedpods that curve around each other forming bunched clusters.
Hardy zones 5 to 8 in full sun or partial shade ( prefers sun ) on just about any fertile, well drained soil whether clay or sand, moist or dry. Cut stems to near ground level during the winter.
Propagation is from the seed which ripens during early October. It should be soaked in water overnight then sown at room temperature.

Pharmacology: external link ( http://www.erowid.org/library/books_online/ayahuasca_apa/aya_sec3_part2_desmanthus.shtml )

* photos of unknown internet source



* video found on Youtube


Desmanthus leptolobus ( Prairie Bundleflower )
A low spreading perennial, that is native to the south central U.S. ( Nebraska to central Texas ) where it is locally common on well drained prairies as well as disturbed areas. It is very vigorous and may be difficult to eradicate once established.

In this informational video, we show you first hand, the difference between a conventional fire ring and Warming Trends Crossfire Burning System. You can clearly see the difference in longevity and quality when putting them side by side. The crossfire burner is superior.

For more information, please contact us online or call today. 1-877-556-5255.

There is no better place than a nice home with attractive Landscaping Designs in all corners of the surrounding areas. All people value beauty and we appreciate all works of art, either nature or manmade. Some home owners develop their places in order to attract potential buyers, since a landscape is an additional value of the house itself. On the other hand, some home owners made it their hobby and a form of leisure time to plant flowers and maintain their lawns.

There are a million and one ways to develop an area, since each one of us have different preferences when it comes to Landscaping Designs. But diverse as they may seem, all landscapes must conform to a few things. For one, a good landscape has a center point which is the highlight of the whole landscape design. This focal point is special among all other landscape elements and it should draw the visitors attention. It could range from a small and simple garden bench to a huge and intricate statue. The basic rule for this is "small objects for small landscape and big objects for big landscape". And even if it should stand among all others, it still has to conform to the whole Landscaping design whether to the form, size or color.
The shapes to be used in the whole landscape are also crucial to Landscaping Designs. Too much use of a shape and too many kinds of shapes are not good because it will only make your design chaotic or disorganized. Another thing is the color, which is primarily either warm color or cool colors. Warm colors like red and yellow promote a warm feeling such as excitement. Meanwhile, cool colors like purple and blue will encourage relaxing feelings. Still other important things about Landscaping Designs are the plants to be used. You must know the full size of the plants, their life span, and how fast they will grow. And in order to add life to your landscape, choose plants that will attract butterflies and birds. Aside from that, movement is also important to be integrated in your design. You can do this by adding forms of life such as fishes in a pond, and plants that sway with the blow of the wind.

There are still other Landscaping Designs that you should learn so that you will gain ideas in Landscaping your place. If you want, you can let professional landscapers to do the Landscaping services that you need.

If you are looking for a satisfactory Landscaping services, Landscapers Cardiff is what you are looking for! They offer services in a high quality and at an affordable price. Have you place improved with their expertise and complete tools.

If you think that the Indian stock market is not meant for small players, you are wrong. As per a survey, the investors section not only include big corporates and wealthy individuals who invest in bulk but also small time investors encompassing homemakers, students, small time businessmen, and the list goes on. No matter whether you are Investing big or small, what matters is the success aspect. If you play safe, your investment on Indian stocks will certainly yield you good returns; the vice versa can happen too. Here are a few stock market Tips following which you can get some good returns from Indian stocks:
Add flowers, trees, shrubs and

When using Garden Design Software is easy to add plants to your landscape. You see, they seem different plants when they are brought together, see how much space you need in your Garden, and mindful of the amount of sunlight they receive. If a plant is not well mixed with the Design of the Garden, just replace it with another plant. Making changes is easy when you are done in the office andin the soil.

Place litter, grass and dirt

Design a bed for your Garden mulch or dirt. We recommend using mulch for Garden Designs, where appropriate, such as fertilizer can be very attractive, the right attitude. Choosing the right type of mulch or dirt in your area, and ensure that the requirements of the soil of the plants is part of it.

Design your lawn by creating a large grassy area. Select the type of grass that compliments your home and is easy to maintain. AlternativeUse artificial grass for low maintenance requirements and save on water bill. Garden Design Software makes it easy to see what color the grass for your landscape Design.

Designing bridges and terraces

Both the existing platforms and terraces add to the digital landscape Design, or need, with the addition of new facilities, the task is to build simple Garden Design Software. Creating Designs deck wood grain with your favorite, balustrades, railings, post caps, and more. Design with courtyardsCement, plaster, stone or materials produced.

Create ponds and water Gardens

Many people are ponds to create a relaxing and peaceful as well as a landscape. Ponds can make your landscape in all shapes and sizes, and even populated with Koi fish for a touch of hilarity. Add special pond waterfall or fountain to your pond Design for enhanced visual and auditory. If you choose to keep Garden-water fish, taking care to prepare and predatorsaccordingly.

Change of virtual land and add retaining walls

If the landscape is sitting on a rough terrain? If so, to accommodate user-friendly tools for the slopes, hills and valleys. Create retaining walls in conjunction with a penchant for Garden Design terrace: very elegant and offers an impressive sight. Other functions can be controlled grounds include Gardens, raised ponds, ditches and raised.

Add roads and vehicles

The perspective is very important when planning a landscape Design, soIt s a good idea to include the area immediately around the residence in the project. It is not necessary for the Design properties neighbors, but also the street and sidewalk outside the residence, a long way to go give a realistic idea of ​​how your Garden Design is in reality. This is especially true if you or your clients life into a dead end.

Design and delivery

If the project includes a swimming pool or spa, it is important to include the use ofYour Garden Design Software. Alternatively, new pools and spas are Designed with the rest of the landscape. The pools have a great need for space and affect much more than a landscape Design, visual impact, as usual, gave credit. A good pool Design is not only a stretch of choppy water, but also neighboring plants and waterfalls, the swimming pool to complement the rest of the landscape.

Conclusion

Garden Design Software can helpIn many ways, if you only make small changes to an existing landscape or completely Design a new residence. Because of changes in a digital 3D Design, you may stumble landscaping ideas have never considered otherwise.

Justin invites you to download a free trial version of the Software landscape Design Download the trial version. For more information about the Software landscape, see Idea Spectrum.

Front yard landscaping requires extra care in planning and design implementation. Every front yard needs to look special and unique. Your front yard landscape will serve as your basis for the other designs around your residential area.

Here are the best front yard landscaping ideas that you need to practice for both creativity and productivity edges.

• Survey the place.

Examine your front lawn very carefully. Take note of the location of your house, the front lawn or even the neighborhood. Plan and visualize the landscaping designs you want for that spot. You can have two to three design choices for the elimination round.

• Select your ideal design to balance your preferences.

You may have more than one design in mind yet you have to focus on a single solid layout that will give you all the benefits and will never put your money to waste. It should make your place even more appealing for true beauty. Select the plants that you want to use in your landscape project. Make sure that these plants are easy to grow and maintain. These should not create conflicts with the existing weather conditions in your place.

• Get ready with your tools and materials.

You will use garden tools here such as trowel, rake, shovel, bolo, cutters, knife and wheelbarrow. You will also need to buy or add more garden plants to meet your desired design. Additional materials are rocks or boulders, fountain or water system, lighting and other attractive accessories that creative people might prefer.

• Work on the actual plan.

Once you are done gathering all things you need, you can now start with your major home improvement project. If you have the natural passion for art, you can take your first landscaping project to various levels of exciting adventure. If you are such a perfectionist, then you may hire a professional designer to help you along with it.

• Check for regular progress and updates.

Hiring an expert does not mean you can go out for the holidays as he completes the landscape project in your home. Supervise the work regularly. Make sure that they are doing the right thing based on agreed layout and design ideals.

• Do not forget the value of finishing touches.

Whether you work alone or with an expert, make sure to take the finishing touches very seriously. Painting your front wall and sides will help maximize and even highlight the area to create an astounding front yard impact.

• Add some fabulous lighting or even a captivating fountain.

Low-voltage lights and fountain or any preferred water systems are needed within your front yard landscape design to enhance its charm and sheer elegance even more. This fabulous effect is set up for both day and night time appealing tastes.

Landscaping may be expensive to some people yet the results are very rewarding. It even helps you get closer to nature. You can opt to do these things by yourself or from the help of experts. Landscaping does not always have to be expensive to attract the human eye. There are so many alternatives for low cost landscaping.

Maryrose Malinao loves sharing new and current trends in nature and the online world. For greater awareness and home improvement success, check out the front yard landscape design ideas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maryrose_Malinao

backyards ideas landscape

Anybody that possesses a property would like to ensure it is because appealing as you can. The primary issues that people whenever they arrived at go to could be the backyard and then any landscaping design function that is completed to that. Since the majority yards give you a degree regarding personal privacy, home owners usually decide to go further in terms of backyards ideas landscape the bradenton area from the house. Backyard landscaping ideas are an easy way to enhance your premises, to start with youre taking upon this type of task, it is essential that you imagine points by means of along with perform suitable preparing.

Among the first stuff you should look into is if you happen to be as much as signing up for a sizable gardening task on your own. You might talk to an expert gardener. It will offer you a solid idea of the expenses included, and itll additionally provide you with a perception of just how much work a specialist perceives is going to be necessary. Avoid being reluctant to check out how much labour included. It could come out which you had been undervaluing simply how much function assembling your project truly entails.

Whether or not you choose to perform function on your own, as well as engage a specialist, there are a few suggestions to help you to create a beautiful landscaping using the smallest amount involving energy as well as cost. Some of these suggestions are usually right here.

-When youre picking vegetation on your garden, make sure that you happen to be purchasing plant life which are sturdy inside your heat zoom. The majority of respected retailers inside crops along with shrubberies is going to be pleased to help you should you request assistance throughout selecting crops that is to be equipped to handle the weather in your town.

-Keep points intriguing on your lawn with the help of many different plant life who have results in of varieties and also designs. When youre acquiring plants, think about using a single favourite variety during the entire backyard to supply a routine to your total landscaping design and style.

-If youre evergreen seed fan, remember that but they are generally gorgeous if theyre putting out flowers, numerous perennials usually do not bloom for days. You might want to product using once-a-year bouquets because breaks can be found in your current landscaping layout through the time.

-Although incorporating unique vegetation on your garden might appear to be a fascinating concept, they could be a substantial upkeep undertaking their individual if you dont select meticulously. Think about sticking with simpler vegetation since you are getting started.

Theyre a few elementary ideas that will help to begin with creating the yard panorama. In order to enter into harder assignments including constructing wall space, as well as adding paths, you could expect your current charges to improve drastically. Time necessary to total your undertaking may also grow to be a greater portion of a problem. Take into account discovering modest garden landscaping suggestions to begin with, then create these since they are concluded. Youve got the total satisfaction regarding viewing development getting created, and youll be a lot less planning to nip away from greater than youll be able to gnaw in anyone moment.

simple landscape design ideas

landscape ideas small backyards

pictures backyards landscape ideas

Laburnum

A genus of only 2 species of trees, both native to Europe, that are part of the larger Legume family. Laburnums are poisinous, they DO NOT contain Entheogens and in fact may be fatal poisonous if consumed...do not eat any part of this plant.
That being said...a well grown Laburnum really is a beautiful landscape tree.
They prefer full sun to partial shade on consistently moist, well drained soil. Laburnums also prefer cool summers and especially do not like hot humid nights found in the south and southeastern U.S.. They also respond well to generous potassium fertilizer. Young trees should be pruned to a single leader and feathered ( side shoots shorten and spaced ) to create a strong scaffold. Lower branches should be gradually limbed up and suckers should be removed. Wounds do not heal well so it is best to do any corrective pruning while trees are young. Some trees seed heavily drawing energy away from growth. Deadheading after flowering, is recommended if improved vigor is desired. Young trees should be staked so they dont rock to death.
Laburnums do not enjoy root disturbance so it is best of plant while young. It is also important to purchase trees that are not rootbound since potbound trees are prone to girdling.
Trees are reproduced from seed which germinates quickly if soaked for a day in warm water before sowing.
* photos of unknown internet source





Laburnum alpinum ( Scotch Laburnum )
A small broadly spreading tree native to central and southern Europe.
Some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 3 feet; 20 years - 23 x 20 feet; largest on record - 53 x 33 feet with a trunk diameter of 4.2 feet; longest lived - 176 years.
The trifoliate leaves are composed of 3 pointed, elliptical leaflets, up to 4 x 1 inches. The foliage is smooth glossy deep green above, smooth light green beneath.
In autumn the foliage turns golden-yellow to bronze.
The pea-like bright golden-yellow flowers, up to 0.65 inches, are borne in drooping racemes, up to 18 inches in length, during early summer.
They are followed by a smooth shiny brown flattened pods, up to 3 inches in length. The seedpods contain poisonous brown seeds.
The dark gray bark is smooth on young trees, shallowly fissured on older trees.
Hardy zones
Hardy zone 3 to 7

Laburnum vulgare ( Common Laburnum )
Also called Laburnum anagyroides. A small broadly spreading tree Europe.
Some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 4 feet; 20 years - 36 x 20 feet; largest on record - 56 x 36 feet with a trunk diameter of 5.1 feet; longest lived - 350 years.
The trifoliate leaves are composed of 3 blunt to round-tipped, oval leaflets, up to 4 x 1.5 inches. The foliage is smooth dull to glossy deep green above, smooth light green beneath.
In autumn the foliage turns golden-yellow to bronze.
The pea-like bright golden-yellow flowers, up to 1 inch, are borne in drooping racemes, up to 10 inches in length, during late spring.
They are followed by a smooth brown pod, up to 3 inches in length. The seedpods contain poisonous black seeds. The pods often persist through the winter.
The dark gray bark is smooth on young trees, shallowly fissured on older trees.
Hardy zones
Hardy zone 3 to 9. Unlike Laburnum alpinum, this one has actually been known to grow in south Florida.

* photos taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europes premier plant nursery


Autumnale
Blooms again in fall.

Pendulum
Slender branches are drooping in habit.

Laburnum x watereri ( Waterer Laburnum )
The hybrid between Laburnum alpinum & L. vulgare; forming a small broadly spreading tree. Some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 3 feet; 5 years - 13 x 5 feet; 20 years - 23 x 17 feet; largest on record - 36 x 36 feet. Rare in the U.S.; it is known to grow in Washington, D.C. at the Smithsonian Arts & Industries Building.
The trifoliate leaves are composed of 3 pointed, elliptical leaflets, up to 3 x 1 inches. The foliage is smooth glossy deep green above, hairy then later turning light green beneath. In autumn the foliage turns golden-yellow to bronze.
The pea-like bright golden-yellow flowers, up to 1 inch, are borne in dense hanging racemes, up to 12 inches in length, during late spring.
They are followed by a smooth brown pod, up to 3 inches in length. The seedpods contain poisonous brown seeds.
The bark is olive and smooth on young trees, dark gray and shallowly fissured on older trees.
Hardy zones 3 to 8

* photos taken on May 18 2013 in Howard Co., MD


Vossii
Exceptional long flower racemes, up to 24 inches in length. Flowering is also more profuse. The seeds are sparse making for another plus.

* photo taken by Milan Havlis, owner of central Europes premier plant nursery

Landscape Architects and your home

April is National Landscape Architecture Month. Dean Hill, ASLA, talks about what landscape architects can do for your home.

Ponds waterfalls landscaping designs Deck and Patio Company, Long Island, NY

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The first of the Groundbreakers honorees goes to the inheritors of the European formal garden tradition. The family firm of Wirtz International, led by father Jacques Wirtz with sons Peter and Martin, has revolutionized traditional garden design. The Belgian landscape architecture firm has redefined the formality of the Italian Renaissance and French classical gardens by imbuing those traditions with a modern understanding of space crafted through sculptural whimsy.



Perhaps it is this meekness that attracts such an elusive clientele. His clients include celebrities like Valentino and Catherine Deneuve, the Belgian royal family, and former French president Francois Mitterrand. Even his books are discreet, numbering gardens rather than referring to them by name. The firm now works at an international scale. In addition to Europe, Wirtz International has designed gardens in California, New Jersey, and Florida, as well as Japan.


The most iconic aspect of the Wirtz style is his unconventional and sculptural use of clipped hedges. When Wirtz moved into his current house, he inherited a row of overgrown boxwoods that lined a walk. Too spindly to be trimmed into a rectilinear form, Wirtz followed the natural contours of the branching, creating a pillowy, cloud-like effect. It is this attention to natural form that gives Wirtz’s work its creative edge.


We love structure,” said Peter Wirtz, “we love to feel firmness. Perhaps it’s the firmness of their work that challenges me as a designer and a gardener. Each time I look at their work, I have the same thought: my garden efforts are too small and too timid. But I’m invigorated by the clarity of these gardens. There is no ambiguity about control, no illusions of naturalism. Every effort by the designer is not intended to blur their interventions—like Olmsted in Central Park or Capability Brown at Blenheim—but to declare them. It adds an authenticity to their designs.

For me these gardens are about control. There is nothing subtle in the Wirtzes’ manipulation of earth and plants. The gardens flaunt control. They bend and shape plants like metal. They flatten the earth. They cut deep lines into the ground. The pageantry of power shown in these gardens both horrifies and delights me. For the Wirtzes, control and geometry are not about a display of power and wealth, but an expression of modern space. The strength of their forms creates beautiful volumes that hold light and air. This architectural touch to garden-making gives him “a great power to evoke space,” says Spanish landscape architect Fernando Caruncho. The Wirtzes are masters of using space to produce mystery. One room unfolds into the next; the result is surprising and whimsical.

The real story of these gardens is not the heroic moment of creation, but their perseverance over time. The Wirtz gardens require so much clipping, trimming, edging, and mowing. In these gardens, maintenance shares equal weight with the initial act of creation. Though I’ve never seen their gardens at initial installation, I would imagine they are a bit messy: small unshaped shrubs tightly packed together, lumpy forms waiting to take their shape. Their gardens emerge through time. The gardeners with the hand clippers are as much the hero as the designer with the pen. It is a reminder to me that gardens are never a single act of creation, but a constant act of recreation and renewal through the acts (vita activa) of gardening.

Rumex

Rumex acetosa ( Garden Sorrel )
A fast growing, succulent perennial, reaching a maximum size of 2 feet x 26 inches.
The leaves are used for flavoring soups, stews and salads.
Hardy zones 3 to 9 in full sun to partial shade.

Rhubarb Pie
Very attractive foliage plant with a combo of deep green, scarlet-red and creamy-yellow.

Rumex sanguineus var sanguineus (Red Veined Dock )
A vigorous perennial, reaching a maximum size of 40 inches x 3 feet ( in bloom ), forming a clump of foliage, up to 6 inches, that is boldly veined bright red.
It is native to Europe and southwest Asia.
The small flowers are borne on terminal panicles from mid to late summer.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun on deep, moist, fertile soil.

* photo taken on May 8 2011 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Aug 25 2011 @ Scott Arboretum, Swarthmore, PA

Landscape design is on the rise and modifying outdoor living rooms for your homes is a hot trend. One way to create ambiance, a centerpiece and gathering space for entertaining is by installing a custom fire pit with circular seating for guests. There are several options of fire pits you can install from hearths with ledges for kickin your feet up, to in ground fire pits, to custom concrete bowls. We here are a big fan of Concrete Creations out of Los Angeles for custom concrete fire bowls.



Concrete Creations provide numerous color, style and size options of fire bowls that would best suit your backyard space. Having these custom options available allows you to choose a fire bowl that is best suited for the color scheme, architectural design and size of your backyard living space. Fire bowls are becoming more and more popular as they are sleek, modern and built to last.



Concrete Creations fire bowls can be used with firewood, gas, propane, or gel. We always recommend natural gas or propane burning systems as they are easier to control in terms of flame size and overall safety and they are better for the environment as well.



Styles range from an Asian style wok, to conical shaped fire bowls, to a more traditional, yet modern and sleek looking custom simplicity bowl. There are bound to be at least a few different options that would best suit your home.

So when you are ready to install a custom fire pit or Concrete Creation fire bowl in your landscape design plans, contact us and well be happy to help you decide which option is best for your home. Call us today! 1-877-556-5255.