Creating a garden in the woods
#1
10-28-00, 02:59 PM
I have woods in my backyard that I would like to create a nature trail in. A few problems with this idea-there is an abundance of thorns and poison ivy. How do I clean them up...I have a two year old so we fenced in part of the woods with the hope of him being able to eventually explore, but with the thorns and poison ivy, I won't even let him back there. I would also like to have a garden spot back there...flowers, etc. HELP PLEASE *Kayla
#2
10-29-00, 07:27 AM
First, for the thorns and poison ivy contact your local Cooperative Extension Office at http://www.reeusda.gov/1700/statepartners/usa.htm. Click on your state, then county, then find your local office. These are great people to get to know. Very helpful and fully knowledgeable about your climate/soil, etc. They can advise best method of eradication.
A woodland garden is delightful. I grew up playing in the woods as a child with all the trilliums, ferns, etc. I wouldn't trade "my secret place" for the world. Your son will love it. Think of the forts, spacemen, and adventure that abounds in a woodland for a child.
As for the flowers, etc. that will grow there head to your locally owned nursery and look for semi-shade, shade and woodland plants. Tell one of the people there what you are trying to do and they will be able to recommend plants best suited. There are many from impatiens to ferns, azaleas to dogwoods, trilliums to dog-toothed violets. Enter "woodland plants" in your search engine and a ton of websites will come up.
Also, pop on over to your local library and take at look at landscaping books with sections on woodland gardens. There are a ton of them.
May I make a suggestion? Leave an area that is less touched by the hand of man for him to think he has discovered as his "secret place". A place protected from the world by tree branches and shrubs in which to dream, be an explorer, read a book, or keep his special treasures.
What a delightful project!! I envy your son having such wonderful parents.
Best - Ladybug
A woodland garden is delightful. I grew up playing in the woods as a child with all the trilliums, ferns, etc. I wouldn't trade "my secret place" for the world. Your son will love it. Think of the forts, spacemen, and adventure that abounds in a woodland for a child.
As for the flowers, etc. that will grow there head to your locally owned nursery and look for semi-shade, shade and woodland plants. Tell one of the people there what you are trying to do and they will be able to recommend plants best suited. There are many from impatiens to ferns, azaleas to dogwoods, trilliums to dog-toothed violets. Enter "woodland plants" in your search engine and a ton of websites will come up.
Also, pop on over to your local library and take at look at landscaping books with sections on woodland gardens. There are a ton of them.
May I make a suggestion? Leave an area that is less touched by the hand of man for him to think he has discovered as his "secret place". A place protected from the world by tree branches and shrubs in which to dream, be an explorer, read a book, or keep his special treasures.
What a delightful project!! I envy your son having such wonderful parents.
Best - Ladybug
