How to propagate creeping myrtle (Vinca) from cuttings? Full breakdown of every step
1. Soil Before propagating creeping myrtle from cuttings, prepare the soil or sand bed for propagation; it generally needs to be breathable, well-draining soil, and the potting mix can be made by combining garden soil, leaf mold and furnace slag. Water it lightly, just enough to keep the soil moist. 2. Season It is best to take creeping myrtle cuttings in spring or early summer
1. Soil
Before propagating creeping myrtle from cuttings, prepare the soil or sand bed for propagation; it generally needs to be breathable, well-draining soil, and the potting mix can be made by combining garden soil, leaf mold and furnace slag. Water it lightly, just enough to keep the soil moist.
2. Season
It is best to take creeping myrtle cuttings in spring or early summer; at this time creeping myrtle grows vigorously and its stems are sturdy, which makes it easier to select perfect propagation stems.
3. Selecting the cutting
When taking cuttings, simply choose a young shoot of creeping myrtle that is growing well, and cut off about 8-10 cm. Trim the cut section carefully, removing the excess leaves at the bottom and leaving only the top 2-3 pairs of leaves.
4. Caring for the cuttings
Insert the prepared creeping myrtle stems into the prepared sand bed or soil, keep the soil slightly moist, water on schedule, and be careful to shade them; roots will form 15-20 days after insertion.
How to arrange flowers and plants in a home courtyard
Some families live in a single-story house and have a small courtyard. Usually the courtyard is sunny and mild, gets rain and dew, and has a larger area, so the conditions for growing flowers are far better than on a balcony in an apartment building. But to green and beautify the courtyard well and make it garden-like, you also need to master some landscaping design and flower-growing knowledge. Only by planning sensibly, choosing trees and flowers sensibly, and paying attention to vertical greening can the courtyard be made more full of garden charm.I.Principles for arranging flowers and trees in a courtyard
Garden plants include many types such as woody, climbing and aquatic plants, and their arrangement with one another 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 in harmony with the environment
In formal courtyards, paired plantings and row plantings are mostly used; in natural-style courtyard green spaces, the natural postures of plants are mostly used for natural-style landscaping. For example, near main gates, main roads, formal plazas and large buildings, formal plant landscaping is mostly used; at the edges of lawns and ponds in natural landscape gardens, natural-style landscaping is mostly used. On the horizontal plane, attention should be paid to the density and outline lines of the arrangement; in the vertical direction, attention should be paid to the outline of the tree crowns; among the trees, attention should be paid to the sight lines; in short, there must be an overall effect of size, distance and height levels in the plant landscape. Beautiful garden plant landscapes complement one another. Garden art composition requires a slow transition among trees, shrubs and herbaceous plants, and they must also form contrasts with one another to aid viewing.
3. Choose appropriate plant species according to local conditions based on the different ecological environment conditions of garden plants
For courtyard greening, choose plants that are easy to keep alive, tolerant of pruning, resistant to smoke and dust, with tall trunks, dense branches and leaves, and fast growth; for mountain greening, choose drought-tolerant plants that also help set off the mountain scenery; for waterside greening, choose plants tolerant of water and moisture that harmonize with the water scenery.
4. There must be a reasonable density
The density of plants directly affects the greening landscape and the functioning of the green space. In tree landscaping design, the mature crown size should be used as the best basis for spacing between plants and rows, but attention must also be paid to combining short-term and long-term effects. Use fast-growing trees with slow-growing trees, evergreens with deciduous trees, trees with shrubs, and foliage plants with flowering plants in matching combinations to create multi-layered greening while satisfying the ecological conditions of the plants.
5. Give full consideration to the seasonal changes of garden plants and the unified contrast of color, fragrance and form
Plant landscaping must comprehensively consider differences in time, environment, plant species and their ecological conditions, so that rich plant colors follow
and appear in alternation with the changes of the seasons, so that each sub-area 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, and leaf and flower shape changes of plant landscape combinations are also varied, but there must be a clear primary and secondary order, starting from function and highlighting one aspect, so as to avoid a cluttered feeling.
How to arrange flowers and plants in a home courtyard
II.Specific arrangement of flowers and trees in a courtyard
Generally speaking, the area of a courtyard is rather small, and every partial greening affects the overall courtyard, so every partial greening in the courtyard must be treated carefully. The following describes separately the courtyard gate, courtyard wall, garden path, water feature, rockery, lawn, flower bed, flower border, flower platform, tree group scenery, vertical greening, balcony and veranda greening, roof garden and other aspects.
1. Greening of the garden gate
Every courtyard has entrances and exits of different sizes, namely garden gates. The garden gate plays an important role in the combination, separation, penetration and landscaping of courtyard space. Since the garden gate is the place for entering and exiting and is exposed in position, the greening of the gate is the most eye-catching. Because owners have different living habits and personalities, the greening arrangement forms of gates also differ. Generally speaking, an outgoing owner is used to an explicit arrangement, allowing passersby outside to view the scenery inside the courtyard; an introverted owner is used to a hidden arrangement and does not want passersby outside to see the inner scenery at a glance. While ensuring convenient entry and exit, the greening of the garden gate should pay attention to the differences between inside and outside scenery, adopt a method of closing or opening up to increase the depth of scenic layers and expand space; attention should also be paid to creating borrowed scenery and framed scenery.
Garden gate greening is often combined with hedges and green walls, and there are many forms:
First, directly use low-branching Chinese juniper, cypress, coral tree and the like as the main body, with wood or steel as the internal frame, then tie the trunks and branches of evergreen trees to the frame, and shape and prune them to create a lively green gate scene, which has the effect of staying evergreen through all four seasons and is full of vitality.
Second, combine it with the garden gate structure, using living flower and tree materials together with building materials to create scenery, 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. Pay attention to the height of the gate pillars; it is best if water can reach the roots of the plants by capillary action, otherwise you must pay attention to watering or directly choose drought-tolerant plant varieties; you can also place potted plants directly on top of the gate pillars or on both sides of the gate; you can also set up flower platforms at the base of the gate pillars and plant flowers and trees in the platforms.
Third, the vertical greening form, using steel, bamboo, wood, cement and the like to make a gate frame, and planting climbing plants on both sides. For a south-facing gate, herbaceous flowers and flowering shrubs can be arranged in a balanced way; a north-facing gate is relatively cold and shady with poor ventilation, so trees should be planted for greening to facilitate ventilation and summer shading; side gates, small side doors, or east-facing and west-facing back gates can all have deciduous trees planted in the area in front of the gate or vertical greening barriers set up.
In short, the greening of the gate should be concise, simple and natural. Garden gate greening should have an obvious sense of season; the color contrast between flowers and the gate should be strong, and the selected flowers and trees should have a long flowering period and small flower types.
How to arrange flowers and plants in a home courtyard
2、Greening of the garden wall
In order to create a quiet, hygienic and beautified living space, or for security needs, various styles of garden walls are set up on the periphery, so as to create a courtyard landscape with rich layers that shows much in a small space; they can both stand alone as scenery and combine with other elements to create various landscapes. There are many forms of garden 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 wall
Using lively coral trees, privet, boxwood and other woody plants for greening around the periphery of a courtyard or around buildings and forming a wall effect is called a tree wall. Like brick, stone and cement walls, tree walls have the effects of separating space, preventing dust, soundproofing, fireproofing, windproofing, coldproofing and blocking sight lines, and they are also convenient to manage, durable, able to create lively shapes, and have a unique mountain forest landscape effect.
According to the different functional nature of the courtyard, various different tree species can be selected. For windproofing, fireproofing, dust prevention and the like, taller or natural opaque tree wall forms can be used; to view the scenery inside the courtyard, a shorter tree wall, namely a hedge, can be used, or a semi-transparent tree wall; for special functions such as strengthening defense, trees with thorns such as citron, holly, climbing rose, Caesalpinia 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 shady places, more shade-tolerant tree species such as photinia, coral tree and gardenia can be chosen; at windward openings, deep-rooted tree species with strong wind and cold resistance such as cypress and hawthorn should be chosen; for formal tree walls, tree species tolerant of pruning should be chosen, such as Chinese juniper, elder, coral tree, pyracantha, privet, water privet, camellia, photinia and osmanthus.
B. Flower wall
Many courtyard walls are made into various flower walls with cement, brick and stone, iron fences and other building materials. Although flower walls have various flower lattices, flower windows and various different shapes, they are still lifeless structures after all and cannot purify the air or 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 for greening beside the wall, so that the wall surface is draped in a green coat and gains much more vitality. Beautiful flowers and trees climbing over the top of the wall also beautify the environment outside the garden.
If it is a rough stucco cement wall surface, climbing plants with suckers can be planted in the soil at the base of the wall, such as Boston ivy, Virginia creeper, ivy, hibiscus, creeping fig, Chinese trumpet creeper and star jasmine, so that they climb on the wall and become a natural wall cover, not only beautifying the wall surface but also preventing wind and rain erosion and sun exposure. On a smooth wall surface, if green patterns are to be created, bamboo, wooden strips or wire flower trellises 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 cover, but also rich in seasonal changes. For a sunny wall surface, Boston ivy and Chinese trumpet creeper can be chosen; for a shaded wall surface, ivy, creeping fig and wintercreeper can be chosen. If the wall surface is tall, Boston ivy, Virginia creeper and Chinese trumpet creeper can be chosen; if the wall surface is short, wintercreeper, creeping fig, ivy, star jasmine and Chinese trumpet creeper can be chosen.
C. Retaining wall
To prevent erosion by rainwater, at soil slopes with relatively large height differences, retaining walls can be suitably set up with materials such as cement, brick and stone. On the soil slope above them, Boston ivy, winter jasmine and jasmine can be planted to cover the topsoil and rocks; below the retaining wall (slope protection), plant creeping fig, star jasmine, honeysuckle and the like with well-developed root systems and luxuriant branches and leaves, and green them in the form of hanging down and climbing up; they can also be divided into different high and low levels to create a half-face three-dimensional flower platform form, and on each level of the flower platform, arrange similar flowering shrubs to express the characteristics of the group. 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 of the climbing plants and routine management.
How to arrange flowers and plants in a home courtyard
3、Passages and garden paths
For convenient walking, courtyards all have roads of different width grades, which connect the front and back doors and the various rooms in the courtyard. Garden paths should be part of the courtyard landscape; through plane arrangement, and through the configuration of height variations, materials, colors and greening, they reflect the artistic level of the courtyard, so 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, the walking paths in the courtyard are called garden paths, and there are also steps, ramps or platforms for going up and down slopes.
A. Passage
A passage is both part of the street landscape and a bridge connecting the street and the room door. A greened passage should ensure convenient walking and also give pedestrians a comfortable feeling. At present, because building area is relatively small, passages are also relatively narrow. To help drainage, the passage must be higher than the road or be a ramp with a very small slope.
There are many materials for landscaping passage surfaces, such as natural stone, cement slabs, red bricks and ceramic tiles. A north-facing passage has poor light, so low shade-loving 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 full of vitality, various sun-loving flowers and trees and ribbon-like flower borders can be planted on both sides or one side of the passage. Choose red and yellow flowers to give a feeling of warmth, enthusiasm and welcome.
B. Garden path
The small paths in a courtyard are highly practical, and after greening they are also ornamental and can invite people to stroll. There are many paving materials, such as grass, stones, stone slabs, tiles, cement and natural stone. The paving of the path surface should be in harmony with the courtyard environment. The path surface and the greening on both sides can be arranged in the form of lawn, flower border and tree clusters; for example, for stepping-stone paving on a lawn, the stepping stones can be sized 40 cm x 50 cm x 15 cm. They are generally arranged at 60 cm intervals, with a 10-20 cm gap left between each stepping stone for grass to grow naturally.
Garden plant landscaping is the reasonable arrangement and creation of various beautiful landscapes according to the ecological habits of garden plants and the requirements of garden artistic layout, so as to give full play to garden functions and ornamental characteristics. It is an important part of garden planning and design. First is the arrangement among various plants, such as the selection of species, the combination of tree clusters, the composition of planes and elevations, color, seasonal appearance and the creation of artistic conception; there is also the arrangement between garden plants and other elements in the garden such as rocks, water bodies, buildings and garden paths. It concerns the functioning of urban garden green spaces and the artistic level of the entire city appearance. Its types can be roughly divided into two kinds: natural style and formal style. Natural-style arrangement mainly imitates nature and emphasizes change, with a lively, pleasant and elegant natural mood, such as solitary planting, clump planting and group planting of trees. Formal-style arrangement mostly uses a certain axis for symmetry or plants in rows, such as paired planting and row planting, giving a feeling of strength, grandeur and solemnity.
How to arrange flowers and plants in a home courtyard
4、Water feature
Aquatic plants take water as their habitat, unfolding leaves, flowering and setting seed in the water, creating an above-water landscape. In garden ponds, aquatic plants are often arranged to beautify the water body, purify water quality and reduce water evaporation. For example, water onion, water hyacinth, thistle, water mint, reed and Alisma orientale can absorb organic compounds in water and lower biochemical oxygen demand; they can also absorb phenol, pyridine and aniline, kill Escherichia coli and the like, 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 for people or as livestock feed. Therefore, arranging aquatic plants over a large area in garden water bodies can also achieve certain economic benefits. Because aquatic plants grow quickly and are highly adaptable, they can also save manpower and materials in cultivation and management. To do a good job in the landscape design of aquatic plants, one should grasp the ecological growth characteristics of aquatic plants in water and select them according to the needs of the landscape. For floating-leaf aquatic plants such as lotus, water lily and Japanese iris, their rhizomes all grow in the mud of the pond, while the leaves float on the water surface. Therefore, the design should refer to the proportion of the water surface size of the water body.
To ensure that the plant landscape on the water surface is alternately dense and sparse and does not affect the viewing of other scenery reflected on the water bank, it is not suitable to green the entire pond or design a ring around the whole water body. Generally, it is enough to ensure greening of one-third to one-half of the water surface. For this reason, 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, the lotus leaf stalk grows relatively tall, so its planting pond can be designed with a height of 60-120 cm below the water surface; the water lily leaf stalk is shorter, so its planting pond can be 30-60 cm below the water surface; the Japanese iris leaf stalk is even shorter, so its planting pond can be 5-15 cm below 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 reproduce quickly and the whole plant floats on the water surface, the landscape design of such aquatic plants is not affected by water depth. According to landscape needs, floating rings of various shapes can be made on the water surface, and the plants can be enclosed within them to create a water-surface landscape, embellish the water surface and change the shape and size of the water body, making the water body winding and orderly. In addition, submerged plants such as water grasses have roots growing in the mud of the pond, and their stems and leaves can all grow submerged in the water. Placing such plants in a small pond with clear water, 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 water feature with both aquatic animals and plants is refreshing. Using marsh herbaceous plants such as reed, water chestnut, arrowhead, iris and water onion can create low vegetation landscapes at the water's edge.
In short, in the water, floating-leaf aquatic plants can be used with alternating density, interruptions, 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, pond cypress, willow, dawn redwood, Manchurian ash, mulberry, gardenia and tamarisk can also be used in the water body or at the bank to create enclosed space, so as to enrich the sense of layering and depth of the water surface, add points of interest for visitors' boating and other water activities, and create shade conditions.
How to arrange flowers and plants in a home courtyard
5、Lawn
A. Lawn
A lawn is a green area planted evenly and densely with a single perennial herbaceous 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. Because of the transpiration of the leaf surface, 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 degrees C, and in winter it is about 0.8-4 degrees C higher, so lawns have the effect of being warm in winter and cool in summer. Lawn covering the ground can prevent soil and water erosion, maintain the green landscape of gentle slopes, and in winter prevent ground temperature from dropping or the surface from becoming muddy. 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; for example, purple alfalfa and clover are sensitive to sulfur dioxide, moneywort is sensitive to hydrogen fluoride, and marigold is 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 the green space broader, and are suitable for visitors to rest and enjoy the scenery; they make visitors broad-minded, relaxed and happy, relieve fatigue, lift the spirit and promote physical and mental health.
Set off rockeries, buildings and flowers and trees, thereby forming a beautiful and spacious courtyard landscape.
To ensure people's activities in the garden, the slope of a formal lawn can be designed at 5%; the slope of a natural-style lawn can be designed at 5-15%, and the general design slope is 5-10% to ensure drainage. To avoid soil and water loss, the maximum slope must not 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, trample-tolerant, low-growing, no mowing needed Ornamental, resting Nationwide
Velvet grass Poaceae Sun-loving, vegetative propagation, not cold-tolerant, trample-tolerant, low-growing, no mowing needed Ornamental, tennis courts Yangtze River basin, South China
Bermuda grass Poaceae Sun-loving, trample-tolerant, drought-tolerant, tolerant of poor soil, tolerant of saline-alkali soil Sports fields, recreation grounds Nationwide
Centipede grass Poaceae Shade-tolerant, moisture-tolerant Beside ponds, under trees South of the Yangtze River
Buffalo grass Poaceae Semi-shade-tolerant, drought-tolerant, trample-tolerant Recreation grounds, under trees All northern regions
Sheep fescue Poaceae Tolerant of drought, sandy soil and poor soil Ornamental Northwest
Red fescue Poaceae Shade-tolerant and cold-tolerant, needs mowing, cold-tolerant, drought-tolerant, shade-tolerant Ornamental, resting All southwestern regions, Northeast
Bent grass Poaceae Shade-tolerant, moisture-tolerant, resistant to pests and diseases, tolerant of poor soil, likes acidic soil Ornamental, under trees Shanxi
Redtop Poaceae Cold-tolerant, likes moisture, not shade-tolerant Beside ponds Central and southwestern China, Yangtze River basin
Bluegrass Poaceae Trample-tolerant, tolerant of shade and moisture Under trees Nationwide
Sedge Poaceae Trample-tolerant, tolerant of shade and moisture Under trees North
How to arrange flowers and plants in a home courtyard
6、Flower ponds, flower beds, flower borders, flower platforms, etc.
In urban greening, various herbaceous flowers are often used to create all kinds of flower ponds, flower beds, flower borders, flower platforms and flower boxes. They are living decorative patterns made up of groups of flowers. They are mostly placed in parks, intersections, road plazas, in front of major buildings, and at places where scenic sight lines are concentrated such as tree-lined avenues 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 feelings.
A) Flower pond
A plot composed of turf, flowers and the like with a certain patterned picture is called a flower pond. Because the internal composition differs, it can be further divided into lawn flower ponds, flower plant flower ponds, comprehensive flower ponds and so on.
a. Lawn flower pond
A neatly and evenly trimmed piece of grass, with the edges slightly tidied or arranged into rows of bottle decorations, statues, decorative flower railings and the like, 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, and has the characteristics of simple arrangement and plain, elegant colors.
b. Flower plant flower pond
A flower pond in which both grass and flowers are planted, and they can be used to form various patterns or animal shapes, is called a flower plant flower pond. The carpet plants in the pond must be pruned often, maintaining a height of 4-8 cm to form a dense covering layer. It is suitable for arrangement in street-center gardens, small parks and on both sides of roads.
c. Comprehensive flower pond
A flower pond that has both carpet patterns and, in the central part, single-color low-growing annual or biennial flowers planted 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 allows their characteristics to be fully displayed when the flowers bloom. It is also interesting to suitably embellish the center with flowers and trees or flower clusters.
B) Flower bed
A flower pond whose outer plane outline has a certain geometric shape, planted with various low-growing ornamental plants and arranged into various patterns, is called a flower bed. Generally the central part is higher and the surroundings gradually lower, with an inclined surface of 5-10 degrees for drainage, and the edge is made into a geometric low border with brick, cement, bottles, porcelain columns and the like. 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-pattern flower beds.
a. Independent flower bed
A flower bed with ornamental plants planted inside and an outer plane with a certain geometric shape, serving as the main body of a partial 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 flowers and carpet plants, mostly arranged in parks, small parks, tree-lined avenues, the center of plazas, intersections and other places, and their shapes are diverse. Because the area is relatively small, visitors are not allowed to enter.
b. Ribbon flower bed
A flower bed whose plane length is more than 3 times its width is called a ribbon flower bed. A longer ribbon flower bed can be divided into several sections, in which, besides herbaceous flowers, woody plants can also be embellished, forming a continuous composition of several similar independent flower beds. In urban garden green spaces it is 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 side scenery arranged at building walls, plazas or lawn edges.
A long ribbon flower bed with tree walls, enclosure walls or buildings as the background is also called a border-planted flower bed.
c. Flower bed group
A group of many flower beds forming an indivisible overall composition is called a flower bed group. In the central part of the flower bed group, ponds, fountains, monuments, statues and the like can be set up. It is often used on plazas in front of large buildings or in the center of large formal gardens, and visitors can enter to tour.
A rhythmic, 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 sloped forms. It is often arranged in the center of main road steps, on the central axis of long plazas, or with ponds, fountains and statues used to emphasize the starting point, climax and ending of the continuous landscape.
An indivisible overall composition formed by several flower bed groups combined together is called a flower bed complex. Fountains, statues, ponds, colored lights, three-dimensional flower beds and flower platforms are often set up at its compositional center. It is often arranged in large formal gardens or on large building plazas.
A rhythmic, 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-lying area is also called a sunken flower bed. It is most favorable for viewers to look down at it from above.
d. Flower-cluster flower bed
Also called a blooming flower bed or mass-planted flower bed. The ratio of the long axis to the short axis is 1:1 to 3:1, and it mainly uses annual or biennial bulb flowers with abundant blooming, gorgeous colors and a consistent flowering period. The flower colors in the bed are required to be bright and harmoniously matched, mainly expressing
the beauty of the collective color of the flowers. In city parks, it is used more in lively places with large crowds such as plazas in front of large buildings, and is often set in key plots where sight lines 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 chosen, and they should be planted with soil or from inverted pots when the buds are about to open.
e. Carpet-pattern flower bed
Also called a 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, and is often used as side scenery in urban garden green spaces, arranged on various sloping ground.
A flower bed in which foliage plants are used to form various exquisite decorative patterns and the surface is pruned into a neat plane or curved surface to form a carpet-like patterned picture is called a felt carpet-pattern flower bed.
Pruning the flat flower bed surface into concave and convex relief patterns is called a relief carpet-pattern flower bed. The convex patterns are usually formed by pruning small evergreen shrubs, and the concave planes often use herbaceous foliage plants.
Foliage plants in a flower bed pruned into images such as characters, portraits, animals and clocks, giving them a clear theme, are called title-style flower beds. They are often used on gentle slopes of city streets and plazas.
Foliage plants in a flower bed pruned into knot-like styles imitating silk ribbons, with pattern lines of equal thickness and lawn or colored sand often used as the background color between the lines, are called knot flower beds. If the patterns are pruned into slender streamer shapes, they are streamer carpet-pattern flower beds. They are often used at solemn main gates or on both sides of roads.
Using certain steel bars, bamboo and wood as a frame, covering it with soil and planting foliage plants such as Alternanthera versicolor on it to create clocks, sundials, calendars, decorative bottles, flower baskets and animal images is called a three-dimensional carpet-pattern flower bed. They are often arranged at the intersection of visitors' sight lines in parks and courtyards as the main landscape for viewing.
In urban garden green spaces, in order to improve the ornamental effect of flower beds, the flower bed area and inclination are expanded as much as possible, and attention is often paid to trimming the patterns. Commonly used foliage plants include: shrimp plant, red amaranth, small-leaved sapium, lobelia, purslane, sweet alyssum, dwarf ageratum, coleus, echeveria, Alternanthera, Mesembryanthemum, growth grass, sedum and wild rice stem.
C) Flower border
A flower border is a long flower strip between formal and natural-style composition. In terms of plane arrangement, it is formal; in terms of internal plant planting, it is natural. A flower border mainly arranged with perennial flowers is called a flower plant border; a flower border mainly arranged with shrubs is called a shrub border. Ornamental plants in a flower border are required to have beautiful forms, bright flower colors, relatively long flowering periods and simple management, so that the natural landscape of the group can be maintained for a long time without frequently replacing plants. In arrangement, attention should be paid both to the natural beauty of individual plants and to overall beauty. For example, to design a multi-faced flower border that can be viewed from all around, use taller flowering shrubs in the middle, arrange shorter perennial iris clumps around them, and match the outer edge with blue wood sorrel and the like as a border, forming three levels of high, medium and low. If designing a single-face viewing flower border, taller flowers such as shrubs should be planted at the back, and shorter flowers and grasses should be placed in front to form a three-dimensional sense of layering. To achieve a relatively long ornamental effect, two kinds of plants with slightly earlier or later flowering periods can be used together, such as peony and dahlia, narcissus and phlox, iris and gladiolus. To enhance interest, loose baby's breath and dense foxglove can also be placed in one flower cluster. Attention should also be paid to changes in the growing season and to matching deep-rooted and shallow-rooted species; for example, planting lycoris together with creeping sedum works well. In short, when arranging, consider consistent or slightly staggered flowering periods, flowering in clumps or alternating density, and only then can the characteristics of the season be displayed.
Flower borders are mostly set around buildings, on slopes, on both sides of steps, along walls, and beside paths. 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 between the two striking. 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 the arrangement; for a flower border in front of a gray wall, pairing bright red and orange-yellow flower colors is appropriate.
Commonly used plant materials in flower borders include: rose (Rosa chinensis), rhododendron (Rhododendron), mock orange (Philadelphus), wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox), Bridalwreath spirea (Spiraea prunifolia),
Spiraea thunbergii, dwarf flowering cherry (Prunus japonica), kerria (Kerria japonica), forsythia (Forsythia), winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum), flowering almond (Prunus triloba), delphinium (Delphinium), cosmos (Cosmos), coreopsis (Coreopsis), canna (Canna), hollyhock (Alcea rosea), dahlia (Dahlia), abelmoschus (Abelmoschus), snapdragon (Antirrhinum), phlox (Phlox), verbena (Verbena), snake daisy (Coreopsis tinctoria), daylily (Hemerocallis), aster (Aster), Chinese peony (Paeonia lactiflora), etc.
D) Flower platform
Filling a hollow pedestal 40-100 cm high with soil and planting ornamental plants in it is called a flower platform. It is mainly based on the combined beauty of the ornamental plants' form, flower color, fragrance and the modeling of the flower platform. Flower platforms come in various shapes, including geometric forms and natural forms. Generally, compact and uniquely shaped pines, bamboo, plum, lilac (Syringa), heavenly bamboo (Nandina domestica), creeping juniper (Juniperus procumbens), Chinese holly (Ilex cornuta), Chinese peony (Paeonia lactiflora), tree peony (Paeonia suffruticosa), rose (Rosa chinensis), etc. are planted on top. This form is often used in classical Chinese gardens. It is also commonly seen in courtyards of modern parks, gardens, factories, offices, 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 corners, but a blind drain 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 flower beds and flower platforms in various forms. They can be flexibly placed indoors, in front of windows, on balconies, on roofs, at gateways, beside roads, in the center of squares, and so on.
F) Arrangement and management
The design and modeling of flower ponds, 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 overpowering the main subject. Among them, the form, color, flowering period, etc. of the flower plants all change greatly during the growth process, so careful consideration and scientific arrangement are needed in design. If using the same flower color, do not mix in other miscellaneous colors, and pay attention to highlighting the main body of a single 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 should be a primary and a secondary to form a main color tone; using white or light colors can reconcile contrasting conflicts. The height and size of plant forms should be matched reasonably. The tallest should be placed in the center, and the shorter ones should be placed on the periphery or edges; if close to 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 far from roads and squares, while annual and biennial flowers are chosen for planting beside roads, by water, and around squares and buildings, to be used as seasonal decorative flowers.
For the construction and management of flower ponds, 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 work the soil 20-25 cm deep, removing stones, tree roots and weeds. The surroundings of flower beds, flower borders and flower platforms should all be made into edging or edge platforms with building materials to form a certain outline, so as to prevent soil erosion and trampling by foot traffic. The specific planting should be carried out carefully according to the construction design drawings. A grid method can be used to enlarge the pattern on the actual ground, or a slide projector can be used to project the pattern onto the actual ground for planting. In order to reduce water evaporation, do not plant under the scorching sun. The planting steps depend on whether it is a multi-sided flower bed or a single-sided flower bed. If it is a round 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 the performance of the plants. 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, seawater, or saline-alkali water. Usually, attention should also be paid to removing weeds and pruning away spent flowers and withered leaves to maintain the collective beauty of the plants. In particular, for carpet flower beds, attention should be paid to regular pruning of the patterns to avoid deformation or weed overgrowth.
Arrangement methods of flowers and plants in home courtyards
7、Tree grouping landscapes
Tree landscape styles. In short, tree landscape modes include combinations by number of trees, combinations by tree density, regular combinations, natural combinations, belt-shaped combinations, skyline outline expression, cross-section composition, landscape composition, and so on.
A. Combination styles by number of trees
a. Specimen planting
A single planted isolated tree. As the main scenery, shade tree or target tree of a garden green space, it should display the beauty of a single tree's form. Whether in any location, a specimen tree does not exist in isolation; it always coordinates with the 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 (Ginkgo biloba), pagoda tree (Sophora japonica), banyan (Ficus microcarpa), camphor (Cinnamomum camphora), plane tree (Platanus), lemon-scented gum (Corymbia citriodora), hackberry (Celtis), white birch (Betula platyphylla), soapberry (Sapindus), Chinese wingnut (Pterocarya stenoptera), willow (Salix), blue Japanese oak (Quercus glauca), horse chestnut (Aesculus), sawtooth oak (Quercus acutissima), etc. In addition, attention should be paid to choosing tree species with high ornamental value, such as deodar cedar (Cedrus deodara), spruce (Picea), Chinese juniper (Juniperus chinensis), Norfolk Island pine (Araucaria heterophylla), cycad (Cycas revoluta), whose outlines are upright and clear; Buddhist pine (Podocarpus macrophyllus), Huangshan pine (Pinus hwangshanensis), Chinese cedar (Cryptomeria fortunei), etc., which have graceful postures; lacebark pine (Pinus bungeana), white birch, etc., which have smooth and appreciable trunks; sweetgum (Liquidambar formosana), trident maple (Acer buergerianum), Japanese maple (Acer palmatum), Chinese tallow (Triadica sebifera), etc., which have changes in red leaves; flame tree (Delonix regia), cherry blossom (Prunus serrulata), crape myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), plum, southern magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora), persimmon, citrus, etc., which have colorful flowers or lovely fruits. Cities in various places should also choose tree species suited to local conditions that are adaptable, robust, long-lived and less prone to pests and diseases.
Planting 1-3 trees of the same species or same type close together can also create the effect of specimen planting. Specimen trees are generally arranged as the main scenery, and attention must be paid to ensuring that the form, height and posture of the specimen tree are coordinated with the size of the environmental space. For example, when arranging a specimen tree on open ground, a lawn or a 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 the changes in the scenic skyline. Specimen trees can be arranged in natural-style green space layouts such as islands, watersides, bridgeheads, the ends or turns of garden paths, rockery cliffs, cave mouths, building fronts and rest squares, but they should be in harmony and balance with the surrounding environment and avoid being in the exact center of a small environment. Specimen trees can also be arranged in regular-style green spaces such as flower beds, rest squares, road intersections and building forecourts. If pruned into a certain geometric shape, they can better emphasize the main scenery.
Specimen trees should make use of existing large trees as much as possible, but where no large trees are available, transplanting large trees or large saplings may be considered. For certain ancient single trees with historical commemorative significance, careful management and protection should be carried out, such as hanging an explanatory sign and setting up fences, benches or planting twining plants around them, which is especially charming.
b. Two trees
Two trees planted opposite each other or connectedly, used in front of buildings, symmetrically planted on the left and right in front of gates, or dotting green spaces. For example, planting two trees or two clumps of trees symmetrically on the left and right according to a certain axis is called opposite planting. Opposite planting is mostly used on both sides of the entrances and exits of parks and large buildings, or on both sides of monuments, stone steps and bridgeheads to set off the main scenery; or to form secondary scenery and framed scenery to enhance the depth of perspective.
As for tree species for opposite planting, any with neat and beautiful appearance can be used. Opposite planting trees are mostly used in regular-style green space layouts, but the tree species and specifications must 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. With two trees or two clumps of trees, the arrangement can be somewhat freer, but the dynamic tendency of the tree postures should be concentrated toward the axis, making the left and right balanced and full of variation while also echoing each other, forming a relatively vivid and lively landscape.
When designing opposite planting trees, the interrelationships between the trees and buildings, traffic, and especially above-ground and underground pipelines must be handled well; the size, height, posture, color, etc. of the trees must all be coordinated with the surrounding environment.
c. Three trees
Three trees planted in a clump. In solemn plots, use the same species, same form and equal spacing, or the same species, different forms and equal spacing; in natural plots, use the same species, same form and unequal spacing, or the same species, different forms and 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. Grouped planting
Using five or more trees for various combinations. In addition, according to a certain composition method, a certain number of ornamental trees and shrubs are naturally combined together, collectively called clump planting. The trees differ in size and posture, yet are unified in a comprehensive body with graceful modeling. Therefore, both their collective beauty and their individual beauty are appreciated.
The number of trees forming a clump ranges from 3 to 10. The size, posture, color, etc. of the trees must be carefully selected and matched. Consideration should be given both to the future growth shape of the plants and to the spacing within the clump, which should be suitable for canopy closure without affecting the growth and development of the plants among themselves. The principles for arranging plants are: pair herbaceous flowers with shrubs, pair shrubs with trees, pair light colors with dark colors, etc. For example, using shrubs around a clump of trees can make the whole clump more compact, and using herbaceous flowers around it for contrast will make it appear more natural. Depending on the tree species, it can be divided into two types: clumps of the same tree species and clumps of multiple tree species.
A clump of the same tree species is composed of the same species, but there should be differences in form and posture. Overall, there should be both a primary and a secondary, and they should also echo each other. Using the same evergreen tree species can create background clumps, which can make the set-off flower clusters or architectural features have clear outlines and striking contrast. Clumps of multiple tree species often combine tall conifers with broadleaf trees, with flowering shrubs arranged around them, forming contrasts in shape and tone.
Tree clumps are widely used in urban greening. They can be used to create main scenery for shade, and can also create secondary scenery and dividing scenery for viewing, and are especially common 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 touring green spaces makes people feel they are right before their eyes; 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 a distance of more than 10 times. Tree clumps can also be combined with lake stones, etc., arranged in 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 kinds of trees planted in groups on a relatively large plot of land.
g. Pure forest
A single tree species planted in a continuous stand on a large area of land.
h. Mixed forest
Two or more tree species planted in a continuous stand 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 main scenery 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 the ups and downs of the terrain.
Because a tree group has many plants, the outer plants are greatly affected by climate, and the internal plants also influence one another, so tree species of different ecological types should be chosen 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 create a sense of disorder. For a tree group, it is best to use evergreen trees more than 10 years old as the upper layer, about 5-year-old small trees or shrubs as the second layer, and low shrubs around 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 to each other, replant deciduous small trees as the second layer, and a certain stability can be obtained. Near the edge of the tree clump, some tree clumps of different sizes should be arranged. In the concave parts of the tree group edge, tree species with large crowns, fast growth and spreading branches and leaves should be chosen for arrangement, so as to form a relatively stable overall appearance. The tree group's
plants should be sparse in some places and dense in others, and should not be planted in rows at equal spacing. Lawn can be laid inside 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 all have changes of height and winding turns.
There is a central main tree for viewing, and also added scenery that sets off the main body. The second plant in front of the main body is the contrasting tree, and the third is the added scenery. In order to achieve connection on the ground, add two low evergreen trees in front, and the added scenery can be placed behind.
Arrangement methods of flowers and plants in home courtyards
8、Vertical greening, balcony greening, veranda greening, roof gardens
The use of vertical greening and the arrangement of roof gardens can further increase the green area of cities and give play to the role of greening in the urban environment. Especially in some ancient cities in China, buildings occupy a relatively large area and the area available for greening is relatively small, so it is even more necessary to apply vertical greening and develop roof gardens.
A. Vertical greening
Vertical greening means using climbing plants to green walls, balconies, flower trellises, courtyard corridors, stone slopes, rock faces, and other places. Because climbing plants grow attached to buildings or structures, they occupy little ground area while producing 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 offices, schools, hospitals, factories, residential areas and courtyards has practical significance. Many climbing plants have modest requirements for soil and climate and grow rapidly, showing results within the same year, so 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 and bamboo hedges, rose (Rosa multiflora), banksia rose (Rosa banksiae), akebia (Akebia quinata), Chinese trumpet creeper (Campsis grandiflora), wisteria (Wisteria sinensis), climbing fig (Ficus pumila), wintercreeper (Euonymus fortunei), etc. can be chosen, which are both beautiful and able to provide shade and coolness. On whitewashed walls and brick walls, Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata), star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides), etc. can be chosen; they grow quickly and have good effects, can form vivid pictures, and in autumn their leaf color changes can also be appreciated.
The vines for vertical greening can be appropriately selected according to different forms of use, whether for food or ornamental purposes.
a. Edible
For vertical greening of flower trellises, green corridors and flower gates mainly for edible and ornamental purposes, grape (Vitis vinifera), kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis), etc. can be chosen.
b. Ornamental
(i) Ornamental flowering period: in spring, choose multiflora rose (Rosa multiflora), blood vine (Mucuna sempervirens), evergreen mucuna vine; in summer, choose Chinese trumpet creeper (Campsis grandiflora), Chinese wolfberry (Lycium chinense), jasmine (Jasminum); in autumn, choose morning glory vine, yingzhua flower, dragon whiskers vine (Bauhinia), ivy (Hedera); in winter, choose evergreen vine plants (see Table 4.8.1).
(ii) Ornamental flower color: for example, red ones include periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus), rose, morning glory vine; yellow ones include jasmine (Jasminum), rose, yingzhua flower, dragon whiskers vine; purple ones include creeping periwinkle (Vinca major), evergreen mucuna vine; green ones include blood vine; white ones include morning glory vine, jasmine.
For vertical greening on various terraces, earth slopes, stone slopes and overhanging cliff faces, rose, jasmine, ivy, yinggua flower, evergreen mucuna vine, etc. can be chosen. In addition, different regions can choose woody vine plants for vertical greening according to need (see Table 4.8.1).
B. Roof gardens
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. As early as around 600 BC, King Nebuchadnezzar of New Babylon built a hanging garden along the Euphrates River near his palace, as high as 25 m and divided into three levels from top to bottom. On its upper level a palace was built and various rare flowers and grasses were planted, forming an environment of natural mountain forest wildness. The flowers and trees were lush all year round, with fresh flowers in all four seasons. Seen from afar, it was like a garden suspended in the air, hence it was also called the "Hanging Garden."
In today's scientifically advanced world, countries around the world have built all kinds of sky gardens on the roofs or balconies of high-rise buildings. For example, Ziegel city in Switzerland built terraced housing, with each household having roof gardens in the east, west and south directions. In Guangzhou, Nanning, Shanghai and other places in China, roof gardens have also begun to be built on top of department stores, guesthouses and hotels, equipped with various flower gate buildings, flower trellises, flowers and trees, lawns, flower platforms, ponds, fountains, seats, quiet walking paths, rest areas, and so on.
The key to building a roof garden is to reasonably design and arrange flowers, grasses, trees and garden structures through the scientific and artistic methods of the garden designer. In engineering, the first step is to correctly calculate the load-bearing capacity of the garden on the roof and reasonably build flower ponds and drainage systems. The soil should be 30-40 cm deep; depending on the size of the trees, part of it 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, or thoroughly decomposed sawdust or vermiculite soil, etc. 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; merely covering with fertilizer soil once or twice a year is enough. The method is to mix 1 part loam and 1 part humus soil, dry them in the sun, break them up, and evenly spread them on the lawn with a sieve. There are many ways of watering, including subsoil watering and surface watering. Generally, lawns and shorter flowers and grasses can use subsoil pipeline watering, 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 grasses; surface watering can use manual spraying or automatic sprinklers. Usually, attention should be paid to the moisture content in the soil, and the amount of watering should be determined according to the degree of soil moisture. Special attention must be paid to ensuring that subsoil drainage is smooth, and there must never be local water accumulation above or below, so as to avoid waterlogging of the plants. For the selection of plant species, generally choose flowering shrubs, bulb flowers and bamboos that are graceful, short, shallow-rooted and strong in wind resistance.
The establishment of a roof garden should preferably be carried out at the same time as 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 vines
There are two propagation methods for vines: one is sexual propagation, that is, sowing seeds in a nursery or flowerpot to cultivate large seedlings and transplanting them in late winter and early spring; the other 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 insert them directly into the soil under the pillars of pavilions and corridors or at the foot 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 are very likely to take root and sprout, and only when the new plant can grow independently should it be cut away from the mother plant and transplanted to the needed place; when the vine grows to a certain height, artificial guiding can be carried out in the needed direction to help it climb onto a wall or trellis. On very smooth walls and columns, nails can first be driven in and lead wires or rope nets pulled up to guide it to climb up the net. If vertical greening is to be done on balconies and windowsills, seedlings can be planted in flower pots, flower ponds or flower boxes capable of drainage, keeping the soil from becoming too dry at ordinary times, and then carrying out artificial guiding as above.