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A Look at Traditional and Classic Landscaping Edmonton Style

Published: 21/04/2010 by Patsy Hamilton

Here are some tips for traditional or classic landscaping Edmonton style. Choosing native species is the key to low maintenance and the conservation of our natural resources.

The continental climate means long cold winters and short summers, but there can be great variations in temperature, with recorded highs up to 34.5 in the summer. Although there are many streams, rivers and lakes, the region does not receive much rain.

Mean precipitation in the summer is around 92mm. This means that planning for dry conditions is a necessity.

Most landscapers recommend the installation of irrigation or sprinkler systems on timers. This keeps the grass green with the least amount of water possible.

Making use of native species lowers water consumption even more. They are generally hardier plants, easier to grow and take up less of the busy homeowner’s time.

The city is situated in the Aspen parkland region, a transitional zone between the prairie lands and the boreal forest. The size and appearance of the zone has changed over the years due to agriculture and other uses, but the soil remains the same.

If vegetable gardening will be a part of your efforts at classic landscaping, Edmonton soil is very fertile. The rich dark black soil can support many fruits and vegetables.

The growing season is shorter than that of the southern plains. Vegetable planting should begin the third week of May. The growing season ends on September 23.

It’s a good idea to choose cold-weather vegetables like kale. Blueberries and cranberry bushes are good fruit choices. Their appearance is nice as well.

Trees and shrubs native to the area include numerous pines and evergreens. It is important to remember that these trees do not support an understory. As they lose their needles, they increase the soil’s acidity. So placing a flowerbed around the base of a White Spruce won’t work.

If you need help with classic landscaping, Edmonton is home to a number of experienced contractors and landscape designers. In addition to planning the placement of trees, shrubs and gardens, they can help you plan an outdoor living area.

You have lots of daylight hours during the summer months. If you plan correctly, you can spend a great deal of time outdoors. With decks, saunas, heated pools, outdoor fireplaces and other choices, you increase your living space and your ability to relax.

The popularity of different colors comes and goes. Right now, we are seeing more oranges and reds. Those colors could fit in with classic landscaping Edmonton style, but we usually prefer colors that are closer to nature when choosing outdoor furnishings.

Green, grey, white, slate, tan, brown and blue seem to blend better with the environment. On the other hand, bright colors create contrast and that might be what you are looking for.

The best advice is to work with a designer or contractor to be sure that you get the look you are interested in. That way you can blend classic landscaping Edmonton style with your own personal style.

Patsy Hamilton is a home improvement journalist at HomeImprovement411.ca. For more great useful home improvement articles please visit: http://www.homeimprovement411.ca/

Article Source: http://www.homeimprovement411.ca/article