The two lovers needed a place to be alone together where they cannot be found, due to the density of population on site (the Marks and Spencer’s Corporate headquarters) I reached the conclusion that the most feasible way for the lovers not be found was to divert other people away from them.


I spent a lot of time looking at the use of scrims as divertive tools. This was in order to impair vision through the site and also to instil a feeling of being lost. The feeling of being lost I hoped would encourage movement through the site, this combined with the stepping stones would discourage people from spending too much time in a single place, thus diverting their attention from the far east corner where the lovers nest was situated.

Scrims are generally a fabric of a loose weave, they are most commonly used on stage in theatre for special effects, for example creating the illusion of a ghostly figure. If lit from the front scrims appear opaque however if lit from the back they appear almost completely transparent. I was hoping to use the sun as the site is south facing (ish) and the light emanating from the building to create silhouettes and ghostly images through the scrims when people walk either side of them.
I also discovered that by offsetting a scrim a short distance from a blank wall and lit from the front it is possible to create a secret entrance, which would be perfect for the two lovers to gain entry to the garden nest unnoticed.

http://www.studio-productions-inc.com/ this webiste provided most of the information on scrims and their uses.

Maiden Grass Yaku Jima

Ornamental grasses can add much interest to the winter landscape and can be enjoyed all winter long.  Heres a helpful fall tip for pruning and dividing your ornamental grasses such as Miscanthus sinensis Maiden Grass or Dwarf Fountain Grass Hameln. Winter cold can do harm to the root system of grasses.  It is best to cut your grasses back in late March to early April in order to protect the roots and ensure the health of your plants.  If your ornamental grasses become a bit unruly by the end of the fall cut them back to only one half the height of the plant and leave the rest for early spring. Another trick is to wrap a bungee cord about halfway up around the center and let the grasses drape over keeping them upright and in place. In late March or early April cut your ornamental grasses to approximately 4-6 inches above the ground so that new growth can emerge. 


Stella D Oro Daylily

When your daylilies are at the end of their bloom in August and the foliage is starting to yellow cut them back half way to the ground. They will rejuvenate giving you lush green foliage and even more blooms throughout September and into October. (Works best with Stella D Oro Daylily).  Dividing daylilies is also best in the fall for the health of your plants.  Simply dig deeply around the perimeter of the plant and gently lift the entire clump out of the ground.  Use a sharp spade to divide the plant into parts and plant each section into a hole twice the size of the root ball.  Be sure to get at least three or more strong shoots and a good root ball around the plant.  Cut the foliage back halfway and back fill with soil around the plant.  Then add mulch around the base to protect the roots and water thoroughly.   Keep the plant well watered until the roots become established.  At the end of the season once the fronds have turned completely brown remove all foliage to the ground to prevent fungal disease over the winter.  Other plants that benefit from fall division are salvia, iris, peony, hosta, goldenrod, monardia (beebalm), nepeta, coreopsis and sedum. 



Nepeta mussinii

It is also good practice to prune back spent perennials to within a few inches above the ground in the fall and to surround the area with a layer of mulch.  This procedure prevents possible infection from fungal disease and helps to insulate the plants during winter. Perennials that benefit most from fall pruning  include hosta, daylily, nepeta, salvia, coreopsis, gaillardia, phlox, monardia, veronica, platycodon and yarrow. Liriope can be pruned in fall or late winter before new growth emerges.  Heuchera (coral bells), astilbe, liatris, lavender, perovskia (russian sage) and lupine are all cold sensitive and should be left to be pruned in early spring.



Author: Lee@A Guide To Northeastern Gardening Copyright 2010. All Rights Reserved.