Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/944769
HOME 22 BCA A .COM SPRING 2018 iStock TIP! For more information on seasonal gardening and protective landscaping, visit the Master Gardeners Association of BC: mgabc.org MEMBERS SAVE BCAA Members save up to on Home Insurance and enjoy exclusive benefits, like a earned deductible, one-claim forgiveness and access to Premier packages, which offer enhanced coverage. bcaa.com/homeinsurance or indeed the rainy season -- has ended." Plants that have some tolerance for both wet and dry conditions are ideal, such as acorus (sweet flag grass), native iris, bergenia and spirea. Landscaping against fire hazards A well-planned irrigation system will help keep lawns, plants and trees lush, healthy and free from drought stress that can raise brush-fire risk. Low-flow and drip-based irrigation systems can be installed to establish or maintain your garden on an appropriate schedule. Be sure to follow local irrigation and sprinkling bylaws. BC Fire Smart guidelines also suggest choosing only low- density, fire-resistant plants within 10 metres of any building. And regular maintenance and pruning are important for fire deterrence. "Pruning old, dead wood is important, as this type of wood is more susceptible to fire," says van de Poll. "Keep tall bushy plants away from the house in areas of BC that are prone to drought and fires." Privacy, beauty and security The old adage that fences make good neighbours need not apply in a well-planned garden. Thoughtfully placed trees and vertical hardscaping, such as arbours, pergolas and overhead post-and-beam trellises, create privacy while still maintaining the beauty of your garden. Ground-level and perimeter lighting further improve safety and security. "The key is to distract from the unwanted view, rather than completely screen it," says van de Poll." You can maintain your green privacy features in winter, too: in most of BC's climatic zones, certain plants will retain their foliage throughout the year. "Look for camellias, heathers, Christmas roses and berried plants," says van de Poll. Other beauty elements to consider for your green space include water features, paths and benches. "Often a homeowner will sit on a stark patio against the back of their tall house, looking across several metres of lawn to distant plants and flowers," says van de Poll. "A good design will place the user in the midst of the garden with plants, water features and statuary nearby – that's garden living." (top left) Garden beds can line exterior walls to absorb water runoff, but keep bushy trees away from the house in regions prone to drought and fire; (middle) easy-care ferns surround garden benches; (bottom) an attractive water feature doubles as a drainage zone.