Landscape Management, March 2010
Producing profi ts through bedding plants ornamentals trees Long term LANDSCAPING PROUD SPONSORS HOMEOWNERS WANT COLORFUL PERENNIALS SHRUBS AND ORNAMENTALS THAT WILL PROVIDE INTEREST FOR YEARS TO COME BY LESLIE KIRK AND DON EBERLY T SPECIAL SECTION OF LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT HE DEMAND FOR professional landscape installations continues to shift as more homeowners and commercial property owners look to purchase long term investments in addition to seasonal color with annuals In order to adapt to this changing market and keep profi ts steady professional landscapers and designers are looking to colorful perennials and shrubs to meet this need Anticipating this shift growers have placed a strong focus on introducing blooming and foliage perennials that provide color and combination options more like annuals with hardy characteristics Lasting benefi ts Quality perennials shrubs and ornamental grasses offer long term value Once these plants are established they provide better resistance to wind rain and drought and can extend the display period However designing a successful perennial landscape involves longer planning and a better understanding of what clients are hoping to gain from the installation COM TERRANOVANURSERIES WWW COURTESY No other group of plants can return the PHOTO rewards of long life re bloom and seasonal interest says Dan Heims president of Terra MARCH 2010 LANDSCAPEMANAGEMENT NET 51 Nova Nurseries Portland OR When starting a plan spend some time in research Ask yourself What level maintenance do these plants require and How long does this plant bloom When installing perennials it is essential for landscapers to pair plants with similar nutrient and water needs to maximize resources and allow more fl exibility of space As with trees and large shrubs landscapers should research the mature size and spread of each perennial they choose This will help ensure the design remains cohesive and successful after several years Use selections that offer the longest possible period of interest color fragrance movement and texture says David Wilson marketing director for Overdevest Nurseries and Garden Splendor a line of perennials for the Northeast and Mid Atlantic regions Both Heims and Wilson recommend multiuse perennials that provide both functionality and beauty For example some of the newest selections of dianthus ajuga echinacea and sedums offer designers hardy colorful options with improved heat and humidity resistance As consumers look for ways to stretch a budget four season landscapes that transition from year to year become an important selling point Most clients also hope for installations that are low maintenance and sustainable Breeders are focusing on introducing new foliage selections in hundreds of colors and textures
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