Landscaping for Boise Idaho

Hi everyone!

I just joined this site today, and it looks like everyone is truly interested in horticulture! I'm a "newbe" but am ashamed to say that my college minor was "Urban Horticulture", but is was so long ago, I have the "general ideas" but the finer points have been lost to time.

I'm looking for some assistance in picking vegetation and planning my overall landscaping.

Particular questions today include artichokes, pomegranete and landscaping grasses.

My desire is to have a beautiful yet functional (flowering bushes, fruiting trees and shrubs).

Can you tell me how my 2 favorite fruitng specimenes will do in Boise Idaho (pomegranite and artichoke), what type of fruit trees that are hardy with excellent yields and the type of grass that might be the best for wear (I have 4 kids and a dog {and a mean wife}) and excellent color. I've liked Bermuda species in the past due to the "carpet" like feel, but am told that is is more of a problem than anything else.

The total area we need to landscape is 2 full acres with gently rolling hills and a lake at the end of the property.

I sincerely appreciate any guidance, and look forward to reconnecting with my "horticulture" roots. The picture is my land with a general view of the area.

Thanks!!!

Chris

Hi Chris, I can't help specifically but I think if you contact your local extension agent and ask those same questions you should get some answers. Also, ask if there is a garden tour. Looking at other people's gardens might give you some ideas.

Hi Chris,

Welcome to DG. I live only about 55 miles from you and I know for sure that pomegranites will not live through our winters. As for artichokes I have had them survive under a deep mulch for four winters and then this past winter I didn't get the mulch on them and they all died. Seedlings are coming up though so we will have more.

As for lawn grass I know that Zamzows makes their own blend for this area and WSI makes their own too. There is also Steve Regan Livestock supply in Caldwell across from the Flying J travel plaza that has a great guy who can talk grasses with ya. He knows his stuff!

For a nursery with lots of knowledge in the people that run it try the Pedal Pusher out Chindon towards Caldwell. Cricket out there is great and really knows the plants. Another place is Greenhurst Nursery. Then there is the county agent who can also help you out.

Good luck and again welcome to DG. If you have specific questions ask and I will try to answer them.

Zamzows, Pedal Pushers, and Cricket........hmmmm.

Welcome, to DG, capartridgemd!

Strange names up there. And ya'll make fun of us Southerners!

Judith, GA born & bred, now in the land of Sunshine and Oldies.

Judith, Zamzows is a chain of about 8 stores in this area that is run by the Zamzow family. They sell pets, pet supplies and feed and plants, trees, grasses and all that go with them. They are quite knowledgeable on all of it and are very good supporters of our Idaho Water Garden and Koi Society that we belong to.

Petal Pushers is a very nice newer nursery and a friend of my named Cricket by her parents (real name not nickname) is either assistant manager or manager there. She has a degree in horticulture from Boise State University and really knows her plants.

Well!!!!
I guess that about makes up for our Ochlokonee River, Two Egg (city), Homosassa and Wakulla Springs, Dim Sink, Tate's Hell, Ox Bottom Estates, Bull Headley Road, Pisgah Church Road (yes, I know it's in the Bible)-----How'd you like to use those addresses on your mail, or try to communicate those place names on the telephone????? Our street name is bad enough for a play on words! All, of course, are quite respectable places. LOL

LOL Those names take the cake by my opinion! You win, Judith!

I'd bow graciously at this point, but I can't bend over. If I tried to curtsy, I'd fall on my aunt fanny and never be able to get up again!