Friday, March 7, 2014
Landscaping with Deer resistant plants
Landscaping in Austin can be funny but also very challenging. The unique setting combines the city of Austin to the Hill Country of central Texas. This mixture provides the Austin area to see and feel different from any other part of Texas.
With habitancy and animal life together, it is rude to deer in the neighborhood of Austin around to see. The deer may in fact be a headache for the novice landscaper. When a landscape is what Austinknow the different types of shrubs and perennials you use to keep your garden beautiful and the deer from munching on your new plants can. Remember, deer-resistant plants are regularly mentioned, but deer eat almost any plant, where hungry people in the greatest drought.
Every landscape should be the right mix of evergreen shrubs and perennial flowers. In this way your orchard has not seen in the winter and will contribute tot color in spring, summer and autumn. Here arefew plants that I have had success with the landscape, while in Austin.
Evergreen shrubs:
Silver Germander
Pineapple guava
Dwarf yaupon
Cotoneaster
Erect and Trailing Rosemary
And African Bicolor Iris
Jerusalem Sage
Flowering perennials:
Salvia species (different varieties and colors to choose from - I like Hot Lips Salvia crude and Mexican Bush Sage)
Indigo Spires
4 nerve Daisy
Copper Canyon Daisy
Turks Cap
BatFace Cuphea
Yellow Bell
These shrubs and perennials in the level and structure vary, so be sure to plant the right position. For example, do not want to be a pineapple guava tree in front of a window or a vertical Rosemary plant on a nearby sidewalk - to allow sufficient growth. Otherwise, the plants overwhelm the space and ground of your garden.
Through advance planning and landscape design before starting to Austin, you save enough time, money and keep deer from eating plants!Good luck and happy gardening.
Jw produce offers landscape sprinklers, patios and Landscaping in Austin, TX. Our services consist of landscape, irrigation, terraces and outdoor lighting, and in spring and fall cleaning. Our landscape architects with experience to ensure a quick and professional service.
We are a licensed irrigation company in the U.S. state of Texas (Li # 18123), have installed irrigation systems in Austin, TX for many years. We serve both residential andIndustrial property.
Other facts about landscape design in Austin, TX - please visit our website for more http://jwlandscapedesign.com facts and ideas of the landscape.
Read More..
With habitancy and animal life together, it is rude to deer in the neighborhood of Austin around to see. The deer may in fact be a headache for the novice landscaper. When a landscape is what Austinknow the different types of shrubs and perennials you use to keep your garden beautiful and the deer from munching on your new plants can. Remember, deer-resistant plants are regularly mentioned, but deer eat almost any plant, where hungry people in the greatest drought.
Every landscape should be the right mix of evergreen shrubs and perennial flowers. In this way your orchard has not seen in the winter and will contribute tot color in spring, summer and autumn. Here arefew plants that I have had success with the landscape, while in Austin.
Evergreen shrubs:
Silver Germander
Pineapple guava
Dwarf yaupon
Cotoneaster
Erect and Trailing Rosemary
And African Bicolor Iris
Jerusalem Sage
Flowering perennials:
Salvia species (different varieties and colors to choose from - I like Hot Lips Salvia crude and Mexican Bush Sage)
Indigo Spires
4 nerve Daisy
Copper Canyon Daisy
Turks Cap
BatFace Cuphea
Yellow Bell
These shrubs and perennials in the level and structure vary, so be sure to plant the right position. For example, do not want to be a pineapple guava tree in front of a window or a vertical Rosemary plant on a nearby sidewalk - to allow sufficient growth. Otherwise, the plants overwhelm the space and ground of your garden.
Through advance planning and landscape design before starting to Austin, you save enough time, money and keep deer from eating plants!Good luck and happy gardening.
Jw produce offers landscape sprinklers, patios and Landscaping in Austin, TX. Our services consist of landscape, irrigation, terraces and outdoor lighting, and in spring and fall cleaning. Our landscape architects with experience to ensure a quick and professional service.
We are a licensed irrigation company in the U.S. state of Texas (Li # 18123), have installed irrigation systems in Austin, TX for many years. We serve both residential andIndustrial property.
Other facts about landscape design in Austin, TX - please visit our website for more http://jwlandscapedesign.com facts and ideas of the landscape.
Preparing for a consultation
A common question asked by clients; "Is there anything that I need to prepare or have ready for you when you come to my home?"
Now there is absolutely nothing wrong with that question and it is a very good one to ask your designer or contractor before the first visit.
Landscaping is a world that thrives on ideas and proper measurements to fit those ideas into... so I have come up with a basic wish list to answer that question:
- A survey plan showing your property information. If I had my choice of one thing from this list...the survey would be it! It gives legal limits for property lines and shows any easements to be aware of that could potentially restrict the future construction project. (Better to have a survey ready in the beginning then to be visited by the friendly by-law inspector after the work is done.)
- Favourite photo ideas from books or magazines can help a designer gain perspective on what sort of look you are after for the design presentation.
- Address any water drainage issues occurring on your property. Most professional designers should spot those issues anyway, but mention it on your own so nothing gets missed.
- An ideal plant list helps! Favourite plants-- hated plants-- Have an allergy to certain plants? Let your landscape professional know ahead of time before it shows up in your garden.
- Is there a central theme youd like to see created? (i.e. Japanese Garden style...)
- Have an idea about patio space and use in relation to how many people on average youd expect to entertain in your backyard gatherings.
- If you are a dog owner, please do a pre-site inspection for dog bombs!!!! I like dogs, they are a lot of fun to be around... but there is nothing worse then that soft mush under your shoe!
- Most importantly, have an idea of a realistic budget in mind for what you wish to spend on your dream landscape! Your landscape professional can help you set that budget and designate phases for your entire project.
The average cost for something significant to happen in a backyard would be anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000. That may get you a 250 to 400 square foot entertainment space (deck or interlock patio) with some complimentary plantings to go with it. The more elaborate designs will only range up in price from there. Water features can average from $5,000 and up.... Inground pools can start at a simple $35,000 and can elaborately climb to well over $100,000 once the patios, plantings and fences are all arranged.
Scented tulips
I have filled this garden with Ballerina tulips, one of the few scented varieties. It has a smell like a very sweet tangerine, that wafts across the garden in the evening sun.
Thursday, March 6, 2014
The backyard living space
At the tail end of 2009, Jason from Pool Craft came to me with this project. The customer had a small list of things they wanted in the yard (pool, patio and hot tub). Jason was asking me to do my best to lay out everything within the given backyard area. The end result was as follows in the pictures below....
As Spring of 2010 approached, a couple more things were added to the list of what to fit into the backyard space. There was an idea for a pergola sitting over a bar area and a lounge area with a gas fireplace feature...
Granted that the yard was not very big to begin with... I wrestled with the spacial limits in my head...then plugged away at the plan on my computer... I like a challenge where the design restraints must conform to what the customer wants... Sometimes the answer absolutely has to be "No" but in most cases I try to find a way around the "No" and look for alternatives that will make my client happy...
The end result was a yard without grass... (which conforms to my dream to not push a lawnmower around!) ... the end result is a yard that is now part of the home... a backyard living space that can be enjoyed for many months of the year. The addition of the fire pit can take the chill out of a cool September evening... the hot tub can be used year round due to its proximity to the back door of the home.
The Pergola Bar... a place for the "adults" of the pool party to sit while enjoying drinks, conversation and shade! On a hot summer afternoon, while the kids are playing in the pool, this sort of space allows you to be out in the backyard and keep dry from both the pool splashing and summer heat...
Lastly, the most important part of the backyard, the pool! When you are considering a pool, most often the ideal design includes an entertainment space. Having a small strip of concrete around a pool with grass clippings and grass areas is not always fun when you come out of a pool soaking wet. You want a good sized patio to place chairs and allow time to dry off before going in the home... if the yard is large enough and budget is big enough... a Cabana house is always a welcome sight!
But as in most cases, the pool itself is a big investment for most families. So budgets are taken into very strict consideration as to what can be done with a backyard space. My advice to the potential pool owner... when getting estimates and quotes for a backyard pool installation, have someone plan it out for you first!
A proper pool company (like Jasons company) will do this for you... understanding that there is a budget for the project and leaving room for expansion in the future is the key to a successful backyard living space. I often make sure that my plans take into consideration the patio space and structures that may come into play... be it a tool shed, cabana, or even an addition put on a home. If it is a phased project over a set number of years, the plan is a key factor to the backyard success.
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All photos used in this blog post are the sole property of Pool Craft. Pool Craft can be reached at:
Telephone: 905 884 2720
Toll free: 1-877-469-6649
Modern Stools
Modern Stools
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| modern stools |
Stools are an eclectic range of items, functional and fashionable pieces of furniture that fulfil many roles and work superbly in a multitude of locations. Stools are typically seen as solely for a domestic bar or breakfast bar, used with a kitchen counter or a bar table, but they are superb in other areas of the home; they are perfect at a vanity table or in a dressing room, as well as making excellent computer chairs, twinned with a desk in the study.
Modern Stools
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| modern stools |
There are low stools that are at chair height, making them perfect counterparts for any modern dining table, giving contemporary, dynamic designs that enhance any location. You can also find commercial height stools, which are suited to a higher counter such as those found in bistros and restaurants as well as slender and elegant poseur tables, whilst roller stools utilise nylon casters like an office chair for easy movement across all surfaces.
Modern Stools
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| modern stools |
Modern stools are usually built on either a wooden or on a steel framework, the most commonplace of which are the metal frames. They can come either as boxed frame styles or a variant of this known as the cantilever style, with the upright sections only found at the front of the stool. Z style stools are shaped as the name suggests, and there are four legged metal stools as well for excellent rigidity. The most commonplace however, are gas lift stools. These employ a hydraulic gas lift mechanism that allows for variation of the height, letting you raise and lower it for different occupants, as well as rotating through 360 degrees for easy access to and off the seat.
Modern Stools
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| modern stools |
Chrome plating is popular for modern stools with steel frames, giving a mirrored, polished finish that is durable and easy to clean, but it can also have a hand worked brushed stainless steel finish for a more restrained, minimalist look. Wooden frames are mostly limited to four legs; rigid, stable and perfect for all types of flooring. Oak and walnut provide a natural feel consolidated by the grain on show, adding depth and character. Wood is also used in the making of stools, adding a desirable look and an organic feel.
Modern Stools
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| modern stools |
These modern stools are usually padded with cushioned sections to ensure comfort and support, showcasing high density foam upholstered in soft faux leather or pliant real leather. Both are stain resistant and low maintenance, and due to its synthetic nature faux leather is resilient to even harsh chemicals. This also means it can be infused with dye whilst it is being produced and so is available in a huge range of colours from traditional brown to vibrant orange.
Modern Stools
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| modern stools |
Aside from these materials you can also find ABS resin modern stools, which are moulded from a light, impact resistant polymer and left in a high gloss finish, as well as acrylic Perspex resin. This can come in several translucent shades which allow you to see through the stools, keeping the overall look light and airy, perfect for smaller rooms in the home.
Modern Stools
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| modern stools |
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| modern stools |
landscaping ideas florida
Florida Landscaping Ideas
Making a vibrant and delightful garden along with yard within Florida is sold with its own pair of challenges, however there are also several opportunities to test new things. Are mainly just a few tips:
Gold Lantana is definitely an attractive place that works well inside Florida -- it contains a new sap that pulls butterflies. This can be a plant that work well in a wide range of gardens. You can even want to consider grape planting Aztec grass if you are living in California and have considered trying something different. Of course this isnt a indigenous plant, it truely does work well in this field and once more, is very reduced maintenance. It wont require a lot of water : perfect for Fl.
Dwarf firebushes are a good option for Florida scenery because they appeal to wildlife, exclusively butterflies, in your garden, which in turn adds yet another element of splendor to the environment.
Vegetable home gardens also excel in California, so if you are already thinking about developing some of your own personal vegetables it should not be too hard to achieve. Whenever planting a new vegetable yard, you may want to develop a raised mattress and put the layer associated with erosion material around the outside of the backyard bed to cope with any water which could come off the particular plants once they are just rooted.
Because its typical for dirt in Fl to be with a lack of nutrients, it could be more difficult to develop vegetables when compared with other plant life, which not one of them as many vitamins and can adjust to the local garden soil. You may have to give a rich planting medium mix on the bed so your vegetables gain access to enough vitamins to grow appropriately. You can also incorporate soil chemicals if needed. Great soil for the Florida veg garden can include compost, peat moss moss, shredded 1 bark, and also dolomite.
Some people erroneously believe that you can not grow greens under the solid Florida temperature, but accusation in court not true. Tomato plants, peppers, dont forget the onions, and herbal remedies thrive throughout hot temperature ranges and are great for a Fl vegetable yard.
Again, the most important thing that many California homeowners bother about when sowing gardens may be the condition in the soil, which is often quite exotic. If youre focused on planting brand new shrubs and also plants within your backyard, adhere to low routine maintenance plants which dont require a great deal of water. Should you choose, the earth shouldnt create much of a dilemma. But dont increase fertilizer or perhaps manure for the soil. This might actually lead to more difficulties because the vegetation will adjust to the added nutritious content from the soil; if this dissipates, the actual plants may well develop issues or go stale in their expansion.
When feeding, you may want to try out an alternative to chemical substances. To help help the environment along with your health, there are a number of all-natural fertilizers offered made up of organic plant as well as animal items. A good normal fertilizer can be able to help the condition of the soil, which can be crucial within Florida scenery. A healthy dirt is really what could keep your garden heading strong for years.
Making a vibrant and delightful garden along with yard within Florida is sold with its own pair of challenges, however there are also several opportunities to test new things. Are mainly just a few tips:
Gold Lantana is definitely an attractive place that works well inside Florida -- it contains a new sap that pulls butterflies. This can be a plant that work well in a wide range of gardens. You can even want to consider grape planting Aztec grass if you are living in California and have considered trying something different. Of course this isnt a indigenous plant, it truely does work well in this field and once more, is very reduced maintenance. It wont require a lot of water : perfect for Fl.
 |
| landscaping ideas florida |
Dwarf firebushes are a good option for Florida scenery because they appeal to wildlife, exclusively butterflies, in your garden, which in turn adds yet another element of splendor to the environment.
Vegetable home gardens also excel in California, so if you are already thinking about developing some of your own personal vegetables it should not be too hard to achieve. Whenever planting a new vegetable yard, you may want to develop a raised mattress and put the layer associated with erosion material around the outside of the backyard bed to cope with any water which could come off the particular plants once they are just rooted.
Because its typical for dirt in Fl to be with a lack of nutrients, it could be more difficult to develop vegetables when compared with other plant life, which not one of them as many vitamins and can adjust to the local garden soil. You may have to give a rich planting medium mix on the bed so your vegetables gain access to enough vitamins to grow appropriately. You can also incorporate soil chemicals if needed. Great soil for the Florida veg garden can include compost, peat moss moss, shredded 1 bark, and also dolomite.
 |
| landscaping ideas florida pictures |
Again, the most important thing that many California homeowners bother about when sowing gardens may be the condition in the soil, which is often quite exotic. If youre focused on planting brand new shrubs and also plants within your backyard, adhere to low routine maintenance plants which dont require a great deal of water. Should you choose, the earth shouldnt create much of a dilemma. But dont increase fertilizer or perhaps manure for the soil. This might actually lead to more difficulties because the vegetation will adjust to the added nutritious content from the soil; if this dissipates, the actual plants may well develop issues or go stale in their expansion.
 |
| landscaping ideas florida yards |
When feeding, you may want to try out an alternative to chemical substances. To help help the environment along with your health, there are a number of all-natural fertilizers offered made up of organic plant as well as animal items. A good normal fertilizer can be able to help the condition of the soil, which can be crucial within Florida scenery. A healthy dirt is really what could keep your garden heading strong for years.
 |
| landscaping ideas florida climate |
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Zelkova
Zelkova
With 5 species of tree native from the Caucasus to Japan but planted around the world, the Zelkovas are very valuable shade and street trees that are related to the Elms but are never bothered by diseases of the Elms. Young trees should be pruned to encourage a strong single trunk and protected from strong winds in order to develop a well shaped tree. They are clay tolerant as well as very PH tolerant. They prefer full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile, well drained soil. Propagation is from seed for the species. For the garden cultivars; either from grafting or root cuttings from young potted trees. The Zelkovas can tolerate drought but still require 20 inches or more of rainfall per year.
Zelkova abeliacae ( Cretan Zelkova )
Native to the Greek Island of Crete and is endangered with extinction though it has been planted outside of Greece in places such as England where it suprisingly thrives in much cooler summers than found in its native range.
Some records include: 20 years - 27 feet; largest on record - 50 feet tall with a trunk diameter of 16 inches though reported to have reached up to 120 x 82 feet centuries ago when the Greek Islands were much more forested.
The heavily serrated leaves are up to 2 inches in length.
The small scented flowers are pollinated by insects. Seed is not abundant but can be sown during autumn.
Cuttings of young shoots also root with a good success rate when taken in late mid to late summer and root cuttings have about a 50% success rate. Unlike the others; this Zelkova commonly suckers.
Hardy zones 5 to 9
Zelkova carpinifolia ( Caucasian Zelkova )
A fast growing Elm like tree native from Turkey to northern Iran though commonly planted in England and western Europe.
A very large, upright, round headed tree that can reach 100 feet or more but rarely reaches that height due to its tendancy to grow with many competing leaders unless trained when young. Some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 5 feet; 9 years - 37 feet; 20 years - 66 feet; 250 years - trunk diameter of 7.5 feet; largest on record - 200 x 80 feet with a trunk diameter of 20 feet. The largest in Pennsylvania exceeds 5 feet in trunk diameter and grows at Woodlands Cemetary in Philadelphia. The Caucasian Zelkova is very long lived and is also among Europes largest hardwood trees.
The coarsely-toothed leaves are up to 6 x 3.5 inches on vigorous shoots but usually half that. They are smooth, glossy, deep green above and downy below. Its foliage can be told apart from other Zelkovas by its 10 pairs veins ending at the ends of triangular teeth. The foliage turns to orange-red in November.
The bark is gray-white and smooth; flaking with age. The young stems are very downy.
The flowers are pleasantly scented but barely visible.
Hardy zones 4 to 9 and very heat tolerant. Very rare in the U.S.; it is known to grow at the Mall in DC near the reflecting pool.
* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 in Washington, D.C.
Zelkova schneideriana ( Schneider Zelkova )
A large tree that is very similar to Zelkova sinica but is native to southwestern China instead of eastern China. It is slower growing and smaller than the other Zelkovas. Some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 2 feet; 26 years - trunk diameter of 20 inches; largest on record - 120 feet tall with a trunk diameter of 3 feet.
The finely-toothed leaves, up to 5.5 x 2 inches in size, are deep green above and downy below. The leaves are very deeply-cut, far more than the other Zelkovas. The foliage turns to outstanding scarlet in the fall.
The gray bark is flaking and scaly.
Hardy zones 5 to 9, thrives as far south as Savannah, Georgia.
* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photos taken on July 17 2010 @ Morris Arboretum, Philly, PA
* photos taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
Zelkova serrata ( Japanese Zelkova )
One of the worlds largest hardwoods, can reach well over 100 feet, live to 1500 ( very rarely over 1000 ) years old and is native to eastern China and Japan. It generally grows with a thick, stocky trunk and a broad spreading crown. Some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 8 feet with a trunk diameter increase of 1 inch; 7 years - 25 x 25 feet; 14 years - 40 feet; 40 years - 90 x 80 feet with a trunk diameter of 5 feet ( Columbia, Maryland ); largest on record - 200 x 100 feet with a trunk diameter of 17 feet; largest in PA - 92 x 90 feet with a trunk diameter of 7.4 feet @ Delaware Community College, Media, PA. Largest in U.S. is at the legandary tree lovers Spring Grove Cemetary in Cincinnati, Ohio
The heavily-toothed and veined, ovate leaves reach a maximum size of 6 x 2.5 inches in vigorous shoots though usually much less. The are rough & deep green above, paler and finely hairy to smooth below. The foliage turns to gold, orange and wine red late in the fall.
The small green flowers are borne in early spring before the leaves.
The curved very slender twigs are brown with small buds.
The bark is usually light gray flaking to reveal orange beneath.
The timber is of high quality.
Hardiness is generally zones 5 to 9 but varies to as much as to zone 3 depending on seed source. It is both tolerant of wind, floods and soil PH from 3.7 to 7 though it does not like sandy soil.
* photos taken on November 2009 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on March 17 2010 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on April 6 2010 in Clarksville, MD
* photo taken on April 21 2010 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 in Washington, D.C.
* photos taken on July 17 2010 @ Morris Arboretum, Philly, PA
* photo taken on Nov 8 2011 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Feb 20 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on May 17 2012 in Columbia, MD
Goshiki
A slower growing vase shaped tree with a wide, flat crown. It can reach 15 x 15 feet in size in 10 years, eventually up to 50 feet.
The variegated foliage is deep green with creamy white margins. The leaves turn to vibrant red-orange in autumn with some pink edging. Hardy zones 5 to 8
* photos taken on May 6 2010 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
Green Vase
A very fast growing vase shaped tree. Brilliant verdant green foliage and excellent fall color. Otherwise similar to Halka
Halka
Very fast growing with a strong leader and a broad vase shaped crown resembling that of the American Elm. Some growth records include; 20 years - 66 x 27 feet; 30 years - 80 x 50 feet. Fall color is nothing all that great.
Village Green
Fast growing. Rich green foliage.
Zelkova sicula ( Sicilian Zelkova )
Native to Sicily and closely related to Zelkova abeliacae. It is EXTREMELY ENDANGERED in the wild and close to extinction. The few surviving trees are being heavily grazed by goats. While not currently cultivated; that may be the only method to saving this tree which may have loads of potential in dry summer climates where other Zelkovas will not grow. Discovered in 1991, only a few plants remain on the planet.
Zelkova sinica ( Chinese Zelkova )
An extremely vigorous, large, broad canopied tree to 80 feet or more, native to western and north-central China. Some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 9 feet; 20 years - 50 feet; largest on record - 135 x 100 feet with a trunk diameter of 16 feet. This can develop into one of the worlds most massive hardwoods.
The stort stemmed, pointed, elliptical leaves are up to 5.5 x 2 inches in size though typically 3.5 x 1 inch. The foliage is pinkish at first turning green above, pale and downy beneath. The leaves turn to orange during autumn.
The gray-brown bark flakes off to reveal orange patches beneath.
Hardy zones 3 to 9; it is drought tolerant and also very tolerant of heavy clay.
Though rare in North America, it has been reported to grow well in Illinois, Massachussetts, Washington DC ( Tidal Basin ) and Georgia and everywhere between. Proper pruning and training is reqired when young to develop a well shaped tree since it often can develop multiple trunks.
Read More..
With 5 species of tree native from the Caucasus to Japan but planted around the world, the Zelkovas are very valuable shade and street trees that are related to the Elms but are never bothered by diseases of the Elms. Young trees should be pruned to encourage a strong single trunk and protected from strong winds in order to develop a well shaped tree. They are clay tolerant as well as very PH tolerant. They prefer full sun to partial shade on deep, fertile, well drained soil. Propagation is from seed for the species. For the garden cultivars; either from grafting or root cuttings from young potted trees. The Zelkovas can tolerate drought but still require 20 inches or more of rainfall per year.
Zelkova abeliacae ( Cretan Zelkova )
Native to the Greek Island of Crete and is endangered with extinction though it has been planted outside of Greece in places such as England where it suprisingly thrives in much cooler summers than found in its native range.
Some records include: 20 years - 27 feet; largest on record - 50 feet tall with a trunk diameter of 16 inches though reported to have reached up to 120 x 82 feet centuries ago when the Greek Islands were much more forested.
The heavily serrated leaves are up to 2 inches in length.
The small scented flowers are pollinated by insects. Seed is not abundant but can be sown during autumn.
Cuttings of young shoots also root with a good success rate when taken in late mid to late summer and root cuttings have about a 50% success rate. Unlike the others; this Zelkova commonly suckers.
Hardy zones 5 to 9
Zelkova carpinifolia ( Caucasian Zelkova )
A fast growing Elm like tree native from Turkey to northern Iran though commonly planted in England and western Europe.
A very large, upright, round headed tree that can reach 100 feet or more but rarely reaches that height due to its tendancy to grow with many competing leaders unless trained when young. Some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 5 feet; 9 years - 37 feet; 20 years - 66 feet; 250 years - trunk diameter of 7.5 feet; largest on record - 200 x 80 feet with a trunk diameter of 20 feet. The largest in Pennsylvania exceeds 5 feet in trunk diameter and grows at Woodlands Cemetary in Philadelphia. The Caucasian Zelkova is very long lived and is also among Europes largest hardwood trees.
The coarsely-toothed leaves are up to 6 x 3.5 inches on vigorous shoots but usually half that. They are smooth, glossy, deep green above and downy below. Its foliage can be told apart from other Zelkovas by its 10 pairs veins ending at the ends of triangular teeth. The foliage turns to orange-red in November.
The bark is gray-white and smooth; flaking with age. The young stems are very downy.
The flowers are pleasantly scented but barely visible.
Hardy zones 4 to 9 and very heat tolerant. Very rare in the U.S.; it is known to grow at the Mall in DC near the reflecting pool.
* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 in Washington, D.C.
Zelkova schneideriana ( Schneider Zelkova )
A large tree that is very similar to Zelkova sinica but is native to southwestern China instead of eastern China. It is slower growing and smaller than the other Zelkovas. Some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 2 feet; 26 years - trunk diameter of 20 inches; largest on record - 120 feet tall with a trunk diameter of 3 feet.
The finely-toothed leaves, up to 5.5 x 2 inches in size, are deep green above and downy below. The leaves are very deeply-cut, far more than the other Zelkovas. The foliage turns to outstanding scarlet in the fall.
The gray bark is flaking and scaly.
Hardy zones 5 to 9, thrives as far south as Savannah, Georgia.
* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 @ U.S. National Arboretum, D.C.
* photos taken on July 17 2010 @ Morris Arboretum, Philly, PA
* photos taken on June 23 2013 @ U.S. National Arboretum, DC
Zelkova serrata ( Japanese Zelkova )
One of the worlds largest hardwoods, can reach well over 100 feet, live to 1500 ( very rarely over 1000 ) years old and is native to eastern China and Japan. It generally grows with a thick, stocky trunk and a broad spreading crown. Some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 8 feet with a trunk diameter increase of 1 inch; 7 years - 25 x 25 feet; 14 years - 40 feet; 40 years - 90 x 80 feet with a trunk diameter of 5 feet ( Columbia, Maryland ); largest on record - 200 x 100 feet with a trunk diameter of 17 feet; largest in PA - 92 x 90 feet with a trunk diameter of 7.4 feet @ Delaware Community College, Media, PA. Largest in U.S. is at the legandary tree lovers Spring Grove Cemetary in Cincinnati, Ohio
The heavily-toothed and veined, ovate leaves reach a maximum size of 6 x 2.5 inches in vigorous shoots though usually much less. The are rough & deep green above, paler and finely hairy to smooth below. The foliage turns to gold, orange and wine red late in the fall.
The small green flowers are borne in early spring before the leaves.
The curved very slender twigs are brown with small buds.
The bark is usually light gray flaking to reveal orange beneath.
The timber is of high quality.
Hardiness is generally zones 5 to 9 but varies to as much as to zone 3 depending on seed source. It is both tolerant of wind, floods and soil PH from 3.7 to 7 though it does not like sandy soil.
* photos taken on November 2009 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on March 17 2010 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on April 6 2010 in Clarksville, MD
* photo taken on April 21 2010 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on 4th of July 2010 in Washington, D.C.
* photos taken on July 17 2010 @ Morris Arboretum, Philly, PA
* photo taken on Nov 8 2011 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on Feb 20 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on May 17 2012 in Columbia, MD
Goshiki
A slower growing vase shaped tree with a wide, flat crown. It can reach 15 x 15 feet in size in 10 years, eventually up to 50 feet.
The variegated foliage is deep green with creamy white margins. The leaves turn to vibrant red-orange in autumn with some pink edging. Hardy zones 5 to 8
* photos taken on May 6 2010 @ Brookside Gardens, Wheaton, MD
Green Vase
A very fast growing vase shaped tree. Brilliant verdant green foliage and excellent fall color. Otherwise similar to Halka
Halka
Very fast growing with a strong leader and a broad vase shaped crown resembling that of the American Elm. Some growth records include; 20 years - 66 x 27 feet; 30 years - 80 x 50 feet. Fall color is nothing all that great.
Village Green
Fast growing. Rich green foliage.
Zelkova sicula ( Sicilian Zelkova )
Native to Sicily and closely related to Zelkova abeliacae. It is EXTREMELY ENDANGERED in the wild and close to extinction. The few surviving trees are being heavily grazed by goats. While not currently cultivated; that may be the only method to saving this tree which may have loads of potential in dry summer climates where other Zelkovas will not grow. Discovered in 1991, only a few plants remain on the planet.
Zelkova sinica ( Chinese Zelkova )
An extremely vigorous, large, broad canopied tree to 80 feet or more, native to western and north-central China. Some records include: fastest recorded growth rate - 9 feet; 20 years - 50 feet; largest on record - 135 x 100 feet with a trunk diameter of 16 feet. This can develop into one of the worlds most massive hardwoods.
The stort stemmed, pointed, elliptical leaves are up to 5.5 x 2 inches in size though typically 3.5 x 1 inch. The foliage is pinkish at first turning green above, pale and downy beneath. The leaves turn to orange during autumn.
The gray-brown bark flakes off to reveal orange patches beneath.
Hardy zones 3 to 9; it is drought tolerant and also very tolerant of heavy clay.
Though rare in North America, it has been reported to grow well in Illinois, Massachussetts, Washington DC ( Tidal Basin ) and Georgia and everywhere between. Proper pruning and training is reqired when young to develop a well shaped tree since it often can develop multiple trunks.
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