Spring has sprung, and I'm loving it!

Earthlings office garden with Plum in full bloom!
(Just waiting for annuals... can't wait! )

Tulips

There are many plants that make the garden sparkle this time of year.  Because we have long winters, spring flowers seem to be the most anticipated, and can be incorporated in your landscape plan.

Spring bulbs give color almost immediately once the ground begins to thaw. 

Ornamental Onion

Some favorites are grape hyacinth, daffodils, and of course tulips. Planting these bulbs in the fall will give color in the spring and fill spaces in the landscape until the perennials and shrubs start coming in.

Bonfire Cushion S

Spring color comes from perennials too. These perennials such as Cushion Spurge, Moss Phlox, Bergenia, Siberian Bugloss, Prairie Crocus, Snow Drop Anemone, and Iris really pop in the spring.

This time of year Apples and Mayday trees are in full bloom and fill the air with their sweet fragrance. Some of my favorite spring flowering shrubs are spireas. The Bridal Wreath Spirea has long arching branches covered in white blossoms. Lilacs are another spring favorite with many varieties blooming from early to late spring.

Share your spring flowers this spring on our FACEBOOK Page – Earthlings inc. – 

I would love to see what’s blooming J

Happy Gardening,

Kirsten Hironaka

It is hard to imagine those hot summer days at this time of year. When the heat does arrive, watering can be time consuming, costly and sometimes wasteful.

Water smarter by trying these simple techniques:

Install water collection systems that collect water from downspouts. There are many rain barrel options. Remember that collection is the first step and usage is the second. The more difficult the rain barrel is to use the less likely you will use it.  Having multiple water spigots and mosquito mesh are great features. Place rain barrels next to areas that might need extra watering such as planters or pots.

When choosing plants, choose varieties that will thrive in our natural environment.

Group plants that have similar watering requirements together in your landscape. If you have a water hogging plant among drought tolerant plants you end up watering to the water hogger’s needs which can be very wasteful.

Use an automatic irrigation system and even install rain sensors. Let’s face it, putting a sprinkler out on the lawn and leaving it for hours is not an effective way to water. The result is over saturated soils and runoff. Drip lines and pop up heads that produce droplets reduce evaporation and overspray. Timing the watering of lawns to stop watering just before the point of saturation is ideal because roots still need oxygen and can be stressed in constant saturation.

Water deep and less often. This will help the roots of your plants stretch to find moisture deeper rather than relying on more frequent shallow watering.

Happy Gardening,

Kirsten 

The Colors of Autumn

There’s no reason for your landscape to look sad and tired this time of year.

      If you’re like me, you may not have been able to protect some of your plants from recent frost;

 Take my Dahlia's for example  :(

Many plants in local gardens look like they've given up the ghost after a great summer.

                      If you aren't quite ready to give up, too, here are a few suggestions to add a little life to your landscape.

In flower pots, try swapping out those tender plants with frost tolerant ones, such as ornamental kale, fall  chrysanthemums, and grasses. I also like to pop a few decorative gourds in to add a little more colour and embrace the fact that it’s fall.

Many plants go unnoticed the rest of the year, but they become the star of the garden when fall sets in and they start 

showing their “true colours”. 

Some plants that really pop this time of year. Have you noticed these showstoppers ?

winged burning bush (Euonymus alatus compacta)

Staghorn sumac (Rhus typhina);

The one in my yard has just started to turn.... but turns a brilliant red when all through.

Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra)

I took this picture a few weeks back. This one sadly has no leaves anymore . The Ohio Buckeye tends to turn color early September and drop it's leaves sooner than most; but wow! 
when it turns.... it looks awesome.

 Amur maple (Acer ginnala)

Amur maple (Acer ginnala)

 Amur maple (Acer ginnala), which can be grown in tree or shrub form. This one we planted for a client and the one below is in my front yard.

I seriously wait all year in excitement :)

If your garden looks a bit under the weather, popping in some late blooming perennials helps, too. Black-eyed Susan, Autumn Joy Sedum, fall asters, and hardy mums are all great choices for fall interest.

Happy gardening,

Kirsten Hironaka

The Outdoor Fire

I lOVE the smell of roasting FOOD and the COMFORT of warming my toes near a fire during the summer.

With all the backyard fire options you can find at retailers these days, I’m convinced I’m not the only one :)




In the landscape design and construction business I have see the desire for them increase every year. A fire can draw people outside and can make a chilly night quite inviting.

If you’re planning to incorporate a fire pit in your landscape, the first thing to consider is whether your municipality allows for residential fires and what the regulations might be.

In the City of Lethbridge, you don’t need a permit for fire pits. A “fire pit” is defined as anything used for outdoor burning, such as a fire pit (permanently affixed receptacle), fireplace (enclosed receptacle with permanently affixed chimney or flue constructed of rock, brick, or other masonry), and a portable fire (fire bowls, tables, etc.).



A fire pit in Lethbridge must be 2m from a building, structure, or any other combustible material. They also need to be fully extinguished if left, not used between midnight and 8:00 a.m., and cannot be larger than 1m in size with flames no higher than 1m.

It should also be made of non- combustible material, and owners should not burn painted lumber, glue, resin, wet wood, yard waste, garbage, rubber, or plastic. The smells and harm that can come from burning these things is unpleasant and probably won’t make for very happy neighbours.

You can find more information regarding the City of Lethbridge fire bylaw in Bylaw #5431 at lethbridge.ca.

You can also decide whether you want to use gas or wood to create the fire (gas will require a city permit and inspection) and whether you want to cook food on the fire or just enjoy the warmth. This will help you choose what style of fire receptacle would work best for you.

One suggestion I make to clients is to use a portable fire, especially if you have only one patio or gathering space. Installing a permanent fire pit definitely limits your options. It’s handy to be able to move the portable fire aside when not in use to set out an extra table or two for larger gatherings.

I’m sure looking forward to cooking and gathering around the fire this summer. Have fun and be safe!

Kirsten

annuals, perennials, and more!

It’s spring! I know you’ll be ready to hit the garden centres soon.  I thought I would share some info in order to help any beginner gardeners with the trip to the garden centre.

Typically in the garden centre plants will be divided in to three main sections: trees and shrubs, perennials and annuals. There are some variables to this but knowing this will help you navigate the best.

Annuals are plants that won’t over winter here in Lethbridge. Typically you’ll find them in a covered green house sort of space at the garden centre. They may grow all year round in other places of the world but here they just can’t make it.  Annuals are typically grown to add sparkle and continuous color to the landscape. They are used to fill in planting beds or in planter pots.  They are grown for one season then taken out.

Perennials are plants that will come back every year but die down to the top of their roots (crown) over the winter. They are usually planted in the ground but sometimes I use them in pots too :)The leaves from last year typically die and can be removed either spring or late fall as they will never come back. They come up in the spring from the roots and re-grow leaves and flowers each season. Typically they will grow larger from year to year and can be divided into more plants after 3 or 4 years.

 Trees and Shrubs are plants that, not only survive the winter, but they will leaf out from where they grew in years past and continue growing from that spot. Their stems become woody and are cared for by pruning. Trees and shrubs are really the backbone of your landscape. In order to maximize the space and use of your landscape your trees and shrubs need to be carefully planned because they will live the longest and grow the largest.

As a general rule your perennials, trees and shrubs need to be hardy to a zone 3 or lower in order to grow well in Southern Alberta.  Sometimes in sheltered location you can grow zone 4 plants, but if your not sure and don’t want to take any chances, try sticking to the Zone 3 plants.   MAKE SURE to read the labels. Remember: just because they are being sold here does not mean they will grow here!

Happy Gardening!

Kirsten Hironaka

Not only should your landscape be enjoyable ...

…. it’s an INVESTMENT!

There have been many studies that show landscaping can positively impact the price of a single family dwelling.

A Clemson University study found landscaping can result in more than a 100% return on investment. The report concluded that “Homeowners wanting to increase the value of their property will do well to consider the cost-effective, return potential of quality landscaping, and to safeguard their investments by hiring licensed, professional landscape contractors to perform the work.”

 

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A professional landscape contractor should be educated and certified to help ensure that your landscape becomes a long term investment not a potential liability.  Also, The installation of 10 $100 plants from a local garden centre  selling products suitable to our local  climate will go a lot further than 100 $10 plants from a box store.

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Hardscape features such as patios, decks, fences and trees will bring a greater return on investment.  A potential buyer typically looks for landscapes that is an extension of the home, not overly cluttered and looks easy to maintain.

Spring is here! Happy Gardening,

Kirsten

illuminate your landscape

It’s the time of year when our days are short and the nights are long. Why not try landscape lighting to illuminate your home? I have seen a trend to incorporate lighting into the landscape plan because my clients can see the benefits.  Lighting can do many things for your landscape. Although the benefits this time of year are obvious, landscape lighting can be amazing in the summer too!

My top 5 list of lighting benefits:

1. It will give visitors a visible path to your front door and helps with safety during those dark nights and mornings.
2. Extends the hours you will enjoy your landscape
3. Illuminates features in your landscape such as trees, shrubs and structures
4. Creates ambience for your outdoor entertaining
5. Creatively crafted lights can be decorative features in and of themselves

There are many different styles of lights available: up-lights, wall lights, path lights and down-lights, brick lights and even lights that can be submerged in water.

To make things easy low voltage landscape lighting can be installed with a controller that allows you to set the time of day that lights turn off and on.

In recent years LED landscape lighting has been added to the lighting options. This alternative significantly reduces energy consumption without losing the great effects that lighting brings.

Planting for SPRING today!

I finally got down on my knees today and planted my bulbs.

Yes, mother nature provided me with that one last chance to get my bulbs in before winter really sets in.

Have you heard the story of the shoe maker and how he never had time to make his own shoes....

That's how I feel when it comes to gardening at my place sometimes :)

Every year I promise myself that I will find the time to get my spring bulbs planted before it really gets cold outside. BUT...... in the back of my mind, I know that I can plant those bulbs ANYTIME until the ground freezes.

Which means I am usually frantically digging them in right before the axe falls and winter begins.

Now, I cannot see into the future so I'm not saying "this is it!"......... but I have put my bulbs in TODAY!

I have planted alliums, tulips and garlic this year.

I  am  sooooo looking forward to the excitement they will bring next year!

Happy Gardening!  Brrrrrrrrr

Great Landscapes start with a Great Design

a GREAT LANDSCAPE starts with a GREAT DESIGN:

Every year in spring we receive calls into our office from new clients excited to start their landscaping.

We assure these new clients that calling “Earthlings" was the right step in to get their landscape built as we have CERTIFIED horticulturists and designers on staff.

 

At this point we get the ball rolling!

In order to have all the details ironed out we follow a process from first meeting, concept plan, estimate and contract signing. We place just as much importance on these first steps as we do the actual landscape construction.

From experience we know; a landscape that doesn't have a good plan never turns out the way the client wants or needs it to be.

 

Your enthusiasm is an asset! The sooner you start planning your landscape the better. Whether you create your own "Dream Landscape" board on Pinterest, or you create journal with magazine clippings you like, we suggest that you start the planning stage as soon as possible. It helps you avoid making those quick decisions you may regret later. Designing your landscape can be as enjoyable as designing the inside of your house and can become an extension of your home.

 

We believe that having a clear, dimensioned and detailed design is important for both parties. A great design will result in a outdoor living space for you to enjoy many years to come.

If you are thinking of creating a new or renovated landscape make sure you plan with a certified landscape designer ensuring that you have maximized your outdoor potential! 

It's amazing what you can do ...

 

Yes! Even in Southern Alberta!

 

 

Happy Gardening !

"Da Coulees”

 I just had to title this blog “Da Coulees” because of a poem a visiting student from Quebec wrote and recited to us. All I can remember about that poem really is that he kept saying “Da Coulees, Da Coulees” over and over and since then it’s been a running joke in our family!

I love the Coulees. Before I moved to Lethbridge I looked forward to visiting my grandparents who lived on the edge of the coulees; we would explore in them for hours.

Every year the Helen Schuler Nature Centre organizes a coulee clean-up that anyone can participate in.

We love participating in this event with our staff at earthlings.  Judging by the the nature of our work, it's obvious that we enjoy leaving a space looking better than when we arrive. So a coulee-clean up is really just another way we get to do this. Plus, it was so refreshing to walk out into the coulees with out yellow bags in hand to clean- up things.

I think everyone was enjoying it as much as I was! I could tell by the smiles on their faces :)

It was the first sunny day after it had rained so everything seemed so fresh and vibrant, and I couldn’t help but get excited as I saw the many spring flowers coming alive on the walk.
The first plant I saw in bloom was a Prairie Smoke –‘Geum triflorum’













Then I saw some Moss Phlox – ‘Phlox hoodii’ showing off its new spring blossoms.  Moss Phlox is pretty short and grows in small clusters so if your not paying attention you might miss it.








And the delight of the day I saw  some Prairie Crocus –‘Pulsatilla patens ssp.multifida’ blooming along the North facing side of the coulee.

 I think it's pretty obvious that I became a little too caught up in all the plants. It came to a point where people started to tease me, saying that I needed to pull my weight …HaHa.

But then I noticed how beautiful the rose hips from last year were still hanging on the branches and they looked so red and colorful!  I just had to take a picture of this too……

Along our walk (oops… did I say that? I meant, during the 'clean-up'.) I spotted some sort of wood that looked like an animals face. As I walked closer it really was some sort of animal but it blended so well into the surroundings. 

Then It moved! It stood and stared at me waiting to see what I was going to do. That was about as close as I needed to come to that Coyote!










We collected a lot of junk from our clean-up. There were mostly bottles, milk jugs, and the sort collected, which I think is pretty sad, considering the availability of recycling we have around here. Brittany and Carol got the prize for the biggest find (Which they drug up from the bottom of the coulee I might add!)




Here we are with all of our loot. And here is Nathan who we couldn’t find (and almost forgot!) because he was so determined to “get that last little piece of garbage”.

We ended off our cleaning spree with a quick tidy down our road that usually is adorned with random plastic bags and other sorts of stuff.

Today reminded me that it doesn’t take much to care the beautiful place we live. I also want to take a little time out to explore our unique coulees more often.


Happy Gardening!

I just thought I would post this for anyone who might have a chance to pop into the YWCA

May 18

For LUNCH

(12:05-12:50)

It's only $5.00 and proceeds will help benifit the wonderful programs YWCA has to offer.

Come and JOIN US!

Landscape Tour 2012

Hey! Earthlings is having a landscape tour - May 26, 2012 10:00am- Starting at one of our most recent projects at The Galt Museum. Meet on the S. Patio where I will speak on sustainable and attractive landscaping. Then take a self guided tour of places we have landscaped in Lethbridge. This will be great for people looking for a company to renovate or install a new landscape or even to just get ideas and enjoy seeing some beautiful gardens and craftmanship. Hope to see you there!

To Tree or Not To Tree?

This really is the question! Well ….at least it's the question I get asked a lot by the clients of Earthlings. I don't know how or when, but somehow along the way, trees have really got a bad reputation and some of my clients really don’t want them. Perhaps it is because those cute poplars and spruce trees we planted years ago are now 30+ feet tall and encroaching on sidewalks, houses, waterlines, and views. For some, it’s because they don’t want to rake up those messy leaves and needles. For others, it’s because they really don’t see the value on having one. Whatever the reason I definitely see a trend to not put trees in a landscape.

In defense of trees this is what I share with my clients:

• In the past, there was not a large selection of nursery trees available for the Lethbridge landscape. Today, this is not the case. For example, gone are the days where the Colorado Blue Spruce (55’x 16’) was your only option if you wanted an evergreen in your landscape construction. Now you can find new varieties of this well known tree in most garden centers.  The Fat Albert is a shorter version that grows only 40’ tall. The Columnar Blue Spruce (20’x5’) is more narrow and short for those hard to plant spaces. I really like to Hoopsii Spruce (40’x 7’) which grows somewhat irregular branches and has a unique look. There is even the Globe Blue Spruce (5’6”x8’) or the Creeping Blue Spruce (1’6” x 8’) which are shrub forms of their parent.  
• A good landscape design can help you avoid planting trees that will not suit the size or environment of your landscape. No longer should we be planting N.W. poplars in our backyard.  There are so many other smaller ornamental trees to choose from that will suit the scale of our smaller residential yards. 
• Trees can be helpful in framing or blocking a view. By using the canopy of an Elm, I have helped to bring framework to a landscape by telling the eyes where to look, rather than not knowing where to focus. For example, you could use a tree to screen the view of your neighbor’s R.V.! 

• Trees are also of value if you are talking purely from the economical standpoint.  Deciduous trees can really help keep a house cool in summer and warm in winter (Saving $$$ for heating and cooling). If planted on the south and west sides of the house they will block out those hot summer rays and allow the low sun to penetrate in winter. 
• I have also seen the value of property rise significantly based on trees. Here is an example: Before Parkside Drive was created (the North Side Street of Henderson Lake) There was vast prairie.  The beautiful Japanese Gardens and Henderson Lake Park were created, and houses were constructed to capture the view.  The houses for these lots are now getting old and dated but they are the most highly sought after properties. Not for the house (they typically are torn down or renovated) but for the landscape. If you don’t plant trees, your neighbourhood will look exactly the same tomorrow as it does today.  Is that want you want? I know that is not what tomorrow’s buyer wants. 
  

More things to love about trees:
They are homes for birds, habitats for animals, produce organic matter, are natural weed suppressors, and are a great place to play!  I am sure you can add more to this list.
Oh… and those of you who don’t want to rake up leaves I hope I have convinced you somewhat that it might be worth it! Besides, we all know in Lethbridge it’s not our leaves to worry about but our neighbours.

Here’s hoping we all take time to sit under a tree on a hot day this summer!

Happy Gardening!

Kirsten