Kevin Kalies and Doug Watson, both members of the 2009 Master Gardening class; Jim Shull, longtime master gardener; Joe Littlefield, volunteer; and I installed landscaping at six of the Horses in the City locations during August and September. They are located at City Hall, Angelic Hospice, Shawnee Heart Center, Town and Country Veterinary Clinic, plus Arvest Bank and BancFirst on Harrison.
These projects were similar to what a homeowner would do in establishing a new bed. First, the boundary was established using eight-foot lengths of metal edging, although the horse at Angelic Hospice was placed in an existing raised bed. Then the bed was sprayed with Roundup to kill existing vegetation. This took two or three treatments spaced over several weeks. After the dead vegetation was removed, a four-inch layer of cotton burr mulch was spread over the planting area and dug in with a Rototiller.
Landscaping plants selected for the horses were chosen to meet several criteria. They needed to be perennial, to be attractive throughout most of the year and to have minimal need for watering or other maintenance.
Dwarf nandinas were chosen for their color and hardiness. During the spring through early fall, its leaf color is predominately green. In late fall, after freezing temperatures arrive, many of the leaves turn orange or red.
Dwarf fountain grass, Pennisetum alopecuroides, “Hameln” was selected for its feathery, light, cream-colored plumes in early summer. These plumes wave in the wind and will be attractive until early winter. In late February, the plants will be trimmed back for another round of growth. The landscaping at Main and Bell uses this plant extensively.
Two varieties of Lilyturf, “Big Blue” and variegated Liriope were used. Variegated Liriope Lilyturf has green-and-cream-striped leaves and has spikes of blue flowers in late summer. These will produce black berries in the fall. “Big Blue’ has solid green leaves and similar flowers and berries. Both varieties do well in sun or deep shade and are extremely drought tolerant after they are established. The leaves need to be trimmed back to about three inches high in late February and new leaves will emerge in March.
After the plants were in the ground and watered in, the soil was sprinkled with Preen, a pre-emergent weed inhibitor. Finally, red cypress bark mulch was spread over the bed to help prevent weeds and to conserve moisture.
Special thanks go to these men who helped with the project, to the artists who painted the horses and to the businesses that purchased them for all to enjoy.
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Kevin Kalies and Doug Watson, both members of the 2009 Master Gardening class; Jim Shull, longtime master gardener; Joe Littlefield, volunteer; and I installed landscaping at six of the Horses in the City locations during August and September. They are located at City Hall, Angelic Hospice, Shawnee Heart Center, Town and Country Veterinary Clinic, plus Arvest Bank and BancFirst on Harrison.
These projects were similar to what a homeowner would do in establishing a new bed. First, the boundary was established using eight-foot lengths of metal edging, although the horse at Angelic Hospice was placed in an existing raised bed. Then the bed was sprayed with Roundup to kill existing vegetation. This took two or three treatments spaced over several weeks. After the dead vegetation was removed, a four-inch layer of cotton burr mulch was spread over the planting area and dug in with a Rototiller.
Landscaping plants selected for the horses were chosen to meet several criteria. They needed to be perennial, to be attractive throughout most of the year and to have minimal need for watering or other maintenance.
Dwarf nandinas were chosen for their color and hardiness. During the spring through early fall, its leaf color is predominately green. In late fall, after freezing temperatures arrive, many of the leaves turn orange or red.
Dwarf fountain grass, Pennisetum alopecuroides, “Hameln” was selected for its feathery, light, cream-colored plumes in early summer. These plumes wave in the wind and will be attractive until early winter. In late February, the plants will be trimmed back for another round of growth. The landscaping at Main and Bell uses this plant extensively.
Two varieties of Lilyturf, “Big Blue” and variegated Liriope were used. Variegated Liriope Lilyturf has green-and-cream-striped leaves and has spikes of blue flowers in late summer. These will produce black berries in the fall. “Big Blue’ has solid green leaves and similar flowers and berries. Both varieties do well in sun or deep shade and are extremely drought tolerant after they are established. The leaves need to be trimmed back to about three inches high in late February and new leaves will emerge in March.
After the plants were in the ground and watered in, the soil was sprinkled with Preen, a pre-emergent weed inhibitor. Finally, red cypress bark mulch was spread over the bed to help prevent weeds and to conserve moisture.
Special thanks go to these men who helped with the project, to the artists who painted the horses and to the businesses that purchased them for all to enjoy.
