Planting

Synopsis

"Indispensable." -The New York Times Book Review Piet Oudolf's gardens-unique combinations of long-lived perennials and woody plants that are rich in texture and sophisticated in colour-are breath-taking and have deep emotional resonance.

With Planting, designers and home gardeners can recreate these plant-rich, beautiful gardens that support biodiversity and nourish the human spirit. An intimate knowledge of plants is essential to the success of modern landscape design, and Planting shares Oudolf's considerable understanding of plant ecology, explaining how plants behave in different situations, what goes on underground, and which species make good neighbors.

Extensive plant charts and planting plans will help you choose plants for their structure, colour, and texture. A detailed directory shares details like each plant's life expectancy, the persistence of its seedheads, and its propensity to self-seed.

Summary

Chapter 1: The Importance of Plants

* Plants provide us with food, medicine, and shelter.
* They clean our air and water, and help to regulate our climate.
* Plants are essential for maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

Chapter 2: Choosing the Right Plants

* When choosing plants, consider the climate in your area, the amount of sunlight you have, and the size of your space.
* Consider also the purpose of the plants, such as whether you want them for food, medicine, or decoration.

Example: If you live in a cold climate, you will want to choose plants that are cold-hardy, such as roses and rhododendrons. If you have a small space, you will want to choose plants that are compact, such as dwarf conifers and perennial flowers.

Chapter 3: Planting Your Seeds

* Start by preparing your soil by loosening it and removing any weeds.
* Make a small hole in the soil, and insert the seed.
* Cover the seed with soil, and water it gently.

Example: To plant a tomato seed, make a hole about 1/2 inch deep in the soil. Insert the seed into the hole, and cover it with soil. Water the seed gently.

Chapter 4: Transplanting Your Seedlings

* When your seedlings have grown a few inches tall, they are ready to be transplanted into the garden.
* Dig a hole in the garden that is twice the size of the root ball of the seedling.
* Place the seedling in the hole, and fill it with soil.
* Water the seedling gently.

Example: To transplant a tomato seedling, dig a hole in the garden that is about 1 foot wide and 1 foot deep. Place the seedling in the hole, and fill it with soil. Water the seedling gently.

Chapter 5: Watering Your Plants

* Water your plants regularly, especially during the hot summer months.
* Water the plants deeply, so that the water reaches the roots.
* Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.

Example: To water a rose bush, water it deeply at the base of the plant. Avoid getting the leaves wet, as this can lead to powdery mildew.

Chapter 6: Fertilizing Your Plants

* Fertilize your plants regularly to provide them with the nutrients they need to grow healthy and strong.
* Use a fertilizer that is specifically designed for the type of plants you are growing.

Example: To fertilize a rose bush, use a fertilizer that is specifically designed for roses. Apply the fertilizer according to the instructions on the package.

Chapter 7: Protecting Your Plants from Pests and Diseases

* There are a number of pests and diseases that can damage your plants.
* Use organic methods to control pests and diseases, such as using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
* Keep your garden clean and free of debris to reduce the risk of pests and diseases.

Example: To control aphids on roses, use insecticidal soap. Spray the aphids with the insecticidal soap according to the instructions on the package.