Mark Russell's landscaping and gardening information blog
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Centerpiece gardens
I recently celebrated my daughters 5th birthday! Our wonderful neighbor catered the party so I was able to focus on the decorations. I wanted to create some beautiful gardens in miniature. By combining flowers for my daughter mixed in with more unusual plants like black mondo grass, and oxalis spiralis aurea I created some very nice pieces. Not pictured were many ceramic Easter eggs, bunnies and chicks to go along with the Easter theme (I want to stay focused on the plants for my blog).
Gave one to my Mom last year and everyone comments on how beautiful it is. Mark also chose plants that fit the climate she lives in, are easily maintained and are beautiful. much better then just a bouquet of flowers that wilt and die!
I have been actively gardening since the age of 6 when I planted and harvested a modest crop of pinto beans.
I have been gardening professionally for 14 years in San Francisco. As well as working on my gardening cliental I work in the East Bay for Wonderland, a landscape gardening company on a part-time basis. I am passionate about creating urban gardens that make the wonder of nature accessible to urban dwellers.
My gardens are places for birds and beneficial insects as well as some small animals to find homes and food. I utilize plants that will attract birds, native bees and butterflies. I use very few if any chemicals on the soil but compost naturally by using plant debris like leaves and grass clippings to add nutrients. I do resort to the use of Sluggo on occasion.
My passion for wildlife is fulfilled by my work with International Bird Rescue Research Center as a part-time employee. I also do some substitute teaching at Synergy School where two of my children attend.
3 comments:
Wow dude...cool centerpieces!!
Very beautiful centerpeices...love the one with the sempervivum.
Gave one to my Mom last year and everyone comments on how beautiful it is. Mark also chose plants that fit the climate she lives in, are easily maintained and are beautiful. much better then just a bouquet of flowers that wilt and die!
Thanks Mark!
Jay
Post a Comment