Indah Bulan Master Gardening


 
Landscape Architect, Stephen Swafford and Master Gardener, Michael Rodriguez

Field Notes:
Stephen Swafford, BLA 
There are no shortcuts to gracious living... as my grandmother would say and as I believe.  What does this mean when applied to your garden?  Well, there are "yards with plants" or there is a "Garden that not only is beautiful but healthy".  At Indah Bulan, we not only design gardens, sometimes install them, but we also periodically take care of these gardens.  This process is called Master Gardening.  As every garden becomes mature, inevitably there are multiple tasks that need to be performed in order to have the best garden possible.  A typical "gardener" has the reputation for "mow, blow, and go".  Although there is a proper place for this service, this is not what we at Indah Bulan do.  Not only do we have the benefit of knowing the landscape architects' vision, but our 20 + years of experience sets the standard of what a Master Gardener provides. 

As a garden grows, every aspect of the garden changes--from water needs, to insects and pests (knowing the difference), and specimen pruning.  Let's discuss these one by one.

Irrigation:  Even the best systems require seasonal monitoring for changes in the heat index, clogged emitters; and, as plants grow, changes may need to be made to the height of the sprinkler head.  Most important is to know when your plants have achieved the point we all desire---being established enough to withstand their natural environment.  

Insects and Pests:   We are completely organic at Indah Bulan.... our philosophy is that rarely does one have the same pest problem two years running.  The concept is that when a pest problem is met with harsh, often harmful chemicals (to humans and your plant material) the beneficial insects are also harmed.  Left alone, we have discovered that pest problems take care of themselves.... the beneficial insects are looking for a meal, and once they find your garden's pest, they'll do exactly what needs to be done.  It's a free buffet for them!    Sometimes it is necessary to prune damaged wood from trees and shrubs...Indah Bulan takes care of this aspect as well.  We monitor the plants in the garden for pests and take the appropriate action....without chemicals.

Specimen Pruning:  We never let anyone prune our gardens, except us.   By selecting the proper plants, pruning is minimal.  (Who would plant a 8' wide shrub in a 3' space----not us.)  Exceptions always exist, but typically if you have to prune it, the wrong plant has been selected.  When pruning is required, it is to create a more elegant form of growth.  Rarely do we specify a plant to be contained by pruning, unless it's a hedge or formal planting.  We prefer a natural statement, provided only with a Master Gardener's eye.

Mulch and Plant Care:  Mulch is perhaps the best way to save water and shade your plants roots.  We tend to use a 3" deep layer of coarse pulverized tree mulch.  This wonderful mulch constant decomposes to improve your soil and feed your plants, so we make sure that mulch is added (yearly, if not every other year).  We have a constant battle with "gardeners" who want to rake this material up, but we insist it be left as we place it.  Mulch replenishment can also be obtained by using the seasonal fall leaf droppings from dissiduous trees in the garden.  It's called "free" mulch. 

Lawn Care:  We believe that lawns should only be used in limited quantity as it requires constant maintenance and massive amounts of water.   Lawns do have their place, espeically for areas of high foot traffic, but never as a ground cover.  In clients' gardens that we have used turf, we insist that the gardener mow at a height of 3".  This provides shade for the roots, which in turn requires less water.  It also, prevents many weeds from taking hold.  In the case of fertilizer for lawns, we just do not do it.  Instead, we add compost (which falls below the 3" blades of grass). 


Changes in the Garden:   As our clients mature, so does their garden.  Sometimes there exists a need to make changes in the garden.  Perhaps it's time to add a vegetable garden, a fountain or a piece of art.  We, too, have matured with our clients and their garden, so we have a familiar insight into what would be appropriate.  Since we are constantly shopping for our clients, we know what options to provide.  Also, having the benefit of "how" the garden is being used, helps us identify changes that need to be made to accommodate the changing needs of our clients.  Lastly, gardening, however well planned, requires plant substitutions.  A plant may need to be removed; or moved and replaced.  As Master Gardeners we are in tuned to what is working and what is not working.
 
General Clean Up:  Many of our clients enjoy entertaining their friends, so part of our responsibility is to make sure the garden is in tip top shape for an event or party.  Just like the Silver being cleaned in the kitchen, the garden deserves to be polished as well. Most of our clients entertain in their gardens, so we make sure that everything looks good, and occasionally provide flower arrangements cut from their gardens.  You are in good hands with Indah Bulan.

Master Gardening Schedule:   Optimally we would like to spend a day per month in our clients garden, but usually we are there 4 times a year.  It really all depends on you and what your needs will be. 

With Indah Bulan we take pride in every aspect of our business.  If you would like more information or to schedule our Master Gardening services, please email, Stephen@IndahBulan.com . 

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