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NEWS

Bite Back: Here’s How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes in Your Yard (Originally published by Redfin)

8/10/2022

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As soon as the weather warms up, everyone wants to be outside. Unfortunately, so do the mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are small, fly-like insects known for their ability to bite and draw blood. These insects are found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world and typically breed near the standing water in your backyard. Whether you’re renting an apartment in Durham, NC, or own a home in Fresno, CA, if you want to enjoy your patio or yard without being bitten, we’re here to help. Check out our tips to make your yard mosquito-free.

First, determine what’s attracting mosquitoes to your yard 
Different mosquitoes are attracted to different things. Some common attractants include standing water, sweet scents, and heat. Some mosquitoes come from stagnant water that is not moving, such as puddles, ponds, or marshes. Other mosquitoes come from rivers, lakes, or other moving water sources.

How to get rid of mosquitoes in your yard
Eliminate mosquito breeding sites: standing water
The best way to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds is to remove standing water from the area. This can be done by draining any pools of water, filling in any depressions in the ground that holds water, and making sure that there is no standing water around the perimeter of your home. This includes any containers that are holding water, such as buckets, planters, pet water bowls, or children's toys. If you have a swimming pool, make sure to keep it chlorinated.

Use mosquito dunks to treat standing water 
According to a landscape design studio in Portland, OR, Celilo Gardens, “Many homeowners have water features in their gardens. Some water features have re-circulating pumps which keep mosquito larvae from growing because moving water doesn’t allow the larvae to breathe. But some water features are ponds or simply decorative pots of standing water with no water circulation.” That’s where mosquito dunks come in. A mosquito dunk is a donut-shaped, slow-release tablet that contains a natural larvicide. Placing it in standing water kills mosquito larvae for up to 30 days. The number of dunks you will need will depend on the size and depth of your water features or pond and the mosquito population in your area. However, as a general guide, it’s recommended to use 1-2 mosquito dunks for every 100 square feet of pond surface area.
“Mosquito dunks which can be purchased at nurseries, work and do not harm wildlife or pets,” says Celilo Gardens.  “And as for those who have ponds in their landscapes with no water circulation, the answer could also be Mosquitofish. These are small fish that feed on mosquito larvae. In Oregon, Multnomah County residents can get free mosquitofish from May 15 - August 30.”

Repel mosquitos with plants and essential oils  
Certain plants and herbs can act as mosquito repellents. “Some of these include citronella, marigolds, and lavender, says Brooks Pest Control. “You can also try using essential oils like lemon eucalyptus or tea tree oil as a natural mosquito repellent.”
Landscaping and design-build company Design Scapes recommends trying an herb garden. “Planting herbs in containers around your garden, deck, or patio seating can create a natural mosquito-free zone. Many common herbs are excellent mosquito repellents, as they contain natural essential oils that bugs can’t stand. These herbs include basil, lemongrass, mint, sage, rosemary, and lemon thyme. An added perk - many of these are excellent in the kitchen.”

Attract natural predators to your yard  
One approach to reducing the mosquito population in your yard is to encourage natural predators like dragonflies. Dragonflies are especially effective at reducing mosquito populations.
High Quality Landscape Services shares, “One way to encourage dragonflies is to build a rain garden, which are curved-in beds of perennials that absorb water effectively and can add value to your property. Installing a rain garden in your yard is a proactive way to prevent mosquitoes from re-populating, reduce landscape maintenance, and improve property aesthetics.”
Deeply Rooted Landscapes adds, “One of the most effective, enjoyable, and chemical-free ways to get rid of mosquitos in your yard is to invite the animals who prey upon them to help you. Dragonflies, birds, salamanders, bats, and frogs consume mosquitos as part of their diets. Attract these species to your yard by planting lots of native plants that are indigenous to your location. When we plant native plants, we create a habitat for the wildlife around us, and they pay us back with mosquito control, beauty, and so much wonder - your yard is a habitat.”

Install mosquito nets to keep the bugs away from sitting areas
If you have a screened porch or gazebo, mosquito nets can keep you safe from bites. These can be found online or in stores and easily hung from any structure. Be sure to tuck the edges in so the mosquitoes can’t get in.

Target mosquitoes without harming pollinators
There is no surefire way to kill mosquitoes without harming pollinators. However, there are some things you can do to reduce the impact on pollinators.  Consider using mosquito traps, natural remedies, or other physical barriers to keep them away. Growing your habitat will naturally encourage species that prey on mosquitoes. You don’t want to harm other insects that are vital to your garden in the process.

Enjoy your mosquito-free backyard
There is no single answer to getting rid of mosquitoes in your yard. You need a multifaceted approach to effectively address the problem. Start by eliminating mosquito breeding sites, using mosquito repellents, and installing protective screens. If you are still experiencing bugs and bites, you can contact your local mosquito control district to see if they offer any services or products that can help.
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More articles on backyard design and maintenance:
What is a Trellis? How You Can Take Your Garden to New Heights
Backyard Theater: Everything You Need for Movie Nights Under the Stars
How to Detract Pests and Wildlife From Your Home This Spring
 
Originally published by Redfin


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Organic (Sustainable) Gardening – Article

5/17/2022

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POSTED BY CELILO / NEWS
This article I found on a site called “Lotusland” It expresses Organic Gardening (or sustainable gardening) in very clear terms with Four Basic Principles. Thank you Lotusland!
 
 https://www.lotusland.org/greengarden/building-sustainable-gardens/

Four Basic Principles

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Bee on a Borage flower (Borago officinalis) in one of 11 Lotusland insectaries
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It is 7:00 in the morning, and one of Lotusland’s gardeners has opened a bag of organic fertilizer containing alfalfa, kelp, fish and soybean meals that he will apply to the soil in his garden area. The label reads of crude protein, fat and other food measures. It sounds like health food and that’s exactly what it is—health food for soil organisms. Garden soil is not inert. It teems with life, and nurturing a rich soil biodiversity through the application of organic compounds is the cornerstone to building a sustainable garden. The list of organic products needed or a sustainable garden isn’t long. Compost, mulches, organic fertilizers and some insect attracting plants will do the job. However, there are several key principles to successful sustainable gardening.

PRINCIPLE #1:  FEED THE SOIL ORGANISMS AND
THE SOIL ORGANISMS WILL FEED THE PLANTS

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Organic Perennial Landscape Mix from Island Seed & Feed in Goleta
 
Soil organisms feed on organic compounds in the soil, breaking down and releasing nutrients the plants need but cannot extract from the soil themselves. A healthy soil food web of organisms breaking down organic matter into a form available for nutrient uptake by plants’ roots improves the fertility of the soil and the vigor of the plants. Chemical (inorganic) fertilizers can feed a plant temporarily, but only organic compounds can build soil biodiversity and maintain nutrient levels evenly throughout the growing season, while also suppressing plant diseases. Applied generously once or twice a year, organic products build soil biology in a way no chemical fertilizer can. In fact, chemical fertilizers can sterilize your soil by killing the soil organisms.

PRINCIPLE #2: BUILD A ROBUST INSECT ECOLOGY FOR BIOLOGICAL CONTROL OF PESTS

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Insectary with borage, calendula, wild mustard and poppies.

Increasing the number and variety of insects in the landscape may seem counterintuitive, but providing a habitat for beneficial insects will help control invasions of plant pests. Native plants are especially good at attracting beneficial insects and providing them with habitat and the quality and quantity of pollen and nectar the beneficial insects need for part of their life cycle. A diverse planting of natives will attract predatory insects to help protect the garden, as well as provide a food source for other garden protectors (like birds, lizards and spiders) and pollinators (like bees, butterflies and birds).


PRINCIPLE #3: GIVE UP THE CHEMICALS

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Jason prepares a mixture of compost tea for the fern garden.

Chemical pesticides kill both pest and beneficial insects indiscriminately, so even a small dose of pesticides will ruin a sustainable garden’s biological balance and biodiversity advantage. Even the drip from pesticides sprayed on plants will contaminate the soil and kill soil organisms. Compost teas applied as foliar sprays help suppress fungal diseases and increase plant vigor, so if the plants are attacked by pests, they can outgrow the infestation.


PRINCIPLE #4: USE COMPOST AND MULCHES IN THE LANDSCAPE

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Corey Welles working a rich organic compost into the soil.
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Compost worked into the soil is an excellent natural amendment that improves soil conditions by feeding and increasing soil organisms and increasing soil moisture retention. Organic mulches applied as a top dressing suppress weeds, prolong soil moisture, help control erosion and improve soil conditions as they break down over time.

A sustainable (Organic) garden with complex ecological relationships among the various characters in the biological system is more robust and less vulnerable to the stresses we may place on it. Garden maintenance practices like shearing plants, raking soil, blowing leaves and walking through garden beds and on lawns can suppress the natural processes functioning in a healthy garden. Any negative input can echo throughout a sustainable system and require time to repair. All landscapes, no matter how they are used or maintained, can be improved over time by following sustainable (organic) principles.
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Drought Tolerant Plantings and Strategies - Article

5/16/2022

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POSTED BY CELILO / NEWS
As climate change becomes an increasingly prevalent issue, water is becoming a treasured and sometimes fought over resource. Therefore drought tolerant gardens are growing to be more of a necessity than a trend. 
 
Drought tolerant plantings once thought of as dry (or xeriscape), sparse, gravelly and full of prickly succulents.  But that definition has evolved to mean drought tolerant gardens that are full of shrubs, perennials, trees and ornamental grasses which are thoughtfully selected, deep rooted plants with low water needs.  
 
Once a drought tolerant landscape is established, usually 3 years or so after planting, its water requirements become minimal. In the Pacific Northwest because most of our rainfall is in the autumn, winter and spring, an established drought tolerant landscape will be fine watering it every 2-3 weeks in the summer (providing temperatures are not above 90 degrees for extended periods of time).
 
When planting a low water garden, it is essential to have well-drained soil because typically, low water plants do not like to have their feet wet.  In the Portland OR area there is an abundance of clay soil, so it is important to amend with sand or clean ¼”-10 gravel to improve the drainage and keep the soil friable.  This strategy might seem like a “heavy lift” but a landscape will only thrive when the soil is compatible with the plants selected for the site.
 
This is a Portland landscape which was planted perhaps 9-10 years ago.  It is bursting with plant life and receives little to no water except the rain which falls on it.        
 
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Native Plants – Article

5/16/2022

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POSTED BY CELILO / NEWS
As a landscape designer, I have had many clients begin our first meeting with a list of wants for their new garden which, more often than not, include native plants in the mix.  So in an effort to educate I want to weigh in on expectations and the reality of using natives as well as raise some questions about what is a native.
 
Expectations: Most people have several unfounded beliefs that using natives will:
  • Reduce the amount of maintenance they will have to do in the garden. 
  • Natives require less water than hybrid plants. 
  • Natives are better for attracting pollinators.
 
So let’s take these beliefs one at a time. 
 
Do natives actually reduce the amount of maintenance?
The answer…That depends. It depends on whether you are planting native plants in exactly the same environment as they are found in Nature or are you stretching it a bit and planting these plants in a somewhat similar environment.  For instance, IF you are lucky and have a true woodland environment (full to partial shade with deep duff and friable soil and moist water conditions) then native woodland plants (once established) should be happy.  However, IF what you really have is just a shady spot? Native woodland plants will not thrive well and to help them to grow will require more maintenance (and more water). 
 
Native plants require less water than hybrid plants. 
The answer….Not necessarily. That depends upon the plant. Native plants which are naturally found in dry areas are adapted to exist with less water.  BUT there are loads of native plants which have medium to high water requirements to live well.  Therefore pulling away water even once they are established, will stress them and the plant will struggle or eventually the plant will die.   
 
Native plants are better for attracting pollinators. 
Answer….Not all natives are good for pollinators.  Some native plants, milkweed (aka Asclepias syriaca) for example, does attract the Monarch Butterfly while other cultivars of milkweed, though more attractive, are not as effective attracting the Monarch. And then there are other native plants like Snowberry (aka Symphoricarpos) which, although it has white berries, does not attract birds or pollinators and has a thin, rangy habit.  So if the native Snowberry is a dud of a plant, why use it?  Why not use a Snowberry cultivar like Hancock Coralberry or Marleen Snowberry (pictured below) which like the native plant does not get birds or pollinators excited but overall is a more attractive plant.
 

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Think Like Fire – Firescaping or Designing Landscapes for Fire Resistance -- Article

5/16/2022

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​POSTED BY CELILO / NEWS
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Over the last few years, it seems summers are getting hotter and fire season is extending for months longer.  Living in an urban environment is not always protection against a wildfire as Santa Rosa CA and Talent OR residents learned too well and so painfully. 
To design a landscape which is wildfire resistant – that is fire resistant is not fire proof because in the end everything burns — You must first, think like fire. So instead of beginning this article with a list of plants, you need to know more about how fire acts, the conditions that fuel it and strategies about how to manage it.

 
What is Firescaping?  This is a relatively new term born from the ashes of the wildfires we have experienced over the last few years. My own definition is designing, planting and maintaining a landscape to resist a wildfire, keeping in mind that everything will ultimately burn.
Why talk about creating fire defensible landscapes in an urban environment? The famous Eagle Creek Fire in the Columbia Gorge in Sept. of 2017 was a wildfire in the wilderness.  However, the Santa Rosa wildfire in California and the wildfire which burned the town of Talent Oregon to the ground were not fires in the wilderness.  They were wildfires in areas called the Wildland-Urban Interface.  
Residents of Santa Rosa, CA and Paradise CA and our own Overlook Neighborhood in Portland (Fire Aug. 2017) discovered even urban living environments can be at risk too. No matter if there’s a fire hydrant at the street.
 
In 2020 you may remember the Beechie Creek Fire which threatened Salem, Oregon, The Riverside Fire in Clackamas, Oregon, The Lionshead Fire in Jefferson County, Oregon and South Obenchain Fire which impacted Ashland, Talent and Phoenix, Oregon.  Those wildfires leveled 2800 structures. There were nearly a dozen fires in all.  State wide, 10 people died and 1,000,000 acres burned.  
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​What is Wildland-Urban Interface?
  It is land at the edge of a wildland (neighborhoods like Oaks Bottom, Johnson Creek, Sullivan’s Gulch) or near a wild urban park (Forest Park, Mt. Tabor, Rocky Butte and Powell Butte) which could be impacted by fire as easily as in a rural area.
These areas are becoming known as the “Wildland-Urban Interface” by planners and fire professionals.

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First, think like fire… basic facts:
Wildfires are dependent on 3 things --- fuel, terrain and weather.
Fuel equals combustible materials like, wood siding, cedar shakes and composition roofs, dry or dead plants and a thick understory.  
Terrain like steep hillsides, ravines, any place which is difficult to reach and deeply forested or dry, wild, grassy lands.
And Weather which is a threat is low humidity and high temperatures combined with wind.
 
Realize that:   
  1. A Fire which burns fast is hottest and hardest to control. 
  2. A Fire which burns vertically (up a hill or a ravine) moves very fast.
The goal is to keep a wildfire low and slow moving so there is time to control it.
 
Topography has an impact on wildfires:  If a property sits at the top of a hill or a bluff or a ravine, as view properties often do, it is at risk when a fire starts at the bottom of the slope because fire will race up the vertical surface. 
 
Wind drives wildfires.  Understand which direction of the prevailing winds come from in the summer and early fall, that is to say, during fire season. In the Portland area, summer winds blow out of the north-northwest and in the fall, they are typically out of from the east. 
Therefore, if a property is at the edge of a Wildland-Urban Interface, downwind and at the top of a slope that property is seriously at risk.
 
Landscape Design Considerations:
  • Use hardscape near the house and structures to create firebreaks. (paths of gravel, river rock or concrete, driveways, patios)
  • By incorporating pools, ponds and water features into landscapes, they can provide additional water in an emergency IF the water can pumped to where it is needed, when it is needed without electricity.
  • Plant a meadow around the house 20’-50’ deep and keep it irrigated.
  • Avoid using combustible mulch (wood chips, sawdust, leaf mulch) near structures which can smolder for a long time and then erupt.  Instead make use of river rock and gravel mulch or decomposed granite which is not combustible and will keep weeds down and foundations dry. 
  • Plan to have multiple hose bibs around the property for quick hookups and the even distribution of water.  This is a good strategy so it isn’t necessary to fully irrigate the whole property but in an emergency the perimeter areas or particularly dry areas can be wet down.
  • Use fire resistant plantings. OSU has published a Guide of Fire-resistant Plant list and List of High Fire Risk Plants specific to Oregon and The Spruce has a list of flammable plants which is useful as well. 
Links to these resources are:
https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/em9103
 

What determines a fire resistant vs. fire risky plant? 
A Low risk plant is one which has high moisture content in the leaves, thick broad leaves, and an open growth habit (not compact and dense).  And low risk plants are plants which are well maintained with no dead plant material.
A High risk plant is one which has a high oil or high resin content in the leaf or bark, a dense structure, low leaf moisture content, a presence of dead material, a chemical content in the sap and peeling bark.
Generally speaking, deciduous trees and plants are less flammable than conifers.
 
 
Examples of some highly flammable and common plants include:
 Algerian Ivy
Juniper   
Honeysuckle
Eucalyptus
Scotch Broom
Some of the Cypresses
Douglas Fir
Arborvitae
Rosemary
Lavender
Bamboo because of its dry, papery leaves.
Tall grasses like Maiden Grass – if not cut back when dry.
 
Planting Strategies for wildfire resistance.
Space larger plants (Shrubs and Trees) apart so fire cannot jump from canopy to canopy.  The spacing is dependent upon the mature size and growing habit of the plant. You can take clues from nature to understand the spacing of different varieties.
  • Plant large trees 50’ from houses, garages and sheds.
  • Plant smaller plants closer to structures
  • Avoid planting continuous rows or masses of fire susceptible plants. Examples might be, sweeps of Lavender or hedgerows of Juniper.  
  • Leave space between shrubs and perennial groupings to reduce a fire’s ability to spread.
 
Maintenance: Think… what does fire “eat”? And give it NO fuel.         
Limb up conifers (Doug Fir, Cedar, Hemlock, Pine, etc.) 10’- 15’ from grade and closer to 20’ above the ground with very tall trees. Low hanging branches, tall shrubs and dry grasses create fuel ladders.  Trim up branches which overhang a roof or a deck (wood or composition materials).
Keep gutters and roofs free of debris and needles. And mow meadows in the dry months or irrigate.
Well-watered landscapes are more fire-resistant than dry plantings. If you have a lawn, keep it watered and mowed in the dry months.
Removing invasives is important – Himalayan Blackberry, Ivy, Scotch Broom.  All of these plants create dense thickets and provide available fast-food for a fire. Think of a McDonalds or the Taco Bell Drive through.
Do basic, ongoing maintenance – remove dead or dying trees, fallen limbs after storms and blackberry thickets.
With large properties “fire Sprinklers” can be designed in to the landscape as part of the irrigation system at the perimeter of the property which allows owner to quickly drench the perimeter when needed.  Some sprinkler systems can be operated remotely from your phone so a vacation home can be protected even if vacant.
 
Lastly – Be One with your neighbors
Remember a property is only as defensible as the Neighbor’s property next door. Encourage neighbors to follow the same protocol as you do so one neighbor does not put all at risk.
Share the load and help to maintain everyone’s properties. Perhaps organize spring and fall clean up parties and make the work fun!
Remember…No one is an island…especially in a wildfire.  
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Japanese Garden Design PDX Style

5/16/2022

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​POSTED BY CELILO / NEWS
Having always admired the restraint and deliberateness of Japanese Gardens, during the summer of 2017 I participated in a training which took me to another level of understanding of Japanese garden design.
The Waza to Kokoro (Hands and Heart) experience is an intensive workshop for landscape design professionals put on by the Portland Japanese Garden.  It is 12 days total; 6 lecture days, 5 days of hands on work and tea ceremonies begin every morning.
Participants came from all areas of the professional landscape trade and from all over the US. Our cohort was made up of landscape contractors, landscape designers and architects, curators of other Japanese gardens and college students. We came from Illinois, N. Carolina, Washington State, California and Oregon.
The teachers and lectures were staff from the Japanese Garden, professional gardeners from Japan with their translators and scholars from the Portland community. 
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The training contributed volumes to my basic knowledge of designing through the lens of Japanese influence.  
This is an annual program which took a hiatus during the Pandemic.  Sessions are now held at both the Beginner and the Intermediate levels.  If you are interested you can contact the Portland Japanese Garden for details. 

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 When we think of Japanese landscapes we often use words like, minimal, rectilinear, clean, deliberate, calm & contemplative, green, retreat and so on.
There are 9 recognized design principals in Japanese Gardens but for the sake of space I will explore the 4 most major design principals here.

Enclosure & Entry, The Path, using Void as an accent and Balance:

If you have been to The Portland Japanese Garden in the last 5 years, you know there is a new entrance – a meandering path that takes you up the hill to the garden itself.  
This is premeditated.  It is a devise to assist the visitor to transition from daily life and the rush of the city to the tranquility of the garden at the top of the hill.  It takes time and effort to climb the path and as you rise, you metaphorically leave the busy world behind.  In Japan, gardens are designed to do the same. 

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1. Enclosure & Entry – In Japan the urban environment is very densely populated therefore gardens are framed for privacy by walls or fences to control the view and treated as a work of art.
Garden Gates are significant because each gate represents a transition point where with each passage, you leave more of the everyday world behind…Distancing yourself from the noise and stress of the city and preparing yourself psychologically to experience the garden. Usually there are 3 gates – an outer gate, a middle gate and an inner gate. Gates are also used to control views and movement. 
 
The outer gate is typically the most imposing and densely built, often roofed.  The middle gate is lighter, lower and often made of bamboo.  The inner gate is the lightest and most welcoming and sometimes is just a suggestion of a gate – in some cases it is a gate which
you could walk around rather than through. But of course no one would do that! 
 
 

2. The Path – Paths are not only for wayfinding and traffic control in a Japanese garden, they also set the cadence of motion and views of vignettes and specific garden elements.  
Traditionally there are two types of paths. Stepping stone paths that are informal are made with irregular, somewhat irregular stones which meander. And then there are more formal, rectangular, wider, elongated paths called Nobedans.
 
Stepping stone paths force the visitor to look down, pay attention to where you place your feet and slow the rate of travel.  When a large stepping stone is placed in the middle of a path of smaller stones it purposefully offers a spot to pause and view a plant or object.  OR a large stepping stone placed strategically at the intersection of 2-3 stone paths will cause the visitor to look up, pause and decide which direction to take.  
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Nobedan paths often resemble a rectangular tatami mat.  The stone used in a Nobedan is cut and fit and sometimes mortared together.  They are straight and level which lets the walker forget about foot placement and look at the surroundings and walk at a slightly faster gate.  
 
When a path is closed to visitors a Barrier Stone called a sekimori-ishi is placed in the middle of the path.  A very civilized way to signal “no entry” …
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3. Void Used As Accent – Japanese use the term “ma” to describe a defined open space or void.  It is used as punctuation, as in a pause in a dance movement or moments of silence in music or the space in a painting intentionally left empty.  It is a place for the eye to rest in a garden in the midst of a jumble of plants, textures and color.  That is “ma”.
 
Traditional gardens use dry gardens to create a void which are Raked sand or gravel gardens.  These are open landscapes perhaps punctuated with boulders or dense plants.  Pools of water create “ma” Or “ma” can be created with a carpet of moss.  In a contemporary garden this could be a stone patio with plantings at the edge OR a large pond OR the ubiquitous American lawn.  

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4. Balance – Balance in combination with “ma” are the two most important design principals which give a Japanese garden design character.  In Japanese gardens, balance is asymmetrical – no matching columns placed on either side of a gate.  Garden elements are weighted differently -- a tall narrow plant might be balanced by a low dense boulder nearby. Straight paths are used sparingly and paths tend to wander.  Groups of elements are used in uneven numbers – 3 boulders and 5 pines.
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Japanese Garden design is more than a statue of a laughing Buddha and stone lanterns.  It is the thoughtful incorporation of these 4 major design principals.
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Two books which you may find valuable if you want to learn more about Japanese Garden Design, are both by the same writer, Marc Peter Keane. Japanese Garden Design and  Japanese Garden Notes.  

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Oregonian Article – Fire Prevention Starts in the Yard

7/4/2021

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POSTED BY CELILO / NEWS
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A Hotter Trend – Digger Magazine

7/4/2021

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POSTED BY CELILO / NEWS
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High-moisture Plants can help Protect your Home

7/4/2021

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POSTED BY CELILO / NEWS
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Favorite Garden Tools

7/24/2020

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POSTED BY CELILO / GARDENING RESOURCES, LINK, NEWSThe Short List —  perfect garden hand tools
 Everyone has a short list of the tools they would not garden without.  However most of us have used trial and error when purchasing hand tools.  A bright, shiny rack of tools is sooo seductive.  Sales people can be incredibly persuasive.  A friend buys one and so you must have one too.
How many tools have you bought, tried and given away because they were just not right?  They didn’t quite fit the size of your hand or the balance was wrong for you or they were quickly lost in the garden once you laid them down because they were dirt colored or …. For whatever the reason we have all been through this.
So here I will stick my neck out and make recommendations from my personal shortlist of hand tools.  This is a list of 7 tools I consider essential.  You will find a new tool listed here weekly as a short series.  Check back in and I invite you to respond with your options as well.  (My email is bonnie@celilogardens.com)
 
#1 Tool Belt
As a relatively new gardener, I first tried hauling a canvas garden bag (complete with organizing pockets) around the garden.  It was sturdy and tough (I still have it) and very organized. But I found it was always in the wrong place when I needed it….Just out of reach containing the tool I wanted.
So I switched to a tool pocket that you thread on to our own belt.  I quickly found this was a pain to deal with when threading it on and off the belt.  And when I eventually gave up wearing belts altogether with my pants, the pocket went away.
I then bought a tool belt. Mine has its own belt of nylon webbing, a quick release snap clasp and a light weight double pocket with a nylon mesh outer layer that drains away water and dirt.  It will hold a hand trowel, a pruner, gloves and there’s loops to hang other small things from.  It is not perfect because eventually the pruner always works a hole through the mesh pocket.  But it is light weight, easy to get on and off, always within easy reach and not expensive to replace.
There are other belts out there so the real trick is to find one which fits you, does not get in the way while gardening and when fully loaded, is not too heavy.
A quick search on Amazon will present you with several garden tools belts (and aprons) which share the features I outlined above.  They vary in size so pay attention to the dimensions.  Have fun.  


#2 Pruners
Hands down my all-time favorite pruner is a Felco.  I love Felco pruners because the line is extensive (pick the ergonomic shape of your choice) and they make pruners to fit small, medium and large hands.  OMG what a novel idea? Choices!  AND you (you, not a repair shop) can replace every piece of the pruner with a new part as it ages.
I have had my #6 Felco pruners since I began to garden seriously in “1980 something”.  I’ve replaced the blades almost annually and given them a good cleaning now and then and they continue to be my “best garden buddy”.
https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/shopping?q=tbn:ANd9GcS27xAmCAgWJb6-lPr_yDboPw0FyzsjPIcxLxRaeNgfAQJIIvxuyQ&usqp=CAc
By the way because the handle grips are red plastic you never lose them in the garden. And the plastic is Phthalate free (if you don’t know what that is…here’s a link to more information: https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/supported/assets/docs/j_q/phthalates_the_everywhere_chemical_handout_508.pdf  )
 #Felco #gardenpruners #gardentools
 
#3 Loppers
Felco makes loppers as well as pruners.  They are an investment and I lust for a Felco lopper.  But currently I use a Dramm lopper because it is more affordable.  This lopper is nicely balanced and can be sharpened and it is telescoping.  The handles are a bright color so they are difficult to lose in the garden.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bfgsupply.com%2Forder-now%2F101%2Fpruners-loppers-shears%2F183367%2Fdramm-colorpoint-telescoping-lopper-blue&psig=AOvVaw0xgmpoOzXMtKrkJC52ef1z&ust=1595453002311000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAIQjRxqFwoTCICT4N2j3-oCFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD
#Felco #Dramm #gardentools #gardenloppers
 
#4 Hand trowel
Some folks swear by a Hori Hori for digging, planting bulbs, weeding, etc.  I have never used one but I’d welcome comments on the tool from those who are converts.
I use the humble hand trowel.  The only real specifications I have is the handle fit comfortably in my hand at a comfortable angle and the handle be a BRIGHT color so, like every other tool I have, it does not get lost in the garden (forget wooden handles they may be romantic but impractical).
https://www.russopower.com/media/catalog/product/cache/bf13dd4e1949de0efdf43312d8dce048/c/o/corona-ct3010-carona-comfort-hand-gardening-trowel-shovel-red-handle-garden.jpg
#handtrowel #gardentools


#5 Spade
For years I have used a poacher’s spade in place of a shovel.  The blade is narrow and long.  The wood handle is about 38-40” long.  It is short enough to be able to get over the top of it and yet sturdy enough to be able to put your weight on it without fear of it giving way.  Most people use this spade for transplanting and planting blubs…I use it for everything.
Clarington Forge makes an excellent spade worth checking out.  (Even Dan Hinkley likes this one.)    https://www.claringtonforge.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/x650/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/5/5/5514102820.jpg
#gardenspade  #poacher’sspade  #gardentools  #claringtonforge  #danhinkley


 #6 Hose
After using rubber and reinforced PVC hoses for a very long time, I grew weary of dragging a heavy, inflexible hose after me and finally hunted down a lightweight, collapsible hose.  The Pocket Hose has won my heart.  When empty of water it is light and even a 50’ hose collapses into a pile of fabric and fittings which pack into a small space.  No more struggling to coil a hose that is constantly fighting against you.  A caveat: when not in use do not keep the hose under pressure.  You are inviting an eventual blowout.
One lesson here:  There are now competitors to The Pocket Hose on the market so pay attention to the construction of the fabric which should be tough and yet flexible. And look for metal fittings not plastic which can crack and the threading on the connections can be stripped – even the Pocket Hose has a model which has plastic fittings…buy metal instead.
https://target.scene7.com/is/image/Target/GUEST_8096f51a-9ce9-4be9-a9ae-9d57ef36fb50?fmt=webp&wid=1400&qlt=80
#pockethose  #gardentools  #gardenhose


#7 Nozzle
I prefer a pistol grip nozzle with settings you can click into place rather than a nozzle that you adjust the spray by twisting the end of the nozzle.  The latter nozzle simply increases or decreases the amount of water that shoots through the nozzle which goes from a jet of water to a spray pattern.
My favorite nozzle is by Dramm.  It has 9 spray patterns to choose from shower to a flat pattern to a dribble, etc. Once again I like that the nozzle comes in bright colors which are difficult to lose in the garden and the body is metal so heat and cold do not affect it.  One slight flaw is that the handle has a wire keeper which when flipped will keep the handle in the open position so you can relax your hand when watering continuously—a great idea.  But the wire keeper easily falls off and is never to be found again.  If a fix could be found for this it would be THE perfect nozzle!
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Dramm-9-Pattern-Revolver-Spray-Gun-Nozzle/20961738?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=101007480&&adid=22222222227016781245&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=40471048592&wl4=aud-430887228898:pla-78362623592&wl5=9061079&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=140256681&wl11=online&wl12=20961738&veh=sem&gclid=CjwKCAjwx9_4BRAHEiwApAt0znwmmRdRBI28784mdathO5ORIbgcf4h78r1wUUaLzcbruPkaiDXG5RoC-2EQAvD_BwE
#Dramm #hosenozzles #gardentools
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