Michigan Gardener - Your guide Great Lakes gardening: Garden Event Calendar / Expert Advice / Plant Profiles / Tree Care

PLEASE NOTE: In the autumn of 1995, we hatched the idea for a free, local gardening publication. The following spring, we published the first issue of Michigan Gardener magazine. Advertisers, readers, and distribution sites embraced our vision. Thus began an exciting journey of helping our local gardening community grow and prosper.
After 27 years, nearly 200 issues published, and millions of copies printed, we have decided it is time to end the publication of our Print Magazine and E-Newsletter.

Selecting shrubs for privacy screen

May 21, 2010 •

The houses in my new neighborhood are close together. I would like to install a hedge of tall, narrow evergreens for a privacy screen. Since my property is kind of small, I would prefer them to be narrow so as not to take up a lot of space. Can you suggest some that will mature quickly?

Arborvitae are the best choice for a tall, narrow evergreen hedge. Height and spread will depend on the variety. Emerald Arborvitae will grow to 10 to 12 feet with a spread of 3 feet. Techny (Mission) Arborvitae can reach 10 to 15 feet and obtain a spread of 5 to 6 feet. Dark Green Arborvitae will reach a height of 15 to 25 feet with a 5 to 6 feet spread. All three varieties do best in full sun.

Planting groundcover under maple trees

May 20, 2010 •

I want to plant some groundcovers under a maple tree this year. Please suggest some low shrubs or groundcovers that would be able to “share” moisture and nutrients with the maple while living under its canopy.

There are a number of perennial groundcovers that will take both shade and reduced moisture from tree roots. All of these plants will require supplemental moisture until they are established. Suggested plants are: barrenwort (Epimedium), Lamium, Liriope, Corydalis, Aegopodium, Bergenia, and Pachysandra.

Rejuvenating soil around perennials

May 19, 2010 •

I have a large perennial bed that needs to have the soil rejuvenated – it has been several years since the bed was installed. I dread having to dig up all the perennial plants, work the soil and then replant everything. Can I achieve the same benefits by placing a thick, 4 to 6 inch layer of organic matter over the bed this spring? Will that smother and kill the perennials, or will they gradually work their way up through the added layer? Would it be possible or better to do this in the fall after the plants are done blooming?

Adding a large layer of organic matter at one time will cause the crown or base of most of the perennial plants to rot and die. A small layer of organic matter 1 inch thick can be worked into the soil each spring and fall without causing the plants to rot. A commercial fertilizer may also be applied to provide nutrients for the perennials. A fertilizer such as 9-21-14 is recommended.

Digital Editions