Comments on: an update on underplanting trees and shrubs http://awaytogarden.com/an-update-on-underplanting-trees-and-shrubs Organic gardening inspiration from Margaret Roach Sun, 12 Feb 2012 02:28:15 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Margaret http://awaytogarden.com/an-update-on-underplanting-trees-and-shrubs/comment-page-1#comment-41679 Margaret Mon, 28 Feb 2011 19:57:19 +0000 http://awaytogarden.com/?p=4593#comment-41679 Welcome, Karen. I only say all that about ivy because it's so boring...but it is tough, of course. You should probably watch <a href="http://awaytogarden.com/slideshow-10-great-groundcovers-to-rely-upon" rel="nofollow">this slideshow on groundcovers</a> and link off to the related posts I list after the pix. Ivy may indeed be right for you -- some spots are SO tough -- but worth a look. Welcome, Karen. I only say all that about ivy because it’s so boring…but it is tough, of course. You should probably watch this slideshow on groundcovers and link off to the related posts I list after the pix. Ivy may indeed be right for you — some spots are SO tough — but worth a look.

]]> By: Karen Kennedy http://awaytogarden.com/an-update-on-underplanting-trees-and-shrubs/comment-page-1#comment-41676 Karen Kennedy Mon, 28 Feb 2011 19:15:48 +0000 http://awaytogarden.com/?p=4593#comment-41676 Hi Margaret, I just saw you on The Martha Stewart Show & loved your segment. I've been on your site for over an hour, enjoying every minute of it! I noticed you said not to use English Ivy as a ground cover, just curious, why? We bought a summer home in Flat Rock, NC that has a very steep front yard it gets filtered sun & I was thinking of taking out the Coton Easter that is planted there & replace with ivy. The Coton Easter is very woody & leggy & it's not easy to maintain. I would love to know your thoughts as I am stumped. You're welcome to come and see it for yourself, anytime. Thank you in advance for your thoughts....Karen Hi Margaret,

I just saw you on The Martha Stewart Show & loved your segment. I’ve been on your site for over an hour, enjoying every minute of it! I noticed you said not to use English Ivy as a ground cover, just curious, why? We bought a summer home in Flat Rock, NC that has a very steep front yard it gets filtered sun & I was thinking of taking out the Coton Easter that is planted there & replace with ivy. The Coton Easter is very woody & leggy & it’s not easy to maintain. I would love to know your thoughts as I am stumped. You’re welcome to come and see it for yourself, anytime. Thank you in advance for your thoughts….Karen

]]> By: Margaret http://awaytogarden.com/an-update-on-underplanting-trees-and-shrubs/comment-page-1#comment-17795 Margaret Fri, 04 Jun 2010 13:24:46 +0000 http://awaytogarden.com/?p=4593#comment-17795 Welcome, Janey. No adding soil (not more than maybe an inch, and not at all on top of old surface roots). It's OK to underplant all trees (starting with small plants that you tuck into little pockets here and there and then wait to grow in -- not digging up giant holes int he established tree root system)...but the other issue is this: Besides not ripping up tree roots in a big way, many plants you'd like to tuck in just won't be able to thrive in that root zone. The tree will outcompete them for water and nutrients (and sometimes shade them too much, too). So choose carefully (seeking things that will handle dry shade), and start with small things. Welcome, Janey. No adding soil (not more than maybe an inch, and not at all on top of old surface roots). It’s OK to underplant all trees (starting with small plants that you tuck into little pockets here and there and then wait to grow in — not digging up giant holes int he established tree root system)…but the other issue is this: Besides not ripping up tree roots in a big way, many plants you’d like to tuck in just won’t be able to thrive in that root zone. The tree will outcompete them for water and nutrients (and sometimes shade them too much, too). So choose carefully (seeking things that will handle dry shade), and start with small things.

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