What Soil Do I Ask For at My Local Nursery?!?
It’s no surprise that soil plays an ENORMOUS role in maintaining a healthy landscape. That being said, most of the places to purchase dirt in Mandeville, Madisonville, or Covington, LA have several different type of soil to choose from. So… what do you actually need?
In general, the best soils for your landscaping are well draining and contain a few different soil types.. sand, silt, clay, and some organic matter. When you’re at your local dirt dealer such as Accardo Materials, you should ask for a landscape mix. At Accardo’s that landscape mix contains mason sand, top soil, wood ash, and some very finely ground bark. In the next blog, we’ll discuss how different soils.. and ultimately different PHs affect the plants that you put into the ground.
How Topography Effects Your Soil
When planning a landscape, understanding the topography of your property is crucial. The shape and slope of the land influence water flow, soil composition, and plant health. In Louisiana, where the landscape ranges from coastal plains to rolling hills, topography plays a significant role in determining the type of soil present on your property. By using topographical data from the LSU AgCenter's Flood Maps tool, you can gain insights into your soil's characteristics and make informed decisions for your garden or landscape.
Understanding Topography and Soil Composition
Topography refers to the arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features of an area. It includes the elevation, slope, and orientation of the land. These factors directly impact how water drains across the surface, which in turn affects soil formation and composition.
Low-Lying Areas: These are often flat or gently sloping areas where water tends to collect. In Louisiana, low-lying areas typically have clay-rich soils that retain water. While this can be beneficial for certain water-loving plants, it can also lead to poor drainage, root rot, and compaction, making it challenging for some plants to thrive.
Mid-Slope Areas: Areas with moderate slopes generally have better drainage compared to flat areas. Soils here might be a mix of sand, silt, and clay, depending on the parent material and erosion patterns. These soils can be more fertile and easier to work with, supporting a wider variety of plants.
Upland and Elevated Areas: Higher elevation areas often have well-drained soils that are sandy or loamy. These soils are less prone to waterlogging but may require more frequent watering during dry periods. Upland areas are ideal for plants that prefer dry conditions and good air circulation.
Using Topographical Data to Plan Your Landscape
The LSU AgCenter's Flood Maps tool provides valuable information on your property's topography. Here's how you can use this data to plan a landscape that's both beautiful and functional:
Identify Low-lying Areas: Use the flood maps to pinpoint areas on your property that are prone to water accumulation. These areas are ideal for creating rain gardens or planting moisture-loving plants like Louisiana irises, ferns, or bald cypress trees. Avoid placing structures or plants that require well-drained soil in these zones.
Plan for Drainage: If your property has areas with poor drainage, consider installing French drains or creating swales to direct water away from plant roots. Incorporating organic matter into the soil can also improve its structure and drainage capacity.
Select Plants Based on Soil Type: Understanding the soil type in different areas of your property will help you choose the right plants. For example, in sandy soils found on higher slopes, consider drought-tolerant plants like agave or yucca. In contrast, mid-slope areas with loamy soils are perfect for a diverse range of shrubs, perennials, and even vegetable gardens.
Erosion Control: Steeper slopes may be prone to erosion, which can strip away nutrient-rich topsoil. To prevent this, plant deep-rooted grasses or ground covers that hold the soil in place. Terracing is another effective method to reduce soil erosion on steep landscapes.
Create Microclimates: Use your topographical knowledge to create microclimates within your landscape. For instance, sheltered low areas may be warmer and more humid, making them suitable for tropical plants. In contrast, exposed high areas might be cooler and windier, ideal for plants that thrive in such conditions.
Practical Tips for Louisiana Landscapes
Check Soil pH: Louisiana soils can vary widely in pH depending on the topography. Use a soil test kit to check the pH levels in different areas and amend the soil accordingly to suit your chosen plants.
Mulching: Regardless of the topography, mulching is beneficial across all landscape types. It helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and adds organic matter to the soil as it breaks down.
Irrigation Planning: In areas with sandy or well-drained soils, consider installing an efficient irrigation system to ensure plants receive adequate moisture, especially during hot Louisiana summers.
By understanding how topography influences soil characteristics, you can design a landscape that not only looks stunning but also thrives in Louisiana's unique environment. The LSU AgCenter's Flood Maps tool is an excellent resource to get started, providing you with the data you need to make informed decisions and ensure your garden's success.
Conclusion
Planning a landscape with topographical data in mind allows you to work with nature rather than against it. By considering how soil changes with elevation, slope, and drainage, you can select plants that are naturally suited to their environment, leading to a healthier, more sustainable landscape. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, leveraging this information will give your Louisiana garden the best chance to flourish.
Explore the LSU AgCenter's Flood Maps tool here to get started on your landscape planning today!
Stop Drowning Your Plants
Would you enjoy being waterboarded? Yeah… Neither does your garden.
One of the most challenging aspects of maintaining a beautiful landscape is knowing how much water to use. Here in Mandeville, LA we’ve been having a pretty drown (and hot aF) past couple of summers. That heat stress accompanied with the dryness wreaks havoc.
Here are a few tips:
1. Water Early to Beat the Heat
For optimal results, water your garden early in the morning. This timing minimizes evaporation and allows your plants in Mandeville and surrounding areas to absorb moisture before the sun’s rays get too strong.
2. Deep and Infrequent Watering
Encourage strong root systems by watering deeply and less frequently. This method is crucial for gardens in Covington, Abita Springs, and Madisonville, where drought conditions can stress plants.
3. Mulch to Retain Moisture
Applying a thick layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture, reduce evaporation, and regulate soil temperature. Use organic mulch like pine straw or wood chips, which are ideal for gardens in our local climate.
4. Invest in Soaker Hoses or Drip Irrigation
Soaker hoses and drip irrigation systems deliver water directly to the roots, ensuring efficient watering without wasting resources. This approach is especially beneficial for maintaining landscapes in areas like Mandeville and Covington.
5. Regular Soil Moisture Checks
Before reaching for the hose, check your soil’s moisture levels. If the soil is still damp an inch or two below the surface, you can hold off on watering. This tip is particularly useful for those maintaining gardens in Abita Springs and Madisonville.
6. Avoid Overwatering
Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues. Ensure your garden in Mandeville or Covington has proper drainage and that water isn’t pooling around your plants.
7. Provide Shade for Sensitive Plants
Some plants may need extra protection from the scorching sun. Consider providing temporary shade during peak heat, especially in areas like Abita Springs where summer temperatures can soar.
8. Adapt to Heat Waves
During extreme heat waves, you may need to adjust your watering schedule. Be sure to monitor moisture levels to avoid both overwatering and underwatering.
By following these summer watering tips, your garden in Mandeville, Covington, Abita Springs, or Madisonville, LA, will stay healthy and vibrant throughout the season.
Louisiana Super Plants: The MVPs of Your Garden
The LSU Ag Center has done the homework for us with their Louisiana Super Plants program, highlighting top-notch plants that grow well across the state. These are the all-stars that will thrive in our unique climate and soil conditions.
1. Camelia sasanqua
Why It’s Great: Camellias are practically made for Southern gardens, giving you gorgeous blooms from fall into winter. The Camelia sasanqua is a tough cookie, adapting well to our acidic soil and looking fabulous in groups.
Planting Tips: These beauties love partial shade and well-drained soil. Throw some mulch around them to keep the roots happy during our hot summers.
2. Azalea ‘G.G. Gerbing’
Why It’s Great: Who doesn’t love a classic azalea? The ‘G.G. Gerbing’ variety brings large, white blooms in spring and can handle our heat. Perfect for that dreamy, Southern garden look.
Planting Tips: These prefer partial shade and soil rich in organic matter. Don’t forget to keep them watered, especially during those dry spells.
3. Sweet Olive (Osmanthus fragrans)
Why It’s Great: Sweet Olive isn’t just a pretty face—this evergreen shrub smells amazing and fits right into our warm, humid climate.
Planting Tips: Give it some sun to partial shade, and you’ll have a low-maintenance, fragrant addition to your garden that needs only a little pruning.
4. Encore Azalea
Why It’s Great: Encore Azaleas give you blooms over and over throughout the growing season. Plus, they resist pests and diseases, so less worry for you.
Planting Tips: Filtered sunlight or partial shade is best. Make sure the soil drains well and has a slight acidity to it.
5. Blue Daze (Evolvulus glomeratus)
Why It’s Great: Looking for a ground cover that’s tough as nails? Blue Daze is drought-tolerant and perfect for those sunny spots.
Planting Tips: Full sun is the way to go. These plants are low-maintenance and only need watering when things get really dry.
A Few More Favorites for the Northshore
These plants might not have the official “Super Plant” title, but they’ll still bring your garden to life:
1. Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
Why It’s Great: Crape Myrtles are like the cherry on top of a summer garden—heat-tolerant with stunning blooms. Plus, they shrug off powdery mildew like it’s nothing.
Planting Tips: Give them full sun and well-drained soil. Pruning in late winter helps them burst into bloom when summer rolls around.
2. Louisiana Iris
Why It’s Great: This native plant loves wet spots, so if you’ve got a low area or a spot near water, it’s a perfect match. And let’s face it, the colors are just spectacular in spring.
Planting Tips: Full sun to partial shade, with plenty of moisture, will keep these happy.
3. Lantana
Why It’s Great: Tough, drought-resistant, and butterfly-friendly—Lantana is a fantastic choice for our hot summers. It brings bold colors that last.
Planting Tips: Full sun and well-drained soil will do the trick. Just water them now and then if it’s particularly dry.
Making It Work: Tips for a Thriving Garden
Test Your Soil: Before you plant, check your soil’s pH and nutrient levels. The LSU Ag Center offers soil testing that’s super helpful.
Mulch: Mulching keeps your soil moist, cuts down on weeds, and stabilizes temperatures. Plus, it looks neat!
Water Wisely: Summers here are no joke. Keep an eye on your watering, especially with new plantings, but don’t drown them—good drainage is key.
Wrap-Up
Creating a garden in Mandeville, Covington, Abita Springs, or Madisonville that looks like it belongs in a magazine isn’t just about picking pretty plants. It’s about choosing the right plants that thrive here and planting them in groups for that full, flowing look. With these Louisiana Super Plants and a few extra favorites, you’re well on your way to a garden that’ll turn heads.
For more tips and detailed planting info, definitely check out the LSU Ag Center's website. Happy planting!
Plants don’t like being loners
It all begins with an idea.
I think every new landscape enthusiast has done it…. including myself. Let’s put this plant here and another one here and another here. Next thing you know, you’ve got a row of individual plants that are in no way connected to each other, nor do they flow into their neighboring species.
I’d say this reigns true (almost) always. PLANT IN GROUPS!!! Group planting or mass planting is the best way to make your garden look full and cohesive. A beautiful garden has many colors and textures that flow seemlessly into one another. It’s almost impossible to achieve that luscious look by putting your plants alone on an island. Start planting at least 3 of the same plant together and the more, the merrier. Use odd number quantities 3, 5, 7, and so on…
As these plants mature they’ll look like a uniform group instead of one disparate plant.
Gardens are like onions… They have layers
It all begins with an idea.
I think just about everyone has come across a landscape, and thought “ Hmm…. that looks ok, but it ain’t great”… Well, for the person who owns the property.. That sucks. What a waste of time, money, and a crap ton of sweat. I don’t want that to be YOU! Your shit needs to be fire!
Well today I’m going to cover one of the basics for creating a ballin’ ass landscape. Just like Shrek, great gardens have LAYERS! You’re out here trying to create a 3 dimensional masterpiece.. and with all due respect to your kids, you don’t want someone thinking that a 5 year old came up with the design.
Think of your garden like you would a painting. You want it to be full, vibrant, and appear three dimensional. Most great paintings have these elements in common, a background, a midground, and a foreground.
The Background, as the name suggests, is the farthest back. It’s a backdrop for what lies in front of it. For this reason, the background MUST be the tallest element in the landscape (aside from trees). Generally some type of evergreen is best utilized here… Yew, Vibernum, large cammelias, ornamental grasses, etc. That backdrop will set the tempo for what’s to come in front.
The Midground will lie just in front of the background. Here, you have a myriad of options. Maybe that includes evergreen shrubs (azaleas, loropetalum, camellia). Maybe that’s a flowering perennials (hydrangea, agapanthus, iris, etc.) The midground allows you to have fun and utilize your creativity.
The Foreground is the closest to the front of the landscape. Think of this as your border. It’s going to be the shortest plants in the garden and adds that finishing touching that every garden needs. Think ground covers (creeping jenny, verbena, juniper) or even perennial plants like caladiums.
When you start thinking of your landscape as a layered masterpiece, you’ll be a lot closer to “wow” and farther away from “yow.”
As always, I love to give advice to help you create a landscape that doesn’t look like shit… emerald-consultants@outlook.com