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Mar 24 2008

Spring in action

Written by Jungle Jim

Monday, 24 March 2008

Spring in action! In our climate at least it is. If you have been paying attention to the nation wide weather reports you know spring is having problems getting started back east. Here, spring is in full glory.

Because of the small yards most people have now, vines are one of my staples in landscape design. I like to layer my design using small trees,bushes and perennials and ground covers to achieve a three dimensional look. By adding vines you have one more layer to use. You want to pick a vine that contrasts with the surrounding plants.

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Here is a picture of Gelsemium or Carolina Jessamine. Note that it is Carolina Jessamine not Jasmine. It is a dependable evergreen vine with spectacular spring bloom. It is in full bloom now and has been showing a touch of color since early January. Not much fragrance but it is a brilliant golden yellow and shouts " It's Spring".

Because it is fine textured with a bright green foliage color you want to contrast it with broader textured plants with a darker green or variegated foliage. As with most vines it needs an annual heavy pruning to keep it under control. We recommend pruning it right after it blooms. Cut it back hard to the fence, not short but back to the framework against the fence. If you do it then you get a complete regrowth by the middle of the spring and looks great the rest of the year.

Remember most vines will look better and won’t build up if they are cut yearly.