Introduction

Who doesn’t love a beautiful garden? But what if you could create a garden that not only looks stunning but also makes you feel calm and relaxed? That’s where pastel plants come in.

The Calming Power of Pastel Plants

Pastel plants are known for their soft, soothing colors that evoke a sense of peace and tranquility. They’re perfect for creating a garden oasis where you can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Creating a Monochromatic Color Scheme with Green Foliage

One of the easiest ways to create a calming garden is to use a monochromatic color scheme. This means using different shades of the same color. Green is a natural choice for a calming garden, as it’s the color of nature and growth.

You can use a variety of green foliage plants to create a monochromatic garden, such as:

• Hostas
• Japanese painted fern
• Heuchera
• Dappled willow
• Boxwood

Adding Delicate Pastels for a Serene Touch

While green is a great base for a calming garden, you can add pops of delicate pastels to create a truly serene atmosphere. Some pastel plants to consider include:

• Cotton Candy Bromeliad
• Siren’s Song Orange Delight Heuchera
• Flamingo Dappled Willow

Choosing Plants for Different Areas of Your Garden

When choosing plants for your pastel garden, it’s important to consider the amount of sunlight each area receives.

• Full sun: Most pastel plants prefer full sun, but there are a few that can tolerate partial shade.
• Partial shade: If you have a shady area in your garden, you can still grow pastel plants. Just choose varieties that are tolerant of low light conditions.

Creating a Tranquil Garden with Japanese Painted Fern and Heuchera

Japanese painted fern is a beautiful plant with silver-edged, blue-green fronds. It’s perfect for creating a calming atmosphere in a shady garden.

Heuchera, also known as coral bells, is another great choice for a pastel garden. It comes in a variety of colors, including pink, peach, and yellow.

You can combine Japanese painted fern and heuchera to create a stunning monochromatic garden. The silver-green fronds of the fern will provide a backdrop for the colorful foliage of the heuchera.

Adding Softness with Dappled Willow

Dappled willow is a deciduous shrub with variegated foliage that’s pink, white, and apple green. It’s a great choice for adding a touch of softness to your garden.

Dappled willow is easy to care for and can tolerate a variety of soil conditions. It’s also a fast grower, so you’ll be able to enjoy its beautiful foliage in no time.

Evergreen Varieties for a Low-Maintenance Garden

If you’re looking for low-maintenance plants for your pastel garden, consider evergreen varieties. Evergreens retain their leaves all year round, so you won’t have to worry about them losing their foliage in the winter.

Some evergreen pastel plants to consider include:

• Green Gem boxwood
• Elf mountain laurel

Conclusion

Creating a pastel garden is a great way to add a touch of tranquility to your outdoor space. By using a variety of pastel plants, you can create a garden that’s both beautiful and calming.

Deck the halls with boughs of holly! Bringing greenery indoors is a holiday tradition that has been passed down for generations. Evergreen plants, with their vibrant colors and fresh scents, add a touch of nature and festive cheer to our homes during the holiday season and beyond.

Types of Evergreen Plants for Indoor Decor

When choosing greenery for indoor decorating, opt for plants that can withstand warm indoor temperatures and dry out slowly. Some popular choices include:

• Pine
• Fir
• Cedar
• Juniper
• Boxwood
• Holly
• Ivy
• Yew
• Spruce

These plants can typically retain their freshness for up to a month if kept in a cool environment.

Greenery Decor Ideas

Incorporating fresh greenery into your holiday decor is a simple and creative way to add a touch of nature to your home. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Swags and Garlands: Create festive swags and garlands by wrapping greenery around wire or sturdy cord. You can also embellish them with pinecones, nuts, dried flowers, or ribbons.

Wreaths: Wreaths add a touch of elegance to any door or wall. Use a Styrofoam base or florist’s foam to make your own wreaths and decorate them with greenery, pinecones, and other embellishments.

Centerpieces: Table centerpieces are a great way to bring the outdoors in. Arrange greenery in a bowl or vase, or wrap it around a foam ball to create a charming evergreen ball, also known as a “kissing ball.”

Safety Guidelines for Using Evergreen Plants Indoors

While evergreen plants are beautiful and festive, it’s important to use them safely indoors:

• Avoid harvesting evergreen plants until you’re ready to use them.
• Keep greenery away from sunny windows, heating vents, candles, and fireplaces.
• Use only cool LED bulbs if you want to weave lights through the greenery.
• Check the greenery regularly and discard any sections that are dropping needles or turning brown.
• Mist the greenery lightly every day to help it stay fresh and green.
• Be aware that some evergreen plants, such as mistletoe, crown of thorns, yew, and holly, can be toxic to children and pets.

Trimming Evergreen Plants for Indoor Use

If you’re harvesting evergreen plants from your own yard, be mindful of the plant’s health. Trim selectively and never cut more than one-third of the plant or a single branch. If you’re unsure about how to trim evergreens, you can always purchase sprigs or boughs from garden centers or nurseries.

Creative DIY Gift Ideas Using Evergreen Plants

Evergreen plants can also be used to create unique and thoughtful DIY gifts. Consider making:

• Evergreen wreaths adorned with pinecones and ribbons
• Greenery swags embellished with dried flowers and berries
• Evergreen balls wrapped with twine and decorated with small ornaments
• Gift baskets filled with greenery and other holiday treats

Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects for the Fall and Winter

For more inspiration and creative ideas for using evergreen plants indoors, check out our latest eBook, “Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects for the Fall and Winter.” This eBook features a variety of projects, including:

• How to make a festive evergreen centerpiece
• Step-by-step instructions for creating a stunning evergreen wreath
• Creative ideas for embellishing greenery with natural materials
• Tips for safely using evergreen plants indoors
• And much more!

By downloading our eBook, you can not only enhance your indoor holiday decor but also support two amazing charities that are working to provide food for those in need. Click here to learn more.

Introduction

Buxus sempervirens Fastigiata, commonly known as Fastigiata boxwood, is a popular ornamental shrub prized for its narrow, conical shape and versatility in the landscape. Whether you’re looking to create a formal hedge, a solitary specimen plant, or a topiary masterpiece, Fastigiata boxwood is an excellent choice.

Growth Characteristics

Fastigiata boxwood is a slow-growing evergreen shrub that can live up to 40 years or more with proper care. It is hardy in USDA zones 6 to 8 and adapts well to container living. Unlike other boxwood varieties, Fastigiata has an upright growth pattern that resembles a tree, with multi-stemmed branches that retain dense foliage from the ground up. Untrimmed, these shrubs develop a pyramid shape with a mature size of 10 to 12 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide.

Foliage

Fastigiata boxwood boasts attractive, glossy, oval leaves that emerge bright green and mature to a characteristic dark blue-green hue. In northern climates, the foliage may turn bronze due to harsh weather conditions. New foliage is particularly susceptible to cold damage.

Planting and Care

Fastigiata boxwood prefers sunny to partly sunny locations, but it can tolerate some shade. It adapts well to slightly acidic or slightly alkaline soils but requires well-drained conditions. Avoid planting in low-lying areas or areas with poor drainage, as this can lead to root rot.

Water your Fastigiata boxwood regularly, especially during periods of drought. Supplemental watering may be necessary to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.

Pruning

Fastigiata boxwood responds well to pruning, making it suitable for various landscaping applications. You can prune it to maintain a formal hedge, shape it into topiary forms, or simply remove dead or damaged branches. Pruning also helps to promote bushier growth.

Benefits

Fastigiata boxwood offers several benefits for gardeners:

• Versatile: Can be used for hedges, specimens, topiary, and bonsai.
• Evergreen: Provides year-round interest in the landscape.
• Slow-growing: Requires minimal maintenance.
• Hardy: Tolerates a wide range of climates and conditions.
• Heat tolerant: Can withstand hot, dry summers.
• Drought tolerant: Can survive periods of low rainfall.
• Deer and rabbit resistant: Unpalatable to these common pests.
• Pollution tolerant: Thrives in urban environments.

Uses in Landscape Design

Fastigiata boxwood is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of landscape designs:

• Hedges: Formal hedges can define property lines, create privacy screening, or add structure to a garden.
• Specimen plants: Solitary Fastigiata boxwood shrubs can serve as focal points in the landscape or accentuate entryways.
• Topiary: The dense foliage and upright growth habit of Fastigiata boxwood make it ideal for topiary, allowing you to create unique and eye-catching shapes.
• Bonsai: With proper care and training, Fastigiata boxwood can be grown as a beautiful and miniature bonsai specimen.

Conclusion

Fastigiata boxwood is a versatile and low-maintenance evergreen shrub that adds beauty and functionality to any landscape. Its narrow, conical shape, attractive foliage, and adaptability make it a popular choice for gardeners of all levels.

Introduction

Boxwood, also known as Buxus sempervirens, is a versatile evergreen shrub that has been prized for centuries for its use in hedging, topiary, and formal gardens. Despite recent challenges from pests and diseases, boxwood remains a popular choice for gardeners due to its adaptability and ease of care. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to successfully grow and maintain healthy boxwood plants.

Varieties of Boxwood

There are several varieties of boxwood available, each with its own unique characteristics:

• Common Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens): The most common type of boxwood, known for its small, dense leaves and compact growth habit.
• Golden Triumph (Buxus microphylla ‘Golden Triumph’): A hardy cultivar with smaller, yellow-green leaves that add a touch of color to the landscape.
• Suffruticosa (Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’): A dwarf variety with a slow growth rate, making it ideal for low hedging and topiary.
• Blauer Heinz (Buxus sempervirens ‘Blauer Heinz’): A slow-growing variety with bluish-green foliage, perfect for hedging and topiary balls.
• Rocket (Buxus sempervirens ‘Rocket’): A fast-growing variety with a narrow, upright habit, suitable for taller hedging.
• Elegans (Buxus sempervirens ‘Elegans’): A variegated variety with creamy-silvery bordered leaves, adding a touch of elegance to your garden.

How to Plant Boxwood

• When to Plant: Boxwood can be planted anytime of the year except when the ground is frozen. Spring and fall are the ideal seasons for planting.
• Where to Plant: Boxwood prefers moist but well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade.
• How to Plant: Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and just as deep. Amend the soil with compost or manure to improve drainage and fertility. Place the boxwood in the hole and backfill with the amended soil, tamping down gently to remove any air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.

Caring for Boxwood

• Watering: Water boxwood regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
• Fertilizing: Fertilize boxwood once a year in spring with a balanced fertilizer.
• Pruning: Prune boxwood in mid to late summer to maintain its shape and size. Prune lightly to avoid stimulating new growth that may be susceptible to frost damage.
• Mulching: Spread a layer of mulch around boxwood plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

Pests and Diseases

• Box Blight: A fungal disease that causes leaf loss and weakens boxwood plants. Cut out infected areas and destroy them. Avoid pruning in wet conditions and disinfect tools between cuts to prevent the spread of the disease.
• Box Tree Caterpillar: A pest that feeds on boxwood leaves, defoliating the plant. Handpick caterpillars or use pheromone traps, biological controls, or insecticides to manage the infestation.
• Volutella Blight: A less damaging type of blight that causes similar symptoms to box blight. Cut out affected areas and disinfect tools.

Troubleshooting

• Yellowing Leaves: Yellowing leaves can be caused by frost damage, lack of water, or waterlogged soil. Wait until after the last frost to trim away yellow leaves and allow new growth to emerge.
• Orange Leaves: Orange leaves can indicate sunburn, lack of nutrients, or waterlogged soil. Water and fertilize the plant, and if growing in a pot, check for rootbound conditions.
• Hard Pruning: Boxwood generally responds well to hard pruning. Cut back neglected trees to within 15-30cm of the ground in May, or prune in stages over several years.

Conclusion

Growing boxwood is a rewarding experience that can add beauty and structure to your garden. By following the tips outlined in this guide, you can ensure that your boxwood plants thrive for years to come. Remember to choose the right variety for your needs, plant and care for them properly, and be vigilant for pests and diseases. With a little effort, you can enjoy the timeless elegance of boxwood in your own outdoor space.

Introduction

Boxwoods are popular shrubs that add beauty and structure to gardens. However, they can be susceptible to a variety of pests, including insects, nematodes, and diseases. Knowing how to identify and treat these pests is essential for maintaining healthy boxwoods.

Common Boxwood Pests

Boxwood Leafminer

The boxwood leafminer is a small fly that is the most damaging pest of boxwoods. The larvae of this fly feed on the inside of boxwood leaves, causing blisters and discoloration.

Treatment:

• Select resistant boxwood varieties.
• Prune before adult emergence or after eggs are laid.
• Apply insecticides containing bifenthrin, carbaryl, cyfluthrin, or malathion.

Boxwood Mite

The boxwood mite is a spider mite that feeds on the underside of boxwood leaves, causing them to become stippled with tiny white or yellow spots.

Treatment:

• Wash mites off with a stream of water.
• Apply horticultural oil.
• Use insecticides containing abamectin, bifenthrin, malathion, or oxythioquinox.

Boxwood Psyllid

The boxwood psyllid is an insect that damages boxwoods by causing leaves to cup and twig growth to be affected.

Treatment:

• Apply the same insecticides mentioned for boxwood mites in early May when the young have hatched.

Other Boxwood Pests

In addition to the three main pests mentioned above, boxwoods can also be affected by:

• Parasitic nematodes: Cause leaf bronzing, stunted growth, and decline.
• Scale: Sucking insects that cause marring on leaves.
• Mealybugs: Exude honeydew, which attracts ants.
• Whiteflies: Also sucking insects that cause damage to leaves.
• Caterpillars: May feed on boxwood leaves.

Preventing Boxwood Pests

There are several things you can do to prevent boxwood pests, including:

• Choose resistant boxwood varieties.
• Keep plants healthy with proper watering, fertilizing, and mulching.
• Inspect plants regularly for signs of pests.
• Remove any infested leaves or branches promptly.
• Avoid overwatering or overfertilizing, as this can attract pests.

Treating Boxwood Pests

If you do find pests on your boxwoods, there are a few things you can do to treat them:

• Insecticides: There are a variety of insecticides available to treat boxwood pests. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully.
• Horticultural oil: Horticultural oil can be used to smother mites and other small pests.
• Neem oil: Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can be used to control a variety of pests.
• Predators and parasites: Ladybugs, lacewings, and other beneficial insects can help to control pests naturally.

Conclusion

Boxwoods are beautiful and versatile shrubs, but they can be susceptible to a variety of pests. By understanding how to identify and treat these pests, you can keep your boxwoods healthy and thriving.

What is a Box Tree Caterpillar?

Box tree caterpillars are the larvae (baby worms) of a moth called the box tree moth. They are a serious threat to box plants, which are commonly used for hedges and topiary (fancy plant sculptures). These caterpillars can completely eat the leaves of box plants, ruining their appearance and even killing them.

How to Identify Box Tree Caterpillars

Box tree caterpillars are easy to spot if you know what to look for. Here are some signs of an infestation:

• Webbing: The caterpillars cover parts of the plant with dense, white webbing, where they feed and hide.
• Dieback: Small patches of the plant may turn pale and papery, especially on newly trimmed plants.
• Caterpillars: Look for green/yellow caterpillars with black heads and stripes on their bodies. They can be up to 4 cm long.
• Droppings: You will see lots of pale yellow flakes, called frass, which are the caterpillars’ droppings.
• Pupae: You may notice white cocoons among the foliage, which are the caterpillars’ pupae (resting stage).
• Eggs: Small, pale yellow eggs can be found on the undersides of leaves.
• Moths: If you shake the plant, you may see brown or white moths with a wingspan of about 4 cm flying away.

How to Control Box Tree Caterpillars

There are several ways to control box tree caterpillars:

Organic Control:

• Hand removal: If you have a small infestation, you can remove the caterpillars by hand. Check the plant thoroughly every day and prune out any stems covered in webbing.
• Biological control: A micro-organism called Bacillus thuringiensis can be used to kill the caterpillars. This method is not available for home use in the UK and must be applied by professionals.

Chemical Control:

• Insecticides: Chemical sprays can be used to kill the caterpillars, but they can also harm other insects. Avoid spraying insecticides near flowering plants to protect pollinators.

Prevention:

• Pheromone traps: These traps release a scent that attracts male moths, disrupting their breeding cycle.
• Vigilance: Regularly inspect your box plants, especially deep inside and around the base, for signs of caterpillars.

Alternatives to Box

If you have lost plants to box tree caterpillars or are worried about future infestations, there are many alternative plants that you can grow instead:

• Box leafed holly: Looks similar to box and can be clipped in the same way.
• Lonicera nitida: Another good choice for hedges and topiary.
• Yew: A great alternative for hedging and topiary, but it is poisonous.
• Lavender: Attracts pollinators and has fragrant flowers.
• Mexican orange blossom: Also attracts pollinators with its flowers.
• Podocarpus: Has attractive variegated foliage.
• Euonymus fortunei: Has variegated foliage and fiery autumn colors.
• Euonymus japonicus: Another variegated foliage option.
• Berberis: Has fiery autumn foliage.

By following these tips, you can protect your box plants from box tree caterpillars and enjoy their beauty for years to come.

Spring is a time of renewal and growth, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by adding some beautiful plants to your garden. But what if you have a shady corner that you’re not sure what to do with? Don’t worry, there are plenty of plants that thrive in the shade, and they can add just as much beauty and interest to your garden as sun-loving plants.

Types of Shade-Loving Plants

There are two main types of shade-loving plants:

• Deciduous plants lose their leaves in the fall, but they come back to life in the spring with new growth. Deciduous plants that do well in the shade include hostas, ferns, and hellebores.
• Evergreen plants keep their leaves all year round. Evergreen plants that do well in the shade include boxwood, rhododendrons, and azaleas.

Choosing the Right Plants for Your Shady Garden

When choosing plants for your shady garden, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• The amount of sunlight: Some plants can tolerate more shade than others. Be sure to choose plants that are suited to the amount of sunlight your garden receives.
• The type of soil: Different plants prefer different types of soil. Be sure to choose plants that are suited to the type of soil you have.
• The size of your garden: If you have a small garden, you’ll want to choose plants that are relatively compact. If you have a larger garden, you can choose larger plants or plant them in groups to create a more dramatic effect.

Some of Our Favorite Shade-Loving Plants

Here are a few of our favorite shade-loving plants:

• Hostas: Hostas are a classic shade-loving plant, and they come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. Hostas are also very easy to care for, making them a great choice for beginners.
• Ferns: Ferns are another great choice for shady gardens. They add a touch of elegance and drama to any space. Ferns are also very low-maintenance, making them a great choice for busy gardeners.
• Hellebores: Hellebores are a beautiful shade-loving plant that blooms in the early spring. Hellebores are also known as Lenten roses, because they often bloom around the time of Lent.
• Boxwood: Boxwood is a versatile evergreen shrub that can be used in a variety of ways in the garden. Boxwood can be used to create hedges, borders, or topiaries.
• Rhododendrons: Rhododendrons are a beautiful flowering shrub that thrives in the shade. Rhododendrons come in a wide variety of colors, including pink, white, purple, and red.
• Azaleas: Azaleas are a smaller relative of rhododendrons, and they also thrive in the shade. Azaleas come in a wide variety of colors, including pink, white, purple, and red.

Tips for Planting and Caring for Shade-Loving Plants

Here are a few tips for planting and caring for shade-loving plants:

• Plant in well-drained soil. Shade-loving plants don’t like to sit in wet soil, so be sure to plant them in well-drained soil.
• Water regularly. Shade-loving plants need regular watering, especially during the hot summer months.
• Mulch around your plants. Mulch helps to keep the soil moist and cool, and it also helps to suppress weeds.
• Fertilize your plants regularly. Shade-loving plants need regular fertilization to stay healthy and vigorous.

With a little care and attention, your shade-loving plants will thrive and add beauty to your garden for years to come.