Gardening By Osmosis

Rain drops were still glistening on the lilacs when I tried to capture the moment after the rain when the sun dappled the landscape. My photos, however did not reveal the splendor I had witnessed and I was resigned to register the phenomenon in my brain.

This spring’s frequent rainstorms have encouraged more lush growth than usual and I am amazed by the recovery of many plants.

White cedar though, referred to as arborvitae, have not fared well. Years of drought conditions and last winter’s ruthless periods of abnormal temperatures have contributed to many varieties exhibiting brown or reddish-brown needles with no new growth.

A beautiful hedge of tall arborvitae I nurtured for many years succumbed to the strange weather we have experienced. Still, I want a hedge in that location and I’m considering an upright variety of Juniper.

There are many cultivars that are extremely hardy in our area. The Rocky Mountain Juniper is one of my favorites. It doesn’t satisfy the uniform look of a row of RMJ soldiers but each plant offers unique features and provides interest as a featured specimen in the garden.

Skyrocket, Blue Arrow, Blue Point or Wichita Blue might be better choices as the upright compact growth and bluish needles are a lovely accent in the landscape. Junipers don’t require as much water as white cedars and the deer are not attracted to them. Junipers are also not likely to harbor spider mites and the woolly adelgid, an aphid-like insect that likes to suck the life from Cedars and Alberta Blue Spruce. Plant experts at local nurseries can give you advice as to the best variety for your garden situation.

Over the last few years junipers have gained a bad rap. Some complaints are warranted. Juniperus horizentalis, or creeping juniper varieties such as Old Gold, Blue Rug, Blue Chip and many others, not only took over their placements, they developed root systems that often nearly required dynamite to remove them. Overgrown ground cover junipers are havens for rodents that feed on the secluded branches and stems, disfiguring the entire plant. The only remedy I have found is removal of the entire plant. If the root system invaded hardscapes or other structures, sometimes it is best to cut the plant to the ground and landscape around the roots, eventually the roots will decompose. Once all live growth is removed the juniper will not recover.

The Western Red Cedar, normally a lofty tree in the forest, can be pruned to hedge requirements.The Western Red Cedar, however requires more moisture than varieties of juniper.

If a tidy evergreen hedge is your preference a tall growing boxwood is an excellent choice. Boxwoods respond to vigorous pruning and their shiny green foliage is attractive all year.

A hedge of deciduous shrubs; native honeysuckle, mock orange or lilac also make stunning borders in the springtime.They each respond to vigorous pruning and emit sweet fragrances when in bloom.

Whatever your choice it is important to consider plant zone, water requirement, exposure to sun, mature size of plant and degree of maintenance.

Please contact the WSU Spokane County Master Gardeners

@http://spokane-county.wsu.edu/spokane/

or call 509-477-2181 for more information

Master Gardeners are also available at the Cheney Library the 1st & 3rd Fridays of the month

from April to October