| Take look at future and past
A complex of redundant 19th century barns in Little Wittenham has undergone a transformation - and what lies inside charts the epic changes to our landscape. Project Timescape, the Northmoor Trust's new £700,000 visitor centre, opened its doors to the public for the first time last weekend. The culmination of seven years' planning and design, its interactive exhibitions chart the south Oxfordshire landscape as it has evolved over the last 10,000 years. .
Ask Marianne: Splotchy Photinia? We feel your pain
Q: I have a hedge of Photinia fraseri that gets bright-red new leaves in the spring. Problem is, the older leaves get brown splotches and fall from the plant. Most of the time, this hedge looks just terrible. Is there anything I can do to keep all the leaves looking healthy? -- Y.S., Renton M.B.: I know of nothing that works to keep Photinia leaves blight-free, but before I gossip maliciously about how ugly and acne-prone this popular landscape shrub has become, readers, please chime in if you have discovered any fungicide spray or technique that stops leaf spot once it has infected a Photinia hedge. The spotted leaves that disfigure this plant are suffering from a fungal leaf spot encouraged by frequent rain. In the perfect location -- with full sun, good air circulation, great drainage and excellent soil -- Photinia fraseri can put on a good front as a colorful evergreen hedge.
Landscaping shouldn't be overlooked in home design
With great excitement, new-home builders thoughtfully choose flooring, hardware and trim to make indoor living spaces fit lifestyles. My observation has been the final process -- landscaping -- frequently receives the least attention because of burnout and budget strain. Julie Moir Messervy, award-winning author and landscape designer, says a home should be more than just the house: It is the whole property, and recognizing that is the first step to a successful design. Inviting the outdoors in Meservy, who will give a Yost Garden Lecture at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park Tuesday, draws upon her Japanese garden design experience when she seamlessly opens spaces from inside the home to the outdoors. Using architectural pieces to capitalize on views and creating outdoor rooms is only part of what make the spaces homey.
Community calendar
The following is a listing of events, meetings and other things to do in the Akron Beacon Journal's coverage area. To have your event listed, send a fax to 330-376-9235 or an e-mail to newsroomemail@thebeaconjournal.com. TODAY Trail cleanup -- 8:30 a.m. today. Meet at the Clinton Trailhead off North Street. Metro Parks, Serving Summit County is seeking volunteers to help clean up a section of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in Clinton in southern Summit County. The cleanup will end at 11:30 a.m. Wear long pants and long sleeves. Bring work gloves, boots, extra footwear and drinking water. For more information, call Laura Franchetti at 330-864-3006. Special Law & Media Seminar for Reporters, Editors, Lawyers and Students -- 8:50 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
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