Here are some of our specialty Pines on display during a recent burst of sunshine. These Pines have been hand pruned and cared for over the years, to prepare them for display in your garden! If you are looking for an enduring and beautiful piece of art to commemorate a loved one’s birth, passing, military service, or an anniversary, give us a call! We’ll be happy to deliver and install one of these beauties in the garden of your choice. (Gift wrap not included)
The importance of pruning in caring for a garden cannot be underestimated. In fact, no plant in a garden can fulfill its role without proper pruning. As a gardener prunes, it is imperative that he or she remembers:
-The goal of pruning is to bring out the best in each plant. Prune to bring light and air into the plant, while carefully removing dying, diseased, or potentially harmful parts. Before pruning, learn how to encourage the best growth response for the situation. This concept is the secret to long-term plant care.
As mentioned last week, careful hand pruning is preferable to shear pruning not only because it allows for careful, more intentional cuts, but also because it can be used throughout the plant. Shear pruning touches only the external surface of the plant, ignoring the plant’s need for light and air in its interior. By contrast, hand pruning can be done throughout the plant, so that issues below the surface can be addressed and the interior of the plant can be opened up to life-giving light and air.
While pruning, the gardener should remember not only the appearance of the plant, but the health of the plant as well.
The importance of pruning in caring for a garden cannot be underestimated. In fact, no plant in a garden can fulfill its role without proper pruning. As a gardener prunes, he or she must remember:
–In pruning, the first commandment is: “Do no harm”. Since pruned branches can’t be put back, it is better not to prune without first understanding the where, when, and why of pruning.
It is very important to proceed carefully and slowly, using quality hand tools rather than shears. Hand pruning takes time compared to a quick pass-over with shears. Though time-consuming, hand pruning allows a gardener time to assess and be intentional about the cuts that are made. With shears, the pruner is much more likely to make unintentional, regrettable cuts.
An experienced garden designer should be able to competently “listen” to the site. In other words, a good designer will thoughtfully and skillfully consider several parameters: the natural state and boundaries of the site, the norms of the surrounding community, the aesthetics of your home’s design, your preferences and dreams, and your budget.
Look to your designer to answer the following questions in a way that makes sense to you:
How will this landscape design look from inside the house (through a window vs. from the street)?
Will your garden be viewed as you “walk-through” or as a “picture” from one setting?
Will the structures and spaces be the right size and type for your needs?
How will rainwater move through the garden and keep your home dry?
What will this garden look like in 10 years or more? Will it keep its value and beauty?
How will the landscape appear in each season?
What are the costs involved and how can they be managed over time?
The answers to these questions should provide helpful insight as you determine the suitability of the designer to your proposed project.
Contributed by James Hanselman
Garden designer, Hanselman Landscape
Please call us at 717-653-1273 if you have questions for us as you pursue a partnership to realize you garden dreams. If you think Hanselman Landscape is a good fit, we’d look forward to hearing from you and partnering with you to bring joy to your garden!
These photos show what can be done with similar materials in two very different garden settings when entrusted to the creative and careful design/build/maintain team at Hanselman Landscape.
Stellar references are the hallmark of a trusted designer. In addition, ask to see examples of projects completed in the past. If you have time, in-person visits are best, but you can learn from a series of photos as well. Look specifically for gardens that have matured over the years. Are the plants maturing beautifully, showing good selection and careful tending? What is the condition of the hardscape surfaces, such as pavers, stones, and bricks?
Consider it a red flag if you are only shown examples of newly-installed gardens or referred to only recent clients.
Shared by James Hanselman
Garden designer, Hanselman Landscape
This photo shows a Lancaster County garden that has been thriving and meeting the needs of its owners for more than 10 years, thanks to the creativity and craftsmanship of the design/build/maintain teams at Hanselman Landscape.
If you’re searching for hardscaping services near you, Hanselman offers expert patio and stonework solutions throughout Lancaster County.
Decide between “design-build” and “design-only” methods
“Design-build” firms integrate design, construction, and maintenance services. “Design-only” means an individual or company provides consultation and design, while the installation is done by another firm.
Consider the integrity and ability of the landscape designer, as well as the experience and skill of the installation company. A risk with “design-build” is that the designer might lower expectations in the design stage in order to “win the bid” and ensure feasibility when the time comes to build. A risk with “design-only” is that practicality might be a problem when the design is implemented by another contractor. This can lead to fingers pointing both ways, with alternate parties blaming failures on “poor design” or “poor installation.”
We typically work in a “design-build” capacity. Because our team stands behind the entire process, we can ensure a high level of quality for our clients.
Contributed by James Hanselman
Garden designer, Hanselman Landscape
This Lancaster County farm pond edge was designed and reshaped by the skilled team at Hanselman Landscape to provide easy access for lawn mowing and grandchild water play.
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