Although the weather is still cold and spring may seem a long way off, there are some garden tasks you can begin now in anticipation of the spring rush in a few months.

PRUNE DECIDUOUS TREES–Without leaves, deciduous trees are easier to prune, since branch structure is clearly visible and more accessible.

CONSIDER ADDING OUTDOOR LIGHTING–Outdoor lighting can highlight the silhouettes of bare trees and evergreens, providing outside interest and a warm welcome during the cold, darker months of the year. (If you want to brighten your outlook, please visit our website and contact us: 717-653-1273!)

CUT DOWN GRASSES–Late winter is a great time to cut down Liriope and ornamental grasses, so that new growth comes up fresh and clean, without the unsightly dead leaves that increase the chance for rot.

Shared by Betty Hanselman Gardener’s wife (& garden steward–even in winter!)

As you plan your garden, you may be encouraged to know that Japanese garden techniques, developed over thousands of years, can inform today’s gardens, no matter the style.
Through his garden research, James Hanselman, principal at Hanselman Landscape, has been inspired by the craftsmanship and ingenuity of Japanese garden traditions. “The Japanese have found ways to incorporate natural beauty in elegant and sustainable ways, even in very tiny urban spaces,” he confirms. “I have dedicated myself to learning and applying Japanese design and care techniques, so that our clients are similarly refreshed when they gaze out of their windows or stroll through their gardens.”

Contributed by Betty Hanselman
Gardener’s wife (& advocate of garden joy)

The first step in restoring paradise to your property is to thoughtfully and carefully plan the garden you are envisioning. This process is much easier with the help of an experienced garden-design professional.
A great deal of preparation goes into each of Hanselman Landscape’s projects to ensure that the clients’ needs and aspirations are fulfilled. “We encourage our clients to supply photos of treasured places and memories they hope to re-create,” James Hanselman states. For example, one couple asked Hanselman to reproduce a waterfall similar to one they had hiked to in Central America (see below for the realization of their dreams).

In addition to discussing budget, scope, and site, Hanselman prioritizes suitability, elegance, and sustainability before presenting the proposed designs.

Contributed by Betty Hanselman
Gardener’s wife (& joyful “paradise-dweller”)

As Joni Mitchell so somberly puts it, our culture too frequently “paves paradise to put up a parking lot.” Consequently, homeowners and communities are left to deal with the repercussions: uninspiring, cookie-cutter properties, minimal links to natural beauty, and water drainage issues.

James Hanselman knows paradise. He grew up there, he says, “in the mountain valleys of a tropical island, surrounded by natural beauty and interacting with nature every minute of each day.” Upon returning to the United States, he was saddened to find that “in this land of magnificent beauty, paradise was being discarded to make room for yet another development.” It became his mission to reverse the trend and bring paradise back into the daily experience of others.

Do you want make a difference in your world and capture your own slice of paradise? Keep reading! Subsequent posts will feature inspiration from James Hanselman for turning your yard into a relaxing space you’ll love coming home to.

Contributed by Betty Hanselman
Gardener’s wife (& fellow steward)

DON’T KILL YOUR PLANTS BY OVER-MULCHING!

Although mulch can help to control weeds and erosion, retain moisture, and increase soil nutrients, it can threaten the well-being of any plant if applied too heavily. There are two important requirements to keep in mind when applying mulch:

1. PLANT STEMS SHOULD NEVER BE COVERED BY MULCH.
–The stem (or trunk) of a plant is prone to insect entry and rot when in contact with mulch or soil, so it is important to keep mulch well away from plant stems. Also, when plants are mulched too deeply, girdling roots tend to grow from the bark of the trunk above the root collar, following the soft mulch around the tree; they eventually harden into a noose that can strangle the plant.
–To find where the stem or trunk begins, locate the root collar. This collar is the dividing line between the stem and the roots; it is usually found at the flared portion of the trunk to which the roots attach. The root collar should always be kept dry and visible and NO MULCH SHOULD BE APPLIED ABOVE THIS POINT. If a plant is buried too deeply, the root flare will not be visible and the trunk will look like a telephone pole when it disappears into the earth. If the root flare is buried by soil or mulch, remove the excess material to allow the root collar to remain clean and dry. For a first hand account of root flare issues, view how we were able to help a Japanese Maple tree and its root flare visibility.

2. MULCH SHOULD BE POROUS.
–The smaller roots of a plant (just below the soil surface) need to breathe. When mulch is too deep, the flow of water and air to and from the roots is cut off. The finer the mulch, the thinner the application should be. Fine, soil-like mulch should only be applied about one inch thick; coarse mulch can be applied to a depth of three inches. Previous years’ mulch should be raked away from plants before adding new mulch, as it will have become compacted and, if not removed, can build up and suffocate plants.

At Hanselman Landscape, we regularly use Pine straw mulch (pictured below) in our gardens, since it provides attractive, breathable coverage and is easier to spread than hardwood mulches. For the benefit of our clients and their valuable plants, we are pleased to offer this healthier mulch option.

Contributed by Betty Hanselman
Gardener’s wife (& Pine straw mulch enthusiast)