Landscaping and lifestyle designer chat—7/16/02
HGTV: Welcome to HGTV's hosted chat room. Tonight, Susie Coelho, lifestylist and host of Surprise Gardener, is here to chat with you about design ideas for both indoors and out, as well as tips for throwing great summer parties! Good evening, Susie!
Susie Coelho: Hi!
Question: Question for you... The plants in my garden are systematically dying for no apparent reason. When I look at the dead plant roots there are loads of winged, very small, silvery bugs. What are they, and how can I get rid of them? And are they killing my plants?
SC: They could be...If you can harness one in a bottle and take it to your local nursery, they can probably tell you exactly what they are and give you the correct prevention measures.
Q: Is it too late for doing a garden for this summer? If not what plants do you suggest that will be kid and dog friendly.
SC: Never too late! Depending on where you live, if you live in harsh weather conditions, then consider putting in a garden that will at least last through the fall. One thought (not knowing where you live), you can use gravel for a pathway, bring in some small boulders or river rocks to define a garden area, a bird bath -- elements that might withstand the bad weather.
Q: How would you decorate a small cape cod home with a small 3 ft hill in the front
SC: Off the top of my head, it feels like it needs a small white picket fence to define the bottom of the hill in front of the fence. I would do the outside for curb appeal. I'd even line the picket fence with white, iceberg roses with a pink or pastel-colored roses. Another option for cape cod would be stark-like grasses to make more of a beach feel.
Q: Can you give us more ideas on future shows for plants that will be good for zone 5 where we have cold winters and hot summers? Love your show and the good ideas you give.
SC: One of the best plant resources for plants is www.monrovia.com. They are experts in the horticultural arena, and you should be able to find a variety of plants by zone. Happy plant hunting!
Q: I love the Surprise Gardener, and I would love to know how to apply to be on the show.
SC: My producers pick the location and take submissions, if they are in the area where we are currently shooting, which is currently the California area, but feel free to go to my personal website www.susiecoelho.com.
Q: I have a very small back yard and a very wooded front yard what can I do to make my yard look more groomed and sophisticated
SC: I understand your dilemma. I'm assuming it looks a little too rustic for you? In order for it to look more sophisticated, make sure that anything you bring in is simple, tailored and a bit more formal Unruly plant material will make it look unruly
Q: Hi, Susie. What do you have in YOUR backyard??? What's your favorite thing about it?
SC: I have a pool that takes up most of the backyard. And I have a very cute small patio with a built-in bbq, fireplace and sink. I also have an umbrella for entertaining and a rose garden with a bird bath for entertaining If you want to see more, pick up my book, Every Day Styling.
Q: I have two gardens in the front of my house on either side of entrance porch. one is 19ft by 5ft the other is 14ft by 5ft. I live on the eastern shore of Maryland and have sandy soil. the gardens have full sun for most of the day. what should I plant ?
SC: Just a little aside... I'm from Maryland and spent a lot of time in Ocean City, please have some hard-shell crabs for me! Depending on how close to the beach you are, you may want to go with grasses for a Zen-type garden use river rocks, beach pebbles, a water feature and other Asian elements on both sides of the garden. One side could have a bench/relaxing area. Keep the theme together using similar plant material. This kind of a garden is also very low-maintenance
Q: Who is under the green and white umbrella I see flashing by when you show the speeded-up version of the day's activities?
SC: Probably me. :-)
Q: Can you tell me how I can get in touch with Michael Connor for landscape help?
SC: My best suggestion is to call information in Altadena or Pasadena, Calif.
Q: What are some nice plants that I could plant around my small fishpond that will attract butterflies and or hummingbirds.
SC: Go to www.monravia.com for a plant list or Sunset Western Garden Book. I think you can find that at amazon.com or go to hgtv.com. Also, you can go to birdsngarden.com for all kinds of info re: bringing birds and butterflies into your garden.
Q: Are you a garden glove wearer or do you the follow the "get your hands dirty" method?
SC: Good question! Both. Sometimes my nails are long and when digging I will use gloves. When doing simple things I will skip the gloves, but always use them for carpentry or heavy projects.
Q: How can you make a patio cooler for mid-day entertaining
SC: I'm just starting my second book and it will have tons of ideas for patio entertaining! So you don't have to wait until September 2003, here's one idea. If you're talking "cooler," you have to put in a mister. That you can purchase at your local home improvement store. This provides a rain-type mist that is a must for any type of outdoor entertaining. In the mean time, pick up my book for added tips.
Q: We live in Florida and have a screened in lanai. I want to create a cozy, romantic feeling for my husband and I. My is that the roof of the lanai is 20 feet above there a way to perhaps make a canopy with outdoor fabric to make it cozy. Love your show.
SC: Fabulous idea! Just what I had in mind--from the four corners of the room you can easily stretch a sheet from each corner. Pick a color palette and bring those colors into the bottom part of the area as well. Another option is to hang "things" from the ceiling, for example paper lanterns, lots of them, and could be a great, fun touch. Another very funky/fun idea would be to utilize beaded door hangings for an interesting look.
Q: We are building a home on a beautiful lot, the back lot line of which has a row of 8 or so very mature oak trees. I know we need to be careful with them; so how close can we bring the lawn, and can we plant a drought tolerant perennial border under them?
SC: Yes, you have to be careful with oak trees as you do not want to over water. The "proper" thing to do is to leave the entire area around the bottom of the tree unplanted--the same size as the canopy of the tree. I know this does not sound like fun, and I defied that because I thought it was ugly. I planted lawn under my Oak trees, and they did very well. You have to be extremely careful not to over water. Check with an arborist first.
Q: Who pays for the landscaping done on the show--the homeowner or the show?
SC: Some things are donated. But all other expenses are covered by Surprise Gardener.
Q: Any ideas for some indoor plants in NY apartment?
SC:I love a lot of plants inside. I think the most stylish way to use plants indoors is to really make a statement. Pick one tree or something exotic rather than having lots of plants around.
Q: How far in advance does the designer look at the yard to be made over
SC: A few weeks...
Q: Have you ever done any shows that are in zones below 6?
SC: Yes.
Q: Hi, Susie! There apparently is a difference between "shade" and "deep shade". The hostas I transplanted last year into semi-shade are doing so much better this year. What can you recommend for "deep shade'?
SC: Hostas can do well in sun and shade--out here, ferns, hydrangeas. I don't know what zone you are in, but I'll suggest that you go to monravia.com.
Q: Susie, I purchased a 7' "obelisk" to place in the back yard, and I plan on creating a 5' circle around it. I think I want to plant Clematis to trail up the form and some lavender around the outside border, but I need some suggestions for in between??
SC: Sounds fabulous! But it sounds to me like the obelisk is a focal point but should be used as an art installation. Rather than assume a utilitarian form. My suggestion is to skip the clematis and just go with the lavender in groupings around the bottom. Fill the rest with gravel or some other kind of stone.
Q: I'm looking for ways to obtain privacy in my back yard--specifically, I'd like to screen off the two story apt behind. The problem is I need a solution that will be relatively quick, inexpensive, low maintenance and pool-friendly.
SC: The best thing I can think of would be bamboo-reed fencing or some kind of weather-proof fabric or stretch canvas--even a fun vinyl might work.
Q: What can be done with an area beneath an awning on the north side of an apartment building (condos). The soil is heavy and I have tried violets and other woodland plants to no avail.
SC: So basically you have shade that retains a lot of water? Check with your local nursery as far as the proper plant material. Take a soil sample so that they can see what you are working with. Think about sparse plantings or gravel or bark chips to fill in around the plants.
Q: I'm disabled, but want to garden--any advice?
SC: One really fun possibility is to have a raised vegetable garden, so you can enjoy the benefits of gardening.
Q: What is the best time to transplant a rose bush?
SC: You have to cut it back completely. I would transplant it at the same time I would cut the plant back sometime before winter... Depending on your zone, the best time is at the same time as you are cutting back your roses for the next bloom.
Q: How do you select the homeowners for your show?
SC: We choose homeowners that submit their homes through the website and are in the geographical location in which we are shooting.
Q: How do fix a yard that has been dug up by a backhoe and left with piles of dirt?
SC: Either use the dirt to backfill another area or use the dirt to create berms. Or have a dirt remover come in and remove the dirt to level the yard.
Q: I believe I'm in Zone 6 (Southeastern Mass) and need advice for the entrance to our very long driveway(faces east)I'm thinking of some ornamental grass as a focal point .any suggestions??
SC: I love the idea of ornamental grasses. Just keep it simple and don't add a lot of other plant material. Otherwise you will ruin the stylish statement. Consider adding a bit of color or something lower and variegated.
Q: How can I find out what zone I'm in? I live in Phoenix, Ariz.
SC: Try www.usna.usda.gov/hardzone
Q: I have mint planted in my garden. it is growing out of control how do I kill it. I have tried pulling it but it comes back.
SC: Make sure you dig and get as much of the roots as possible The good news about mint is that it is easy to pull up, and it is great for mint lemonade or to garnish strawberry pancakes. Don't fight it --- use it!
Q: My elephant ears have leaves that are turning yellow and have brown spots in the center. What am I doing wrong?
SC: Mine periodically get yellow, too. Check for too much watering for yellow; brown and crispy means the sun is frying them. They generally like a fair amount of shade. Did you move your plant recently?
Q: My back yard is pie shape and the septic tank is in the middle of the yard. We do not use it anymore, what can I plant?
SC: Generally septic tanks are fairly close to the surface. If it is important for resale, avoid putting a hole through it. It could be dangerous to have a hole in it. Be very careful-you should use a hand trowel--not a shovel.
Q: I landscaped my yard a year ago. My flower beds where nice and high...now they've flatted considerably and I don't know what to do to get the height back??
SC: Add some more dirt. Soil settles and a good fresh addition of potting soil would be very helpful.
Q: What would you suggest instead of grass.
SC: If you want minimal greenery, use gravel and plant sparsely with low-maintenance plants native to the area.
Q: Susie, our house has a busy road on one side. What would you suggest we do in order to create a sound barrier? Thank you!!
SC: You need some kind of privacy screen, and sometimes the best is to create a hedge barrier. Plant material buffers sound--possibly boxwood. Check what works in your zone. Another option is to do a series of potted plants across the area.
HGTV: Well, everyone, our chat hour has ended. Thanks for joining us tonight. And thank you, Susie, for answering our questions.
Susie Coelho: Thanks everyone--sorry I could not get to every question. Feel free to check my website or my new book, Susie Coelho's Everyday Styling. And remember, Keep Creating, That's the Joy of Life!
