My Favorite Tree
Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum
In the front yard of the townhouse where I grew up stands a 25’ tall Japanese Maple that grew with me and played an integral role in my career choice. This great tree has beautiful red foliage in contrast to the smooth silver bark. Low branching provides great architecture from the trunk out. The size of a Japanese Maple makes it perfect for patios, lawns, and even townhouses.
Steven Talcott, Landscape Designer
Great American Landscapes, Clarksburg, MD
(301) 972-5681 • greatamericanlandscapes.com
My Favorite Shrub
Dwarf Fothergilla
Fothergilla gardenii
Fothergilla is a versatile shrub as it can be used as a compact specimen or massed. I’ve used Fothergilla in both formal gardens and naturalized open woodland plantings. The deciduous shrub typically grows about 3’ tall and wide. The leaves are a lovely blue-green and the early spring flowers are fragrant, white terminal bottlebrushlike spikes, about 2 inches long. As leaves hold late, brilliant orangish-red fall foliage offers extended garden fall interest.
Dharshini Joseph, Principal/Founder
Dharshini Joseph Landscape Architecture, Falmouth, MA
(774) 226-8580 • dharshinijoseph.com
My Favorite Ground Cover
Creeping Jenny
Lysimachia nummularia
We install Creeping Jenny in many of our landscape designs. It’s very hardy and easy to maintain. It can be planted in partial shade but develops a bright yellow foliage in full sun. A great focal point, it complements many shrubs and trees, especially those with a dark or purple foliage. For example, when planted under Crimson Queen Japanese Maples or near Lorapetalum, it creates a pop of color that’s sure to be enjoyed in any garden.
Jesse Callaway, Owner
Modern Landscape Concepts, Cumming, GA
(678) 464-7918 • modernlandscapeconcepts.com
