Gardening Principles 101

by Dawn Oldfield, CCMGA Public Relations Chairperson

My husband and I love to travel, immersing ourselves in the history and culture of different countries, meeting amazing people, and exploring the world's gardens. I think it's important to remember that no matter where you are, people are all more alike than different. Never miss out on an opportunity to talk, listen, and learn. On a very special trip to Ireland, I had the pleasure and privilege of interviewing Mr. Martin Slattery, the head gardener for Ashford Castle.

As a certified Master Gardener, I know essential gardening practices, but I confess I don't always follow them. Mr. Slattery's enthusiasm for gardening is contagious, and he is an amazing source of knowledge and ideas - reminding us that proper planning and planting now can mean the difference in your garden's success or failure. There is much to learn from his practical advice, which spans 4,500 miles and works for the grandest of castle gardens to the smallest of home landscapes.

Surprisingly, there are many similarities between Collin County, Texas, and County Mayo, Ireland. Horticulturalists worldwide rely on plant classification zone maps to determine which plants will grow in a particular region based on their cold and heat tolerance. Mr. Slattery says, "The planting zone is 8b here in the west of Ireland, very similar to your home planting classification (Collin County is also zone 8b), but with possibly milder local weather and definitely more rainfall."

Keeping Soil Healthy
One of the biggest challenges in a garden is soil structure improvement. Mr. Slattery says, "Amend your soil (it is your plant's home). We also have 'limy soil', the term used here in Ireland to describe our local clay soil with an alkaline pH. Clay soil needs amending to help plants absorb the nutrients and water needed to grow. Incorporate organic soil amendments and apply mulch to planted areas for soil structure improvement, water conservation and weed control."

Say No To Weeds
"Have a zero-tolerance approach to weeds," Mr. Slattery says firmly. "Regular weed control is essential as they compete with plants for valuable nutrients and water. Keeping your garden free of weeds can be a battle, but if you are persistent, you will prevail. One year's seeding is nine year's weeding as they say."

Tip-top Turf
Chore that it may be mowing your lawn properly has a big impact on its overall appearance and health. "We try to keep the grounds looking their best with regular mowing and edge trimming (twice a week at the height of the growing season). Too often people let their lawn get straggly between mowing, but properly mowed turf tends to be healthier with deeper roots, and less weed problems, too," Mr. Slattery shares.

Choose The Right Plants
The gardens at Ashford Castle contain an interesting and diverse collection of plants. Mr. Slattery advises, "When planning a garden, keep in mind the cold and heat a plant can take, but also consider that variables such as sun, shade, wind and moisture play a role. Roses add colour and fragrance to any garden and are good to incorporate into your planting scheme. (Proceed cautiously with roses in Texas due to Rose Rosette disease). Trying to provide year-round color is a challenge, but can be achieved by planting a combination of complimenting perennials and annuals." Some reliable perennials and annuals that happily grow in both Texas and Ireland include Rudbeckia, Heuchera, Echinacea, Catmint, Lilies, Gaillardia, Daisies, Salvia, Begonia, Petunia, Marigold and Astilbe. Add lambs ear, dusty miller, and flowering cabbage or kale for texture.

Personal Touches
Architectural elements are important to garden design. Mr. Slattery shares, "Incorporating a fountain, statue, or a few accent pieces adds a focal point and charm to a garden. Include hidden spaces or a 'garden within a garden' to create a personal feeling to them."

Mr. Slattery's lesson plans for a beautiful landscape are easy to follow and will earn your lawn and gardens an A+ from your HOA. He concludes, "Most importantly, enjoy your garden and gardening. You create a garden not just for aesthetics but for the joy and pleasure it brings to people. The end result is a very welcoming place to be."