Landscape Gardeners

Landscaper :

A person that alters the appearance of a landscape by means of moving soil or rock from one position to another. This can include completely removing matter from the area or bringing new material to the site.

A landscaper usually works in an area not exceeding 5000 square metres. Anything greater than this size would usually include the need for heavy plant and be termed as groundwork, with some projects requiring groundworks and landscaping.

Landscapers often work to a plan or spec produced by a third party.

Landscape gardener = The contractor here needs to be jack of all trades (but hopefully NOT master of none!) An individual who has the qualities of the garden designer, landscaper and for realising the full potential, that important one, the gardener.

You can find some good landscape gardners to handle your Garden Landscaping in your area.

Harlequin landscapes are specialist Landscape Gardener based in London specialising in Roof Gardens and Contemporary Gardens.

They have been designing and creating beautiful landscapes for a number of years. They have specialist garden designers in and around London. Have completed projects including roof gardens in London and other contemporary gardens in and around London. If you would like a drawing or sketch/ quote for roof gardens in London or contemporary gardens in around London then there are landscape gardeners available for you.

The company has an excellent reputation for landscape gardens.
The landscape designs created are simple, elegant and most importantly functional and this approach is further enhanced by the highly skilled craftsmanship of David Barnes.

Harlequin Landscapes aims to deliver a quality service to enhance your outdoor space and complement your home, because as a company HL is one of the highly rated garden designers in London.

The company undertakes a project from initial client meeting and survey through design development and construction to the planting design and soft landscaping. The result is a bespoke project for every client.

Liaising with a client and involving them as much as desired enables Harlequin Landscapes to create unique designs, developed to suit an individual's exterior space, their surrounding property and most importantly their lifestyle.

Harlequin Landscape materials

Every landscaping project is undertaken with passion and the overall emphasis of any Harlequin Landscape's development is placed on attention to detail. All materials and work undertaken are guaranteed for a 12-month period and testimonials are available on request, so if you need an Landscape Gardener in London, then check this out: Landscape links

Landscapers really are expected to provide an extensive service. When you think about it, they often cover garden consultation, design, the construction and aftercare gardening maintenance. Sure, you get companies specializing in one particular element but when it comes down to it, landscape gardeners do it all. With this in mind, choosing the right business to carry out your garden project is paramount. Go with who you are most comfortable with and this choice will not necessarily be the cheapest option, however it will almost certainly bring the best results!

landscape gardeners in Kent

Introducing landscape gardeners in Kent who enjoy building high quality gardens, provide standard and custom spec fencing, supply and fit entrance gates, cover tree surgery works, planting services, deck building and the construction of garden walls.

Rob McGee & Son offer bespoke landscape garden design and construction solutions throughout the South East of England, with original ideas for new contemporary gardens and the increasingly popular request for garden makeovers. Ideal for those with a busy lifestyle seeking a green oasis, an outdoor space to relax in.

If you require a quotation for a job that relates to the type of work undertaken by experienced garden designers, garden landscaping contractors, fencing contractors or tree maintenance services staff, then please read detailed information on the wide range of landscape gardening services available from this Company of Southeast landscapers providing hard and soft landscaping works for small, medium and large gardens in the Counties of Kent, London, Essex, Surrey and East Sussex, as the majority of enquiries can be accommodated.

Water features, border and lawn irrigation systems plus garden lighting units are supplied and installed by this group of landscape gardeners. Find out about practical garden planting ideas, suggestions for hardy evergreen shrubs suitable to grow successfully in most UK gardens. For patios and natural garden paving, information on the sandstone option. Browse links to industry related resources including landscape gardening directories and Companies. See:

www.gardeners.co.uk
www.gardenforum.co.uk
www.thelandscapegardeners.co.uk
www.mylandscapes.co.uk
www.garden-links.co.uk
http://www.thegardeningwebsite.co.uk/

Customer satisfaction plays a key role in the long term success of any home and garden business, with this element acknowledged by garden landscapes company Rob McGee & Son.
Garden quotes: From planning initial concepts to finishing the actual works, start your garden landscaping, fencing or tree project by calling 01233 740 389 for service.

Rob McGee & Son, Corner Cottage, Challock, Ashford, Kent, TN25 4BS, England, UK

September Garden Tips

September Garden Tips:

*Plant peonies now, but make sure the crowns are buried only one and a half to two inches below ground level. Planting them deeper than two inches may keep them from blooming.

*Root cuttings from annual bedding plants such as begonias, coleus, geraniums and impatiens. These plants can be overwintered in a sunny window and provide plants for next year's garden.

*Before the first frost dig up caladiums. Allow them to dry and store them in a dry place for the winter.

*Perennial phlox can be divided about every third or fourth year. Divide big clumps of perennial phlox into thirds. Early fall or early spring are the best times to plant or transplant them.

*Divide lily-of-the-valley.

*Select accent plants for your landscape that will provide autumn colors. Trees that have red fall color are flowering dogwood, red maple, sugar maple, Norway maple, red oak and scarlet oak. Shrubs with red fall foliage include sumac, viburnum, winged euonymus and barberry."

September Gardening Q&A, Questions and Answers page. Hints and Tips, Advice, Help.

GARDEN Q&A FOR September.

SEPTEMBER GARDENING QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Autumn fruitfullness

Question.

Dear Sir or Madam: I would be most grateful if you could help me with an extremely bothersome problem. We have some wisteria plants growing on trellises around our cottage (planted some dozen years ago). It is a summer cottage with no basement. The wisteria blooms and grows moderately well, but the problem is, that because we have no basement, they send out dozens and dozens of runners under the house which not only grow up between the slats on the deck, but actually poke up in weak spots INSIDE THE HOUSE.

They come right up between the baseboard and wallboard. Wherever there is a weakness in this old cottage, they come bursting through, and grow at an alarming rate. Of course we cut them off as soon as they appear, but that doesn't stop them. We can't easily get under the cottage to cut them, although I'm sure even if we could, they would just continuing growing, probably more rapidly than before.

Is there anything that we can do to stop this before our cottage is completely taken over? Could one spray something under the cottage? Any suggestions would be most gratefully received.

Answer.

You can spray with a product usually branded as a brushwood killer. Your local landscape operator can spray with Paraquat, which will kill all the shoots. Paraquat is available only to licensed operators. You can spray with Roundup, which will be absorbed by the shoots and will kill roots underground. The only snag with this is that you could kill all of the plants if you overdose.

Q. We have some winter pansies in pots in the garden, they have only been planted a few weeks, but some of them have gone droopy. I don't know whether we are giving them too much water or not enough. The confusing thing is, that in some of the pots, there is a healthy plant that is stood tall and a very sad looking on that has collapsed. What can I do to bring them back to life?

A. Your pansies are suffering from greenfly or grey aphids, both of which suck the moisture out of the plant. Spray with a suitable product. Diluted washing up liquid will wash them off the plants.

Q. We have two apricot trees to plant: a moongold and a sungold. How close should they be planted to cross-pollinate? Thank you for any help you can give.

A. Plant your apricot trees about two tree widths apart. Apricot trees will grow nearly as wide as high; consult the label for predicted height and width.

Q. Hello, I am planning a garden design in which the backbone of the beds will be 4 yews (Taxus X Hicksii). I'm wondering when the best time to plant these would be. Can I put them in the ground now? Should I wait until mid-fall, or next spring?

A. Beginning of October would be best, and then the sun is less strong and less likely to dry out the evergreen leaves, which will be short of moisture until the roots have established themselves. Water on a regular basis next spring and summer until the trees are really established. If the plants have been container grown and are now growing in large containers with a firm root formation, you can plant in spring. Again the plants will need regular watering.

Q. I planted a miniature apple tree 3/4 years ago said to be self-pollinating? So far I have not even had any blossom on it nor fruit though the tree appears healthy advise please dose it need pruning as it has lots of foliage thanks

A. Your tree is probably being attacked by the caterpillar of the apple brown Tortix moth which spins a web round the flower bud and then consumes the bud as it is about to flower. Keeping the area around the tree clear of vegetation will help natural predators find the caterpillar before damage occurs, but if you have other trees around in yours and other peoples gardens, you are fighting a losing battle.

Q. Hi,Since I have little gardening experience and am learning as I go, I have 3 questions that I need answers too.

1. Would you tell me when the best time to transplant a butterfly bush would be? I have one that is located by the front entrance to my house and has grown outward instead of upward. It takes away from the appearance of my house and garden in front, yet I love it and want to transplant it on the side of my house.

2. I also have a HUGE mum that is just starting to bloom. I would like to split & divide it since it is so big. When should this be done?

3. I have the same question for a day lily. It has gotten too overgrown for its current location and I would like to split & divide it. Is there a website that would be helpful to me to gain more insight to my questions as they come up? I would appreciate any help you can give.

A. Transplant your butterfly bush once leaf drop is completed. Trim the bush down to about one third of its present size. Try to save as many roots as possible. Cow manure, horse manure, or similar, in the bottom of the planting hole will be of benefit.

Your chrysanthemum is best divided in the spring just as new shoots appear.

Day lily, wait until the first frost has initiated winter dormancy, then divide and replant.

There are hundreds of thousands of web sites giving gardening advice, best to find one giving monthly tips.

Q. I planted football mums in the spring and they are gigantic. I am wondering just how tall they usually get since I will have to replant them - they are way too tall for where I have them now.

A. There are many different varieties of football mums, each with its own height and characteristics, so I cannot quote a maximum height for your plants. Your best action is to refer to the plant label or growers catalogue.

Q. When is the best time to cut back the dead leaves of irises and lily's?

A. Wait until after the first frost, when winter dormancy sets in and the bulb has gained the maximum amount of feed from the leaves.

Q. What is a good slow release organic fertilizer to apply during the fall? And are there good sources on the Internet to purchase these types of fertilizers?

A. Your best organic fertiliser for your job is cow manure or horse manure, spread around amongst your plants.There are several sites on the internet selling organic fertiliser and other organic products, both though agents and direct to your door. Just search for organic fertiliser.

Q. Hi I live in Southern California and have recently moved into a new house. We have started to landscape the garden and have planted many local plants. Two of the plants that we have put in are a lemon tree and a Thompson grape vine, but I have a problem with them both.

Firstly the grape vine. It has grown really quickly and looks very healthy, but unfortunately it hasn't produced one flower or a single grape. I am wondering if it needs some sort of fertilizer and if so what will it require, failing that, do you have any ideas why it isn't flowering?

Secondly is my lemon tree. Earlier in the year it was covered in blossom and we were really hopeful that we would get some fruit, as the trees around us seem to grow like weeds. Unfortunately the entire blossom fell off and it was detaching itself at the point where it attaches to the branch. Is this tree in need of feeding too? If so, what type of food does it require? I am really hopeful that you can help me with my problems.

A. Your grape vine sounds as if it has received too much nitrogen, always feed with a high potash, low nitrogen, fertiliser. Cut the growing spurs back to about five buds in the early spring. There are Mycorrhizal funguses for grapes, which are planted into the soil around the grape and establishes the correct chemical conditions for grape growing.

Lemon trees are notorious for dropping their fruit at blossom time. If the tree dislikes the conditions at the time, fruit drop occurs. Again feed with a high potash fertiliser. Also feed with a generous amount of Epsom salts, this releases trace elements in the soil, which are vital to the plants good health.

Q. Besides tulip bulbs, what perennials are best to plant now before the first frost?

A. Do you mean bulbs or herbaceous perennials? Most perennial plants are best planted at this time of year, traditionally plants grown in the field and dug up for planting needed the cool of winter to give time to establish new roots. Now that most perennial plants are grown totally in their containers, you can plant in the spring, so avoiding any winter losses.

Q. Hi, When is the best time to plant a cedar hedge? Can it be planted at this time of year? Your answer is appreciated.

A. Now is the perfect time to plant a cedar hedge. You will need to water on a regular basis until the plants have rooted into the surrounding soil. Cedars being evergreen are constantly losing water through the leaves. It would be wise to erect some form of windbreak to keep the worst of the winter winds away from your hedge during this first winter.

Q. Dear Sir, I live in Illinois and have two questions:

1.I inherited a red Japanese maple with this house (we've lived here for 7 years). This beautiful tree has done fine so far except this summer. All the leaves, but on two branches, are curling up, turning brown and falling off. The leaves on the intact branches are not as vibrant as in previous years. Could you tell me what's wrong and can it be fixed? The tree is about 5' tall.

2. I have a two-year-old fig tree. Last winter I took it indoors and the tree did fine. This summer I've planted it in a sheltered spot close to the house and the air conditioner/heater. The tree has flourished and has quite a lot of fruit on it. But, not one fig has ripened as yet. Is that unusual? Also, is there a way to leave the tree in the ground this winter? Thank you; your help is much appreciated.

A. Your maple leaves are most likely being attacked by a small moth caterpillar that weaves a silk web and pulls the leaf around itself for protection. The leaves will soon be falling, so little you can do this year, but be on the lookout next year and use a suitable spray. These caterpillars can kill the tree.

Fig trees need full sun to ripen the fruit; sometimes it is necessary to remove leaves that are shading the fruit. The fig tree also likes a well-drained soil. As to hardiness, this depends on the variety, some being hardier than others, see your plant label.

Q. I live in northeast Colorado and have a quick question. I have grown a small, 2 plants, pumpkin patch and a few days ago, my wonderful garden helpers, my 3-year-old twins, managed to pull off a mature orange pumpkin from its vine. How might I preserve it for the next 40 days so I may use it at Halloween time so that it doesn't get rotten or mushy? At this point, I put it in a dark room in the basement, covered.

A. Your pumpkin needs to be stored in a dry well-ventilated area. Do not cover or mould will form and the pumpkin will rot.

Q. Hi there, I have made a new garden in my backyard and would like to transfer my perennial from the front yard to the back. I would like to know when is a good time of year to do this? And should I be pruning any of my shrubs? The shrubs interested in moving are: Heather; Azaleas; Ice Dance Carex; Skimmia; Escallonia.

A. October is the perfect time to move your shrubs and perennials. Heathers; trim now if summer type, trim in spring if winter flowering. Azaleas; trim after flowering in late spring, if you trim now you will cut off the flower buds. Carex; pull any rotting stems off. Skimmia; as azaleas. Escallonia; just give a light trimming.

Q. Could you please advise on how I should prune my flowering cherry tree so as to make it bush outwards and not get any taller.

A. You can cut out the centre growing point of your tree. This will encourage the tree to bush out, but the side branches will then start to grow skywards until the tree reaches its natural height for that particular variety.

Q. I have two Echium pininana, they have reached the height of about 5 feet but have not flowered, and they look healthy with good leaves and a thick stem. I live in mid Kent. How do I over winter them? Should I wrap the whole plant in fleece or cut them down and protect the roots with straw etc Hope you can help.

A. Echium pininana are reckoned to be the most hardy of the Canary Echium and the new hybrids are becoming widely grown in the southern part of England. If you suffer cold winds in your area, wrapping with fleece would be appropriate in cold periods. But remove in warm periods or mould will set in and rot the plant.

Q. Hello, I hope you can help me. Magpies are destroying my lawn. They pick at the lawn, pulling up clumps of grass seemingly to get to the soil. I've tried covering the affected areas with plastic sheeting but they then started picking at the lawn bordering the sheet. They really are destroying it, similar to the divots left by a golfer! Why are they doing this and how do I stop them so that I can get my lawn back? Any advice would be gratefully accepted.

A. Your magpies are almost certainly digging out cutworms, a large moth caterpillar which eats the roots of the grass. Cutworms are also called armyworms because the parent moths appear in a large army and lay thousands of eggs overnight in one small area.The caterpillars will in time turn in to moth's overnight and leave the area in a large army, but when they go, is up to atmospheric conditions. There are sprays available but they will not be very effective this late on in the year. Spray in the spring.