General Info Planning, Layout, Plant Selection

Residential Landscaping From North Carolina State U. 

Takes you through all the steps on design in proper sequence from plotting your layout to planting. Plenty of line drawings, diagrams, illustrations. Also includes section called Carolina lawns which informs you on everything you need to know about lawns from start to finish and maintaining. Two thumbs up, need I say more. 

Choosing plants for the Home Landscape  A short, but thought provoking article on some points to consider in making good plant choices. 

Sustainable Urban Landscape Information  U. of Minnesota Landscape design from start to finish. This site is loaded with a large amount of useful, practical information on designing landscapes. I would definitely recommend this site. 

Functional Uses of Plants in the Landscape Ohio State University Extension  While many people only consider a plants attractive characteristics or qualities such as flowers, foliage, form, etc. this short, brief article deals with the functional aspect of how plants can be used in the landscape to solve various problems. I would recommend this article for anyone to read. 

Ohioline - Yard & Garden  Very extensive, something on everything. Including landscaping, specialty gardens, weed control, soil management, various bulletins and fact sheets & much more. Definitely worth investigation. 

Preparation & Planting of Landscape Plants Ohio State University Extension (T&P) Covers the considerations of plant use in the landscape, the different ways plants can be purchased, time to plant, preparation and maintenance. Basic, but worth a look. 

Landscape Fundamentals On-Line Course from North Carolina State U. Cooperative Extension 

An online course teaching how to have & maintain a beautiful lawn, landscape and garden while protecting the environment. Pass the exam and you even get a nifty certificate. You can even print a copy of the exam before you start to make cheating easier. Content alone worth reading, forget the certificate and leave it for those who have an empty frame. 

Plant Talk on Design from Colorado State U. Cooperative Extension   Loaded with a broad scope of information on landscape design. 

Where to Begin  Theories and principles on creating outdoor living spaces. A short article worth reading.

Hometime - Landscape & Garden   How to's for landscaping from start to finish, plus a whole lot more. We don't usually include .coms here but this site has some great info. 

Low-Maintenance Landscaping University of Missouri Extension   Explains why extensive care & planning is needed when designing landscapes. Otherwise you may end up spending more time working in the yard than enjoying it. 

Tree Placement on Home Grounds University of Missouri Extension (PDF) Besides adding value to your home, trees are functional solving problems & fulfilling needs in the landscape. This article covers various functions, planning, selection considerations and other characteristics to consider. Well written, a valuable resource. 

top of page

Fertilizing Landscape Plants Ohio State University Extension 

Everything about fertilization, soil analysis, types of soils, adjusting pH, essential nutrients, kinds of fertilizer, rates & methods of application. Resourceful information worth reading. 

Mulches University of Missouri Extension (PDF)  Covers reasons to mulch & benefits. Packed with informative tables that consider various mulching materials and their positive and negative aspects such as resistance to compaction, resistance to blowing wind, attractiveness, etc. This is one of the better articles I've seen on mulching. 

Mulching Landscape Plants Ohio State University Extension  Discusses why we use mulch, their benefits and various mulching materials, both organic & inorganic. 

Improving Lawn & Landscape Soils University of Missouri Extension (PDF)  Learn how to improve existing soils, the different kinds of soil amendments, their value, what kinds are better, etc. Good reading and informative. 

Lawn Establishment Ohio State University Extension   To have a nice lawn, it will require a certain amount of work and knowledge. This article will show you what you need to know and how to get good results.  For more on lawns, visit the lawns section of the resource library.  

Controlling Weeds in Nursery and Landscape Plantings Ohio State University Extension This site is a must for anyone in the lawn, landscape or nursery business or any segment of the green industry that has to deal with weeds. Although it might be a bit too technical for most homeowners, there is plenty of useful information they can get from it. This site is loaded with tables, charts, diagrams and formulas, how to calibrate equipment for chemical application, facts on both pre & post emergent herbicides, what to use on, when & where, combination applications surfactants, fumigants, weed control recommendations for before & after planting, different kinds of plants or plantings, etc. and a whole lot more. Sure to be a favorite place for those in the green industry. I know it will be for me. 

Understanding & Using Herbicides University of Missouri Extension Covers terminology, naming and application. Good site for the homeowner. 

top of page

Raised Bed Gardening Ohio State University Extension   Discusses what they are, their benefits and construction tips. Although the article was meant for vegetable gardening, the same principles can apply to raised beds in the landscape.

Landscaping to attract birds U.S. Fish & Wildlife  Details benefits, basic needs, plants that attract birds, getting started & further reading material.

Green Landscaping with native Plants USEPA  Explains the benefits to the environment by using natives. 

Energy Saving Landscaping Learn how to be energy conscious reducing energy bills by strategically planting your landscape. A must for everyone's reading. 

Landscaping with Family Needs in Mind  from the U. of Vermont  Some points to ponder when planning your landscape needs.

Home Landscapes for Environmental Sensitivity  Creating the natural landscape and factors to consider. A good article worth reading and possibly one that will change your style of design. 

Drought Resistance in the Landscape Ohio State University Extension Discusses selection, planning & execution with consideration of irrigation zones with in the landscape and how these determine what plants to use. If for no other reason, this article will surely get you thinking about what you put where. 

Plant Talk on Xeriscapes  from Colorado State U. Cooperative Extension  All about xeriscapes, creating, planting and maintaining. 

Seven Principles of Xeriscape Landscapes From the Hollywood Water Conservation program.  All about xeriscapes from planning to planting to maintaining. 

Florida Xeriscaping Florida Solar Energy Center   More on xeriscaping including list on drought tolerant plants specifically for Florida xeriscapes. 

Landscape Safety Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety   Safety information when landscaping, using all kinds of equipment & chemicals. 

top of page

Flowering Annuals: Characteristics & Culture University of Missouri Extension   A very informative article on annuals. What they are, the three types, starting from seed, soil requirements, fertilizing, insect & disease, various uses and an extensive table listing many kinds along with their characteristics. A very good article on annuals, sure to be helpful. Color photos. 

Flowering Perennials: Characteristics & Culture University of Missouri Extension  (PDF) Much like the above with an extensive table listing many kinds of perennials along with their characteristics. Also a good reference article that is sure to be helpful. Color photos.

AA 10 point landscape guide for prospective homebuyers  Texas Nursery & Landscape Association  The name says it all. Good site, worth the visit. 

Association of Professional Landscape Designers  The name says it all. This organization can help you to find a professional designer and even speakers for your garden organizations.  

Conway School of Landscape Design   An intensive ten month program on landscape design.

top of page

Return to Main Library