Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About Polk County itemizer observer. (Dallas, Or) 1992-current | View Entire Issue (May 17, 2017)
Polk County Living Polk County itemizer-Observer • May 17, 2017 9A Create a small garden big on style and function When it comes to small gardens, every plant, path and patio matters. “Everything has to func- tion well, fit well and flow well,” said Eileen Obermiller, a landscape architect and Oregon State University Ex- tension Service master gar- dener. “Small gardens can be a less-is-more situation. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have it richly textured. “Lots of texture can be wonderful, but you must keep it as orderly and tidy as you can.” The place to start, as with any garden, is a site assess- ment, said Obermiller, who has designed gardens as small as 600-square feet or the size of a two-car drive- way. Monitor the landscape to find where the sun hits and where the shade falls. Check for windy areas and wet ones. How much rain is there and where does it drain? Are there views that need screening or ones you want to enjoy? Make sure to note where the overhead lines are located. These ob- servations will help deter- mine where to place hard- scape and plants. Once you’ve got that done, consider how you’ll use the space and the ele- ments you want to include. Keep in mind that even large gardens have small spaces within them — side yards, entrances, patios and courtyards. Treat those areas the same way as you do overall small gardens, said Obermiller, who owns Dappled Earth — designs to nurture life! in Powell Butte. K YM P OKORNY Your Garden She has the following ad- vice: Priorities: If you want a table for eight and a foun- tain, you might instinctively think about a smaller table. But if entertaining is an im- portant part of your lifestyle, keep the table at the size you need and put in a wall fountain that takes up less space. “Where you de- cide to downsize is impor- tant,” she said. Size: Pay attention to the mature height and width of plants. “One of the biggest mistakes people make in small — and large — gar- dens is to plant something that will be too big. Then they try to hedge it or prune it,” she said. “They’re con- stantly fighting it.” Plants: Don’t eschew plants with large foliage. Though a little can go a long way, plants like bear’s breeches (Acanthus mollis), n a t i v e u m b re l l a p l a n t (Darmera peltata), Japanese aralia (Fatsia japonica) and cardoon (Cynara carduncu- lus) are good candidates placed in the back of a bed. If you’re looking for a tropi- cal feel, mingle the huge leaves of hardy banana with the fine texture of a hardy palm. All add drama and stature but don’t take over if used judiciously. Size is not all to consider, ICE V R SE https://flic.kr/p/92whPo No matter how small your space, you can garden in it. though. Add in some bright- ly colored foliage and flow- ers so the garden doesn’t blend into a mass of green. Put them up close and per- sonal in order to enjoy them the most. Stick to one color palette — shades of purple and yellow for example — to keep the garden from look- ing too busy. Also, don’t play “onesies.” Repeat plants to keep the garden from look- ing busy. Paths: No matter how small the garden, pathways add structure and circula- tion. Though you’ll be tempted to make them small, Obermiller said to keep main paths six feet wide or it will be uncomfort- able to navigate. Hardscape and struc- tures: As with paths, don’t miniaturize them. It’s better to build fewer structures than to make them too small to be used comfort- ably. There’s usually more activity swirling around out- side than inside, so leave enough space around table and chairs for kids and dogs to get around tables and people to be able to push back their chairs and gab. Storage: Build in storage for tools, cushions, lighting, garden ar t and hoses. Benches and ottomans with storage can hold tools, gloves, candles and cush- ions. Shelves can also store plenty. Starting plantings four feet away from the house gives space to hide things like buckets, hoses and little garden carts. “It’s heavy on function,” Ober- miller said. Garden up: Trellises, walls and window boxes offer more avenues for plants. Perspective: Create a focal point. Long, straight lines that taper slightly inward to the end will trick you into thinking the space is larger than it really is. I TAX • 24 Hour Service • Pick up Drop Off Get home safe, call your D.D. Merlin D. Berkey Music from the Redgate Winery & Fieldhouse Fri. May 19, 6-9 PM featuring The Ted Vaughn Blues Band Sat. May 20, 6-9 PM featuring Harvey Brindell & The Tablerockers Blues Band $5.00 cover Must be 21 • Food Available Tasting fees $10 & glass of wine $5 8175 Buena Vista Road Independence • 503-428-7115 • www.redgatevineyard.com Thursdays! May - September 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Live Music: Cash & Company 11 am - 1 pm MI TOWN Next week - May 25: Republic Services Recycling Event 182 Academy St., Dallas Is it time to take a break from all the outdoor — and even indoor — work and ac- tivities? The Master Garden- er spring sale at the fair- grounds last Friday and Sat- urday was a very busy one, and those of us who love our vegetables fresh from the backyard were pleased with their offerings. Now we need to tend the garden carefully until the new plants have settled in and are estab- lished. It’s a lot of work up front, but the rewards will come later in the summer when fresh peas and green beans and those wonderful tomatoes are ready to be picked. — Those of us who attended Dr. Gary Huxford’s classes about our United States Constitution — where we learned how to separate myth and folklore from the facts — are in for yet anoth- er series of interesting and P ATTY T AYLOR D UTCHER Columnist informative classes (10 weeks), on Wednesday mornings at 10 a.m. at the Monmouth Senior Center. A retired professor from West- ern Oregon University, Hux- ford will focus on the age of European supremacy (1870- 1945). For any questions or if you would like more infor- mation, please call 503-838- 5678. — Both Independence and Monmouth police depart- ments are focusing on public safety with extra pa- trols which will increase the emphasis on pedestri- an safety and impaired motorists. The warmer springtime weather and long, sunny evenings mean there are many more peo- ple — of all ages — walk- ing, bicycling and driving around town. We learned many years ago in Driver Education classes to watch out for each other, and that the pedestrian always has the right of way. Reality tells us that car versus pedestrian isn’t pretty — and when you’re walking or riding a bike, it’s much safer to watch traffic be- fore crossing that street, no matter what the law says. — Those bright red octagon signs on street corners indi- cate that vehicles should come to a full stop, not just slow down and cr uise through the intersection if nobody is nearby. Those of us who walk around our communities on a daily basis are more than familiar with drivers who are glued to their phones instead of watching the road. Unless you’re a physician heading for a hospital emergency, the phone call can keep until you reach a safe place to pull over. — The results are in for the Special District election with positions on school boards, cemetery districts, and a bond issue for Polk County and Southwestern Polk Rural Fire Protection Dis- trict. Congratulations to all who stepped up to become more involved with their communities. — A belated Happy Mother’s Day to everyone. Whether families celebrated with fancy brunches, family din- ners, flowers, or offers to clean the house and give Mom the day off, it’s always just wonderful to be ac- knowledged on this special day. (corner of Main & Academy) Facebook.com/bountymarket http://www.exploredallasoregon.org/bounty-market.html The Doctor is Allergy season is upon us. Did you know most cars, built after the year 2000, have a cabin air filter to reduce pollens/pollution. Protect your health and get yours changed today. - The Car Doctor Celebrating 10 years of service! The Car Doctor Full Service Auto Repair 503-623-8570 Newspaper use #52 760 Monmouth Cutoff Rd, Dallas • thecardoctor.vp.com Matinees are all shows before 6pm. New pricing for matinees are: Adult $8.00 Children $7.00 • Senior $7.25 Pricing does not reflect 3D showings. Friday - Wednesday • May 19 - 24 KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD (Digital) (PG13) (1:25 4:15) ★ GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY 2 (Digital) (PG13) (12:30 3:30) ★ GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY 2 (Digital) (PG13) (1:00 4:00) DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LONG HAUL (Digital) (PG) (12:25 2:40 4:55) DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LONG HAUL (Digital) (PG) (12:00 2:15 4:30) ALIEN: COVENANT (Digital) (R) (1:35 4:25) ALIEN: COVENANT (Digital) (R) SNATCHED (Digital) (R) (12:40 2:55 5:10) EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING (PG13) (12:20 2:40 5:00) ★ Starred Attraction. No passes Fri-Sun. 7:05 9:55 6:30 9:30 7:00 10:00 7:10 9:25 6:45 7:15 7:25 7:20 9:35 10:05 9:40 9:40 Thursday • May 25 KING ARTHUR: LEGEND OF THE SWORD (Digital) (PG13) (1:25 4:15) GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY 2 (Digital) (PG13) (12:30 3:30) GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY 2 (Digital) (PG13) (1:00 4:00) DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: THE LONG HAUL (Digital) (PG) (12:25 2:40 4:55) ✷ PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: DEAD MEN TELL NO TALES (Digital) (PG13) ALIEN: COVENANT (Digital) (R) (1:35 4:25) BAYWATCH (Digital) (R) (1:30 4:10) SNATCHED (Digital) (R) (12:40 2:55 5:10) EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING (PG13) (12:20 2:40 5:00) ✷ Starred Attraction. No passes. And you thought our only use was bringing you the local news and advertisements. Delivered every week! Itemizer-Observer 503-623-2373 • www.polkio.com Visit our website, www.polkio.com ...for local news, sports and community events. Follow us on 7:05 9:55 6:30 9:30 7:10 9:25 7:00 7:15 6:50 7:25 7:20 9:55 10:05 9:30 9:40 9:40
