Pockets of Protection & Places of Refuge

Historically, gardens were designated places of refuge and sanctuary; a place for respite and retreat from the onslaught of marauders. Typically, they were walled, yet once inside, all the comforts and hospitality of the space were revealed; intentional pockets of protection for social interaction and beauty. Extensions of the home and structured in such a way to provide relief from the elements and security from the enemy.

Walled spaces don’t have to be defined entirely by brick and mortar; in fact, such protection can be provided by plants. The options and applications can be as diverse as our creativity and imagination take us. The human need or desire to have a place of refuge is as constant today as it has been throughout the ages. The next “pillage of our village” may involve an internet security breach of some sort rather than catapults and stones, but our need for refuge and protective, outdoor habitat remains steadfast.

There are the tried and true plant selections that have comprised most of our hedging applications for decades. Privet, Cotoneaster, Yew, Lilac, and Bridal Wreath Spiraea have been and continue to be utilized as living walls. Evergreen windbreaks in a rural setting or along our interstates are barriers of protection from prevailing winds and drifting of snow on a larger scale. What about an urban setting, or a smaller property…is there a need or enough space to accommodate an urban style living wall?  We are of the opinion that protection, shelter and privacy are some of the first considerations regardless of scale. Done well, they extend our seasonal interactions with the outdoors, and improve growing conditions for all of the other plant materials we introduce into our landscapes.

Following is a snapshot of some of our favorite Protective Plants for That:

Cornus mas – Cornelian Cherry, Shrub Form

This plant is a bit large if left unattended, but when grown as a hedge it is stunning.  Yellow flowers in early spring, followed in fall with showy, persistent, red fruits.  Properly pruned, it can be maintained at a 6-7 foot height with a 4-5 foot spread. The summer leaf color is dark green with a bit of a sheen, and quite attractive. It visually looks better if the pruning approach adopted isn’t overly severe and more selective in application. Allowing the foliage to be more feathery, full and softer in appearance. Hedge shears simply aren’t the only answer when it comes to pruning.

Acer tataricum ‘GarAnn’ – Hot Wings Tatarian Maple, Shrub Form

This plant provides a more informal living wall than most traditional hedging materials.  It is tolerant of drought and adaptable to more alkaline conditions and perfect in full sun.  It derives the name “Hot Wings” from the bright red samaras in summertime.  Fall foliage is a vivid combination of reds and yellows. While it too can become fairly large, it responds well to selective pruning.

Viburnum plicatum ‘Newzam’ – Newport Dwarf Doublefile Viburnum

In our climactic conditions this plant works better for screening in more established neighborhoods. Sited properly, this is one of the most elegant of flowering shrubs; blooming white in mid-spring, with deep green, textured foliage that turns burgundy in the fall.  A smaller selection growing only 4-5 ft. tall with a 3-4 ft. spread.  Prefers some shade, and supplemental water in the heat of summer – don’t we all.

All of the above three plants are considered to be more informal and larger shrub candidates for the purpose of protection within our landscapes. In a future posting we will present some nontraditional evergreen options for urban spaces and follow-up from there on more compact or smaller selections for the most intimate of gardens. Protection – now There’s a Plant for That!