Haskins man uses degree to enhance home

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Jamie Moosman next to a tree of ‘Rose of
Sharon’s’ at the entrance of his driveway. (Photos: Enoch
Wu/Sentinel-Tribune)

HASKINS
– Just off the main road in this sleepy village lies an impressive garden.Jamie
Moosman has regularly made improvements to his property and has successfully
created a nice relaxing garden setting. After purchasing the house in 1991, he
bought an adjoining lot five years later.One of his first projects was to plant
some additional items in the new lot to try to minimize people cutting through
his property and to increase the privacy.Among his more unusual plants is a
deciduous shrub, called a Japanese Dappled Willow.He says it is fast-growing and
provides an interesting look.Interestingly, when Moosman bought the house, he
did not have much of an interest in gardening. However, a tiger lily that
reminded him of an alien creature piqued his interest, and that interest
flourished into his now abundant garden space.The lily was found near his front
porch and has also now found a place where it flourishes in his side yard.His
desire to learn more about gardening grew into a two-year degree from Owens
Community College in landscape and turfgrass management. Because of other
commitments, he says it took him three years to complete the degree, graduating
in 2005.He currently has no plans to use the degree for a career, despite
currently being unemployed."If it is a choice of making a living with
gardening and hate it or keep it a hobby and love it, I chose to love it,"
he said.That love is apparent in some of the details.

A view of part of Jamie Moosman’s back yard and
the variety of plants and trees.

Though apologetic for the lack of annuals, Moosman has maintained
his perennials and has designed all the landscaping himself. Among his designs
is to include accent lighting which highlights both his homes and his
gardens.Being between jobs has limited his discretionary funds to do all he
would like in the garden this year.One of his special trees is a shingle oak
tree dedicated to his late father, Dean.Moosman says his garden areas bloom from
mid-June straight through to September.He also pointed to his hydrangea which
was in full bloom with showy blue flowers. He explained the plant will either
produce pink or blue flowers depending on the soil’s acidity. He was surprised
with this year’s blue as it has always bloomed pink in year’s past. He said he
added nothing to change the soil’s pH levels.Another of his show pieces is a
towering Rose of Sharon hibiscus that sits along the road at the entrance to his
driveway."That just says ‘summer’ to me," Moosman said of the rich
colors in the vibrant flowering plant which was in full bloom at the Sentinel’s
visit.On the other side of his driveway is an interesting spruce tree which has
had all its lower branches removed. That was done primarily to allow he and
others leaving his driveway a better view of traffic. A side benefit is it
provides an ideal place for shade-loving plants.

A couple of tiger lilies in Jamie Moosman’s yard.

Like most gardeners in this area, the
heat and drought of the season has forced additional watering to keep his garden
lush."They need the equivalent of half an inch of rain each week. Moosman
says he waters each area twice a week in the absence of rain."You should
water as early in the morning as possible. You want everything to be dry by the
time the sun sets," he recommends.One of the things the gardener learned,
was the design factors of true landscaping."Design is like building rooms
in outdoor spaces," he said.His backyard room is a peaceful and restful
area ideal for a casual visit or enjoyable place to relax.One of his next
"rooms" being planned for down the road is a "moon garden."
He explained a moon garden consists primarily of white-shaded flowering plants.
The white colors seem to glow when viewed at night lit only by the moon.

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