As the new year begins, it's a good time to reflect on changes that occurred in the past year. It's been said that the only constant thing in life is change. This statement is very true when we talk of the landscape that is common around southern homes.

Many of us can remember the time in the South when we didn't have to worry about disease in turfgrass lawns because few homes had lawns. My grandmother had a broom made of privet hedge that she used to sweep the bare ground around her home. She did have an annual flower garden that would put most professional gardens to shame. The main shrub of that day was the boxwood, and trees were planted more for shade and not for show.

It was not until the 1950's that fescue was introduced to North Georgia, and fescue lawns became popular. Hybrid Bermuda was unheard of, and Common Bermuda, for the most part, was considered a weed. It was around this time when using shrubs near the foundation of the home became popular. This was true not only around fine homes such as those found in Charleston, South Carolina, but the most modest homes as well.

During the past few decades, the ornamentals and turfgrass industry has grown very fast with virtually hundreds of varieties of ornamentals and dozens of turfgrasses from which to choose. It's true that some varieties of ornamentals such as Redtips fell because of disease. Remember that a weed is only a plant growing out of place.

During the droughts of the 1980's, we learned the hard way how important mulching and using varieties that use little water is critical. During the 1980's, the natural look for landscape plans became popular. People once again realized that natural is beautiful. Our current drought has continued to challenge us to be water wise as we plan our landscape.

What lies ahead in landscape design? We will see even more change. Greater emphasis will be placed on perennials that flower and less on annuals that require a great deal of maintenance. Newer turfgrasses and ornamentals that can tolerate less rain and have a greater disease tolerance will be introduced.

Another trend is a greater sense of responsibility of the public toward the use of pesticides in the landscape. Homeowners are trying to rely more on beneficial insects and less on spraying until it is absolutely necessary. The Extension Service will continue to have a major role of educating the public on not only how and when to use pesticides safely but also alternatives to the use of pesticides.

Recycling of plant materials for use in the landscape will continue to increase. Making use of materials that would otherwise end up in the landfill is more than a trend, it's a must.

For information on where to use certain ornamentals, contact the Dawson County Extension Service.

Dawson County Extension
298 Academy Avenue
Dawsonville, Ga. 30534
(706) 265-2442
(706) 265-1593
http://ugaextension.com/dawson