Garden Docs: Stepping stones and bench placement

Linda asks: Our new landscape is almost complete with most hardscape in place; next comes the fun part of choosing and placing the new plants. The main contoured bed is fairly deep in width, allowing for some larger shrubs, perennials and a fruit tree.

However, I foresee some challenges entering the bed to deadhead, harvest fruit and manage general gardening tasks without compacting the soil. Any suggestions or tips on preventing the compaction?

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Answer: An easy solution is to lay small natural appearing stepping stones (perhaps 12-by-8 inches) leading to the planted areas allowing easier maintenance and less soil compaction. Some small ground covers such as thyme planted along and between the stepping stones, will soften the edges of the stones.

These “maintenance paths” are not intended to be a major element of the overall landscape design. We have used flat, irregular shaped river-washed stones to step on when dead heading flowers and pruning roses. They blend into the catmint groundcover.

If you are planning on mulching the finished landscape make sure it is at deep. Mulch also prevents compaction from pounding raindrops as well as human foot traffic.

One last tip: Lay large sheets of cardboard on the ground next to the base of your roses during the major winter pruning. Use the cardboard to stand on while pruning.

This helps prevent soil compaction. Best o all, it is easy to pick up and move to a new space as you move around during pruning.

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Frank and Judy write: Our children have given us a garden dedication bench. Now we are having some difficulty deciding on its final placement in the garden. Can you offer any guidelines for placing garden benches?

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Answer: Here are some points to consider that should help you:

Position the bench in a place that encourages people to sit down, look around and enjoy the garden.

Place the bench at an angle that does not face the direct south and southwest sun exposures. Experiment by sitting on the bench to determine if the position in comfortable for those using the bench.

If there is a good sized tree in the garden, consider positioning the bench under its dappled shade as long as the tree is one that does not drop fruit or berries.

Backless benches are more comfortable and inviting when a small hedge or tidy shrub is planted behind it. That makes it appear more anchored to the site and eliminates the feeling that you might tip off the back.

Planting favorite roses or shrubs at either end of the bench is good for a bench with a back. Some homeowners prefer shrubs that are admired for their fragrance. Depending on the bench exposure, (part sun or shade), you might consider daphne, lavenders, osmanthus, star jasmine, ever-blooming iris or choisya. Be aware however, that bees visit flowers and if that is an issue to you look for other attractive plant possibilities.

Benches require a solid surface to prevent tipping and sinking into the soil, and people sitting on the bench will appreciate a solid surface in front of it on which to rest their feet and to make it easier to rise. Flat stones or pavers placed closely together at the base are a good choice.

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Edna asks: My garden as it ages has more shade and now I find there is an abundance of moss in the moist and deep shade areas.

How does one control moss? It is too late and too difficult for me to prune the taller shrubs and trees allowing more sunlight to help eliminate the problem.

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Answer: You have three options:

1. Look for a product containing potassium salts of fatty acids and apply as directed.

2. Treat the area with 3 tablespoons of copper sulfate for every 1,000 square feet.

3. Sprinkle 2-0-0 fertilizer lightly. Don't water and allow the fertilizer to “burn” the moss. After a few days, carefully water-in to avoid over fertilizing the nearby plants. Wait for the weather to warm-up and no rain predicted for a while.

Dana Lozano and Gwen Kilchherr are garden consultants. Send your gardening questions to The Garden Doctors at pdgardendoctor@gmail.com. The Garden Doctors can answer questions only through their column, which appears twice a month in the newspaper and online at pressdemocrat.com.