Friday, October 15, 2010

Xeriscaping - Sustainable Gardens


Xeriscaping is an innovative and creative means of conserving water through the landscape. Xeriscaping is a part of a sustainable approach to landscaping beginning with “Right Plant Right Place.”

Did you know an estimated 50% of water consumption in the average home is used outdoors! With water a most precious and limited natural resource, sustainable landscape service providers and conscious homeowners want to minimize water waste and enjoy a lush beautiful landscape.

Using a Xeriscape concept can save anywhere from 30 to 80 percent in water consumption. Good for the Planet Earth! This concept translates to real dollars savings on water and sewer charges, as well. Good for the property owner!
Think sustainability – How will I plan, plant, and maintain a garden taking advantage of the native growing climate and make efficient use of water.

Here are some simple guidelines to consider when Xeriscaping you property or residence.
1. A Xeriscape garden starts with good planning and design.
2. Use a LEED rate turf. NKO recommends El Toro.
3. A well-planned irrigation system saves water.
4. Amend soil to be efficient in H2O absorption and water-holding capacity.
5. Mulch planting beds for low maintenance.
6. "Less-thirsty" plants improve your garden in more ways than one.
7. Regular maintenance preserves the beauty of your landscape & saves water.

When planning your garden many landscape designers and homeowners forget to ask “HOW WILL THIS BE MAINTAINED?” Regular ongoing maintenance includes mowing, pruning, weeding, proper fertilization and pest control. This can all be accomplished in a sustainable approach.

Pay attention to the irrigation system and be sure to adjust water delivery depending on the time of the year and real climate condition.

There are many native Hawaiian plants that are less thirsty and provide beautiful design. Visit Flora at the NKO Nursery in Hanapepe and she can help with your Xeriscape sustainable plant selection.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Hot Sexy FANTASTIC!



Looking for a new plant to brighten up your home’s entryway, lanai, deck or a special gift for that gardener in your life… NKO has a great suggestion!

It’s hot - It’s sexy - It’s Fantastic!

Yes Fantastic is a beautiful plant that won two (2) top 2010 awards at the 2010 Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition (TPIE)
• Favorite New Foliage Plant
• Retailer's Choice Award

Fantastic is a succulent perennial. It has compact shape and beautiful variegation. Fantastic has a dramatic red edging that intensifies with the sun. The vibrant red color radiates into golden sunset hues from the leaf tip and blushes over the silvery-green, rounded leaves

Fantastic is easy to grow. It is naturally robust and a sustainable choice as it is a drought tolerant plant. Left on its own Fantastic will grow much to 24" tall and 24" wide. Because it’s a clumping fast grower it can be the source for many keki plants. This a good value to bring into a garden

Hawaii gardeners love this plant because it’s salt tolerant so no matter where you live in the islands you can plant Fantastic. Landscapers use Fantastic in rock gardens, perennial container gardens and patios because of its fabulous color, attractive leaves and low maintenance. Planted in a bed it makes a 'Fantastic' display.

Care Instructions: Enjoys Full Sun and slightly dry conditions

Botanical Name: Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora

Attributes
Interesting Foliage
Salt Tolerant
Unique, Rare or Special
Xeriscape/Drought Tolerant

Lighting Preferences
Full Sun

Buy today: Call Flora NKO Nursery 808 635-0450