tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post7938242923905725018..comments2024-03-24T12:55:07.300-04:00Comments on grounded design by Thomas Rainer: Mulch AddictionAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13805682623764800983noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-70639583459359743942014-07-29T20:07:18.195-04:002014-07-29T20:07:18.195-04:00Thomas, I can't believe it's been a year s...Thomas, I can't believe it's been a year since your comment. I must have forgotten to check the notify me box. DOH. Thanks so much for checking out my blog. I'm still trying to educate gardeners. As always, thanks for your excellent blog, too. Hope your garden is growing just fine.Beth Goodnighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13172714083606989954noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-20555135056272589132014-04-01T16:11:25.945-04:002014-04-01T16:11:25.945-04:00The theme of your blog is very beautiful and the a...The theme of your blog is very beautiful and the article is written very well, I will continue to focus on your article.<br /><a href="http://www.njmulchdelivery.com/hardwood-mulch/" rel="nofollow">Discount Mulch</a>Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15444749814450113460noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-52062512563006352182013-09-12T06:59:08.710-04:002013-09-12T06:59:08.710-04:00Nice designs ..good topic to share
Landscape archi...Nice designs ..good topic to share<br /><a href="http://www.plantendersinc.com/our-services/" rel="nofollow">Landscape architecture NC</a>Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12733386238003807841noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-74829706789734959932013-09-10T16:39:14.244-04:002013-09-10T16:39:14.244-04:00I'm from Southern California on the east side ...I'm from Southern California on the east side of the San Fernando Valley and have entirely replace my front yard with perennial ground cover and shrubs. Mulch was necessary for the initial planting to keep moisture in the soil and as additional help in grass suppression. A couple of years have gone by and my perennial ground covers have largely covered any remaining mulch. I have not re-re-mulched since the initial planting. Even when the summer temps reach into the 100+ area I only water my yard once a week. In the winter I don't water my yard at all. Since my yard is partly planted with drought tolerant edible trees and shrubs I have spent the summer eating goji berries, jujubes, figs and have a pomegranates waiting for fall. So permanently mulched areas are not really necessary.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06420955327764974938noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-20735253684702302702013-09-04T07:26:26.798-04:002013-09-04T07:26:26.798-04:00Found this via Houzzz:
Good points on the addicti...Found this via Houzzz:<br /><br />Good points on the addiction to mulch. It's easier than getting a good mixed border going, and in some areas it's the only way to preserve soil moisture. <br /><br />Can you perhaps cover the addiction to meatballed shrubs? why do landscape maintenance companies always overprune? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-76682915833781177412013-08-29T22:01:27.075-04:002013-08-29T22:01:27.075-04:00My sentiments exactly! Thank you for writing this...My sentiments exactly! Thank you for writing this.<br /><br />I do a lot of maintenance work 2 hours to your south in Richmond. People LOVE their mulch and will pay a premium for it. I always have to chuckle (to myself) when clients ask me for the darkest mulch possible like their asking for the audi, not the vw. No doubt, it does add value to the landscape… I just hope that someday people will see that plants are so much more interesting than shredded wood.<br /><br />What bothers me equally so is when clients want to grow grass under trees or in the "woods" and wonder why it's not thriving.Evannoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-32028027239129247472013-08-29T18:26:36.512-04:002013-08-29T18:26:36.512-04:00Thomas: I really appreciated your post on this top...Thomas: I really appreciated your post on this topic as I really want to reduce my reliance on mulch. What I would love to know is, how do we find out what types of ground covers we can grow in our garden that will help feed the soil for my flowers and trees without becoming so invasive. This year I decided to let the Dutch clover and the Queen Anne's lace grow a bit to see what happens. The clover has been effective as a ground cover but I worry about whether it will fight too much with my Japanese maples and peonies for nutrients. The Queen Anne's lace basically has exploded all over my gardens. Surprisingly, however they attract a large amount of the gnats and other annoying bugs that usually fly around me. I have noticed that areas with clover and Queen Anne's lace have very little or next to no weeds and retain their moisture. Any suggestions and guidance would be greatly appreciated.jackmechttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16547916154055552031noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-91585784365411288972013-08-28T05:28:10.812-04:002013-08-28T05:28:10.812-04:00I can see you may have got bored with this topic g...I can see you may have got bored with this topic given the amazing number of replies you got! But it occurred to me that this might be the better alternative? http://veddw.com/blog/using-a-matrix/Anne Warehamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13102518926229038553noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-14982328644147417042013-08-26T12:43:21.178-04:002013-08-26T12:43:21.178-04:00(note: this is in response to the mention of your ...(note: this is in response to the mention of your upcoming book.)<br /><br />Tremendous to read that you are collaborating with Claudia. I saw her speak in CT a few years ago and was thoroughly impressed. Her 'Landscape's Color Spectrum...' discussion was inspirational to say the least - the imagery and treatment of the subject is big part of what's missing from mainstream horticulture and landscape design/architecture. <br /><br />I respect and look forward to your writing as well. Your blog is a favorite of mine.<br /><br />While I have been passionate about native plants since before I studied Landscape Architecture, my understanding has evolved significantly: from the broad net of Bill Cullina's book series, to a more focused New England/NEWFS palette, to a RI eco-regions approach to species. In recent months I have been pushed beyond that into a realm I hear often referred to as 'purist'.<br /><br />Beyond political boundaries(in my case Rhode Island) and beyond the eco-regional approach (that seems more fluid/science-based), is the discussion of eco-type, provenance, genetic diversity, and what I recently heard, (and adopted), referred to as 'genetically native' plants.<br /><br />I applaud Northcreek and American Beauties for their efforts to re-introduce, celebrate, and bring to market a diversity of native plant species. The images, branding, and educational material are excellent. I respect these companies for what they do. My concern is the essential 'green-washing' that occurs when eco-types/genetic diversity are removed from the equation. <br /><br />It would seem that most of the plants sold as native are actually 'native-like' ornamental plants; native by species but not locale. Often many of these plants are clones. For example, I recently discovered that Ilex glabra 'Compacta' plants comes from one parent plant in the NJ Pine Barrens - meaning all Ilex 'Compacta' in the trade are have identical genetic makeup (think potato famine). Then there are the 'nativars' (many also cloned) and sold as natives. <br /><br />Because the treatment of the 'native plant' topic continues to remain rather surface in most arenas (especially the in the trade), the majority of 'native' plants on the market are not genetically native and many are not even genetically diverse.<br /><br />As a designer whose focus is native plants and ecology, I was surprised that I had not considered this or come across much discussion of this in Landscape Design/LA or Native Plant groups/forums.<br /><br />Now that I have crossed thru that door to a stronger understanding of, and definition for, 'native' it seems impossible (and irresponsible) to return to looser definitions.<br /><br />Perhaps while continuing to build consumer awareness and demand there is a need for large scale production of 'native-like'(or 'native-somewhere') plants and their amped-up/flashy 'nativar' cousins. However, I do question this approach.<br /><br />Restoration efforts (and certain tuned in LA's/designers) seem most affected by this incomplete discussion. Often, due to lack of inventory, they are forced to source 'native' species that are clones, cultivars, or genotypes of distant origin. It is time to delve deeper into this topic and push beyond the mucky waters surface discussions and green-washing.<br /><br />I mention all of this because it has been at the forefront of my mind recently. The thought of you and Claudia working together is truly exciting - a powerhouse collaboration. I know it will be beautifully designed and written. I hope that every effort will be made to include within those pages a focus on eco-regions, eco-types, provenance, etc. I remind myself often that paradigm shifts take time, please continue to help to take this critical movement to the next level.<br /><br />-respectfully, graham<br /><br />I welcome further discussion and can be reached at NativePlantsmith@gmail.com. (Perhaps there will be a way to have you and Claudia come to speak here in New England, in the coming year or two, either thru ELA, NEWFS, or RINHS.) <br /><br />NativePlantsmithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14165136408029438296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-35777417094143170262013-08-22T01:12:58.958-04:002013-08-22T01:12:58.958-04:00Mulch on the soil surface does not rob nitrogen fr...Mulch on the soil surface does not rob nitrogen from plant roots. Once the mulch is decomposed enough to have been brought down under the surface, it contributes nitrogen as it decomposes further. On the surface, the layer of denitrification is a good thing as it discourages weed seeds from germinating. Just make sure not to dig the woody material into the soil.janebhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12999910150073690812noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-78940832020518489002013-08-18T15:42:17.199-04:002013-08-18T15:42:17.199-04:00Thanks, Pam. Still a long way to go with it, but ...Thanks, Pam. Still a long way to go with it, but I'm excited about the process. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13805682623764800983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-16903204561982164982013-08-14T01:37:53.265-04:002013-08-14T01:37:53.265-04:00Congrats on the book deal, Thomas. I very much loo...Congrats on the book deal, Thomas. I very much look forward to reading it.Pam/Digginghttp://www.penick.net/diggingnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-52364084823745705832013-08-12T22:15:31.661-04:002013-08-12T22:15:31.661-04:00Many thanks, Sue!Many thanks, Sue!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13805682623764800983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-46188654132341889192013-08-12T22:14:38.134-04:002013-08-12T22:14:38.134-04:00Ha, I never thought about the fact that widely spa...Ha, I never thought about the fact that widely spaced planting makes weeds show up more. Very true.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13805682623764800983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-71820915330145800302013-08-12T22:13:26.257-04:002013-08-12T22:13:26.257-04:00Hi Beth,
I am very familiar with your excellent a...Hi Beth,<br /><br />I am very familiar with your excellent and in-depth blog. You give high quality information. Always great to hear from you!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13805682623764800983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-4827421769894311502013-08-12T22:11:44.045-04:002013-08-12T22:11:44.045-04:00Michael,
Your nuanced approach to mulching is ver...Michael,<br /><br />Your nuanced approach to mulching is very wise. I've done almost the exact same technique--not mulching till early summer and then lightly top dressing with something more like compost. It works very well. Great to hear from you.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13805682623764800983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-55204753952416025072013-08-12T22:09:20.221-04:002013-08-12T22:09:20.221-04:00It IS incredibly expensive. And requires quite a b...It IS incredibly expensive. And requires quite a bit of knowledge as well. The book has a long way to go, but I'm exhilarated by the collaboration. Great to hear from you, Mary. Hope you are well.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13805682623764800983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-80615809142702993672013-08-12T22:07:21.445-04:002013-08-12T22:07:21.445-04:00It does. But more densely layered planting looks ...It does. But more densely layered planting looks even better. Try it!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13805682623764800983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-13432917478722913332013-08-12T22:06:44.599-04:002013-08-12T22:06:44.599-04:00I wasn't aware the separated plant look was a ...I wasn't aware the separated plant look was a problem in England. Most of my trips there revealed quite the opposite--though I was visiting some of the better gardens. Always great to hear from you, Anne!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13805682623764800983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-39282832295064320122013-08-12T22:05:03.335-04:002013-08-12T22:05:03.335-04:00Fascinating! I'm not terribly familiar with th...Fascinating! I'm not terribly familiar with the ecology of arid climates, but I'd be eager to learn more. I'll track down William Martin. He sounds interesting.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13805682623764800983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-15244610260912495662013-08-12T22:03:36.312-04:002013-08-12T22:03:36.312-04:00Will do, thanks Ellen.Will do, thanks Ellen.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13805682623764800983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-61529017645525858372013-08-12T22:03:03.449-04:002013-08-12T22:03:03.449-04:00I certainly understand why mulch is convenient and...I certainly understand why mulch is convenient and even better than weedy beds. I am embedded enough in the reality of real gardens, landscapes, and clients to understand that the layered-approach will not be universally accepted. I do think, however, that it is the right direction and that if done well, can be less maintenance than even mulched beds. Mulching keeps planting in permanent establishment phase--a nonstop dependency. There is a better way.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13805682623764800983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-32375026475632788622013-08-12T22:00:07.699-04:002013-08-12T22:00:07.699-04:00Hmmm, do the contractor's never amend the &quo...Hmmm, do the contractor's never amend the "builders soil"? Seems like pretty dreary stuff to plant in. I certainly think mulch is appropriate in many settings. I recently read an article saying dry-loving plants do better without mulch, but if I lived in an arid environment, I'd certainly be tempted to mulch. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13805682623764800983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-65501120474446430602013-08-12T21:57:52.497-04:002013-08-12T21:57:52.497-04:00It is indeed challenging, and not something that w...It is indeed challenging, and not something that will be successful for every gardener. But it is the right direction, I think, at least for the horticulturally adventurous.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13805682623764800983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8850578816787718159.post-58874324834536839962013-08-12T21:56:53.044-04:002013-08-12T21:56:53.044-04:00Thanks, Alan!Thanks, Alan!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13805682623764800983noreply@blogger.com