Most home gardeners think hydrangeas change color based on soil ph, but that isn’t exactly true. It isn’t the ph that causes the color change, it is the presence of aluminum in the soil, and the ability of the plant to absorb that aluminum.

Aside from white varieties, all hydrangeas have the ability to change color. Some varieties have a propensity towards pink or blue, so if you are purchasing the plants, tell the nursery what color is your goal, so they can steer you towards the best match. If you already have some growing in your yard, don’t worry about the variety, just try the guidelines below or give the pros a call.

If you want PINK blooms:

1. Test the ph of your soil. This is simple to do using a soil test kit. Add dolomite lime as directed on the package several times per year until the ph is between 6.0 and 6.2. If you add the lime without testing the ph, it is possible to raise the ph too high, which can interfere with iron absorption in the plants and cause them to become unhealthy. So if you choose to add lime without soil testing, do so cautiously, and be sure to do it only in conjunction with the next step below.

2. Because phosphorous interferes with aluminum absorption, use a fertilizer high in phosphorous. When looking at the numbers on a fertilizer package, phosphorous is always the middle number. For those seeking only organic solutions, bone meal is very high in phosphorous, at 3/15/0.

If you want BLUE blooms:

1. It is easier to just add a little aluminum to your soil than to test for it. A gentle and safe way to introduce aluminum is one tbsp of aluminum sulfate per gallon of water, sprayed on lightly every time you water. This will both add aluminum, and lower the ph. Do not overuse, too much will damage the plant!

2. Using a soil test kit, see if your soil requires further acidification than provided by the aluminum sulfate. The target ph range is 5.2 to 5.5. If further acidification is needed, pouring your used coffee grounds around the plant is an easy and organic way to lower acidity and provide nutrients.

3. Use a fertilizer that is high in potassium, the final number in the numerical trio. Wood ash (0/1/3) and kelp meal (1/0/2) are excellent organic choices.

These are the basic steps that will work to create pink or blue blooms in most situations. However, sometimes outside circumstances will be too great for these steps to overcome. If these steps fail to produce the desired shade of blooms, the only remedy is to grow the hydrangeas in pots, where conditions can be easily controlled.

For further scientific explanation of the process, please enjoy this New York Times article.

Nothing quenches the craving for summer fun while providing welcome reprieve from the sizzling heat like a soothing water feature right in your very own backyard! Whether you are trapped in a tiny suburban dwelling or a luxurious multi-acre ranch up in the mountains of Montana, you can put in a variety of water features in your back yard renovation to suit your needs and budget. These tranquil backdrops to your home can include anything from an extravagant custom-built shimmering turquoise swimming pool, restful pond with lilies, a large lake stocked with fish to simple, store-bought fountains and even waterfalls.

Swimming Pools
For simple, sheer summer luxury, nothing beats a custom-made underground swimming pool with fountains and waterfalls built right in. Of course, if this sounds a little out of your budget range, don’t fret; pools come in a variety of materials, design and size options to bring a sense of relaxation to any homeowner’s budget.

Construction
When planning for a swimming pool, you must first decide if it will be built above-ground or below. Above-ground pools are economical, easy to install and come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit most back yard renovations. However, these types of pools, while very popular for families with small children, are usually smaller and tend not to last as long as their under-ground cousins.

Next, decide on the choice of construction material for your pool. Concrete, while expensive, is a popular option as it allows for an endless variety of shapes and sizes. These pools can be finished using plaster, paint and specialty coating to suit any homeowner’s tastes.

If you live in an earthquake-prone area, consider fiberglass pools as they are more flexible than concrete. Like concrete, fiberglass pools can be custom-built to allow for maximum design selection.

Another fashionable trend for pool lining is vinyl as it features a lower initial cost compared to fiberglass, child-friendly nonslip finish, treatment to discourage algae growth and an almost-endless variety of patterns and colors to choose from.

If your compound is not quite so palatial, think about installing a lap pool or a swim spa. These attractions can work just as well to quench the heat and provide a relaxing atmosphere in a smaller setting.

Maintenance
Simple above-ground pools can be quickly filled with water from any garden hose. They do not require expensive filtration equipment. When not in use, they can be emptied and stored away, providing extra space for your landscape. More complex underground pools require filtration equipment to drain, clean and refill with water to ensure a healthy swimming environment.

Other Attractions
If swimming isn’t on your mind but still crave a tranquil water-based setting in your backyard, consider installing a pond stocked with ornamental goldfish or koi, along with water lilies for a restful mood. Smaller ponds can be a weekend do-it-yourself project built using pond kits from the hardware store. Similar kits can also be found for fountains and even waterfalls for an intoxicating and lively garden landscape.

When you make the decision to renovate your backyard, you should view it as a blank canvas that is painted with flowers and greenery. You can create an almost endless combination of plants that will turn your yard into a beautiful landscape. Of course, before you sit back and enjoy your work, you need to choose the right plants. These following tips will show you how to select flowers and plants that will be functional and aesthetic in your yard.

Consider Your Environment

Your lawn’s location and soil conditions are key to the success of anything you choose to plant. Consult a planting zone map to determine which plants will grow in your area of the country. Weather patterns, altitude and temperature impact a plant’s growing pattern. It’s important to note that plants also need to grow in certain sunlight conditions. Some plants thrive in indirect sunlight, while others need full, sun exposure. Understanding your lawn’s conditions will help you decrease the amount of effort needed to maintain your landscaping.

Choose a Color Palette

The most beautiful gardens and lawns you’ll ever see are the ones that have a cohesive color story. Usually, the color palette contains two to three colors. Don’t forget that the color scheme need to take into consideration the color of your home and where you’ll place your plants. Your plants should blend in with the surroundings, not clash. Also, darker colors tend to make a yard appear smaller and are not well-suited for shady areas.

Decide Whether You Want to Plant Annuals, Perennials or Bulbs

The difference between annuals, perennials and bulbs really affects when and how often these plants will bloom. Annuals bloom for an entire season, but die at the end of it. You have to replace these flowers every year. Perennials bloom annually for about six weeks and are more expensive than annuals. Bulbs live for a long time and require very little maintenance. They’re typically planted in the fall and spring. Some homeowners will mix their annual flowers perennials for greater variety.

Incorporating Greenery into Your Landscaping

A lot of effort is placed on flowers. However, trees, shrubs and other greenery are also important aspects to creating scenic landscaping. Shrubs are low-maintenance and can add color and help fill flower gardens. It is important to select a shrub based on bloom size, color and its maintenance needs. Greenery is not only aesthetic, it’s functional. Add trees to your backyard to increase the amount of shade. To add a vertical feature, consider planting vines. Vines are another way to increase your homes amount of privacy. A little word of warning, some vines are slow growing, while others can take over a home within a year.

Size Matters

Adding plants and flowers of different heights creates unique visual effects. However, this only occurs when done properly. Before you begin planting, plan out your garden. Assess the size and height of everything you intend to plant. Place the smaller plants at the front of your garden and the larger ones towards the back.

Adding plants and flowers to your landscape can truly change the look of your yard. However, this requires some effort and consideration. For assistance in planning your lawn renovation, do not hesitate to contact Neighbourhood Landscaping Inc. We can offer advice to help turn your backyard into a paradise.