Favorite Flowering Shrubs for Greensboro

I have several favorites and Limelight Hydrangea and Wine and Roses Weigela are two of them. In order to make the list of favorites I look at overall form, length of bloom, pest problems,water requirements and general maintenance.

For larger properties, Limelight Hydrangea is a must have in the landscape.

 

Limelight Hydrangeas grow to 8 feet around in part sun and prefer some shade from afternoon sun. Chartreuse cone-shaped blooms fill the plant in mid-summer and remain on the shrub until autumn when the color changes to a pinkish rose. If planted in good composted soil, once established, requires minimal water during dry periods. It makes a great specimen plant or hedge. This shrub is mostly pest free,  but if insects are noticed, just spray them with a powerful dose of water.

Wine and Roses Weigela is a smaller shrub growing 4-5 feet around with great impact. It blooms from April to June with deep fuchsia pink flowers that hummingbirds love. When planted in full sun the foliage retains its deep purple coloration and is a pest free plant. The stunning foliage combines well when planted adjacent to light green colored plants like Emerald n Gold Euonymous or Golden Barberry.

 

This shrub has a round upright growing habit and works well towards the rear of a perennial bed or in a mixed shrub border.

 For more favorite landscape plants, check here

 Visit Cornerstone Garden by Diana Digs Dirt 414-B State St from Thursday through Saturday 11-3:30. Diana is a certified landscape designer providing landscape plans, installations and consultations.

 

Longest Blooming Landscape Plants

Who doesn’t like plants to bloom for weeks on end. Here are some of my favorites.

Best Blooms for Your Buck-Top 10 Plants  

All plant material have their place within our landscapes, but some yield more than just long flowering periods including winter interest, fall color and other ornamental value. Below is a list of plants recommended with more value for Triad gardens of zone 7.

Perennials are those plants coming back year after year being planted only once. Clara Curtis Mums are a delight for informal landscapes with soft pink blooms from spring until late summer. They are drought tolerate, deer resistant, attract butterflies and a great cutting flower. Walker’s Low Catnip has violet spiked flowers with a mounding habit ideal for rock walls. They do well cascading over planters, are drought tolerate and rabbit resistant. Gaura or the common name, Whirling Butterflies is extremely drought tolerate with its delicate flowers resembling small butterflies. This plant does not like to be transplanted and will be happy in full sun in the back of perennial borders with pink or white blooms swaying in the breeze. Heuchera, or the common name Coral Bells are for shady gardens and planted mainly for its undulating foliage with various colors of purple, green, chartreuse and variegated. Because of their coarse texture, blend well with ferns, sweet woodruff or creeping jenny. Angelina Sedum does not have a bloom but is worth planting because of its chartreuse color. It is drought tolerate, deer and rabbit resistant, great groundcover is sunny areas with poor soil and turns burgundy in the winter.

 

Oakleaf hydrangea is a large shrub for the partial shade garden where their extremely large white blooms illuminate darker portions of the garden. They make great cutting flowers, have wonderful red fall color and the exfoliating bark is very ornamental for winter interest. Encore Azaleas are relatively new in the landscape world and offer two blooming periods in spring and fall and only grow to four feet in diameter. Knockout Roses will bloom from spring until frost and only require six hours of sunlight. Kleim’s Hardy Gardenia is perfect for part shade gardens and covered in highly fragrant white blooms for about a month in spring. This shrub is small in size and the foliage is glossy dark green all year long. It will bloom again if prune immediately after its flowers have faded.

 

The annual called Potato Vine, even though doesn’t bloom, the foliage comes in several colors and is a quick groundcover for the partial shady spots within landscapes. It does well in vases and will root within days for you to plant elsewhere in the garden. They can also be trained to climb other plants or structures. The foliage is dramatic and this one may come back the following year. Chartreuse colored potato vine planted with dark purple Heuchera is a fabulous combination.

Diana Digs Dirt is a landscape designer located at 414-B State Street in Greensboro Thursday-Saturday 11-3:30 and can be reached at 392.4031.

 

Greensboro Curb Appeal Ideas

4 Fundamental Factors for Fantastic First Impression Curb Appeal

1. Mailbox Area
2. The House Exterior
3. The Front Door
4. The Landscape

 Mailbox Area- This is how we are finding the address.

• clear and visible numbers
• use same material/paint on house and mailbox-creates cohesion
• remove bee attracting flowers
• remove shrubs higher than 3 feet-hinders car views
• add colorful annuals-use 1 variety of the same color

House Exterior- should be pressure washed, shutters hung straight, cracks in mortar are fixed. Debris like leaves or small trees removed from gutters. If there are trees overhanging the house, suggest removing.

• leaves in gutters
• creates mildew on roof-holds in moisture
• easy access for ants and other unwanted creatures
• ice on branches-damage home

The Front Door- view from a visitor’s perspective

• fresh coat of paint
• shrubs cut back-no higher than 2-3 feet
• add color-pots, annuals, wreath (use same annuals as front door plantings)
• make sure it is visible from the street (inviting and safe) 

The Landscape- does the overall look of the front landscape appeal to buyers?

• grass areas- turn slopes and patchy grass areas into plant beds
• foundation plants- 75% should be evergreen plants
• driveway and walkway to front door- cut back any overhanging trees and shrubs and remove those with thorns
• condition of trees and shrubs- remove any dead or dying plant material. Do not shear broad-leafed evergreens
• plant beds- create a manicured edge with a spade. 1 bale of pine needles will cover 5 x 5 square foot area

Problem Issues

• remove runway lighting-purchase a lighting kit for under $100 including a few path lights and uplights
• erosion problems- hide the soil with mulch if downspouts are eroding soil
• remove personal garden art-pink flamingoes, gazing balls, flag poles, fences without purpose, etc.

Landscape Designer Diana Digs Dirt is open Thursday-Saturday from 11-3:30 414-b State Street in Greensboro

 

Do You Mow for Hours?

Are You Mowing 3 or More Hours Every Week?

Properties in the Triad’s Southeast region are rather expansive and may tie up several hours per week to mow. With yearly drought threats, hot sun, and heavy clay soil, homeowners may feel captive by their lawn areas each weekend. These large green or brown areas have potential to burst with color, help with erosion and attract butterflies and hummingbirds, while freeing up valuable weekends for rest and relaxation. Now is the perfect time to start your drought tolerate garden.

Some deciduous perennials for the hassle-free gardens are; ratibida, vervain, black eyed susan, gaura, daylily, aster, wine cups, blanket flower, ice plant, bee balm, russian sage, artemesia, baptisia, agastache, hyssop, catnip, red hot poker, grasses, penstemon, mint, coneflower, jewel of opar, daisy, yarrow, coreopsis, caryopteris, joe-pye weed, butterfly weed, plumbago, spotted dead nettle, and globe thistle.

   

These are perfect evergreen perennials including; prostrate sedums, lavender, rosemary, creeping or upright thyme, santolina, creeping phlox, creeping raspberry and wintercreeper

    

With this palate of drought tolerant plants, make sure to incorporate some evergreen perennials for winter interest and place taller plants towards the middle or back of the new beds. Before the planting begins, take time to till the soil or dig the hole twice the size of the plant’s container to ensure a good root system and topdress with mulch. Next year you can divide your plants and increase the maintenance free and drought tolerate gardens.

Come visit Diana Digs Dirt-Landscape Designer at Cornerstone Garden 414-B State Street from Thursday-Saturday 11-3:30 if not raining or snowing and lets talk low maintenance. Or reach me at 392.4031

 

Landscape Stone Lasts Forever

Unmortared stone used in walkways, patios, edging or as steppers should be dense, at least 1 ½ inch thick and set within a tamped base of stone screenings. Taking these measures will ensure a stable under footing. If the stone is set on soil alone, over time they will sink due to decomposition.

Pennsylvania Bluestone and Tennessee Craborchard are two types of stone very dense in nature. This is important because of freezing and thawing which cause other types of stone to break and flake when used as flooring or on the ground. Pennsylvania Bluestone comes in shades of blue and pallets can be selected with more mauve, blue or green striations within the stone. Tennessee Craborchard stone contains colors of beige, brown, pink, mauve and rust. Again, pallets can be selected with the preferred color striations.

When choosing the stone, keep in mind the color of your home, other outbuildings, and color of adjacent flowers to create a harmonious landscape. Stone can also be used in conjunction with brick to create a more formal landscape. There are several different cuts of stone, for example; tumbled, which provides a soft rounded edge, irregular provides random edges, cut stone is sawed with a blade for a straight edge and lastly the flamed edge provides a rustic textured edge after the stone has been sawed into its desired shapes.

  

There are two options for filling in the joints after stone has been set; addition of another finer stone grade or installing creeping plants. Some suggestions for dry sunny areas are; sedum acre, georgia blue veronica or wooly thyme. Ideas for shady areas are; corsican mint, scotch moss, ajuga or leptinella.

 

Stone will enhance your landscapes creating functionality.

Stop on by Cornerstone Garden by Diana Digs Dirt to meet designer Diana. Thursday-Saturday 11-3:30 if not snowing or raining, 414-B State Street in Greensboro. Let’s talk stone!

 

Cornerstone Garden Spring 2013

In addition to carrying local jewelry, pottery and plants, we have unique birdhouses, wind chimes and art.

 These birdhouses are not only cute, but functional. You will be surprised at the materials used to create one of a kind homes for our feathered friends.

 

We also carry several wind chimes with no two being exactly alike.

 The sound is simply magical. Come on out to Cornerstone Garden on State Street Thursday through Saturday 11-3:30.

Sam Ezell is a local artist specializing in folk art, perfect for a cottage, children’s or whimsical room in your home.

  

  

Diana of Diana Digs Dirt Landscape Design and Installation is on site for all your outdoor needs

 

Follow the brick path to the rear of 414-B State Street to visit Cornerstone Garden by Diana Digs Dirt

 or call 336.392.4031

 

Cornerstone Garden Shopping on State Street

2012 Inventory for Cornerstone Garden(formerly, My Secret Garden) includes; jackets, aprons, clothing, jewelry, soaps, pottery, handmade cards, garden art, glassware and plants. Hours of operation are listed below.

 

Dressing in layers is the way to go in North Carolina.

 

Some of the clothing lines we carry are; Comfy USA, Neon Buddha, Surrealist, Prana and more. Our clothes are machine washable and timeless. If you like interesting detail, come and take a peek.

 

 

 

We have jewelry ranging from $7 to $45, what a great deal. Come and get those stocking stuffers for the special women in your lives.

 

 

Aren’t these just fabulous! What a statement.

 

Beautiful beads, stones and bling.

 

 

This jacket looks amazing on.

 

Perfect shirt for all the holiday parties.

 

If you are the artsy type, these clothes are for you. Get creative!

 Cornerstone Garden by Diana Digs Dirt is open Thursday through Saturday from 11-4pm or by appointment for landscape design and installation, 392.4031. Gift certificates are available for landscape design consultations too.

 

Reblooming Perennials at Cornerstone Garden

Reblooming perennials or those blooming for 2-3 months are highly valued in the landscape world and many of my landscape design clients desire them. At Cornerstone Garden we have several shade or sun perennials in these categories.

 Armeria blooms for 3 months. the foliage is more like a tuft of grass with the flower stems reaching 6 inches with a pink pom pom bloom. These can be placed in the front of the garden or in a rock garden like the one above

 Fairytale Pink Daylily is just so delicate and lovely for any garden. We would hate it if this did not repeat.

“Marcus” Salvia, I know just glorious in its deep rich color blooms from June to October. This salvia is one of the shorter, only reaching 12 inches and spreading 18.

Mazus is a groundcover and blooms for months in the part shade garden. This perennial needs regular water too.

 Platinum Plus Daylily is very unique and is a bit paler than the picture, almost ivory in color. This is an easy drought tolerate plant for those with black thumbs.

This United States native wildflower called Green and Gold is for shade gardens and blooms a very long time. The bright yellow blooms brighten the darker landscapes. It only reaches 6 inches tall and spreads slowly.

 Little Grapette Daylily is maroon in color with a green/yellow throat. This repeat bloomer is great for erosion control or directly into the landscape with other warm colored bloomers

Come visit Cornerstone Garden- 414 rear State Street from Tuesday-Friday from 11-4 or Saturday from 12-4. We also sell plants during our farmers market Saturday mornings from 8-12.  

 

 

 

Cornerstone Garden Farmers Market April 7th

Cornerstone Garden (formerly, My Secret Garden- 414, in the back) has begun a floriferous Farmers Market

The vendors set up in the rear of the garden shop. A quaint alley where there is plenty of space for additional participants. We are striving to keep variety unique and exclusive.

 The second Saturday of each month, Chihuahua Rescue will have doggies for adoption or fostering. Georgia the baby goat will be present each week.

 

Larry Kirwan will perform for the market tomorrow. His music is tranquil and if you have never heard a hammered dulcimer, come on down to Cornerstone Garden. Thanks Larry!

   Sweetgum Grove Farm provided upcycled earrings, purses, bags, pins and buttons.

   Cornerstone Garden offers fabulous pots, bluebird houses and hummingbird feeders. Come take a peak Saturday mornings from 8-12.

 We also have thyme and parsley.

Artemisia is a beauty, having medicinal properties and great in containers.

We also carry clothing for those needing some assistance in determining their body type. Each piece is labeled with the following:

 Lines include Neon Buddha, Comfy USA, Surrealist and more.

Other Farmers Market Vendors include:

• Le Petit Bakery- Dinner Rolls, Jams, Banana Bread, English Muffins, Scones and Breakfast Bars
• Alson the Artist
• Libby’s Perfect Portions-Cake Bites, Cookies, Brownies
• Organo Gold-  Organic Coffee and Hot Chocolate the doctor would approve of
• The Secret Tea Room Cafe- Hot Tea and Tea to Go. Grab and cup and a complimentary cookie
• The Fat Fighter- Health Coach (usually brings a yummy and healthy snack). She, herself has lost over 215 pounds and can help you reach your goal
• State Street Florist- Gorgeous Fresh Bouquets
• Cornerstone Garden Clothing Line-Clothing Complementing Your Body Shape
• Able Earth Clay Creations-Unique Birdhouses, Wind Chimes, Pet Tags and more

Other Vendors Joining us soon are:

• Riverbirch Vineyards
• Earth Things
• Sassy Gems, LLC by Geri
• Soap and Stone Essentials
• Green Box Gardens
• Running Dog Bakery
• Donna Hodges Jewelry
• Sweetgum Grove Farm
• Jewel’s Produce

You never know who will be playing for you

Come on over to 414 (rear) State Street in Greensboro, where Cornerstone Garden supports local businesses.

 

 At our farmers market, there are plenty of seating areas to enjoy the surroundings. Many customers ask if this is my home and they do not want to leave the serenity.

Here is a link to our first market, http://greensborogardens.wordpress.com/2012/02/29/cornerstone-garden-farmers-market-on-state-street/

We are looking for additional vendors. Please contact Diana@justacloudaway.com

 

 

Cornerstone Garden Farmers Market on State Street

Cornerstone Garden by DianaDigsDirt presents a

New Farmers Market on State Street in Greensboro

Local Businesses will offer products at Cornerstone Garden Sat. mornings from 8-12pm, 414-B State Street starting March 3^rd

 Greensboro resident, Diana Gardner-Williams, owner of Cornerstone Garden by DianaDigsDirt is spearheading a new outdoor farmers market with European ambiance of old world charm. The grounds are filled with flowering vines, perennials, and water features. Seating areas within the market are intended for the community to enjoy the serenity of nature. Market will be open weather permitting. Call for more information, 336.392.4031.

Local businesses will provide gluten-free foods, hot coffee and tea, fresh flowers, bluebird houses, hummingbird feeders, pottery, soaps, jams, chocolates, pastries, plants, herbal cleaners and produce starting in April. The location of the Farmers Market will serve neighborhoods including; McAdoo Heights, New and Old Irving Park, Woodbriar Estates, Charles Aycock, Piedmont Hills, Brice Street because of proximity, however all are welcome.

Every second Saturday of the month, North Carolina Chihuahua Rescue & Transport will have pets available for adoption or fostering. More information at, http://www.chihuahua-rescue.org. Their motto is, “Adopt-Don’t Shop”.

Murphy, a baby goat from Liberty will be visiting on the first day of the Farmers Market.

Cornerstone Garden by Diana Digs Dirt is a landscape design and fashion boutique also providing space for local artists to display art, pottery, jewelry and garden related items.

We are still looking for a few more vendors-please contact Diana Digs Dirt at Diana@justacloudaway.com for more information.

We will see you soon…….Diana Digs Dirt