Plant and Soil Science Landscape Materials and Techniques Topic: Planting Ground Cover and Vines (2214) Brian Sobecki

Selecting Your Plants There are many items to consider when selecting a plant for landscaping. Most people select plants for reasons such as: –They were free or on sale. –They smell or look good. –The neighbors do or do not have one.

Selecting Your Plants –Obviously those are poor reasons for making a selection –Using those choices usually ends up causing more headaches. –Take the time to study landscaping plants, their need and their habits, will save you money and time.

Items to Consider. Hardiness Resistance to disease Tolerance to soil conditions Growth habit and rate. Ease of maintenance.

Ground Covers Ground Covers are low growing plants that spread by underground stems or are naturally trailing habit. –They are used to hold soil or slops and helps prevent erosion. –They are also used in hard to mow areas, dark shaded areas. –Come in a variety of colors and textures. –Some have flowers or fruits.

Ground Covers The most common ground cover is Grass. –It holds up well under traffic. –But it needs to be mowed and weeded.

Ground Covers Ground covers other than grass can not take the heavy traffic. –They do not need to be mowed and only require light weeding for the first few years. –Selecting the proper ground cover will depend on the texture and color that is wanted in that area. –Takes two years for a ground cover to become established.

Vines Vines are not used as much as they could be in today’s landscapes. –They can be used a screens, partitions, and ground covers and for shade. –Vines need little space for growing, but do need support such as a wire, trellises or arbors. Vines come in a variety of foliage sizes, shapes, and colors. Some have flowers and some have a nice fragrance.

Vines Vines are categorized according to their method of climbing. –There are three common methods. Tendrils –Tendrils are slim flexible shoots that wrap around anything that they com in contact with. –Wires, trellises, or arbors are good supports to use for this type of vine. –Example: Grapes

Vines Twining –Twining vines use their twining stem for support. –Wire, trellises and arbors are also good for these vines. –Example: Chinese or Japanese wisteria

Vines Clinging –Clinging vines are divided into two categories. –Some vines use disk like adhesive tips that attach to any surface. Example: Japanese creeper –Others use aerial rootlets which dig into rough surfaces. Example: English Ivy –Both types climb best on masonry support.

Vines There are a few precautions to take when using vines for landscaping: Wooded walls which are used as support can be ruined by weight and moisture held by the leaves. If allowed to grow onto roof they can damage shingles. Bare wire should not be used in sunny areas, because it will heat up and burn the plant. For the best look supports should not be visible.

All Pictures From: Shady Oaks Nursery; Plants for Shady Places.