Covering Ground by Barbara W. Ellis

Author:Barbara W. Ellis
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Storey Publishing, LLC
Published: 2007-04-15T04:00:00+00:00

Schizophragma hydrangeoides

Japanese hydrangea vine

EXPOSURE: Full sun to partial shade

A woody vine that attaches itself to trellises and other supports by aerial rootlets, this species bears oval, toothed, dark green leaves. In midsummer, flat-topped, 10-inch-wide clusters of lightly fragrant, creamy white flowers appear. The flowers are tiny, but clusters are rimmed with showy white bracts. ‘Moonlight’ has silvery blue-green leaves. Use Japanese hydrangea vine as you would its more vigorous relative Hydrangea anomala subsp. petiolaris. Zones 5 to 8.

COLLECTING IDEAS

ALTHOUGH PICTURES IN BOOKS are a great source of gardening ideas, they’re no substitute for getting out and looking at the real thing. There is a wealth of information out there, and visiting gardens will help you discover ways to use ground covers effectively in your own garden. Take a notebook and jot down the names of plants you like or other notes about design or interesting features you don’t want to forget.

Look at ground covers that grow well in the gardens of neighbors and friends — and also notice which ones grow too well and threaten to blanket the garden or escape into nearby woodlands and other wild areas.

Pay attention to plants that thrive in each garden, as well as special uses and ground cover combinations that catch your eye. Also evaluate how much work is involved. If your friend or neighbor is always outside fiddling with ground covers, determine if the person is puttering because he or she likes to or because the plantings need lots of maintenance.

A tour of local private gardens is another opportunity for collecting ideas and talking to individuals who have experience growing plants in your area and dealing with the challenges of your climate. Also visit garden centers and nurseries with display gardens, where you can see the plants in the ground and talk to staff members who care for them. Finally, visit botanic gardens, arboretums, and public parks that have ground cover plantings and, if possible, talk to the staff. Identify which species will grow well in your area, which ones appeal to you, and which ones don’t. Also look for combinations you’d like to try in your own garden.

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