Comments on: New Plant Frontiers

By: I like the way you write, George Ball. - Invisible Bees

I like the way you write, George Ball. - Invisible Bees — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 15:57:54 +0000

[...] New Plant Frontiers (or “The New American Sun and Shade Gardens” – a discussion of plant breeding driven by consumer needs driven by the challenges of planting around new construction and HOA “guidelines”) [...]

By: Michele Draper

Michele Draper — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 01:26:07 +0000

Just wanted to tell you how much I enjoy your very interesting “Heronswood Voice”. I look forward to all your truly unique garden voice.

By: Wanda

Wanda — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 01:14:06 +0000

Consider the plight of the urban homeowner. My two story house located on a standard (for California) lot size 50 x 100 feet total is surrounded by other two story houses. New homeowners plant trees early on and then later remove them because roots are too close to the house and cause plumbing problems or too close to the driveway which causes the cement to crack. My neighborhood does not have a parking strip for planting trees near the street due to poor city planning. About the only trees that will fit on lots this small are cypress and palms.

As for fruit trees or a vegetable garden, the surrounding two story houses give us only 5 hours or so a day of full sun which will not support a vegetable garden.

So we are left to planting partial sun annuals and perenniels and a few bushes when what we really want are large trees and enough sun to grow our own vegetables.

By: greenmoss

greenmoss — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 22:54:55 +0000

How i would love to have some sun!

All that open area aching to be planted in trees in 30 years has turned mostly into heavy shade.

Gone is the vegetable garden, even impatiens don’t do well, because they are now being bred for…sun!

By: Joanne O

Joanne O — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:58:13 +0000

I expected to read a little ditty about new garden plants but when I read the start of your essay “New American Sun Garden” I found myself getting depressed about suburban sprawl and wishing we had the barren land and the abandoned fields back. I then wanted to read about population control and donate to Planned Parenthood. All I can think of is more people, more pollution, more pesticides and more Round Up sprayed. Good for business though – all these new consumers buy lots of garden products.
– J O’Brien

By: Cindy

Cindy — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 06:36:43 +0000

Interesting. My job is landscape maintenance, so I work mostly with installed gardens, or garden problems. I have worked at this for over 20 years, and most of the answers are in the particular plant or soils or products and water and how they are used. Personally, after taking care of the usual plants all this time, I like to find something a little different for my own yard. I live in an area which still has alot of trees, but down the road in the Valley, there are miles and miles of subdivisions of exactly what you are talking about. Most of their plants will come from the big box stores in the areas, until the next big flood.
I have never had so many people suddenly interested in growing vegetables as this year. My garden has fed me for the last two years, as I can’t afford the food from stores anymore. The joy from growing my own seeds and produce is wonderful. I am currently installing a big irrigation system on one property which will automate water to vegetable garden, ornamentals, trees, livestock, and lawn, because the water company has asked us to do so to save water. Just the thought of not having to drag hoses anymore is such a timesaver, plus I will save quite a bit in gas not having to drive out there so much.
Alot of us are getting older, and need beds that can be reached from a chair. The gardening chores, which are such a pleasure, need to be easier for people. Ideas like higher beds, gardening up the surface of walls or fences, or any vertical surfaces, and automated watering systems, is helpful. Aside from being older, some folks just work so much they have little time for a garden. So, what can make it easier? I have always loved espaliered trees, and see them more than ever now.
Thanks for your article. I can’t come to hear the rest either. Have to work. It is always interesting to see what you are coming up with. People are so delighted to be helped with just one plant.

By: Susan

Susan — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 02:03:36 +0000

Please don’t forget those of us who still live in urban neighborhoods, large & small cities, with beautiful large trees that shade our lots and keep our soils dry. We love our trees, enjoy attracting wild life into the city, but struggle to have a little color in the garden during the summer. “Moist but well drained” is mythical here! So many shade plants languish in our shade. Many of our cities are revitalizing as people move back into the old neighborhoods looking for more sustainable neighborhoods. We need good plants too!

By: Sheila Paige

Sheila Paige — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 01:22:00 +0000

Thank you, Mr. Ball, for all the wonderful things I’ve learned on this delightful and engaging site; I am passing along things as well. Good to know that thoughtful ideas and observations are still in vogue – somewhere!

By: shannon Wiggins

shannon Wiggins — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 01:06:32 +0000

I agree! We built a house 4 years ago in the middle of a horse pasture!(South Ms is HOT!) Great fertilizer and things grow very well! We are slowly getting a yard! we have bradford pear trees and lots of full sun flowers! I enjoy your emails and get lots of tips. I am trying a vegtable garden for the first time this year!

By: Katherine Morgan

Katherine Morgan — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 23:27:07 +0000

George, I wish I could come to hear the rest of your speech. I am in Illinois, money is tight, traveling to Pennsylvania would be a great luxury in the present economy. That does not stop me however from enjoying your word(s) in the Heronswood Voice. You are a treat, one only discovered this spring. You already feel like an old friend – oh, to enjoy a comfortable rocker basking in the low and warm sun of spring while sipping “George’s Magic Water” and stroking our dogs while we bantered about the birds, the greener side of life and the eternal promise of life renewed as we watch the tree leaves unfold. Thank You George for helping me tap into my inner peace and enjoy the world more pleasantly during these tough and trying times. Kate