LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY

ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE OF LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY IN PAKISTAN

Ø  Landscpe industry of pakistan increase tourism revenues . Guests willingly pay an extra amount per night for rooms overlooking. 

Ø  Proper landscaping reduces soil erosion. A dense cover of plants and mulch holds soil in place

Ø  Landscape increase the value of a property up to 30 %

Ø  Ornamental Plants   protect water quality

Ø  Proper landscaping  reduces nitrate leaching   from the soil into the  water supply.

Ø  Plants   improve air quality. Landscape plants,  including shrubs and turf, remove               smoke, dust, and other pollutants  from the air

Ø  Landscape for nation identity.Cultural heritage including historic buildings, sites, cultures and other  invaluable assets are the distinguished elements that encapsulate a nation’s soul and spirit.

ASTER

Scientific Classification

Kingdom - Plantae

Division - Magnoliophyta

Class - Magnoliopsida

Order -Asterales

Family - Asteraceae

Genus – Aster

Sc. Name- Aster alpinus

Origin

 Asters are native to North America and southern Europe

Description

Asters deliver late season color to the garden. Their daisy-like blooms are nice in mixed borders and as cut flowers.Colors include blue, purple, white, red, and a variety of pinks. All Asters are yellow in the center of the flower.

Height -18 inches to 5 feet

Spread - 18 inches to 3 feet

Habit - Upright, clumping

Growth rate - Moderate

Leaf - small, lance-shaped

Flower - purple, pink, white, yellow

Uses

—  Flower borders.

—  wildflower gardens.

—  All varieties of Aster are good as cut flowers for vases and arrangements.

Cultivation

Light Requirement -Full sun to part shade

Soil - Organic, well-drained, loamy and sandy loamy soil.

Drought Tolerance – Moderate

Climate

—  Aster can be grown successfully in summer as well as in winter season.

—  Germination temp.  21˚C

—  Night temp. 10 ˚C

—  pH 6.8-7.0

Spacing

—  Spacing depends upon size, with miniature varieties spaced four to six inches apart, and Giant varieties one to two feet apart.

Fertilizer

—  NPK at the rate of 80:120:120 kg/ha

Irrigation:

Continued irrigation throughout the growing period is required. Irrigation intervals 7-8 days is recommended.

Propagation

—  Annual and perennial Asters can be grown from seed. Seeds can be started indoors, 2-4 weeks before the last frost. Or, direct sow them outdoors after the soil begins to warm in the spring.

—  Perennial varieties can also be propagated by plant division. Separate/divide established plants every two to three years. To do so, dig up the plants and separate into 3 to 4 clumps. Immediately replant them in their new home, and water well.

Harvesting

—  Harvested early in the morning or late in the evening.Harvest flowers along with stalk or harvest the whole plant just above the ground.

—  8-10 pickings in early varieties.

—  15-20 pickings in late varieties.

—  After harvesting flowers placed in water immediately and kept under shade.

Insect and Disease

—  Aphids can infest Aster on occasion. Powdery mildew can also be a problem. We recommend applying insecticides, repellents, or fungicides early before problems take hold.