Laserfiche WebLink
ASPECTS - REQUISITES AND BENEFITS <br /> ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE <br /> Matching plants to their optimum habitat is the most effici- <br /> ent use of landscaping resources. Many people may wish to <br /> use non-native plants. Examples of these kinds of plantings <br /> are rock gardens, flower beds, and "lawns" consisting of <br /> herbs and clovers . The inclusion of such plants may be a <br /> matter of individual taste . However, many plants such as <br /> Tatarian honeysuckle (Lonicera tatarica ) , Norway maple (Acer <br /> platanoides ) , and periwinkle (Vinca minor ) spread so aggres- <br /> sively that they exclude the presence of many desired plants <br /> -native and non-native . This behavior is not restricted to <br /> non-native plants however, as sunflowers (Helianthus spp. ) <br /> and switch grass (Panicum virgatum) can behave in much the <br /> same manner. <br /> Attempts to establish prairie vegetation on north or east <br /> slopes can be thwarted by invasions of Kentucky bluegrass <br /> . (Poa pratensis ) and a variety of woody species, the composi- <br /> tion of which will depend on the species adjacent to the <br /> site . The prairie species will languish and be at a compet- <br /> itive , disadvantage . Community placement is arrived at by <br /> analysis of the combinations of such site factors as light, <br /> soils, and moisture . In addition, to the environmental <br /> factors influencing plant growth, the use of the site by its <br /> occupants should be considered. Some opt to retain, some <br /> mown grass for active outdoor play, while others eliminate <br /> All mown lawn . <br /> The examples below are samples of a prairie and of a wood- <br /> land planting . <br /> ,`t t <br /> �r <br />