We asked a local master gardener to give you an inside look into her masterpiece, and to offer advice on how to create a similar look in your own yard.
About the gardener, garden
Name: Kim Zorniger
Residence: Washington Twp.
Description of expertise: Master gardener; member and past president of the Garden Club of Dayton, an affiliate of Garden Club of America; attendee of Garden Design School in Boston, Mass.; award-winning landscape exhibit at Boston Flower Show 2011; landscape designer and owner of Garden Gate Designs in Dayton.
Elements of the garden: “This garden is located on two acres in Washington Twp. Over 75 trees have been planted since 2005. The trees are complimented by large shrubs and perennial beds and borders. The mass plantings of perennials and shrubs bloom at various times, allowing the garden to have multiseason interest and ‘rivers’ of color. The trees, perennials and shrubs provide a sanctuary for outdoor living, and the design allows for entertaining areas, dining areas and activity areas with complete privacy.”
Required maintenance: “About eight to 10hours per week in the summer.”
Estimated annual costs: “Depends on the new plants purchased; approximately $300 to $500.”
Inspiration for design: “English gardens; Charleston, S.C., gardens.”
Best part of the garden: “The way the garden changes with the seasons and how something different is always blooming.”
Best advice for others who want to achieve this look: “This type of look takes a lot of plants and patience, but can be a beautiful compliment to any house. When planning beds and borders, there are a number of items to consider.”
What to consider when planning your garden
Plan around amount of shade: “The first thing to think about with a garden of this type is what sun exposure your landscape has. Full sun is considered six hours or more, while full shade is very little sun exposure. You must consider what direction the plants will be planted: north, south, east or west. Vertical elements such as fences, hedges, walls or buildings also matter. All of these elements affect the amount of sun and light, as well as rainfall and moisture available to the plantings. These parameters will dictate what plants you can successfully plant in your landscape.”
Make sure soil texture is just right: “Soil texture is important, since it will have direct bearing on the water movement, herbicide movement and soil workability, all which will affect the health of your plant once it is planted.”
Soils are named (based) on the majority (of) particles they contain (of) sand, silt or clay. Each type of soil will retain water at a different level, which will affect the plant. Water will run right through sand, whereas it will be retained in clay. If you are unsure, any professional will be able to help you to understand your soil composition. You can add organic matter to amend the soil and improve nutrient level and moisture retention both, which will lead to faster establishment and less maintenance.”
Consider current surroundings and landscape function: “The design of the landscape is the next important step. Are there any (outside) buildings that need to be taken into account? Driveway location and the style of the house are all important. Also, the purpose of the landscaping is important. Are you working toward privacy, separating or linking spaces or simply beautification?”
Choose the right plants: “Once this information is available, it is time to pick the plants. Plant material is chosen for: shape, habit, texture (and) color. Plants can be divided into the following groups:
• “Focal point: A plant that is used to draw or direct the eye to a location.
• “Structural plantings: These are the plants that are used to assist the design by separating or linking elements or by defining or manipulating spaces, often evergreens or trees (such as) boxwood, taxus, and small or large evergreens, such as pines or spruces, all species of trees.
• “Ornamental or decorative plantings: These are the flowering plants that provide seasonal interest and are usually placed in front of the structural plants (such as) hydrangeas, viburnum, lilacs, as well as perennials.
• “Groundcover planting: Used to create and define the horizontal plane (such as) ivy, pachysandra, vinca, horizontal juniper and sedum make great groundcovers.”
What you should know before planting
“After the plants are chosen and purchased from the criteria above, it is time to plant. Each plant or tree will require a different size hole, as well as different amendments. If you are planting (them) yourself, ask the store for information on each plant you have chosen. If you are using a professional, they will know and will bring all the important amendments with them. Once the plants are planted, it is essential that they receive the best care, including watering, as possible. This has been a very dry season for Dayton with little rain, so watering is essential to the plants’ survival and growth.”
“Learning to garden and landscape can become a wonderful hobby or passion. The Dayton area has many wonderful nurseries, gardening stores and professionals and all are ready to help you.”
Contact this reporter at Jacqueline.Boyle@coxinc.com.
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