That’s me, seated at the news desk of Denver’s Channel 7 TV with Steve Saunders and Dale Cedars. I was there as a representative of the Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado to talk about what can be done in the winter landscape. Our emphasis was on working with a landscape professional (like me!) right now to plan and/or schedule your outdoor projects for the upcoming spring. Most landscape businesses are at their slowest right now, so it’s much easier for consumers to get prompt, attentive service.
We also talked about some of the activities that, weather permitting, you can do in your garden right now:
1. Demolition! Out with the old to make way for the new. A great way to burn some calories on a brisk winter day.
2. Hardscape installation. Some non-plant elements of the landscape can be built in all but the worst weather. Think decks, arbors, fences, retaining walls, paver patios, and the like.
3. Mulching. Once the ground is frozen you can spread a nice layer (2-3” deep) of organic mulch or evergreen boughs to protect perennials, in particular, from the freeze-thaw cycle so typical of our crazy temperature swings.
4. Pruning. Before the buds break dormancy is the time to prune most of your woody plants. This is absolutely the best time of year for any radical pruning such as renewal or rejuvenation techniques.
5. Clean, sharpen and oil your hand tools. Sand the wooden handles lightly before applying a nice coat of mineral oil (have the tool and oil at room temperature!).
6. Run and play! Enjoy a whole new season in your garden!
Hi, all--
Checking the City's guidelines for community gardens, it seems we do need approval for any 'structures' in the garden. Just a flag; we'll have to do a drawing (I can do) and indicate where on the site we plan to put it. At the same time, we could try to address the water issue on paper and perhaps we'll get an answer.
I see the trellis going toward the left of centre, near the back wall as Vicky described, because I have the sense that this is where we'll get the most sun. Those of you who've spent more time there may have a better idea--let me know.
As to size: I had suggested 4 x 8 to minimize the wood cutting, but when drawn out, that looks awful. Applying proper architectural design principles, it seems it would be better to go with one of the following options:
1) 7' high x 4.2' wide x 2.3' deep (so that the 4.2 opening is parallel with the front edge of the garden;
2) 7' high x 11' wide x 4.2' deep (again, widest side to the garden edge)
From a safety viewpoint, we need to make sure that the wee tots can't climb on it, so I'm suggesting that we train the plants up the sides on light wire or jute string, rather than lattice.
From an aesthetic and demonstration value viewpoint, it can be constructed with its lateral supports extending a bit beyond the structure at either side, to accommodate hanging gardens, if we can figure out a watering system that will keep them alive. This may be where the 'deck watering kit' could come in handy!
And finally, if we're going to build one, why not do two and put one on the roof garden as well? It would help define a 'small space' for our 'small space gardening' theme, and give us a little shade on, say, the west side? Contingent, of course, on our getting funding to extend the roof deck to the west.
Comments? Other ideas?
Karen
