How To Create A Garden Suncatcher

Now is the time to ward off winter garden doldrums by introducing and correctly planting a suncatcher or suntrap. A suncatcher is merely a section of the garden that captures the sun's warmth during a good part of the day. It should be shielded from wintry winds and planted mostly with evergreens for all-season interest, evergreens such as yew, juniper, cypress, pyracantha, etc.

Garden suntraps are not new with nature. Exquisite meadows are found in many unexpected places. Those of you who have visited the High Sierra have thrilled to sunflooded meadows surrounded by towering mountains and sky-reaching pines.

Your own garden suncatcher need not be very large. Little enclosed nooks can be as charming as the more roomy. Any shape is permissible, but you will find curves more natural and interesting.

A suncatcher can easily be used as the main feature or as a garden addition. It can exist near the house where you can step right into it, or it can be carved into a hillside or out of a wooded place. It makes a lovely terminus for a path. Of course you will enjoy It more if you can see It from a window or the house.

Try to include a bench in your garden suntrap. Other items of Interest may be added such as a sundial, pond, espalier, potted plants, etc. By giving your sunny section a definite purpose and interesting character, your enthusiasm over it will last indefinitely.

For instance, you can invite timid birds into this portion of your garden. Use berried shrubs such as pyracantha, cottonenster, sllvcrthorn, eugenla. Birds also love orange jasmine, Spanish broom, bamboo, lilac, ardesia, duranta, wax myrtle, euonymus, Japanese barberry, etc. Add a feeding tray which you can keep adequately supplied.

Fragrance increases the charm of a garden suncatcher, so if you wish you can plan on a succession of sweetly scented flowers. By correctly choosing background shrubbery, the job is made easier. Plttosporum toblra, sweet shrub, purple Australian mint bush, lavender, daphne, heliotrope, breath of heaven, banana shrub, viburnum carles are suggestions.

Vines such as climbing syrlnga, Malay jasmine, Chile jasmine, various honeysuckles, star jasmine, wistaria and others will provide fragrance In their seasons.

Plantings of violets, scabiosa, carnations, and wallflowers are good fragrant perennials, and recommended annuals include candytuft, mignonette, nicotiana, pinks, stock, snapdragon, and sweet peas.

Fragrant blooming trees include acacia Baileyana, citrus, magnolia, eucalyptus citrlodora.

Your suncatcher might very well serve the sports fans in your family. Provisions can be made for a shuffleboard, basketball, horseshoes, even a golf practice mat in a miniature sports center.