Lawn & Garden: Organic Weed Control

How to Control Weeds Using Items In The Kitchen

By: Lauren M. Liff for Dabah Landscape Designs

           Everyone is aware that there is a seemingly never-ending battle being waged all across the globe against weeds. Whether they are in your garden or in your lawn, you will do whatever you can to control them. Nowadays, homeowners and avid gardeners everywhere are looking for more ways to go green, including using organic methods to maintain their lawns and gardens. So why not kill two birds with one stone by using an organic mixture of household products to control those pesky lawn and garden weeds? That’s right, the salt and sugar hiding away in your kitchen cabinet can be used to control those pesky weeds while at the same time being organic, affordable and easily accessible!

           When a saltwater mixture is applied to a weed it dehydrates the plant by interfering with the internal water balance of the plant cells. Start with a fairly mild mixture with a 3:1 ratio of water to salt and stir until the salt is dissolved. If the target plant is stubborn, you can strengthen the mixture daily. You can also add dish soap and white vinegar to your solution as these items will help to enhance its effectiveness by lowering the surface tension of the water and allowing the salt mixture to get absorbed by the weed. When using this solution to tackle the weed epidemic, make sure to be careful not to splash or spill it on any surrounding plant materials – you can use a funnel to help direct your solution during application. In the event that it is spilt on wanted plant material, watering the vegetation will help lessen the mixtures effect by pushing it down below root level.

         Another household item that acts as an effective weed killer is sugar. All plant materials grow best in nitrogen rich soils – it is the nitrogen that promotes the green leafy growth and healthy uptake of other important nutrients. Sugar contains no nitrogen and therefore when it is applied to plants, it limits plant growth. It is especially effective on fast growing and invasive weeds in this regard. When using the sugar method in your garden, take a cup full (or a handful) of sugar and simply sprinkle it around the base of the target plant – for stubborn weeds you can recoat as needed. For lawn weeds, use granulated or powdered sugar and sprinkle it over your lawn (you can also use a molasses spray, 1 ¾ cups to 10 gallons of water). Make sure to evenly cover the lawn and water it in lightly. This method is most effective when applied in the spring before the weeds go to seed.

           Inorganic weed control methods can be harmful to plants, pollinators and the environment as a whole. State regulations everywhere are being updated regularly regarding what pesticides can and cannot be applied to lawns and garden beds – the chemicals wash off the properties and into the storm water runoff and thus ending up in surrounding bodies of water. When homeowners then turn to organic products, they find them to be too expensive. Have no fear, we do have the solution for you; the products you need to organically maintain your property are either already in your kitchen or easily found at your local supermarket!

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/using-salt-to-kill-weeds.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/using-sugar-to-kill-weeds.htm

Top Trends in Residential Hardscapes

Top Trends “Rocking” the Hardscape World

By: Lauren Liff for Dabah Landscape Designs

         Hardscaping has become increasingly popular as of late and the trends in hardscape design have shown to be primarily centered on outdoor entertainment. Homeowners are paying more attention to architectural details and materials when designing their outdoor space. Natural stone textures, eye-catching patterns and unique designs are being seen a lot more as homeowners want the exterior of their home to reflect the same atmosphere and functionality as the interior. Let’s discuss some of the current trending details in the hardscape world.

         It’s no wonder that fire pits are one of the top “must-haves” in any outdoor space. However, it is not just a simple fire pit design that is taking the hardscape world by storm. Homeowners are learning that built-in benches, seat walls and ledges made of natural stone, all surrounding a fire pit, do indeed make the space more elegant and more inviting than the fire pit alone. The popularity of this design displays the developing trend of multi-level seating as well as eclectic paver choices and designs.

         Outdoor kitchens also continue to grow in popularity especially with the technological advances in audio-visual equipment and Wi-Fi accessibility as well as a growing interest in sophisticated lighting. Another trend within outdoor kitchens is the desire for multiple cooking surfaces; homeowners now want their outdoor eating area to more than just a grill. Gas burners, convection ovens and brick ovens are now almost seen as a necessity when designing an outdoor kitchen.

         Aside from an outdoor cooking space, outdoor living rooms are also becoming a standard in new construction especially for the design of higher end homes. One of the newer trends in outdoor living rooms is the faux rug paver design. Homeowners are now turning their backyards into literal extensions of their home – the concept of “bringing the indoors out” is beginning to prove to be one of the more popular home improvement projects. Water features have always been a statement piece in a outdoor space, from ponds to fountains to man-made streams – they are showing a large increase in residential popularity as of late.

         With the shape the environment is in today, homeowners everywhere are looking for more ways to “go green”. Thus creating the new trend of permeable pavers. These pavers improve the quality and reduce the quantity of storm water runoff. With a cistern and a pump, the water that filters through the pavers can be collected and recycled for irrigation. Commercial and large residential developers have also found that with these pavers there is no need for a retention pond, thus increasing the amount of usable space.

         Years ago, when you thought of an outdoor space it consisted of maybe a pool and a grill. Slowly but surely times are changing and homeowners are now taking full advantage of the advances in design techniques, outdoor appliances and hardscape materials. A backyard has become so much more than what it used to be. Now you are able to design, create and totally enjoy your own oasis outdoors with every comfort of the indoors.

http://www.belgard.com/resource_center/tools_and_services/news_and_articles/emerging_trends_in_residential_hardscape_design

Echinacea purpurea: The Purple Coneflower

Echinacea: The Magical Cure-All Coneflower

By: Lauren M. Liff for Dabah Landscape Designs

Echinacea purpurea is arguably one of the most common plants one will see in a typical New Jersey Landscape. They are very showy, and, because they are native to Eastern North America, they are easy to grow and require little maintenance. This beauty is also pollinator friendly by attracting bees and butterflies and is also deer resistant. Not as obvious as its outward beauty are the medicinal properties contained within the plant.

Echinacea, also known as the eastern purple coneflower, displays flowers with showy lavender petals surrounding a brown spikey looking center. The single flower sits atop a long green stem adorned with rough, almost spiny-feeling leaves that grow smaller as they move up the stem. The coneflower prefers full sun and can grow in a wide range of soil types including clay. It’s become a fan favorite because of its ability to bloom heaviest in late summer while withstanding the higher temperatures.

This wildflower makes a great addition to any landscape as a massing or border plant as well as in rain gardens and butterfly gardens (commonly in combination with Rudbeckia or the Black-Eyed Susan). The coneflower can shoot out a second round of blooms in the fall and the stems should be left up with the spent bloom intact during the winter. The center cones provide a food source for common backyard birds that will feast on the seeds—it is best to prune the stems back mid-spring.

Echinacea is among a group of ornamental plants that have been recognized as medicinal herbs. These ornamentals were traditionally used by the Native Americans and are now widely recognized by modern herbalists. Of all the species of Echinacea, the purple coneflower is probably the most studied for its medicinal properties. Native Americans used it as a cure-all herb but it has been used as a short term cold treatment as well has an immune system booster. Recently researchers have found that it shows chemopreventive potential by inhibiting tumor growth and pain chemicals. As the research progresses, it is said that the purple coneflower shows promise as an adjunct treatment for cancer!

https://vitanetonline.com/forums/1/Thread/1840

http://www.prairienursery.com/store/native-plants/purple-coneflower-echinacea-purpurea#.WWkeLhQ4nL8

Why Should I Have an Outdoor Kitchen?

Outdoor Kitchens: What They Can Do For You and Your Property

By: Lauren M. Liff for Dabah Landscape Designs

There is no better way to spend a warm summer night than dining with friends and family on a beautiful stone patio, surrounded by the delicious smells of a home-cooked meal. Having an outdoor kitchen will let you do just that! Of course, you might ask, “Why spend the money on an outdoor kitchen?” The answer: An outdoor kitchen is a great investment, and one you will enjoy for many years to come.

The first (and most popular) reason for adding an outdoor kitchen is that it instantly converts a ho-hum backyard space into a breath-taking cooking and entertainment center. Imagine what it would be like to mingle with guests outdoors while dinner is on the grill, the sides are simmering on the stovetop, there’s more than enough space to move around, and the cook won’t have to miss out on all the fun!

Also, did you know that an outdoor kitchen could increase your property’s value? Experts agree that a homeowner who installs an outdoor kitchen can expect a return on investment from a low of 70% to a high of almost 200% percent. And that makes sense. Stainless steel grills and other modern outdoor appliances are easy to clean, and able to withstand the changing outdoor temperatures. So, your new kitchen will serve you well for many years and add to your property’s value, if—and when—you decide to sell. 

Often, the first thing that comes to mind when considering an addition is the disruption (and mess) that comes with construction. For an outdoor kitchen, the transformation takes place, well, outdoors. Building an outdoor kitchen gives you that desired extra living space by using the room you already have on your back patio. Outdoor kitchens can lead to quicker cleanups and healthier lifestyles. Strong cooking odors will no longer fill your home, and grilling beats frying any day because there’s no batter coating or dripping grease.

Everyone likes to save money, right?  Well, did you know that an outdoor kitchen may help you cut your utilities bills? When you cook up a storm inside, the temperature rises, causing air conditioning to work harder than it should. Cooking outdoors will help you save on energy consumption. Want to hold on to even more money? Having your own outdoor oasis may slash your restaurant budget, too; you can enjoy a “night out” experience in your own backyard and keep your wallet in your pocket.

When you consider the decision to build an outdoor kitchen, it’s clear to see that the pros greatly outweigh the cons. Building an outdoor kitchen truly is an investment and will prove to be more rewarding than costly. The design can be customized to your budget and your needs. When your project is completed, you can sit back, relax, and congratulate yourself on a decision well made. 

https://learn.compactappliance.com/benefits-of-outdoor-kitchen/

Crocosmia: Bulb Planting & Care

Crocosmia: The Sword Lily

By: Lauren M. Liff for Dabah Landscape Designs

The Crocosmia got its name from the Greek words krokos meaning “saffron” and osme meaning “odor”. Saffron is a spice typically derived from the Crocus when immersed in hot water. The Crocosmia gives off a fragrance that resembles that of saffron, so the name makes perfect sense. There are many varieties of Crocosmia out there but my personal favorite is known as ‘Lucifer’ (featured in the images accompanying this article). With its bright red flowers, its no wonder how this plant got its name!

A Member of the Iris family, the Crocosmia is Originally from South Africa however has proven to be hardy for zones 5 to 9. This phenomenal specimen forms sword shaped foliage surrounding tall stems adorned with amazingly bright blooms. Other varieties of Crocosmia (also known as Montbretia) come in a wide range of reds, oranges and yellows. The beautiful funnel shaped blooms also give off a delicate fragrance which is enhanced when the flower is cut and dried.

When it comes to planting Crocosmia in your landscape, keep in mind that it prefers full sun and slightly acidic soil that is well drained. The corms (similar to bulbs) should be planted in the early spring (before April 15th) and should be typically planted 5 to 10 bulbs per square foot - 6 to 8 inches apart for a border or 15 to 20 centimeters when used as a massing plant. Crocosmia will bloom in May or June; newly planted bulbs do sometimes wait till the following season to show flowers (however planting them properly and in the right area will promote more vigorous blooming). When planted as a massing plant, Crocosmia is able to show off its true potential but also works well as a back border in a perennial garden.

Aside from its unique look this interesting plant will bloom all summer long and proves to be drought tolerant once established. Other advantages of this beauty are the fact that it is disease and deer resistant which is exactly what we need in New Jersey! This plant is also a pollinator favorite, by attracting humming birds, butterflies and other pollinators – the Crocosmia helps the environment by combating epidemics such as colony collapse disorder. This exotic looking plant makes a great addition in any landscape and adds a wonderful flare of color throughout the entire summer! For more information take a look at the links listed below.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/bulbs/crocosmia/crocosmia-bulb-care.htm

https://www.gardenia.net/guide/learn-how-to-plant-and-care-for-your-crocosmia

Allium Schubertii: Ornamental Onion That Looks Like Fireworks

Allium Schubertii -- What's in a Name?

By Sue Broderick for Dabah Landscape Designs

There are various common names for this plant, but none refer to what is clearly its most striking feature. That is, because the flower head and seed head look like fireworks exploding, if I were to have the honor of naming the plant, I would include "fireworks" in the moniker. Instead, it goes by such common names as:

• Ornamental onion
• Flowering onion
• Tumbleweed onion (see below)
• Persian onion
• Schubert's onion
•  
• Plant taxonomy refers to it as Allium schubertii.  "Onion" appears in the common names because Allium is the genus name for both edible and ornamental onions.

Plant Type:  Allium schubertii is a spring bulb plant. As with other such bulbs, you must remember to plant in fall if you wish to enjoy those delightful blossoms in spring.

Characteristics of Allium Schubertii:  This ornamental onion reaches a height of 18-24 inches, with a width slightly less than that. Foliage is strap-like. The plant blooms in May in my zone 5 landscape, producing pink flowers.

But that only begins to tell the story of this remarkable plant. It's really the shape, size and structure of the flower head, rather than the color that is exceptional. It's possible for a flower head to contain 100 or more blooms. While some of those blooms (say about 50) in the flower head remain close to the center, others blossoms (another 50 or so, in my example) will be found on longer stalks that shoot out to various distances from the center.

This is the reason why the flower head is said to look like fireworks "bursting in air."

But let's talk measurements. One of mine produced a flower head forming a globe 18 inches across. Some of those longer flower stalks I mentioned were 4 inches long, others 9, still others somewhere in between those figures. A seed head succeeds this flower head and will dry of its own accord, leaving you with a highly decorative, straw-colored sphere of great complexity.

The Missouri Botanical Garden notes that a dried seed head will become disengaged from the clump and "tumble along the ground with the wind spreading seed as they go." Thus the origin of one of the common names: "tumbleweed onion." The allusion is, of course, to that classic desert plant, the tumbleweed, forever associated with Westerns. Other than my invented common name for this plant (namely, "fireworks onion"), "tumbleweed onion" is perhaps the most descriptive designation.

Planting Zones for Allium Schubertii:  I can safely recommend growing these bulbs in planting zones 5-8. I have, however, seen them listed as being even cold-hardier than that. A lot will depend on your soil: if you have a heavy soil that retains water in winter, chances of survival are decreased.

According to Anna Pavord's book on flower bulbs, they are indigenous plants in "Palestine, Syria, northern Iran, and western Turkestan." But they may become naturalized plants elsewhere, under the right conditions.

Sun and Soil Requirements:  Think about the regions to which this ornamental onion is native (see above), and that will give you a clue as to the growing conditions it likes: namely, full sun and a well-drained soil. Once established, it is a drought-tolerant perennial. In fact, it needs to be in dry soil during the summer, fall and winter to remain healthy. Planting in a loamy soil enriched with humus may result in superior growth.

Wildlife and Allium Schubertii:  A good plant to attract butterflies, Allium schubertii does not attract wildlife that you probably don't want on your land, namely deer. Like many strong-smelling specimens (remember, it is a type of onion, after all!), it is a deer-resistant plant. So far, so good. The outlook is not so sanguine, however, if you're a pet owner (see below).

Care:  The leaves of Allium schubertii are not especially attractive -- particularly during and after flowering. But resist the temptation to tidy up by cutting the leaves. Messy as they look, they are serving a purpose, taking in nutrients through photosynthesis. So let the leaves remain standing until they turn completely brown.  Divide in fall.

If you doubt the cold-hardiness of this ornamental onion in your area, mulch it to furnish winter protection.

To fertilize, you can apply compost anytime. Alternatively, you can apply a bulb fertilizer immediately after flowering, as you would with other bulb plants.

Uses in Landscaping and Beyond:   In spring Allium schubertii is spectacular enough to serve as a focal point in a planting bed of small plants. Give it plenty of space, as you do not want the foliage of other plants obscuring your view of it during its peak display time. Consequently, avoid planting it next to large plants which will swallow it up and render it an afterthought in your design -- a landscape design mistake of which I was initially guilty.

As plants that crave sharp drainage, they are useful in rock gardens.

These ornamental onions will also furnish you with good cut flowers, as they are not only stunning but boast a sturdy stem. Even better, enjoy them as dried flowers (the flower heads will dry out without any help from you and hold up quite well); but see below about taking precautions if you own cats.

Ornamental onions (plus the types that we humans eat) are considered poisonous plants for dogs and cats. Our beloved feline got into our display, playfully chewing on the seeds. Persistent vomiting ensued. $1300 later, she pulled through.

How to Start Allium Schubertii From Seed 

Commonly called tumbleweed onion, Allium schubertii is a perennial ornamental favored for its large, frilly flower heads and ease of maintenance. It grows best in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 to 9, where it is often planted in large groups to create a dramatic flower display in late spring. Tumbleweed onions grow from bulbs, which can be divided from an existing plant or started from seed. The seeds germinate reliably under warm, moist conditions, but the resulting seedlings may take up to three years to produce a mature, dividable flower bulb. Start tumbleweed onion seeds approximately eight weeks before the last spring frost.

1. Wrap the seeds in a moistened paper towel and place them inside a sealable plastic bag. Chill the seeds in the refrigerator for four weeks, remoistening the paper towel as needed.
2. Fill a 2 1/2-inch-deep greenhouse tray with seed-starting compost. Drizzle water onto the compost until it feels moderately moist throughout. Allow the excess water to drain off for ten minutes before sowing the seeds.
3. Sprinkle the seeds on the surface of the moist compost. Try to space them at least one inch apart. Cover the seeds with a scant, 1/16-inch-thick layer of compost. Press the compost with the palm of your hand. Mist it liberally with water.
4. Place the greenhouse tray on a germination mat inside a cold frame under bright, filtered sunshine. Set the temperature on the germination mat to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Moisten the compost with a spray bottle whenever the surface is nearly dry. Do not allow the compost to dry out completely.
5. Lower the nighttime temperature on the germination mat to 50 F after the sprouts emerge, which should take around four weeks. Thin the tumbleweed onion seedlings to one every 2 inches once they reach 1 inch tall.
6. Remove the germination mat four weeks after the seeds sprout. Crack open the cold frame to increase air circulation around the seedlings. Continue watering them whenever the compost feels mostly dry on the surface. 
7. Scoop out and transplant the tumbleweed onion seedlings into individual 4-inch pots filled with a mix of 3 parts potting soil and 1 part coarse sand. Grow them under light shade during their first summer outdoors. Provide each plant 1 inch of water weekly.
8. Transplant the tumbleweed onion plants into a permanent bed in fall, in mid- to late October. Choose a sunny garden bed with loamy or sandy, fast-draining soil. Group the plants together, allowing 10 to 12 inches of space between them.

http://landscaping.about.com/od/floweringbulbs/p/Allium-schubertii.htm    

 http://homeguides.sfgate.com/start-allium-schubertii-seed-65111.html

Little Titch Catmint

 Introducing “Little Titch,” also known by its proper name Nepeta Racemosa (mussinii), this little beauty is a dwarf member of the catmint family.  It is also called “Persian catmint.”

Its silvery-green foliage gives an impression of a light misty dew perpetually resting on the leaves. 

As a dwarf, it only reaches a height of up to 10 inches and a spread of slightly more.  It is not invasive as some other mints.  This is the perfect plant for your rock garden or border.  The foliage perfectly complements a stone background.

Little Titch will bloom perpetually from early to mid-spring through the fall if you deadhead it periodically.  It can handle a good trim if necessary and will rebound with more purple to blue flowers.  The plants can be divided every few years.

Plant it in a well-drained area with plenty of direct sun and it will be happy.  Once it’s established, you can ignore it and it will be just fine.  It is both drought- and salt-tolerant and does wellin USDA zones 4 to 8.

Living in northern New Jersey, I am thrilled to say that the aromatic foliage makes this plant rabbit- and deer-resistant!  It will attract plenty of butterflies and other pollenators.  The leaves are sometimes added to potpourri to improve the scent.

In olden times, parts of the plant had many medicinal uses including treatment of digestive problems, a sleep-inducer, destroying intestinal parasites and as a topical treatment for some skin issues.  

Don’t call this plant “catnip.”  While catnip is a member of the mint family, it is a distinct plant with very different growth habits than Little Titch.

With the right location, Little Titch is a plant that you will love for years!

By Susan Broderick for Dabah Landscape Designs