Project Idea: Japanese Maple Garden

One of the most interesting species of plants is Acer Palmatum (Japanese Maple). Often used in the landscape as specimen plants, there are too many outstanding varieties to pick only one. So, why not plant a garden full of Japanese Maples? The varieties available differ in size, growth rate, habit, texture, foliage, fall color, and winter interest. Japanese Maples can be divided into two groups: dissected and non-dissected.

Dissected types have defined foliage lobes cut to the stem with a very fine texture. 'Crimson Queen' has bright crimson foliage persisting through the season, with scarlet fall color, and ranges from 8 - 12' in size at maturity. 'Ever Red' has rich purple-red foliage, fading to bronze green in summer, and bright red in fall, maturing at 10 - 15' in height. 'Filigree' is a handsome yellow-green variety, with tiny dots of cream and yellow, turning a rich gold in fall , forming a round cascading 6-9' mound.

The non-dissected types have shorter lobes, thus having a medium texture. 'Bloodgood' is the best for deep reddish purple leaf color, with excellent red fall color, slow growing to 20' high. 'Oshio Beni' has new growth that emerges a vibrant orange becoming bronze-green in summer, and turning a rich scarlet red in fall, develops a spreading habit of 15 - 20' high and wide. 'Sango Kaku' is simply spectacular in the fall and winter with coral red bark on the young stems. New foliage is reddish, becoming light green in summer, and yellow in autumn, ultimately reaching 20 - 25' in size.

These are just a few of the spectacular cultivars available. When designing a Japanese maple garden, consider sunlight and soil conditions. Most varieties will do best in partial sunlight with rich, moist soil. Plant them in mass and groupings, as accents and specimens, along a shrub border, or in containers. Your landscape will certainly have an entirely new look with the addition of these graceful and artistic trees.

Garden Tasks

Lawn Care

• With cooler temperatures, good rainfall amounts, and the rapid growth of grasses during this season, this is the best time of year to start a new lawn.
• In this part of the country, soil pH tends to get lower (more acid) each year. To maintain the recommended pH of 6.0 or 6.5, apply 50 pounds of granular limestone per 1000 square feet to your lawn every two or three years.
• You can lower your mower blades to approximately 1.5" at this time.
• Be sure to feed your lawn with a slow-release, high nitrogen fertilizer. Also, in late autumn, apply a winterizer.

Landscape Maintenance

• This a great time to apply a deep root fertilizer to all trees and shrubs. Typically a 14-14-14 is adequate for most plants.
• As the season winds down, it is a great time to repair, clean, and store outdoor furniture and garden tools.
• A good fall clean-up will keep your landscape looking nice all winter and save a lot of work in the spring.

Planting

• Fall is a great time of year to plant balled and burlap trees and shrubs. Ground temperatures remain warm as the air temperatures drop and rain fall is at it's highest. This allows plants to establish a good root system before winter sets in.

Plants of Interest: Colorful Trees in Autumn

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