Nandina - Plant of the Week

Nandina, also commonly known as Heavenly Bamboo or Sacred Bamboo, is a suckering shrub, meaning that the plant pushes out new growth from the base of the plant.  Despite the common names, Nandina is not actually a type of bamboo.  Nandina is a hardy plant that will grow well in many different environments.  These compact plants can help liven up your landscape in the cold winter months, when most other colorful plants have died back. These easy to grow and easy to maintain plants give an almost oriental feel to any landscape. The Nandina will grow well in both sun and shade, so finding the perfect spot for planting will pose no problem. 

Pyracantha - Plant of the Week

Pyracantha is an evergreen shrub that is cherished for its spectacular fall and winter display of fruits. It has the ability to withstand dry conditions. In the spring, clusters of small flowers will bloom. The berries will begin to change in the fall, their color going from green to shades of red, orange, or yellow. These berries persist through winter and into early spring depending on climate and the appetite of the local bird population. If kept in shady areas the berries will be understated, but in full sun light the berries will be plentiful.  There are varieties available that differ in size, berry color, and uprightness in form, these plants can get up to eighteen feet tall, but more typically stay in the four to twelve foot range with equal spread. Beware, however, this is a thorny plant.

Oak Leaf Hydrangea - Plant of the Week

The Oakleaf Hydrangea is one of just a few hydrangeas native to the United States. It gets its name from the shape of the large, beautiful leaves which can turn brilliant shades of red, orange, yellow, and burgundy in the fall when planted in a sunny location that gets a good dose of afternoon shade.  However, the Oakleaf does tend to like shady areas better. Some varieties of this shrub can grow up to 26 feet tall with the flowers being almost 12 inches long, while other varieties will only reach two feet in height. The dramatic white-blooming shrub has four seasons of interest.  Even though it blooms best in areas where summer is hot, this hydrangea is also a hardy winter plant.  It can thrive in dryer areas and needs little attention. 

 

Kane Landscapes wins Safety Award

Every year Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) bestows a safety award to those companies that meet the stringent requirements.  This year, Kane Landscapes was feted with this honor.

The award, part of PLANET’s annual Safety Recognition Awards Program, and sponsored by CNA, honors those companies with thorough, high preforming safety programs that create and maintain safe work environments in the green industry.  It is designed to reward the green industry companies that consistently demonstrate their commitment to safety.

Kane Landscapes was evaluated on number of accidents, number of dates that employees were away from work, and number of employee injuries and illnesses.  In addition, a checklist was used to rate the company’s complete safety program.    

PLANET is the association of members who create and maintain the quality of life in communities across America.  With nearly 3,800 member companies and affiliates, these firms and their employees represent more than 100,000 green industry professionals. Some of these professionals have taken the extra step of becoming certified through PLANET and bear the distinction of being known as the Landscape Industry Certified.

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Hameln Fountain Grass: Plant of the Week

Hameln fountain grasses are this week's plant of the week due to their ability to withstand the summer heat. Not only are they sun-loving and drought tolerant, but are also virtually pest and disease free. This ornamental grass is often used for its radiating, fine-textured effect in landscapes.  In late summer buff-colored flower heads pop up in profusion then slowly change color from buff to soft pinks and light-colored maroons. Dwarf fountain grasses grow to be about 2 feet tall and work well in mass plantings in larger gardens or as an individual contrast plant in small gardens.

Black-Eyed Susans: Plant of the Week

Black-eyed Susans are a favorite summertime perennial that add a pool of sunshine to gardens with their bright yellow flowers and dark center. From midsummer to fall, these tough native plants bloom their golden heads off in sun or light shade and mix well with other perennials, annuals, and shrubs. They can grow to be about 3 feet in height depending on the variety, and look especially appropriate among shrubs or surrounding trees and mailboxes, which in turn provide support. Add black-eyed Susans to wildflower meadows or native plant gardens for a naturalized look. Because these flowers are native to our area, they are especially easy to grow and maintain. They are also resistant to another native to our area; the deer!