theplant-connection.com Blog

Jennifer created soft surfaces to absorb our winter rainfall and recharge an underground creek that runs through her neighborhood to the sound.

Three cisterns (I believe they were 650 gallons each) were sunk into the ground for stability and allowed to capture rain from the roof downspouts. This water could be used during dry spells for water. The cisterns were nicely hidden behind some beautiful plantings.

Large cisterns used to collect rainwater from downspout

Permeable pavers with set rock and moss between the rock acted as a permeable patio.

A small hutch was covered with sedums to create a living roof.

Jennifer stated that she likes to create designs her clients can implement themselves if they wish with plants easily sourced from local home improvement stores and nurseries. Her logic was that these plants can often be found on sale and are durable. Another of her philosophies was to repurpose materials when possible.

The last photo is of a garden feature I am ready to incorporate in my own garden. A composting fence! My husband wouldn’t go for the drop chute to the worm bin I wanted to have in the basement but maybe he will go for this. Wire fencing is lined up on two sides of set posts to create a beautiful composting area for all the larger twigs and ferns you have from your gardening activities. You can create designs if you like by varying the way you deposit the materials. Over time the materials decompose and deposit fresh compost into the garden below. On site decomposition of your materials eliminates the greenhouse gases from the trip to the compost plant.

Composting wall for larger compost items