My Favorite Tree
Winter King Hawthorn
Crataegus vindis
Winter King Hawthorn brightens up the landscape scene with its ½ inch “red” fruits clinging all winter to the outstretched open branches. This outstanding tree paints the springtime with clusters of white flowers when leaves have budded out. Later in the fall the green foliage is transformed into colors of purple to scarlet on the vase shaped branches. As it matures, the bark evolves from a lighter, silvery color to an orange-to-brown, showy and exfoliating. Rust disease is seldom. Another benefit: very few “thorns!”
Jim Slezinski, Senior Landscape Designer/Horticulturist
Goldner Walsh Garden & Home, Pontiac, MI
(248) 332-6430 • goldnerwalsh.com
My Favorite Shrub
Southern Bush Honeysuckle
Diervilla sessilifolia
This compact or low-growing deciduous shrub adapts to sun or shade growing to 3’ in height and 4’ in width. We use it as a mass planting in a naturalistic design scheme. The yellow flower is not showy but appropriate to the desired look.Other qualities of this shrub include deer resistance, drought resistance and great fall color. A handful of cultivars offer different leaf colors as well.
John L. Mayer, Landscape Architect
John Lindsay Mayer Landscape Architect, Inc., Farmington, MI
(248) 615-1262 • jlmlandscapearchitect.com
My Favorite Ground Cover
Lamium ‘Orchid Frost’
Lamium maculatum ‘Orchid Frost’
My first choice for a colorful flowering ground cover is Lamium ‘Orchid Frost’.Variegated leaves with green edges and silver centers along with the cool lavender flowers will brighten up any shade to partial shade situation. It’s easy to care for,few pests, reliable flowering and quick to recover from any deer tasting. Mixed with Hosta, Bergenias, Lady’s Mantle, Ferns or Bleeding Heart will create an ever-changing garden. Good drainage and organic soils with available moisture will ensure its success.
James Babcock, Chief Landscape Designer
Superior Scape, Inc., Shelby Township, MI
(586) 739-9630 • superiorscape.com