Common problems and solutions for planting tree peonies in stepped flower beds
Planting tree peonies in stepped flower beds has become a new mode of tree peony cultivation, but there is a problem of death when planting tree peonies in stepped flower beds. Below, let's take a look with the editor of Huinong Network at the problems and solutions for tree peonies in stepped flower beds.
The tree peony is one of China's top ten famous flowers. As its planting range continues to expand, the planting mode has also changed. Planting tree peonies in stepped flower beds has become a new mode of tree peony cultivation, but there is a problem of death when planting tree peonies in stepped flower beds. Below, let's take a look with the editor of Huinong Network at the problems and solutions for tree peonies in stepped flower beds.
Existing problems
1. Soil factors
Ornamental gardens mostly use outsourced construction for landscape renovation projects, so insufficient attention is paid to the quality of the fill soil, and the soil conditions do not meet planting requirements.
2. Soil layer structure
High platforms, weirs, and artificial hills as high as 10-20 m are mostly completed with large machinery. During construction, the compaction by machinery and the lime soil, gravel, etc., while maintaining terrain stability, are no longer suitable for planting tree peonies, and the aftereffects of the stone slab bottom will persist and are difficult to improve.
3. Growth habits
Tree peonies like sunlight and tolerate partial shade, but avoid high temperatures and scorching sun. In summer, high temperatures and dry hot winds easily occur, seriously affecting the normal growth and safe summering of tree peonies, and the flower bud differentiation period of tree peonies is from June to October, which will seriously affect the flowering quality of tree peonies.
4. Water control
The biggest reason for poor growth of tree peonies in stepped flower beds is water. Tree peonies are afraid of water and easily suffer root rot, but they also need suitable soil moisture. As stepped flower beds, the masonry itself is impermeable, and the following problems exist during management:
First, if the fill material contains too much sand or gravel, water will not be retained when watering, causing water leakage;
Second, if the rammed soil layer is too high, the fill soil layer is too thin, and the stone slab bottom does not seep water, root rot occurs;
Third, masonry flower beds generally have drainage outlets at the bottom. If no treatment is done when watering, flood irrigation water flows away along the drainage outlets, mostly resulting in half-watering, and the tree peony roots remain in a water-deficient state for a long time. In summer, high transpiration can cause death.
Solutions
1. Ornamental gardens should strengthen supervision of construction quality. Technical personnel should participate in construction. The backfill soil of flower beds should strictly require the use of cultivated soil. When backfilling, a height of 50 cm should be reserved for mixed soil, with a ratio of humus soil : peat : base fertilizer = 10 : 5 : 1. When planting, the linear roots should be straightened, and planting should be done while filling soil, leaving a height of 10-20 cm for watering.
2. When large machinery is used in construction, after the earth mound shaping is completed, a hook machine should be used to retreat from the upper part in reverse, with a depth of 100-180 cm, and then flower bed masonry and planting soil backfilling should be carried out, and finally road and square construction should be carried out. Do not have multiple teams start work at the same time just to rush the construction period, resulting in behaviors such as directly building flower beds on the rammed layer and throwing construction waste into the flower beds.
3. Stepped flower beds cannot plant overly tall plants, while tree peonies prefer a somewhat shaded environment. At the end of March, castor seeds are sown in the flower beds. In April, during the tree peony viewing period, castor is at the seedling stage. From May to June, castor is in its vigorous growth period, reaching a height of 1.5-2 m in June. During the hot period from July to August, the large castor leaves can provide shade, and its pagoda-shaped raceme inflorescences, leaves, and spherical capsules are all red, with good ornamental value.
4. Watering in stepped flower beds should use a drip irrigation system. Water supply should be embedded during construction, and pipes should be laid after planting. At the first planting, use a hose for flood irrigation, the purpose being to firm the soil and level the ground surface. After that, use drip irrigation each time to water thoroughly.
The above is the detailed content compiled by the editor of Huinong Network about planting tree peonies in stepped flower beds. In addition to the above planting techniques, flower enthusiasts should also strengthen loosening the soil and weeding, as well as shaping and pruning tree peonies in spring and autumn, to ensure the ornamental landscape of tree peonies in stepped flower beds.
Configuration methods for flowers and plants in home courtyards
Some families live in single-story houses and have a small courtyard. Usually, the courtyard has mild weather and sunshine, as well as rain and dew, and a relatively large area, making flower-growing conditions much better than those of a building balcony. But to green and beautify the courtyard well and make it garden-like, it is also necessary to master some knowledge of landscaping design and flower cultivation. Rational planning, rational selection of flowers and trees, and attention to vertical greening are needed to make the courtyard more full of garden charm.I.Principles for configuring courtyard flowers and trees
Garden plants include many types such as woody, vine, and aquatic plants, and their mutual configuration should follow the principles below.
1. It must meet the functional requirements of the courtyard
2. Garden plant landscaping must be consistent with the overall layout of the garden green space and coordinate with the environment
In regular-style courtyards, opposite planting and row planting landscapes are often used; in natural-style courtyard garden green spaces, the natural postures of plants are often used for natural-style landscaping. For example, near gates, main roads, formal squares, and large buildings, regular-style plant landscaping is often used; at the edges of lawns and ponds in natural landscape gardens, natural-style landscaping is often used. On the plane, attention should be paid to the density and contour lines of the configuration; vertically, attention should be paid to the contour lines of tree crowns; in groves, attention should be paid to sight lines. In short, there should be an overall effect of size, distance, and height levels in the plant landscape. Beautiful garden plant landscapes complement each other. Garden art composition should have a gradual transition among trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants, and they should also form contrasts with each other to facilitate viewing.
3. According to the different ecological environment conditions of garden plants, select appropriate plant species according to local conditions
Courtyard greening should choose plants with characteristics such as being easy to survive, resistant to pruning, resistant to smoke and dust, with high trunks, dense branches and leaves, and fast growth. Mountain greening should choose drought-tolerant plants and be conducive to setting off mountain scenery; waterside greening should choose waterlogging-tolerant plants and coordinate with waterscape.
4. There must be reasonable density
The density of plants directly affects the green landscape and the exercise of green space functions. Tree landscaping design should use the crown size of adult trees as the best design for plant and row spacing, but attention should also be paid to combining short-term and long-term effects. Use fast-growing trees with slow-growing trees, evergreen trees with deciduous trees, trees with shrubs, and foliage trees with flowering trees in mutual combination to create multi-layered greening while satisfying plant ecological conditions.
5. Comprehensively consider the seasonal changes of garden plants and the unified contrast of color, fragrance, and form
Plant landscaping should comprehensively consider differences in time, environment, plant species, and their ecological conditions, so that rich plant colors change with
the seasons and appear alternately, so that each partition and section of the garden green space highlights the plant landscape of one season. In areas where visitors gather, there should be scenery to enjoy in all four seasons. The color, fragrance, individual form, leaf, and flower morphological changes of plant landscape combinations are also diverse, but there must be clear primary and secondary distinctions, proceeding from function and highlighting one aspect to avoid a sense of clutter.
Configuration methods for flowers and plants in home courtyards
II.Specific configuration of courtyard flowers and trees
Generally speaking, the area of a courtyard is relatively small, and each local greening affects the overall situation of the courtyard. Therefore, each local greening in the courtyard must be treated seriously. The following describes separately the courtyard gate, courtyard wall, garden path, waterscape, rockery, lawn, flower bed, flower border, flower platform, tree group scenery, vertical greening, balcony, terrace greening, roof garden, and other aspects.
1. Greening of the courtyard gate
Every courtyard has entrances and exits of different sizes, namely courtyard gates. Courtyard gates play an important role in the combination, separation, penetration, and landscaping of courtyard space. Since the courtyard gate is the place for entry and exit and its position is exposed, the greening of the gate is the most eye-catching. Due to differences in the host's living habits and personality, the greening arrangement forms of the gate also differ. Generally speaking, outgoing hosts are accustomed to visible arrangement, allowing outside passersby to view the internal landscape of the courtyard; introverted hosts are accustomed to invisible arrangement, not wanting outside passersby to see the internal scenery at a glance. While ensuring convenient entry and exit, the greening of the courtyard gate should pay attention to the differences between inside and outside scenery, adopting methods of enclosing or opening up to increase the depth of scenic layers and expand space; attention should also be paid to the creation of opposite scenery and framed scenery.
Courtyard gate greening is often combined with hedges and green walls, and there are many forms:
First, directly use low-branching Chinese juniper, arborvitae, and coral trees as the main body, use wood or steel as the skeleton inside, then bind the trunks and branches of evergreen trees to the skeleton and carry out shaping and pruning to create a lively green gate scene. It has an evergreen effect throughout the four seasons and is full of vitality.
Second, combine with the courtyard gate building. Combine living flower and tree materials with building materials to create a landscape, such as planting green plants on hollow gate pillars filled with soil, or letting them droop, or creating flower-viewing and foliage-viewing gate scenes on the upper three sides. Attention should be paid to the height of the gate pillars, and it is best to make it possible for water to reach the plant roots by capillary action; otherwise, attention must be paid to watering or directly choosing drought-tolerant plant varieties; potted plants can also be placed directly on the gate pillars or on both sides of the gate; a flower platform can also be set up at the base of the gate pillars and flowers and trees planted in the platform.
Third, the form of vertical greening. Use steel, bamboo, wood, cement, etc. to make a gate frame, and plant climbing plants on both sides. For a south-facing gate front, herbaceous flowers and flowering shrubs can be configured in a balanced way; a north-facing gate front is relatively cold and shady with poor ventilation, so trees should be planted during greening to facilitate ventilation and summer shading; for side gates, rear gates, or east-facing and west-facing courtyard gates, deciduous trees can be planted in the front area or a vertical greening screen can be established.
In short, the greening of the gate should be concise, simple, and natural. Courtyard gate greening should have a clear sense of season, and the color contrast between flowers and the gate should be strong. The selected flowers and trees should have a long flowering period and small flower types.
Configuration methods for flowers and plants in home courtyards
2、Greening of the courtyard wall
In order to create a quiet, hygienic, and beautified living space, or due to safety needs, various styles of courtyard walls are set up on the periphery, thereby creating a courtyard landscape with rich layers and a small space revealing something grand. They can form scenery independently or combine with other elements to create various landscapes. There are many forms of courtyard walls, such as brick walls, stone walls, tree walls, flower walls, and retaining walls, among which tree walls and flower walls are the best.
A. Tree walls
On the periphery of a courtyard or around buildings, lively woody plants such as coral trees, privet, and boxwood are often used for greening and form a wall effect, which is called a tree wall. Like brick, stone, and cement walls, tree walls have effects such as separating space, preventing dust, sound insulation, fire prevention, wind prevention, cold prevention, and blocking sight lines, and they are convenient to manage, durable, and can create lively shapes with a unique mountain forest landscape effect.
According to the different functional nature of the courtyard, various different tree species can be selected. For wind prevention, fire prevention, dust prevention, etc., taller or natural impermeable tree wall forms can be used; to view the landscape inside the courtyard, shorter tree walls, namely hedges, or semi-permeable tree walls can be used; to strengthen special functions such as defense, trees with thorns such as citron, holly, climbing rose, Caesalpinia decapetala, and banksia rose can be used as green walls. Tree species used as tree walls should have the characteristics of robust growth, easy management, and strong resistance to pests and diseases, such as citron, trident maple, and privet; in shaded areas, more shade-tolerant tree species such as photinia, coral trees, and gardenia can be selected; at windward openings, tree species with deep roots and strong wind and cold resistance such as cypress and hawthorn should be selected; for shaped tree walls, tree species tolerant to pruning should be selected, such as Chinese juniper, elder, coral trees, firethorn, privet, water wax, camellia, photinia, and osmanthus.
B. Flower walls
Many courtyard walls are made into various flower walls with building materials such as cement, brick and stone, and iron fences. Although flower walls have various flower lattices, flower windows, and various different shapes, they are still lifeless buildings and cannot purify the air and improve the environment. To make up for these shortcomings, it is best to use climbing plants such as wisteria, Chinese trumpet creeper, ivy, and banksia rose beside the wall for greening, so that the wall surface is draped in a green coat and becomes much more lively. Beautiful flowers and trees climbing over the top of the wall also beautify the environment outside the courtyard.
If it is a rough stucco cement wall surface, climbing plants with suckers can be planted in the soil below the wall, such as Boston ivy, Virginia creeper, ivy, hibiscus, climbing fig, Chinese trumpet creeper, and star jasmine, so that they climb on the wall and become a natural wall covering, not only beautifying the wall surface but also preventing wind and rain erosion and sunlight exposure. On a smooth wall surface, if green patterns are to be created, bamboo, wooden strips, or wire flower racks can be installed on the wall surface, and then climbing plants such as grapes can be introduced to climb up, not only forming green pattern designs and a green wall covering but also rich in seasonal changes. For sunny wall surfaces, Boston ivy and Chinese trumpet creeper can be selected; for shaded wall surfaces, ivy, climbing fig, and wintercreeper can be selected. If the wall surface is tall, Boston ivy, Virginia creeper, and Chinese trumpet creeper can be selected; if the wall surface is short, wintercreeper, climbing fig, ivy, star jasmine, and Chinese trumpet creeper can be selected.
C. Retaining walls
In order to prevent rainwater erosion, at soil slopes with relatively large height differences, retaining walls can be appropriately set up with materials such as cement, brick, and stone. On the soil slope above, Boston ivy, winter jasmine, and jasmine can be planted to cover the topsoil and rocks; below the retaining wall (soil protection slope), climbing fig, star jasmine, and honeysuckle with well-developed root systems and lush branches and leaves can be planted, using hanging down and climbing up forms for greening; they can also be divided into different height levels to create a half-side three-dimensional flower platform form, and on each level of the flower platform, similar flowering shrubs can be configured to express group characteristics. Whether it is a flower wall or a retaining wall, when using climbing plants for greening, plant the climbing plants 15 cm away from and within 100 cm of the wall base, with each plant about 1.5 m apart. The soil depth should be about 50 cm. When planting, make the tips extend toward the wall surface to facilitate the growth and routine management of the climbing plants.
Configuration methods for flowers and plants in home courtyards
3、Passages and garden paths
For convenience of walking, courtyards have roads of different width levels, which connect the front and rear gates and the various houses in the courtyard. Garden paths should be part of the courtyard landscape. Through plane arrangement and configuration of height changes, materials, colors, and greening, the artistic level of the courtyard is reflected. Therefore, garden paths not only have a traffic function but also the role of walking and enjoying scenery. The main road from the room door to the main entrance is called a passage, and the walking paths in the courtyard are called garden paths. In addition, there are steps, slopes, or platforms for going up and down.
A. Passages
A passage is both a street landscape and a bridge connecting the street and the house door. Greening the passage should ensure convenient walking and also give pedestrians a comfortable feeling. At present, because the building area is relatively small, the passage is also relatively narrow. To facilitate drainage, the passage must be higher than the road or use a slope with a very small gradient.
There are many materials for landscaping passage surfaces, such as natural stone, cement boards, red bricks, and ceramic tiles. A north-facing passage has poor light, and shade-tolerant low flowers and trees can be planted beside it to give the poorly lit passage a sense of brightness; a south-facing passage has bright light, and to make the yard appear vibrant, various sun-loving flowers and trees and ribbon-shaped flower borders can be planted on both sides or one side of the passage. Choose red and yellow flowers to give people a feeling of warmth, enthusiasm, and welcome.
B. Garden paths
Paths in a courtyard are highly practical, and after greening they are also ornamental and can invite people to take a walk. There are many paving materials, such as grass, stones, stone slabs, tiles, cement, and natural stone. The paving of the path surface should coordinate with the courtyard environment. The path surface and the greening on both sides can be arranged in the form of lawns, flower borders, and tree clusters. For example, for stepping-stone paving on a lawn, the stepping stones can be selected at a size of 40 cm x 50 cm x 15 cm. Generally arranged at a spacing of 60 cm, with a gap of 10-20 cm left between each stepping stone for grass to grow naturally.
Garden plant landscaping is the reasonable configuration and creation of various beautiful landscapes according to the requirements of garden plant ecological habits and garden art layout, so as to fully exercise garden functions and ornamental characteristics. It is an important part of garden planning and design. First is the configuration among various plants, such as selection of species, combination of tree clusters, composition of planes and elevations, color, seasonal aspects, and creation of artistic conception; there is also the mutual configuration of garden plants with other elements in the garden such as rockery, water bodies, buildings, and garden paths. It is related to the exercise of the functions of urban garden green spaces and the artistic level of the entire city appearance. Its types can be roughly divided into natural style and regular style. Natural-style configuration mainly imitates nature and emphasizes change, with a lively, pleasant, and elegant natural mood, such as solitary planting, clustered planting, and group planting of trees. Regular-style configuration mostly uses a certain axis for symmetry or planting in rows, such as opposite planting and row planting, giving people a strong, majestic, and solemn feeling.
Configuration methods for flowers and plants in home courtyards
4、Waterscape
Aquatic plants use water as their habitat, unfolding leaves, blooming, and bearing fruit in water, creating waterscape scenery. In garden ponds, aquatic plants are often arranged to beautify the water body, purify water quality, and reduce water evaporation. For example, water scallion, water hyacinth, thistle, aquatic mint, reeds, and Alisma orientale can absorb organic compounds in water and reduce biochemical oxygen demand; they can also absorb phenol, pyridine, and aniline, kill Escherichia coli, and remove pollution, purify water sources, and improve water quality. Many aquatic plants such as Salvinia natans, water lettuce, Azolla, lotus, arrowhead, water chestnut, and Alisma orientale can be used as food or livestock feed. Therefore, arranging aquatic plants on a large scale in garden water bodies can also achieve certain economic benefits. Because aquatic plants grow quickly and have strong adaptability, they can also save manpower and material resources in cultivation and management. To do a good job in the landscape design of aquatic plants, one should grasp the ecological characteristics of aquatic plants growing in water and select according to landscape needs. Floating-leaf aquatic plants such as lotus, water lily, and Japanese iris have rhizomes attached to the soil of the pond, while their leaves float on the water surface. Therefore, design should refer to the proportion of the water body's surface size.
In order to ensure that the water surface plant landscape has alternating density and does not affect the viewing of reflections of other scenery on the water body's banks, it is not appropriate to green the entire pond or design a full circle around the water body. Generally, ensuring one-third to one-half of the water surface is greened is sufficient. For this purpose, planting platforms, ponds, and vats must be set up in the water body. The height of the planting pond should be lower than the water surface, and its depth depends on the plant species. For example, lotus has relatively tall leaf stalks, so its planting pond can be designed with a height of 60-120 cm below the water surface; water lily has shorter leaf stalks, so its planting pond can be 30-60 cm from the water surface; Japanese iris has even shorter leaf stalks, so its planting pond can be 5-15 cm from the water surface. If planting vats or pots are used, they can be moved flexibly in the water to create certain water surface plant patterns.
Because Azolla, duckweed, Salvinia natans, and water hyacinth have the characteristics of fast reproduction and whole plants floating on the water surface, the landscaping of such aquatic plants is not affected by water depth. According to landscape needs, various floating rings can be made on the water surface, and these plants can be enclosed within them to create water surface landscapes, embellish the water surface, change the shape and size of the water body, and make the water body winding and orderly. In addition, submerged plants such as water grass have roots growing in the pond soil, and their stems and leaves can all grow submerged in water. Placing such plants in a small clear-bottomed pond, embellishing with a few vats or pots, and raising a few ornamental red fish makes it even more lively and full of charm. This kind of waterscape with both aquatic animals and plants is refreshing and delightful. Using swamp herbaceous plants such as reeds, water chestnut, arrowhead, iris, and water scallion can create low vegetation landscapes at the water's edge.
In short, in water, floating-leaf aquatic plants can be used with alternating density, intermittency, advance and retreat, and rhythm to create continuous compositions rich in seasonal changes. On the water surface, floating aquatic plants can be used, concentrated in patches, to create green islands on the water. Water-tolerant trees such as bald cypress, Chinese swamp cypress, willow, dawn redwood, Manchurian ash, mulberry, gardenia, and tamarisk can also be used to create enclosed spaces in water bodies or on banks, enriching the sense of layering and depth of the water surface, adding points of interest for visitors' boating and other water activities, and creating shade conditions.
Configuration methods for flowers and plants in home courtyards
5、Lawns
A. Lawns
A lawn is a green space grown in patches by evenly and densely planting a single perennial herbaceous grass species.
According to calculations, the leaf area of grass is more than 10 times larger than the ground area it occupies. Therefore, lawns can prevent dust from rising again and reduce bacterial harm. Due to the transpiration of leaf surfaces, the relative humidity above the lawn can be increased by 10-20%, reducing the sun's heat radiation. In summer, the temperature can be lowered by 1-3°C, and in winter it is about 0.8-4°C higher, so lawns have the effect of being warm in winter and cool in summer. Lawn covering the ground can prevent soil erosion, maintain green landscapes on gentle slopes, and in winter prevent ground temperature decline or muddy surfaces. Green lawns can also absorb ultraviolet rays in strong light that are harmful to eyesight, protecting people's visual health. Some grass species are very sensitive to toxic gases, such as alfalfa and clover being sensitive to sulfur dioxide, moneywort being sensitive to hydrogen fluoride, and marigold being sensitive to chlorine gas, so they can be used to monitor environmental pollution. In particular, lawns in modern urban garden green spaces can connect various scenic areas, set off tree clusters, buildings, and water surfaces, make green spaces broader, and are suitable for visitors to rest and enjoy scenery; they make visitors broad-minded, relaxed and happy, eliminate fatigue, lift spirits, and promote physical and mental health.
Set off rockeries, buildings, and flowers and trees to form a beautiful and spacious courtyard landscape.
In order to ensure people's garden activities, the slope of regular-style lawns can be designed at 5%; the slope of natural-style lawns can be designed at 5-15%, and generally the design slope is 5-10% to ensure drainage. To avoid soil erosion, the maximum slope cannot exceed the natural angle of repose of the soil (about 30%).
B. Lawn laying and management
There are many grass species suitable for lawn laying. Their types and growth characteristics are shown in Table 4.5.1.
Species name Family Characteristics Application Distribution
Zoysia grass Poaceae Shade-tolerant, drought-tolerant, trampling-tolerant, low, no mowing needed Ornamental, resting All parts of the country
Velvet grass Poaceae Sun-loving, vegetative propagation, not cold-tolerant, trampling-tolerant, low, no mowing needed Ornamental, tennis courts Yangtze River basin, South China region
Bermuda grass Poaceae Sun-loving, trampling-tolerant, drought-tolerant, barren-tolerant, saline-alkali-tolerant Sports fields, resting areas All parts of the country
Centipede grass Poaceae Shade-tolerant, moisture-tolerant Pond edges, under trees South of the Yangtze River
Buffalo grass Poaceae Semi-shade-tolerant, drought-tolerant, trampling-tolerant Resting areas, under trees All parts of the north
Sheep fescue Poaceae Drought-tolerant, sandy soil, barren soil Ornamental Northwest
Red fescue Poaceae Shade-tolerant and cold-tolerant, needs mowing, cold-tolerant, drought-tolerant, shade-tolerant Ornamental, resting All parts of the southwest, Northeast
Bentgrass Poaceae Shade-tolerant, moisture-tolerant, resistant to pests and diseases, barren-tolerant, prefers acidic soil Ornamental under trees Shanxi
Redtop Poaceae Cold-tolerant, prefers moisture, not shade-tolerant Pond edges Central and southwestern China, Yangtze River basin
Kentucky bluegrass Poaceae Trampling-tolerant, shade- and moisture-tolerant Under trees Nationwide
Fescue Poaceae Trampling-tolerant, shade- and moisture-tolerant Under trees North
Configuration methods for flowers and plants in home courtyards
6、Flower ponds, flower beds, flower borders, flower platforms, etc.
In urban greening, various herbaceous flowers are often used to create various flower ponds, flower beds, flower borders, flower platforms, and flower boxes. They are living decorative patterns of flower groups. They are mostly arranged in parks, intersections, road squares, in front of main buildings, and in places where scenic sight lines are concentrated such as boulevards and riverside green spaces, playing a role in decoration and beautification. They are of great significance for enlivening the environmental atmosphere and inspiring people's thoughts and emotions.
A) Flower ponds
A plot composed of turf, flowers, etc. with a certain patterned picture is called a flower pond. Because the internal composition is different, it can be divided into lawn flower ponds, flower plant flower ponds, comprehensive flower ponds, etc.
a. Lawn flower ponds
A neatly and evenly trimmed piece of grass, with edges slightly tidied or arranged with rows of bottle decorations, statues, decorative flower fences, etc., is called a lawn flower pond. It is suitable for arrangement at the front edge of buildings and building platforms to form an open foreground, with the characteristics of simple arrangement and plain and elegant colors.
b. Flower plant flower ponds
Planting both grass and flowers in a flower pond, and using them to form various patterns or animal shapes, is called a flower plant flower pond. The carpet plants in the pond should be pruned frequently, maintaining a height of 4-8 cm to form a dense covering layer. It is suitable for arrangement in street-center gardens, small pleasure gardens, and on both sides of roads.
c. Comprehensive flower ponds
A flower pond that has both carpet patterns and low-growing annual or biennial flowers of a single hue planted in the central part is called a comprehensive flower pond. For example, planting brightly colored stock or phlox in the center of the carpet pattern of the flower pond can fully display their characteristics when in full bloom. Appropriately embellishing the center with flowers and trees or flower clusters is also very interesting.
B) Flower beds
A flower pond whose external plane outline has a certain geometric shape and is planted with various low ornamental plants configured into various patterns is called a flower bed. Generally, the central part is higher, gradually lowering around, with an inclined surface of 5°-10° for drainage, and the edge is made into a geometric low border with brick, cement, bottles, porcelain columns, etc. According to different design forms, it can be divided into independent flower beds, ribbon flower beds, and flower bed groups; according to different planting methods, it can also be divided into flower cluster flower beds and carpet flower beds.
a. Independent flower beds
A flower bed with ornamental plants planted inside and an external plane with a certain geometric shape, also serving as the main body of a local composition, is called an independent flower bed. The ratio of the long axis to the short axis is generally preferably less than 2.5. The planting materials are mainly annual or biennial or perennial flower plants and carpet plants, mostly arranged in parks, small pleasure gardens, boulevards, central squares, intersections, and other places, with various shapes. Because the area is relatively small, visitors are not allowed to enter.
b. Ribbon flower beds
A flower bed whose plane length is more than 3 times its width is called a ribbon flower bed. Longer ribbon flower beds can be divided into several sections. In addition to herbaceous flowers, woody plants can also be embellished to form several similar independent flower beds in continuous composition. In urban garden green spaces, they are often used as the main scenery, mostly arranged on both sides of streets and in the center of park main roads, and can also be used as secondary scenery arranged at building walls, squares, or lawn edges.
A long ribbon flower bed with tree walls, enclosure walls, and buildings as the background is also called a border-planted flower bed.
c. Flower bed groups
A flower bed group is an indivisible overall composition formed by many flower beds. In the central part of the flower bed group, ponds, fountains, monuments, statues, etc. can be set up. They are commonly used in squares in front of large buildings or in the center of large regular-style gardens, and visitors can enter to tour.
A rhythmic and indivisible overall composition formed by independent flower beds and ribbon flower beds arranged in rows is called a continuous flower bed group. There are plane and inclined surface shapes. They are often arranged in the center of main road steps and on the central axis of long squares, or use ponds, fountains, and statues to emphasize the starting point, climax, and ending of the continuous landscape.
An indivisible overall composition formed by several flower bed groups is called a flower bed complex group. Fountains, statues, ponds, colored lights, three-dimensional flower beds and flower platforms, etc. are often set up at its composition center. They are often arranged in large regular-style gardens or on large building squares.
A rhythmic and indivisible overall composition formed by many flower bed groups and continuous flower bed groups arranged in rows and evolving along a straight line is called a continuous flower bed woven group.
A flower bed group set in a low depression is also called a sunken flower bed. It is most conducive for viewers to view from a high position.
d. Flower cluster flower beds
Also called full-bloom flower beds and collective planting flower beds. The ratio of long axis to short axis is 1:1 to 3:1. They often use 1-2 year old bulb flowers with abundant blooming, gorgeous colors, and consistent flowering periods as the main body. The flower bed colors are required to be bright and coordinated, mainly expressing
Display the beauty of flower mass colors. In urban parks, it is used more in lively places with heavy foot traffic such as plazas in front of large buildings, and is often set up on key plots where sightlines are concentrated. It requires flowers to bloom continuously through all four seasons, so flower varieties that grow well and are uniform in height must be selected, and planted with soil or by tipping them out of pots when the buds are about to open.
e. Carpet flower bed
Also called mosaic flower bed or pattern-style flower bed. It mainly uses foliage plants of different colors and ornamental plants with both beautiful flowers and leaves, arranged into various beautiful patterns and designs, elegant and quiet, often used as an accent in urban garden green spaces, arranged on various sloped sites.
In the flower bed, foliage plants are used to form various exquisite decorative patterns, and the surface is trimmed into a neat flat or curved surface to form a carpet-like pattern picture, called a felt carpet flower bed.
On the flat surface of the flower bed, trimming to have concave-convex relief patterns is called a relief carpet flower bed. The raised patterns are usually formed by trimming evergreen small shrubs, and the recessed flat areas often use herbaceous foliage plants.
The foliage plants in the flower bed are trimmed into images of characters, portraits, animals, clocks, etc., giving it a clear theme, called a title-style flower bed. It is often used on gentle slopes of urban streets and plazas.
The foliage plants in the flower bed are trimmed into knot-like styles imitating silk ribbons, with pattern lines of equal thickness, and the background between the lines is often lawn or colored sand, called a knot flower bed. If the carpet pattern is trimmed into thin, long ribbon-like strips, it is a ribbon carpet flower bed. It is often used at solemn gates or on both sides of roads.
Using certain steel bars, bamboo, and wood as a skeleton, covering it with soil and planting foliage plants such as Alternanthera, to create clocks, sundials, calendars, decorative vases, flower baskets, and animal images, is called a three-dimensional carpet flower bed. It is often arranged at sightline convergence points for visitors in parks and courtyards as a main landscape for viewing.
In urban garden green spaces, in order to improve the ornamental effect of flower beds, the flower bed area and slope should be expanded as much as possible, and attention should often be paid to trimming the patterns. Commonly used foliage plants include: Alternanthera sessilis, Iresine herbstii, small-leaf Sapium, Lobelia, Portulaca, sweet alyssum, dwarf Ageratum, Coleus, Echeveria, Alternanthera, Mesembryanthemum, growing grass, Sedum, and Zizania grass, etc.
C) Flower border
A flower border is a long flower strip between formal and natural composition. In terms of planar layout, it is formal; in terms of internal plant planting, it is natural. A flower border mainly arranged with perennial flowers is called a flower flower border; one mainly arranged with shrubs is called a shrub flower border. Ornamental plants in the flower border require beautiful form, bright flower colors, a relatively long flowering period, and simple management; they do not need frequent replacement in ordinary times and can maintain their natural group landscape for a long time. In arrangement, attention should be paid both to the natural beauty of individual plants and to overall beauty. For example, if designing a multi-sided flower border that can be viewed from all around, the middle should mainly use taller flowering shrubs, around them arrange shorter perennial flowers such as iris clumps, and on the outer edge match blue Oxalis, etc., forming three layers of high, medium, and low. If designing a single-sided flower border, taller flowers such as shrubs should be planted at the back, and shorter flowers and plants matched in front, so as to form a three-dimensional sense of layering. In order to achieve a relatively long ornamental effect, two kinds of plants with slightly early or late flowering periods can be used, such as peony and dahlia, narcissus and Phlox, iris and gladiolus, etc. To enhance interest, loose Gypsophila and dense Digitalis can also be matched in one flower clump. Attention should also be paid to changes in growing seasons and the matching of deep-rooted and shallow-rooted species, such as Lycoris and creeping Sedum planted together with good results. In short, when arranging, one must consider consistent or slightly early or late flowering periods, flowering in clumps or alternating sparse and dense, etc., in order to show the characteristics of the season.
Flower borders are mostly set around buildings, on slopes, on both sides of steps, and along walls and roadsides. Behind the flower border, a whitewashed wall or neatly trimmed dark green shrubs are often used as a background to set it off, making the contrast sharp. For example, for a flower border in front of a red wall, plants with graceful branches and leaves and light flower colors can be chosen for arrangement; for a flower border in front of a gray wall, bright red and orange-yellow flower colors are suitable.
Commonly used plant materials in flower borders include: Chinese rose, azalea, mock orange, wintersweet, Spiraea cantoniensis, Sorbaria kirilowii, oleander,
Spiraea prunifolia, Prunus japonica, Kerria japonica, Forsythia, winter jasmine, Prunus triloba, delphinium, cosmos, coreopsis, canna, hollyhock, dahlia, Abelmoschus, snapdragon, Phlox, Verbena, Coreopsis tinctoria, daylily, aster, peony, etc.
D) Flower platform
Filling soil in a hollow pedestal 40-100 cm high and planting ornamental plants is called a flower platform. It mainly emphasizes the comprehensive beauty of ornamental plants' body shape, flower color, fragrance, and the flower platform's modeling. Flower platforms have various shapes, including geometric forms and natural forms. Generally, small and exquisite plants with distinctive shapes are planted on them, such as pine, bamboo, plum, lilac, Nandina, creeping juniper, holly, peony, tree peony, Chinese rose, etc. This form is often used in Chinese classical gardens. It is also commonly seen in modern courtyards of parks, gardens, factories, institutions, schools, hospitals, shopping malls, etc. It can also be combined with rockeries, seats, and wall bases as decoration beside gates, in front of windows, at wall bases, and at corners, but a blind ditch must be installed below the flower platform to facilitate drainage.
E) Flower box
Boxes made of wood, bamboo, porcelain, or plastic, specially used for planting flowering shrubs or herbaceous flowers, are called flower boxes. They can be made into various shapes and arranged into the appearance of various flower beds and flower platforms. They can be flexibly arranged indoors, in front of windows, on balconies, on rooftops, at gateways, along roadsides, and in the center of plazas, etc.
F) Arrangement and management
The design and modeling of flower pools, flower beds, flower borders, flower platforms, and flower boxes should be coordinated with the surrounding terrain, topography, and buildings. The plane should be simple, and the edge decoration should be plain, without overwhelming the host. Among them, the body shape, color, flowering period, etc. of flower plants all change greatly during growth, so careful consideration and scientific arrangement are needed in design. If using the same flower color, do not mix in other miscellaneous-colored flowers, and pay attention to highlighting the main body of a single color tone. If other colors are needed, attention should also be paid to the harmony of hues. For example, red, yellow, and orange are warm colors, giving a feeling of warmth, enthusiasm, and liveliness; blue, green, and purple are cool colors, giving a feeling of calm, coolness, and depth; when contrasting colors such as red and green, yellow and purple, orange and blue are used at the same time, there must be a primary and secondary relationship to form a main color tone; white or light colors can reconcile contrasts and conflicts. The height and size of plant bodies should be matched reasonably; the tallest should be arranged in the center, and shorter ones arranged on the periphery or edge; if near a building, taller plants can be placed at the back, gradually decreasing from back to front, to form changes in height levels. Different sowing periods, cutting periods, pinching, and pruning methods can be used to achieve the above purposes. In addition, perennial flowers are generally planted away from roads and plazas, while annual and biennial flowers are chosen for roadsides, watersides, plazas, and around buildings, used as seasonal decorative flowers.
For the construction and management of flower pools, flower beds, flower borders, and flower platforms, a certain amount of effort is required. During construction, first cover with a layer of humus soil as base fertilizer, and prepare the soil to a depth of 20-25 cm, removing stones, tree roots, and weeds. Around flower beds, flower borders, and flower platforms, building materials should be used to make edging or edge platforms, forming a certain outline to prevent soil erosion and trampling by foot traffic. Specific planting should be carried out carefully according to the construction design drawings. The grid method can be used to enlarge the pattern on the actual site, or a slide projector can be used to project the pattern onto the actual site for planting. In order to reduce water evaporation, do not plant under strong sunlight. The planting steps depend on whether it is a multi-sided flower bed or a single-sided flower bed. If it is a circular or polygonal multi-sided flower bed, planting should start from the center and gradually develop toward the surroundings, forming a three-dimensional landscape that is high in the center and low around the edges; if it is a single-sided flower bed against a wall, planting should start from the side against the wall and gradually proceed forward, making it low in front and high in back, convenient for people to view from the front. After planting, water thoroughly for the first time, and thereafter water timely according to the degree of soil dryness and moisture and plant performance. Watering time is generally in the morning or evening, and the water quality should preferably be natural rainwater or pond water; do not use hard water from deep wells or seawater or saline-alkali water. Usually, attention should also be paid to removing weeds, cutting off faded flowers and dead leaves, and maintaining the group beauty of the plants. In particular, the patterns of carpet flower beds should be trimmed regularly to avoid deformation or being overgrown with weeds.
Arrangement methods for flower plants in home courtyards
7、Tree grouping landscape
Tree landscaping styles. In short, tree landscaping modes include combinations by number of trees, combinations by tree density, formal combinations, natural combinations, belt-shaped forms, skyline outline expression, cross-section composition, and landscape composition, etc.
A. Combination styles by number of trees
a. Specimen planting
A single planted isolated tree. As the main scene, shade tree, or target tree of garden green space, it should display the beauty of a single tree's form. A specimen tree, no matter where it is, does not exist in isolation; it always coordinates with various surrounding scenery to form a unified whole.
If the tree species for specimen planting is chosen appropriately and arranged properly, it will play a finishing touch role. First, tree species with tall stature, dense branches and leaves, spreading crowns, and graceful posture should be chosen, such as ginkgo, pagoda tree, banyan, camphor, plane tree, lemon eucalyptus, hackberry, white birch, soapberry, Chinese wingnut, willow, Oriental white oak, horse chestnut, sawtooth oak, etc. In addition, attention should be paid to choosing tree species with high ornamental value, such as deodar cedar, spruce, sabina, Norfolk Island pine, cycad, etc., whose outlines are upright and clear; Podocarpus, Huangshan pine, and Chinese weeping cypress, etc., have graceful postures; lacebark pine and white birch, etc., have smooth and appreciable trunks; sweetgum, Acer truncatum, Japanese maple, and Chinese tallow, etc., have changes in red leaves; flame tree, cherry blossom, crape myrtle, plum, southern magnolia, persimmon, citrus, etc., have colorful flowers or lovely fruits. Each locality should also choose, according to local conditions, tree species that are adapted, robust, long-lived, and have few pests and diseases.
Planting 1-3 trees of the same species or similar type close together can also create the effect of specimen planting. Specimen trees are generally arranged as the main scene, and attention must be paid to coordinating the tree's form, height, posture, etc. with the size of the environmental space. For example, when arranging a specimen tree on open ground, lawn, or hilltop, an appropriate viewing distance must be left, and a single-color background such as blue sky, water surface, or grassland should be used to set off its beauty of form, posture, and color, thereby enriching changes in the scenic skyline. Specimen trees can be arranged in natural-style green space layouts such as islands, shores, bridgeheads, ends or turns of garden paths, rockery cliffs, cave entrances, building fronts, and rest plazas, but they must harmonize and balance with the surrounding environment, avoiding being placed exactly in the center of a small environment. Specimen trees can also be arranged in formal green spaces such as flower beds, rest plazas, road intersections, and building forecourts. If trimmed into a certain geometric shape, they can better emphasize the main scene.
For specimen planting, existing large trees should be used as much as possible, but when no large trees are available, transplanting large trees or large seedlings can be considered. For certain ancient individual trees with historical commemorative significance, they should be carefully managed and protected, such as hanging explanatory signs, setting up fences, benches, or planting climbing plants around them, which has a special charm.
b. Two trees
Two trees planted opposite each other or connected, used in front of buildings, symmetrically planted on the left and right in front of gates, or dotting green spaces. For example, using two trees or two clumps of trees planted symmetrically on the left and right according to a certain axis is called opposite planting. Opposite planting is mostly used on both sides of entrances and exits of parks and large buildings, or on both sides of monuments, stepped stone stairs, and bridgeheads to set off the main scene; or to form secondary scenery and framed scenery, enhancing the depth of perspective.
As tree species for opposite planting, any with neat and beautiful appearance can be used. Opposite planting trees are mostly used in formal green space layouts, but the tree species and specifications should be consistent, and the line connecting the positions of the two trees should be perpendicular to the central axis and bisected by the central axis. Opposite planting can also be used in natural-style green space layouts. The arrangement of two trees or two clumps of trees can be somewhat freer, but the dynamic posture of the trees should be concentrated toward the axis, making the left and right balanced and full of variation while echoing each other, forming a more vivid and lively landscape.
When designing opposite planting trees, the interrelationship between the trees and buildings, traffic, and especially above-ground and underground pipelines must be handled well; the tree's size, height, posture, color, etc. must all coordinate with the surrounding environment.
c. Three trees
Three trees planted in a clump. In solemn plots, use the same species and same form at equal spacing, or the same species and different forms at equal spacing; in natural plots, use the same species and same form at unequal spacing, or the same species and different forms at unequal spacing.
d. Five trees
A combination of five or more trees, that is, a combination of 2 trees and 3 trees. A combination of 4 trees and 6 trees can also be used.
e. Group planting
Using five or more trees for various combinations. In addition, naturally combining a certain number of ornamental trees and shrubs together according to a certain composition method is collectively called clump planting. Among them, the trees each have their own characteristics in size and posture, yet are unified in a comprehensively beautiful composition. Therefore, one appreciates both their group beauty and their individual beauty.
The number of trees forming a tree clump ranges from 3 to 10. The size, posture, color, etc. of the trees must be carefully selected and matched. It is necessary to consider both the future growth shape of the plants; the spacing within the tree clump should preferably allow canopy closure without affecting the growth and development of the plants among themselves. The principles for arranging plants are: match herbaceous flowers with shrubs, match shrubs with trees, match light colors with dark colors, etc. For example, using shrubs around a tree clump can make the whole tree clump more compact, and matching with herbaceous flowers around it will make it appear more natural. Because of differences in tree species, it can be divided into two types: same-species tree clumps and multi-species tree clumps.
Same-species tree clumps are composed of the same species of tree, but there should be some differences in body shape and posture. Overall, there should be both primary and secondary elements and mutual echoing. Using the same evergreen tree species can create background tree clumps, which can make the set-off flower clumps or architectural features have clear outlines and sharp contrasts. Multi-species tree clumps often combine tall coniferous trees with broadleaf trees, with flowering shrubs arranged around them, forming contrasts in shape and color tone.
Tree clumps are widely used in urban greening. They can be used to create the main scene and provide shade, and can also create secondary scenery and dividing scenery for viewing, especially commonly in parks and courtyards. For example, on park islands, red-leaf trees and flowering shrubs are often used to arrange tree clumps, with rich changes in landscape and color. Arranging large tree clumps on high ground and lower tree clumps in low-lying areas can enhance terrain variation. Using taller tree clumps in low places can weaken terrain variation. Arranging tall tree clumps on tourist green spaces makes people feel they are close at hand; arranging short tree clumps gives a sense of depth. Arranging tree clumps at road turns, intersections, and ends also has the function of organizing traffic. When arranging tree clumps in parks, attention must be paid to leaving a viewing distance of 3-4 times the tree height, and on the main viewing side even more than 10 times the distance. Tree clumps can also be combined with lake stones, etc., arranged at courtyard corners to create small natural scenes, turning dead corners into lively ones; arranged in front of a whitewashed wall, they can also create vivid pictures.
f. Mass planting
Group planting, using one or more tree species planted in groups on a relatively large plot.
g. Pure forest
Planting a single tree species in a continuous stand on a large area of land.
h. Mixed forest
Planting two or more tree species in continuous stands on a large area of land.
Planting a relatively large number (20-30) of trees and shrubs together according to a certain composition method is called group planting. A tree group is a relatively large plant community in urban green space and can be used as the main scene or background. Two tree groups placed close to each other can also play a role in revealing scenery and framing scenery. In large-scale green spaces, they can also strengthen or weaken terrain undulations.
Because there are many plants in a tree group, the outer plants are greatly affected by climate, and the internal plants also affect each other, so tree species of different ecological types must be selected for arrangement in order to maintain the overall stability of the tree group. The number of tree species in a tree group should not be too many; use 1-2 species as the keynote, with a certain number of small trees and shrubs as accompaniment, and the number of species should not exceed 10, otherwise it will produce a feeling of disorder. For the tree group, it is best to use evergreen trees over 10 years old as the upper layer, about 5-year-old small trees or shrub groups as the second layer, and plant low shrubs on the periphery. If the patterns of tree species change can be mastered, small trees can also be used for arrangement. For example, in the early stage, use deciduous trees as the upper layer and shade-tolerant evergreen trees as the second layer; when the two layers grow close, plant additional deciduous small trees as the second layer, and a certain stability can be obtained. Near the edge of the tree clump, it is suitable to arrange some tree clumps of different sizes. The concave parts of the tree group edge should use tree species with large crowns, fast growth, and spreading branches and leaves, so as to form a relatively stable overall appearance. The tree group's
plants should be both sparse and dense, and should not be planted in rows or at equal spacing. Lawn can be laid within the grove, and skylights can be opened to allow light to enter and increase visitors' interest. The outlines of the canopy and forest edge should have changes in height and winding turns.
The central main tree for viewing, and additional scenery to set off the main body. The second tree in front of the main body is the contrast tree, and the third tree is the additional scenery. In order to achieve connection on the ground, add two low evergreen trees in front, and the additional scenery can be placed behind.
Arrangement methods for flower plants in home courtyards
8、Vertical greening, balcony greening, terrace greening, roof garden
Using vertical greening and arranging roof gardens can further increase the urban greening area and give play to the role of greening in the urban environment. Especially in certain ancient cities in China, buildings occupy a relatively large area and the area available for greening is relatively small, so vertical greening and roof gardens are even more needed.
A. Vertical greening
Vertical greening means using climbing plants for greening on walls, balconies, flower trellises, courtyard corridors, stone slopes, and rock faces. Because climbing plants grow attached to buildings or structures, they occupy little land while achieving a great greening effect. According to calculations, greening the wall surface of a five-story building gives a greening area about 3-4 times the building's footprint. Therefore, in densely built cities, vertical greening of institutions, schools, hospitals, factories, residential areas, and courtyards has practical significance. Many climbing plants are not demanding regarding soil and climate, and grow rapidly, taking effect in the same year. Therefore, vertical greening also has the characteristics of saving labor and taking effect quickly.
Climbing plants have different ecological habits and ornamental values, so in greening design, plant species should be scientifically selected and reasonably arranged according to different environmental characteristics and design intentions. For example, for gate flower walls, pavilions, corridors, flower trellises, fences, bamboo hedges, etc., one can choose rose, Banksia rose, Akebia, Chinese trumpet creeper, wisteria, creeping fig, and Euonymus fortunei, etc., which are both beautiful and provide shade and coolness. On whitewashed walls and brick walls, one can choose Boston ivy, star jasmine, etc.; they grow quickly and have good effects, can form vivid pictures, and in autumn one can also appreciate changes in leaf color.
Climbing plants for vertical greening can be appropriately selected according to different edible and ornamental forms.
a. Edible
For vertical greening of flower trellises, green corridors, and flower gates mainly for edible viewing, grape, kiwifruit, etc., can be chosen.
b. Ornamental
(i) Ornamental flowering period: in spring, choose multiflora rose, blood vine, and evergreen Mucuna vine; in summer, choose Chinese trumpet creeper, Chinese wolfberry, and jasmine; in autumn, choose morning glory vine, hawk's claw flower, Bauhinia, and ivy; in winter, choose evergreen climbing plants (see Table 4.8.1).
(ii) Ornamental flower color: for example, red ones include periwinkle, rose, and morning glory vine; yellow ones include jasmine, rose, hawk's claw flower, and Bauhinia; purple ones include periwinkle and evergreen Mucuna vine; green ones include blood vine; white ones include morning glory vine and jasmine.
For vertical greening on various terraces, earth slopes, stone slopes, and cliff faces, one can choose rose, jasmine, ivy, hawk's claw flower, evergreen Mucuna vine, etc. In addition, different regions can choose woody climbing plants for vertical greening according to need (see Table 4.8.1).
B. Roof garden
A garden created on a roof is called a roof garden. Roof gardens have existed since ancient times. It is said that during the Spring and Autumn period in China, King Fuchai of Wu built Gusu Terrace by Lake Taihu, 300 zhang high and spanning 5 li, on which not only beautiful flowers and trees were planted, but also an artificial lake was built for boating. King Nebuchadnezzar of the Neo-Babylonian Empire built a hanging garden along the Euphrates River near the palace as early as around 600 BC, as high as 25 m, divided into three levels from top to bottom, with a palace built on the upper level and various famous flowers and rare plants planted, forming an environment of natural mountain forest wild interest. The flowers and trees were lush all year round, with fresh flowers in all four seasons, and from a distance it looked as if the garden hung in the air, hence it was also called the "Hanging Garden."
In today's scientifically advanced era, countries around the world have built various hanging gardens on the roofs or balconies of high-rise buildings. For example, in Zug, Switzerland, terraced housing was built, with each household having roof gardens in the east, west, and south directions. In China, in Guangzhou, Nanning, Shanghai, and other places, roof gardens have also begun to be built on the rooftops of department stores, guesthouses, and hotels, arranged with various flower gate towers, flower trellises, flowers and trees, lawns, flower platforms, pools, fountains, seats, quiet walking paths, and rest areas, etc.
The key to building a roof garden is to rationally design and arrange flowers, plants, trees, and small decorative structures through the scientific and artistic methods of the garden designer. In engineering, first correctly calculate the load-bearing capacity of the garden on the roof, and rationally build flower pools and drainage systems. The soil should be 30-40 cm deep; according to tree size, some parts can be designed to be 60-100 cm deep, and 20 cm is enough for lawns. In the planting beds, fertile loam with good drainage should be chosen, or artificially prepared lightweight soil, such as 1 part loam, 1 part porous shale sandy soil, or 1 part humus soil and mixed soil; decomposed sawdust or vermiculite soil can also be used. Sufficient organic fertilizer should be applied as base fertilizer, and topdressing can also be applied when necessary; the formula for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is 2:1:1. Lawns do not need frequent fertilization; only cover with fertilizer soil once or twice a year. The method is to mix 1 part loam and 1 part humus soil, dry them in the sun, crush them, and evenly spread them on the lawn with a sieve. There are many ways to supply water, including subsoil water supply and surface water supply. Generally, lawns and shorter flowers and plants can use underground pipe water supply, using a water level regulating meter device to control the water surface at a certain position, and relying on the capillary principle to ensure the water needs of flowers and plants; above-ground water supply can use manual spraying or automatic sprinklers. Usually, attention should be paid to the moisture content in the soil, and the amount of water supplied should be determined according to soil moisture. Special attention must be paid to smooth underground drainage, and local water accumulation above or below must never occur, so as to avoid waterlogging of plants. For the selection of plant species, generally choose flowering shrubs, bulb flowers, and bamboos with beautiful posture, short stature, shallow roots, and strong wind resistance.
The establishment of a roof garden should preferably be carried out simultaneously with the building project, with unified construction, which is more reasonable, safe, and economical. On ordinary small balconies, flower boxes or wooden packing boxes can be used to plant flowers and trees, and the effect is also good.
C. Propagation of commonly used climbing plants
There are two propagation methods for climbing plants: one is sexual propagation, that is, sowing seeds in a nursery or flowerpot and cultivating them into large seedlings, then transplanting in late winter and early spring; the second is asexual propagation, that is, cutting propagation and layering propagation. In spring or the plum rain season, cut biennial branches about 30 cm long and insert them in the nursery for cultivation, or directly insert them into the soil under the pillars of pavilions and corridors or at the base of walls. Bury the trailing stems of the mother plant in nearby soil, leaving part of the tip exposed. Because it is not separated from the mother plant, the branches and stems very easily take root and sprout, until the new plant can grow independently, then cut it away from the mother plant and transplant it to the needed place; when the vine grows to a certain height, it can be artificially guided in the needed direction to help it climb onto a wall or trellis. On too smooth walls and pillars, nails can first be driven in, and lead wires or rope nets pulled up to guide it to climb up the net. If doing vertical greening on balconies or windowsills, seedlings can be planted in flower pots, flower pools, or flower boxes that can drain water, usually keeping the soil from becoming too dry, and then carrying out artificial guiding as above.