Landscape Designing With Trees

Placement of trees is an integral component of landscape design. Trees provide shade, nesting and food resources for wildlife, and aesthetic architectural beauty for the home. Having a long range vision of what the tree will eventually look like needs knowledge of the species' growth habit to maturation.

You can search for native and non-native trees suitable for your landscape at Waterwise Landscapes. Make sure that when you plant your trees, that proper space is available for root growth, canopy spread, and wild fire protection.

Planting Trees In The Landscape. ~ University of Florida

Top Ten Mistakes Made Planting Trees. Nebraska Forest Service

Inspiration for your home can be found everywhere. Peter Olexa's photography collection on the architectural beauty and symbolism of trees through the seasons is breath-taking. Take a look at his wonderful winterland of trees throughout the world and from quite different perspectives.

In Your Backyard: "Valentine's Day Means A Lot"

When it comes to florists, one of the biggest holidays of the year is Valentine's Day. It's a day when husbands, boyfriends, children, and special friends give gifts to show their love. For gardeners, it's a great day to give plants or use your own garden blooms to show that you care. Receiving growing plants vs cut flowers depends on the occasion and the person receiving the flowers. I personally would rather have a 3-gallon rose bush than a dozen red roses, and my husband knows exactly what roses I have so he can add something new.

The History of Valentine's Day.

Flowers have great symbology and without speaking, handing someone a bouquet of a specific flower would tell the recipient exactly what you were thinking. The colors of flowers also mean different things.

• Blue: Epitomizes purity, peacefulness, security,



• Dark Red: Symbolizes constancy, continuity and immortality.



• Green: Expresses growth, joy, and optimism



• Lilac: Represents a sincere love, without the need for anything in return.



• Orange: A colour that symbolizes the joy and satisfaction for a success already obtained. On a more sentimental note it may also represent a love that has already been consolidated and gratified.



• Red: Too hot to handle, red is the expression of burning, passionate love, great courage and desire. But beware because it's also the symbol of anger.



• Rose: The color Rose (or pink) is a symbol of youth and expresses a new love or admiration.



• Violet: Expresses feelings of modesty, generosity and humility. The ‘shrinking violet' refers to its symbol of insurmountable shyness.



• White: Is the symbol of purity, innocence and modesty and expresses a sincere feeling.



• Yellow: Though commonly associated with unfaithfulness and treason, don't depair if you come home with yellow petals because it can also be the symbol of luxury, pride and success.

Roses are the most popular flower on Valentine's Day.

Great rose websites:

Growing Roses in Florida

Central Florida Rose Society

Nelson's Roses

Heirloom Roses

All American Rose Growers

Call in to In Your Backyard with your gardening questions!