Garden Landscaping - Thinking About Umbrella Shaped Plants In The Garden Design

One of the factors behind a successful and satisfying garden composition is the intelligent use of trees and shrubs that have a definite and clear form. A pencil thin Cypress for instance, creates a clear vertical accent, and draws the eye upwards. A contrasting effect, horizontal in nature, is created by trees that possess an umbrella, flat-topped shape. In general, plants with a strong, definite line enhance both the sense of order in the garden, and its natural feel. Umbrella-shaped plants are therefore ideally suited to small home gardens. Two fine examples that stand out for gardeners in Mediterranean climates are Delonix regia and the Silk or Mimosa tree. (Albizia julibrissin)

Delonix is only suitable for warm winter locations. It has zero tolerance of frost, and is best avoided if the winter minimums reach below 10c. However, in the right place it can be one of the most unforgettable garden treats imaginable. In the tropics, where it originates, it grows to about 12 meters in height and as much in width, although in climates with cooler winters, it has a more squat, flat shape, being very wide, but relatively low. Delonix's leaf texture is delicate and feathery, but most people are struck by the spectacular red blooms that adorn the tree in the summer, followed by the dramatic looking fruit that hang from in long pods. Delonix is not suitable for planting as a shade tree near a house, as its roots are very aggressive and invasive.

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The Silk tree cannot compare to a truly great Delonix, but as it can be grown in locations that receive light frosts, it is a far more viable option in many Mediterranean regions. Sometimes, the leading shoot has to be clipped, causing the tree to adopt the desired umbrella form. Mimosa's leaf texture, like that of Delonix, is light and feathery. It also adds color to the garden with its pin-cushion, pinkish red flowers. It associates brilliantly with Calliandra, a large shrub from the same botanical family, (Fabaceae) the latter's blooms being almost identical in color and shape. Mimosa is a slow starter tending to take a few years before growing fairly rapidly to 4-5 meters.

Garden Landscaping - Thinking About Umbrella Shaped Plants In The Garden Design

A number of shrubs and bushes can also be used for the purpose of creating a low, flat appearance. One of the best and easiest to grow in this manner is the Chaste tree, Vitex agnus-castus from West and Central Asia, or its Australian counterpart, Vitex trifolia. These plants can be limbed-up to reveal interesting branch architecture, while the tops can be pruned now and again to maintain the desired height. Furthermore, their addition to the planting scheme, strengthen the umbrella motif established by the trees.

Garden Landscaping - Thinking About Umbrella Shaped Plants In The Garden Design

My name is Jonathan Ya'akobi.

I've been gardening in a professional capacity since 1984. I am the former head gardener of the Jerusalem Botanical Garden, but now concentrate on building gardens for private home owners. I also teach horticulture to students on training courses. I'd love to help you get the very best from your garden, so you're welcome to visit me on http://www.dryclimategardening.com

Plastic Garden Storage - Thinking Outside the Box

What does the phrase "plastic garden storage" bring to mind? If you're like most people, you never think about outdoor storage at all. But maybe you're not like most people. Maybe you're one of the few who care deeply about our yards and gardens, and realize how how helpful outdoor storage can be in achieving a tidy appearance. In that case, you may be surprised to learn that sheds aren't the only type of plastic garden storage product on the market.

In fact, some of these products you might not even classify as "storage products." But that's how online retailers categorize them. And they meet my definition of a plastic garden storage product as anything that helps you keep your yard neat and organized.

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So precisely what kinds of products am I talking about? Let's start with deck boxes, which range in capacity from 50 to 127 gallons. Despite the name "deck box," these units are also great for patios. Speaking of patios, Suncast's PB6700 Patio Bench is an ingenious product that provides 44 gallons of storage, as well as a place to sit. If you don't have enough room for this bench, try its smaller cousin, the 31-gallon Suncast Mini Patio Bench. The Baby Bear of this product family is the Suncast SS1000 Storage Seat, with a capacity of 22 gallons.

Plastic Garden Storage - Thinking Outside the Box

A bit farther afield, the Suncast DCP2000 Prep Station is designed to make light work of outdoor food preparation. It's perfect for the dedicated barbecuer in your family. With two storage cabinets and 40 inches of cutting and prepping surface, it provides plenty of room to marinade steaks and fix vegetable kebabs.

One of my favorite plastic garden storage devices is the humble hose reel. This simple device eliminates kinks and tangles, while keeping your garden hose safely stowed away when you're not using it. Suncast makes several models, but my favorite is the Powerwind Hose Reel, which effortlessly reels in your garden hose with no work on your part.

It may seem like a bit of a stretch to refer to a trash container as a storage device. But I didn't want to wrap up this article without mentioning Suncast's Outdoor Trash Hideaway. It's a fancy name, but this is no ordinary garbage can. It's beige, and features faux wainscoting for an attractive appearance. It holds 30- to 33-gallon bags and the lid can be secured to keep marauding critters at bay.

As you can see from this article, your plastic garden storage options go far beyond the traditional shed. The right storage product can help you organize your yard and reduce the risk of tripping over a stray toy or garden hose. I hope this information will help you find a product that suits your needs.

Plastic Garden Storage - Thinking Outside the Box

Joshua Beidler lives in San Diego, California. He writes about Internet marketing, home and garden decor, and many other topics that catch his interest.