Atlanta landscape architects

What are the Health Benefits of Elderberries? Learn About Elderberries with Mary Palmer Dargan

January 23, 2015

One of our goals here at Dargan Landscape Architects is to heal the planet one garden at a time. In practice, this is an overarching goal as we work to create sustainable landscapes that do more good than harm for our communities and planet-at-large. However, the same plants you use to heal the earth can also be used to heal yourself.

Are You Familiar With the Health Benefits of Elderberries?

Mother Nature has provided free healthcare and remedies via her plants’ roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and plants. Until recently, medicinal gardens were a staple of any home landscape and slowly but surely, the pendulum is swinging back to nature (literally!) as people learn the health benefits of the plants and herbs growing in their gardens. Today, I’m going to talk to you about the health benefits of elderberries, the fruit of an easy-to-grow shrub that is also an aesthetically pleasing addition to your landscape species roster.

Elderberries are the products of a common North American shrub that goes by many names, including elderberry trees, golden elder flower trees, black elderberry or North American elderberry. The berries grow in clusters (although the birds can diminish a cluster in no time leaving only the occasional berry here and there!), and proper treatment of these berries, including the making of teas, bitters, tinctures and even wines and cordials all yield healing benefits.

Elderberry has been used medicinally for hundreds of years. The berries contain high levels of Vitamin C as well as antioxidants. Bioflavonoids and unique proteins lend elderberries antiviral properties as well. The healing benefits of elderberry compounds include:

Lower cholesterol
Enhanced immune system function
Improved vision
Protection against both bacteria and viruses, providing relief from colds, flus and tonsillitis.
Mild laxative properties
Diuretic properties
Improved heart health

In some families, elderberry is still the primary go-to source for relief of the first signs of a flu or bug. Check out our video on how to harvest elderberries. Keep posted for more information on how to make tasty elderberry bitters and wines or contact Dargan Landscapes to learn more.

How to Support Sustainable Gardening? Join Forces with the Highlands Biological Station

January 22, 2015

I have dedicated the bulk of my life to sustainable gardening in one form or another. My passion for plants inspired me to pursue – and obtain – a degree in botany from the University of Tennessee in the 1970s. My courses and educational contacts led me to a job at the Tennessee Botanical Gardens, which resulted in the receipt of a prestigious award for propagating a special species of Echinacea (Echinacea Tennesseensis). Thus began my passionate career as a botanist and landscape architect, or – as I like to say – my lifelong career as “a real plant geek.”

Support Sustainable Living and Gardening at Highlands Biological Station

Part of any landscape architect’s job is educating clients through the process. I have worked as an expert educator, including a professorship at Clemson University where I taught landscape architecture and planning. I continue to travel the country speaking and lecturing for various plant- and landscape-related organizations. In addition to running a successful landscape architecture firm in Atlanta with my life partner, Hugh Dargan, I also lead and represent four states – Alabama, Florida, South Carolina and Georgia – in conservation and national affairs legislation for the National Garden Club of America.

Through all of these life experiences, I have maintained a very close and hands-on relationship with the Highlands Biological Station, and now you have an opportunity to personally support the long-view mission of this unique enterprise. The goal is to transform the Highlands Biological Station into a more interactive learning grounds for children and adults. The final vision includes enthusiastic children, students, and groups making their way from the botanical gardens, through the southern Appalachian swamp, back to the classrooms at the new dam and then up to an event facility overlooking the lake where they can apply the micro-aspects of what they have learned to the greater, global picture.

Do you share Dargan Landscape’s goal of saving the planet one garden at a time? Support our collective dream of sustainable living and gardening at Highlands Biological Station by visiting, donating, or volunteering. Contact Highlands Biological Station or Dargan Landscapes to learn more.

What Edging Selections Work Best for Garden Paths & Walkways?

January 21, 2015

Installing borders and edges in your garden and along pathways can easily update the look of your garden and draw attention to areas of note. Although edging can be used to beautify your space, it also has some functional benefits as well, such as retaining gravel or mulch used in your beds, holding back soil, and making mowing easier. Edging projects can be completed in hours or days, and costs range from free to very pricey depending on your choice. There are many edging selections for gardens and walkways to choose from.

Bricks
Bricks are a classic material used in garden edging projects. They are easy to install, however, installation can be time-consuming. They can be laid flat to create a wide border, often referred to as soldier edging; stood up on end to create a narrow yet prominent border, called a sailor edging; or laid diagonally to create interest. New bricks can be used for a crisp look while reclaimed bricks can add texture and interest.

Stones and Boulders
Although natural-looking placement can be difficult and heavy work, stones and boulders make great borders and edges. If you use locally sourced materials, your edging will look more natural and these types of borders work best with casual gardens. Many of our designs feature a crab orchard cobblestone edging, giving the designs a timeless look.

Cast or Poured Concrete
Edging selections for gardens and walkways are limited only by your imagination when using concrete products. There are pigments that can be added to create a wide variety of colors, textures can be designed, and added interest can be created by adding stones, glass and other items. Concrete is fairly permanent, so it is best to choose wisely.

Bender Board
Highly flexible and often made from recycled items, bender board makes a great border for your beds or edging for walkways. The material is extremely pliable which makes it easy to create meandering pathways or uniquely shaped beds.

If you would like help with your landscaping design, including edging and borders, Dargan Landscape Architects is here to help. We invite you to contact us to begin your design consultation to create your dream garden.

Does Your Landscape Need a Tune-up? Get your sample workshop here!

January 14, 2015

Its time to take your landscape to school!

Not everyone can make the long trip to Seattle on January 25 & 26 to join the Association of Professional Landscape Designers Washington Chapter. So, I’ve put together a sample of the workshop for you!

Join us LIVE in SEATTLE ! http://apldwa.org/events-and-news

Be sure to share this workshop with your friends…it is especially appropriate to Master gardeners, Landscape Designers, Landscape Architects, Botanical Gardens educational programs and of course, HOMEOWNERS!

Just contact me at [email protected] or 404-231-3889 and we can discuss your event.

Also, we have 4 introductory videos about this coming soon to our website…visit The Garden Talk Salon.

Cheers,

Mary Palmer

How Do I Prepare My Landscape for Winter?

December 31, 2014

You put too much time and passion into your garden to allow winter to destroy your efforts. Your delicate shrubs and plants cannot withstand cold temperatures without suffering damage, so they need protection. With weather becoming increasingly difficult to predict, prepping your landscape for winter will ensure that come spring, your garden will thrive anew. We have put together some great tips to help you get started.

Protective Fencing
While protective fencing is often used to protect plants along the edges of your property from salt or other melting products, it will also protect your gardens from animal activity in warmer climes.

Frost Protection
Frost can hit us at any time during the winter season, so it is essential to have frost protection fabric for your sensitive plants. If your daytime temperatures are warm, it is best to cover your plants at night when frost is expected and remove the coverings during the heat of the day.

Insulate with Mulch
To keep the soil temperature near the roots of your plants moderated, apply a two-inch layer of mulch at the base of your plants and trees. Mulch will also aid in water retention in dry winters and help prevent soil erosion in the event of a spring runoff.

Compost Protection
Some perennials that are limited in hardiness, such as roses, require compost to be mounded up to the crown to protect them in winter. Whenever possible you should use pulverized topsoil as it is less likely to cause root rot in the event of a warm, wet winter.

Pruning Tip
If you plan to prune any plants, wait until winter is almost over. By pruning later in the dormant season, the fresh wounds will not be exposed very long before new growth begins.

Prepping your landscape for winter does not have to mean an end to inspiration for your landscaping and garden wishes. Dargan Landscape Architects would be happy to meet with you to design your ideal outdoor space. View some of our project photos and contact us to learn more.

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