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From a landscaping point of view, Omaha is not a seaside location - it is an ocean site. It is a sloping beach with a low supporting landmass, exposed to the east. Any easterly storms are, in the main, rain free (dry). This gives rise to the wind picking up salt spray and blowing the salt inland. With no rain to wash the salt off, the plants receive a large amount of salt on their leaves. Unless the plants are salt tolerant, damage can take place. Severe salt burn can lead to severe defoliation, and often the death of many species.
The plant at Omaha Beach is basically sand dune, which has been levelled during development so it is important to bring in good soil or compost to do the planting, together with a complete fertilizer.
PLANTING
1. Site Preparation Preparation of the planting site is important. Incorporating a good quality garden mix, compost, topsoil at the time of planting will ensure your plants get the best start possible and will create a better soil environment to encourage and sustain root growth.
2. Fertilisers Use a complete fertiliser at the time of planting - one containing Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium, as well as trace elements.
We recommend the use of slow / controlled release fertilisers which are either in pellet or tablet form.
These form are easy to handle and will continue to supply nutrients to plant roots regardless of soil temperature or moisture. We also recommend ongoing applications of slow - release topdress fertiliser to maintain plant health and growth.
3. Time of Planting The best time for planting at Omaha is generally from May to August. This will allow plants to establish a root system that will support the plant through any summer dry spell
4. Mulch Bark, arborist chip, pebbles and shell - can all be used to conserve soil moisture as well as suppress weed growth. Highly recommended.
5. Screening This is advisable as protection from predoimant winds will result in a faster growth rate and less plant losses. It is often better to construct a screen that will filter / slow down the wind rather than a solid wall / fence.
6. Formulating a design If you are planning to design your own garden, look at your location, see where the predoimant winds come from. If there is shelter from the east, you have a head start, if not, ‘primary shelter’ is required. This could take the form of board or ‘brustics’ type fence, tough hedge, or group planting of hardy species. (In general, a graduation of plantings from East to West.)
Have a look around Omaha and see what is doing well. Ask others about their successes and choose your plants carefully. We can give you a comprehensive plant list if you require further assistance.
The following is a general guideline.
New Zealand Natives
Ground Cover
Climbers
Attention to 'after care' for many of these plants is vital. Prune, clip, pinch back, thin out, water, fertilise and mulch are important.
Optimising the visual effect of your garden can add value to your home and property.
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