skip to main |
skip to sidebar
There are many ways that you can add interest to a garden.Anything that becomes a focal point will add interest and that can range from garden sculptures to the types of plants you choose.Adding block planting of a particular specimen can become a focal point in the garden.Even adding areas of variegated foliage can create a focal point in the garden.Seats are another item that can add interest to the garden and additionally they can offer a nice place to rest and relax while you admire your work.Mirrors that are strategically placed can enhance the garden in many ways.They can bring reflected light to dark corners of the garden.They can also give the impression that the garden is bigger or alternatively they can give the impression that the open space is bigger.Placed at various angles, mirrors can add a lot of fun and interest to a garden and help to lead a visitor on to other areas.Using hedges can also add interest to the garden while offering protection to the plants.Hedges are also an excellent way to gain privacy without feeling closed in.Water features are a favorite for many people and the sound of running water in the corner of a garden can add an atmosphere of calm and relaxation.Water features can also be good for the birds in the garden particularly in the summer months when they might find it difficult to find water lying around to suit their needs.As with sculptures, stones, rocks and pebbles can add interest and offer areas where you can walk even when the surrounding ground might be too wet.Shells also make a good cover on the ground for paths that can remain dry in the wet season.There are so many different things that you put in your garden to add interest.Everything from old cartwheels to wind chimes, aviaries or anything else you can imagine.
When you are buying or receiving plants from someone there are a few things that you need to look at before deciding to plant them in your garden.You will generally get a better quality plant from a garden center and it will be less likely to have disease or other problems that could spread to other plants in your garden.There is still the possibility that the garden center plant might not be the healthy specimen that you might expect so you should still check it out before parting with your money.The first thing you need to do is look at the plant and see whether it looks healthy.This might seem very obvious but we often assume that buying from a garden center will assure us of a healthy plant when in actual fact even garden centers can have problem plants and you don't want to be the new owner of their problems.Plants are very good at showing any signs of distress so a plant that doesn't look healthy, generally isn't.Check the conditions of the leaves, stems and roots of the plant where possible.You should also look at the condition of the soil that it has been growing in, as this will have had an effect on its health.If you are buying flowering plants it is always best to buy the ones that have yet to flower, as they will withstand the trauma of transport and transplanting better than those that already have flowers.If there is no alternative but to buy or receive plants that already have flowers then many people suggest that you should remove all the flowers to give the plant a better chance of survival.While you might be reluctant to do so, you will probably have a better plant that will produce more flowers in the future.If there is anything on the plant that concerns you seek advice or decide against having that plant in your garden
Isn't it amazing that all that waste food that we can't or don't want in the kitchen is such a good food source for the plants in our garden.What makes it better is the fact that we can grow vegetables in our gardens, cook and eat them, and whatever we don't use goes back into the garden to make the next lot of vegetables grow better and healthier than ever.Compost not only helps to feed your plants by improving the quality of the soil but it can also control diseases in the garden.You can create compost simply by throwing all your waste on a pile and waiting for it to rot, however this can take quite a long time if the compost pile is quite large.The rotting process is aided by keeping the heap moist and this might require watering in hot climates.Having the compost in an enclosed container can help to retain the heat, which will speed up the process.It is possible to buy specific containers that are made for fast composting and apart from the fact that they will keep your yard looking a lot tidier, you will get the benefits of using the compost sooner and there will be less 'bad smells' in your garden.Contained composts are also a lot better at keeping vermin out which can become quite a problem with uncovered waste on your property.Some of the premium compost containers can be rotated, thereby giving you access to the compost at the bottom of the container, which is ready for use without having to dig through the fresh waste at the top.This convenience will ensure you have quality compost that you can use as soon as it is ready rather than waiting months for the contents to rot.
Have you ever considered a p0tager?You can have the best of both worlds with a potager when you essentially have your cake and eat it too.With a p0tager you have your garden and eat it too.P0tagers are particularly good for people who live on smaller lots of land or only have room for a small garden.They are also great for people who just don't have the time to tend a larger garden but like to have some color in their yard and fresh vegetables at the same time.So what is a p0tager?Well some people have different definitions of what a p0tager is supposed to be and this ranges from an organized display vegetable garden to a combination of edible plants and display plants.Essentially a p0tager is making use of the colors and textures of vegetables to create a colorful display garden with the added benefit of being able to eat the plants within, and that is why it is considered the ultimate garden by some.It is pleasing to the eye and the stomach.With many flowers finding their way into salads and other forms of foods as people become aware of the fact that they are edible, the p0tager has become more popular in recent years.By adding sculptures, pots, specimen trees and anything else that you would add to a normal flower garden, the p0tager can become a focal point in any garden and your vegetables no longer need to be hidden away out of sight in some other part of your property.Most p0tagers are grown in raised beds that allow better control over the drainage and reduce the chance of the vegetables from becoming waterlogged.By planning in a structured manner and in close proximity to one another the colors of the plants and the combinations of one group contrasting another can make a display that will rival any flower garden.It can be quite an exciting challenge to create an eye-catching p0tager.Try it and you might become hooked.
When growing vegetables in the garden most people tend to grow the same crops year after year.This is not surprising really, as we grow the crops that we prefer to eat and we also tend to grow the plants that we have the most success growing.One thing that most gardeners seem to do is grow the same vegetables in the very same place in the garden each year.You will tend to have a spot for your tomatoes and a spot for your pumpkins and so on.The problem with planting the same crops in the same place each year is the effect it has on the nutrients in the soil.Plants will extract the nutrients that they need from the soil for their specific requirements each season.By planting the same crops in the same places you can get nutrient deficiencies.This is where crop rotation can enhance the value of your soil.By rotating where you plant your vegetables each season you will be giving the soil the opportunity to produce better results as there won't be the same demands on the nutrients in the soil when there is a different plant growing their from last season.To improve the soil quality even more, you should dig in the remains of the crops once the season has finished allowing some of those nutrients to be put back into the soil.In the off-season you can also grow cover crops in the garden.These are crops that are grown specifically to add nitrogen to the soil.These crops have high nitrogen value in their roots and when they are ready, you dig them into the soil.In doing this you can expect a better harvest each year as the new planting of vegetables will have more nutrients to feed them.
Who would have believed that you could plan and order your whole garden from your desktop just a few years ago?It makes it so easy to get exactly what you like for your garden by logging on to the Internet Garden stores and being able to choose your plants according to color, size, type, season and more.You can even select plants according to the conditions they will be planted in your garden, so if you have a shaded area you will be able to select only those plants that prefer those conditions.It makes it so easy for an inexperienced gardener to plan a garden and know what it will look like and know that the right plants and in the best place according to the conditions.The saving that you can get over hiring professional advice can go in to the purchase of plants and garden necessities.It is quite a lot of fun creating your own oasis and choosing the plants to suit your personality.You can chop and change the plan around until you get the best layout without ever having to spend money until you are completely happy and ready to go with the ordering of the plants.As well as the convenience of these search functions on the gardening sites, you will often find that due to the lower overheads of the online businesses, you can save quite a substantial lot of money by buying through them rather than the local garden store.One of the best ways to get ideas for your garden plans is to look at the galleries of other gardens on the Internet and base your own garden on one you like, customizing it to suit your requirements.Once you have created a plan using these resources you can take it to a landscape professional to get some additional guidance and advice but in doing the groundwork online first you will stand to save a lot of money.
Disease can spread more readily in wet conditions so you need to be careful when working in your garden during the wet season not to transfer disease from one plant to the next.If you find any diseased parts on your plants cut them out and discard them in the rubbish.If the plant is too far-gone to recover then remove the whole plant but always be careful that in doing so the diseased portions don't come into contact with the other plants, as this will cause it to spread.You should never use diseased plants for compost. It is better to send it out in the trash or burn it to ensure it doesn't spread any further.Many diseases in the garden are spread by insects so keeping control of the insects in your garden will reduce or eliminate the incidence of disease.There are suitable sprays that will help you to eliminate insects in the garden but even these sprays can cause problems.It is essential that the spray dries and the foliage is not left damp because damp foliage can cause disease.Spraying should therefore be done early enough in the day to allow for the foliage to dry out before night.Another area that can harbor disease is in pots that have been used with plants that have had some form of disease.By repotting other plants into these pots you run the risk of those plants also becoming infected.Simply wash out all pots before reusing them.Bleach will generally kill any fungus or bacteria and then rinse the residue out and all traces of the bleach.Garden hygiene is essential if you want to have a healthy garden.Many people assume that due to the fact that you are working with soil/dirt cleanliness is not important but it is this lack of care that is responsible for the transfer of diseases in the garden.
Gardens offer you one of the best opportunities to express yourself.You can often get a good idea of a person's personality just by looking at their garden.It can show you whether they are free spirited with color and plants splashed everywhere or prefer a more organized and regimented approach to life.Planting your garden gives you the freedom to choose the colors that make you feel good.The colors and plants that make you feel happy.You have the choice to add the flowers that have the fragrances that you love to smell or remind you of some place that you might have once visited.You can change with the seasons just as your garden does and add color to a gray day.It gives you an excuse to get outside on a gray day and enjoy all the color that you might have missed inside avoiding the weather.Adding colored pots and sculptures can brighten a winter and add more contrast to the colors of spring, summer and fall.You can change the style and look of the garden as you make changes in your life so that one year is never the same as the next or you can choose to keep everything the same if you don't like change just as an old tree stands from one year to the next.A garden can change your moods and make you feel good just being there with the beauty all around.It can make you realize that the important things in life are the little things that are all around us all the time.There is life in the garden and the garden will always welcome anyone who wants to share in the beauty of that life.It's no wonder that so many people love gardening, because there is so much to love about it.Doesn't that just make you want to get outside right now and get into the garden?
The best time to start feeding your garden is in spring.At this time of the year the ground is still moist from the winter and early spring rains.As the ground warms up with the hotter spring weather you get ideal growing conditions in your garden.This is a crucial time for growth in the garden and you will need to ensure that your plants have the necessary nutrients to benefit from this period.The small feeder roots that will be developing will seek the nutrients that you need to supply them.By choosing the correct foods for your plants they will have better foliage, they will be stronger plants and will also have more abundant flowering.There are three key factors that are needed in a balanced plant food and they are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.A plentiful supply of nitrogen will ensure that your plants have healthy foliage.Phosphorus improves the plants root health and potassium will encourage the plant to bloom and fruit.As you can see they are all needed for the overall health of the plants and you should always check on the packaging of the fertilizer to see whether the chemical analysis is suitable.These fertilizers usually come in three forms - controlled release, liquid and soluble.Controlled release formulations have the nutrients inside a semi-permeable membrane that allows the nutrients to be released into the soil in a controlled manner once it reacts with the soil moisture and temperature.One application can last months and it is ideal for containers and indoor plants and established plants and trees.Liquid formulations are similar to the soluble ones but they have been mixed with water and can be sprayed on the plants leaves for rapid response.Soluble formulations and applied dry and dissolve once the area receives water, which will dissolve the salts and make the nutrients available for the roots of the plant.All applications have their benefits and you need to decide which is best for the plants you are feeding.
Just like people, plants have their own particular requirements and it is not the best policy to assume they all need the same feeding.Some plants need a lot of attention whereas others require very little.You can actually harm the growth of your plants by feeding them too much.Once again there needs to be balance in the garden.If you feed your plants too much fertilizer that is high in nitrogen you might get a lot more foliage but a reduction in the fruit or flowers that the plant will produce.This is because the plants will be using that nitrogen as energy to grow faster rather than produce more fruit or flowers.Plants are always giving us signs of their food requirements or if they have been stressed.They will wilt, or they might change color, or their leaves might curl up and drop off.If there is something wrong with a plants nutrition it can often be seen quite easily.It is just a matter of reading these signs and knowing what is going on.As all plants are different, to fully understand the requirements of the particular plants or trees that you are growing you need to get information specific to those plants.If you find signs of stress in your plants you should take samples to the local nurseries of the leaves and any abnormalities that you might notice in the soil.There might be signs of mold in the soil, which could suggest too much water, and the roots of your plants might be rotting.If the leaves of your plants are turning yellow on the other hand they might be suffering from a shortage of water.The three most important elements in the soil of plants are nitrogen; for the promotion of leaf and stem growth.Phosphorus; for the root growth and Potassium; which helps in the growth of flowers and fruits.If you find there are any deficiencies in these areas then additional nutrients will need to be added to the soil.
The appearance of wilting leaves, and leaves that have a water logged look can be a sign that your plant is suffering from frost damage.Another sign of frost damage can be the appearance of brown patches on the leaves.Other signs are shown when the shoot tips on your plants start to die back.If the flowers on the plant don't open fully or they become discolored and then start to die off, then these are also signs that frost damage might have occurred.There is no treatment for frost damage other than to remove the damaged portions of the plant in an effort to make it look a little healthier.Provided the damage hasn't been too severe you might not lose the plant.Sometimes frost damage is not noticeable for a few days after a frost has occurred and this is particularly so if the frost was a very light one.The best way to protect against frost damage, or to reduce the effect that frost might have on your garden is to choose the best plants for your climate conditions.If you are living in an area that is susceptible to frosts then your best course of action is to choose plants that are frost-tolerant.By planting in areas that are exposed or where frosts occur more frequently you will increase the chances of losing plants to frosts so it is wise to plant in sheltered spots or areas other than where there are frost pockets.You can offer some protection to your plants by wrapping them in Hessian cloth or frost cloth until after the period of frost has passed.There will be times in such climates where it is not possible to know when there will be a frost and these out of season frosts can kill a whole plant.
Garden Lighting is a great way to make use of your garden at night and to add an impressive display for outdoor living.Most garden lighting is very affordable these days and many of the products that are on the market can be installed quite easily by the home gardener.You can light areas where you will be sitting, or outdoor dining areas, or you might just want the lighting for effect where you can shine the light on feature trees or plants in the garden.Garden lighting can also add a degree of safety to your property by lighting steps and walking areas.You can use this lighting to assist people to find entrances to your house and even use it for security purposes where the lights can come on automatically if there are intruders on the property.The range of lighting equipment that is available these days will allow you to create almost any effect that you desire in your garden.Before buying any lighting for your garden it is best to decide what the purpose of your lights will be.You will need to create a plan that will determine which areas need lighting for safety and where you want lights for dramatic effect such as up lights on a specimen tree.Once you have a plan for the lights you will be ready to choose and decide on what style suits the style of your house and garden.You can get professional help or install the lighting yourself as most garden lighting runs on low voltage for safety and there are kits that make installation very easy.If you want the lighting for ponds and pools then additional care will be needed as safety is a concern with water and electricity and in these situations it is wise to get a professional to do the installation.
We often overlook the possibility of danger that can lurk in the garden.Everything from rotten limbs on trees that can fall on top of us to slippery surfaces that are covered in moss can present dangers.There are certain times of the year when there seem to be more problems of safety in the garden and these are generally the wetter months.This is the time when moss can grow on walkways cause dangerously slippery surfaces.There are products on the market that can eliminate moss but some of these can also cause damage to your plants.Water blasting will get rid the slippery surfaces and it is possible to buy relatively cheap and good quality water blasters that are suitable for the home handy person.Once again you will need to take care not to damage plants as the pressure from the water blaster can destroy a garden in a matter of minutes.Even the weight of plants can change over the wetter months particularly those in hanging containers and the additional weight from the water might just be enough to cause them to come crashing down.Palm fronds can have very sharp and potentially dangerous spikes that can be lethal if you happen to get one in your eye while leaning into the garden.It is always recommended that you wear safety glasses when getting amongst your plants in the garden because it is so easy to damage your eyes.Wearing gloves is something that goes without saying to protect your hands, not only from cuts and scrapes, but also from potential infection.And you might be quite surprised to learn that the biggest danger in the garden, and the cause of most injuries is from garden implements that are left lying around in the garden causing injury when someone falls or stands on them.A tidy garden is generally a safer garden.
While gardening can be good for your health, both in body and mind, there are many occasions when your knees might not think the same way.It often seems a lot easier to kneel down when working on low areas of the garden, but in doing so on a regular basis you can damage the delicate area of the knees causing swelling and ongoing pain from permanent damage.If there is no other alternative in your garden than to get down on your knees to work, then it might be time to look the benefits of getting some suitable gardeners kneepads.These kneepads can be worn comfortably on your knees while working in the garden and the materials in them reduce most of the impact caused by kneeling.Alternatively you can buy a kneeling platform that you can carry around and place on the ground when you need to kneel down.Gardening supply manufacturers have realized the demand for products to help in this area and there are new products coming on the market on a regular basis.Even of you are unaffected by problems with kneeling in the garden, it is the long-term damage that you need to be concerned about as it can take years to surface.It might even be necessary to look at the gardening equipment you are using to see whether you can use longer handled implements that will allow you to do the same work from a standing position.The more you care for your health and well-being while working in the garden, the longer you will be able to devote to gardening as you age.The quality gardening tools and implements that are available are a wise investment as they can make your life in the garden a whole lot easier and more enjoyable.
While we are attending to the health of our plants, we too are improving our health both physically and mentally.Even the relatively light work of weeding the garden is good exercise and particularly with elderly people it is an opportunity to get outside, breath the fresh air and improve their well-being.As we bend down to pull out weeds or pick up plants and pots we are exercising and stretching our muscles and keeping our joints active.This helps to circulate the blood through the body and help maintain a healthy heart.It is also good for the mind as gardening can relax the mind and reduce stress.Working outside in the garden also exposes us to sunlight and that is essential for Vitamin D, which helps the body to absorb calcium, and this is particularly important for women.Gardening is one of the most popular hobbies in the country and also ranks as one of the most popular forms of exercise for many people.Along with any form of exercise precautions need to be taken. Lifting heavy pots and plants can also do damage to the lower back and knees so we need to be sensible when gardening to ensure we can continue to enjoy this wonderful pastime.Like the lower back, our knees are susceptible to damage from gardening if we tend to kneel down while working but fortunately there are various gardeners' aids that can be worn or used to help protect our knees.There are also belts that can be worn to support our back when lifting heavy items in the garden.If you take a sensible approach to your gardening and don't over extend yourself you can reap the rewards of improved health and happiness while enjoying the fun of creating your own piece of paradise.
Your first contact with the garden are your hands, unless of course you have invested wisely in garden tools, but even with tools there is no getting around the fact that you are going to need to get your hands dirty, and along with that you can expect the scratches, cuts and bruises that are inevitable.You should consider investing in good garden gloves to protect your hands against damage.There are several different types of gloves on the market and they all have their benefits and downsides.The cheapest of these gloves are the cotton work type gloves that are comfortable but not quite as durable as other gloves.They will wear out faster than the more expensive gloves and can become heavy when wet, which can make your hands quite cold in the colder weather.They also don't offer much protection against thorns and other sharp objects that you might encounter.Alternatives to these are a combination of cotton and leather, as the leather portion of the glove will offer some protection against cuts.These gloves will still get water logged and have a limited lifespan.The composite spandex/lycra gloves that are available are a better option as they will last longer and they won't get water logged like the cotton gloves.They are also very comfortable to wear.If you are working in wet conditions a lot of the time then you will need to consider getting some rubber gloves.Rubber gloves will ensure that your hands stay dry all the time.If you work with roses quite often there are gloves that cover your hands and your arm right up to your elbow.These will allow you to work in comfort and safety while protecting your skin against damage.And finally there are many people who don't like wearing gloves at all but need some form of protection.You can get spray on gloves.These are a silicon spray that will seal your hands from grime and possible infection and will make cleaning your hands after you have finished gardening a breeze.While these 'gloves' won't offer you any protection from scratches and cuts they will help to keep your hands clean and that is a bonus.
The range of gardening tools that are available now is quite outstanding.As gardening is one of the most popular hobbies, there is a huge demand for gardening tools that can do a better job in the garden while making that job easier to complete for people of all ages.You will need to buy the tools that make life easy in your particular garden and that will be determined by the types of plants that you have growing.If your garden has predominantly large trees or hedges you will need tools that make the job of trimming at those heights easier.With the design of new garden implements concentrating on leverage for ease of use, it has become a lot easier for the home gardener to maintain plants at heights that would have normally required professional help.Many of these garden implements have also been designed for ease of use for people who suffer from arthritis and the elderly who don't have the strength they once had.Not only are these tools popular with the elderly but they will make the job of maintaining your garden a lot easier and more enjoyable by reducing the effort required to use them.You will be able to select from implements that can reach to places that would be difficult without getting down into the garden, and as well as making life easier, they can also make it safer.I recently had to clear the ground around some small palms and without the use of a long handled garden implement I had no alternative but to get down and do this by hand.The ensuing pricks from the palm fronds made sure I went to the garden store at the earliest opportunity to ensure I wouldn't have to do that again.Fortunately I was wearing safety glasses as getting pricked in the eye from some of the sharp parts of plants can cause painful and permanent damage to your sight.Safety glasses, or even sunglasses should be worn when working in the garden and breathing masks should always be worn when using poisons and insecticides.We need to preserve our own health as well as that of our plants.
If you have ever wondered how to keep children occupied for hours on end then it's time to introduce them to the joys gardening.Children can really enjoy growing plants particularly if they have their own area of the garden where they can see the results of their own efforts growing there.It will give them a sense of reward to see what they have been able to accomplish, whether it is from a flower garden or a vegetable garden.It is also a very healthy pastime that will get them out of the house and into the fresh air.It will do more for their health than sitting in front of a computer screen or playing on their PlayStation all day.They will also be learning about gardening and as this is one of the most popular hobbies it will give them a knowledge base that they will benefit from for years to come.Gardening can also help to relieve stress and fatigue and there are many more children suffering from that these days.By getting your children to work alongside you in the garden, it will help to build better family relationships too and that is an investment in them that no amount of money could ever buy.I have known many children who have used their gardening skills to make a few dollars of their own by selling the plants and vegetables that they have grown in their own garden to others during their school holidays.Not only do they get a sense of accomplishment but they can also get monetary reward for their work.If you have ever seen the delight on a child's face after they have sold something that they have grown themselves in their own garden then you will know exactly what I mean.It is more exciting for many of them than opening their presents on Christmas Day.
There are many different types of pests that can ruin your good work in the garden.The most common are insects and they can destroy a garden in a very short time if left to their own devices.Even the neighbor's cat can be a pest if it is always using your garden as a toilet.Birds can be another reason for concern if they are eating your plants and can become quite smelly if they are nesting in trees or hedges in abundance.Pests will use your garden primarily for food and shelter.To reduce the amount of pests in your garden you need to create an environment that isn't as inviting.By clearing leaves and waste from the base of your plants you will reduce the amount of shelter.This will allow you to work the soil better and eliminate the incidence of in-ground insects that can suck the nutrients out of the soil.You can stop cats, rats and mice from digging in the soil by using effective ground cover in the form of mesh where it becomes too difficult for them to get through to the soil.By keeping your compost in the correct composting containers there won't be any decaying matter lying around the yard that will attract rats and mice.Having a tidy garden and yard will not encourage them to make their home on your property.Traps might be needed as a final deterrent for rats and mice.Spraying your plants with suitable insecticides will also reduce the unwanted insect population.There are some good natural applications on the market that will do the job of the commercial insecticides or you can make your own effective natural insecticide.If you prune back trees and hedges you might make them less appealing to birds and this might help to reduce the population in your garden.Keep in mind that some insects do a good job of maintaining a balance in the garden by eating other insects and birds will also eat insects that could be causing damage to your plants.
In many climates growing plants in the winter months can become quite frustrating, and if you are finding that you are in that situation then it might be time to consider getting a greenhouse.Greenhouses are available in many different sizes and there are some very compact versions that will suit most budgets.Having one of these greenhouses tucked away in a sunny corner of your garden will be a godsend when the weather dictates that you would normally have to stay inside rather than venture out into your garden.With the added benefit of being able to control damage that might have been caused by birds, insects and the weather, greenhouses can also save you a lot of money in the long term.They are excellent for growing seedlings and also for extending the season that you will be able to grow particular plants by controlling the climate.You should always set your greenhouse in a position that gets the maximum amount of sunlight throughout the day while allowing easy access to water and electricity.If you have a particularly windy property make sure that the door to the greenhouse is facing away from the prevailing wind.When deciding on the size of greenhouse that you need always try to get the biggest one possible as once you see the benefits of having a greenhouse you might find that you will be wanting more and more room.That way you will be able to spread out your plants giving them more room to breathe and reducing the risk of disease.Most good greenhouses come with in-built ventilation systems, which are essential to reduce the temperature when it begins to rise.If you decide to build your own greenhouse, ventilation is one of the most important factors that you need to consider.
Ground cover has many different uses in the garden.It can be used to help reduce the amount of weeds that will appear in the garden by covering over the space between plants where the weeds might grow.There is a downside to this though, as weeding can become a bit more difficult when you need to remove the weeds that will still invariably grow in amongst the ground cover.Ground cover can also help to keep the moisture in the soil by stopping it from drying out from direct sunlight.It can also add color and texture to the garden.A lot of the ground cover that is available can supply a splash of color right throughout the year where some will have color in their leaves and then additional color when they flower.Being so close to the ground they can stay in better condition in windy conditions where they aren't quite so exposed as other flowering plants.Most ground cover is quite durable and it is an excellent way to add color to gardens that are in conditions where other flowering plants might not survive.Some ground cover plants grow very well and thrive in shaded areas where other plants might struggle to survive and they generally require very little maintenance.They are also excellent for creating borders around gardens where there are larger plants or trees growing or where other plants won't be able to get sufficient nutrition to grow to their full potential.They are particular good for covering areas that are not easily accessible and would normally be too hard to maintain if you were to attempt to grow other plants there.They also make a nice display when grown in and around rocks and sculptures in the garden and can make a nice mat when grown at the foot of a garden seat, provided of course that you choose one that is durable enough to withstand light foot traffic.
If you are growing plants in baskets there are a few things that you will need to take care of if the plants are to survive.Obviously you will need to start with the best and healthiest seeds or plants.It is important that you choose good quality container mix too. There are proprietary hanging basket mixes that you really should use as they have been developed to provide the best growing conditions in these unique situations.For aesthetics you will probably want to get the basket looking as 'full' as possible so you will be cramming the plants in.It is best to put the larger plants in the middle of the basket with smaller plants trailing out to the edges and the sides.The larger the basket the better chance your plants will have to survive and they will also require less maintenance.As with all plants no matter where they are growing water will be essential and with baskets more care is required than normal.You can place a water trough between the plants and the liner to maintain a place to hold water that would normally seep through the liner.In warmer weather you will need to water the plants more often and this is best handled with a long watering wand, which makes reaching the plants easier.Occasionally, where you have baskets that are easily moved, you can soak the entire basket in a tub of water.If the basket has been quite dry you will need to soak it until the bubbles stop rising.Always use quality liquid plant feed to ensure your plants are getting all the nutrients that they require.To prevent the plants from drying out in the sun and the wind aim to get maximum foliage coverage.If you take the time to give your basket plants the additional care that they need, you will be rewarded with a pleasant addition to any living area.
There is a great sense of satisfaction knowing that you will be able to wander down to your own garden and pick the vegetables that you have been growing and then cook them and eat them for your dinner.You will never be able to get vegetables as fresh as that from the shops and you certainly will be able to taste the difference in the extra freshness that you will get with every bite.Many vegetables taste just as good, if not better, eaten fresh from the garden without even cooking them.Peas, beans, tomatoes and the like are all ready to be eaten and enjoyed as they are picked.What makes garden fresh vegetables even more appealing is the fact that you will know everything that has gone into the soil and every spray that has been used to assist in the growing of those vegetables.And that is something that you would never know about the produce that you buy from the shops.You will need to use sprays on your garden to ensure you have a healthy crop so it is wise to look at all the instructions and the contents of any sprays that you might need to use.By using the best sprays you can be satisfied that not only will your crops have had the best nutrition but you will also be safe from some of the chemicals that many commercial growers use.You can often keep pests off your crops, or reduce the incidence of the damage they can create by planting companion plants around your crops to keep them away.You can reduce the chance of getting disease by selecting resistant varieties of plants that are less susceptible to disease and by giving them more room to grow by spacing them out a little more.
If you are growing plants in baskets there are a few things that you will need to take care of if the plants are to survive.Obviously you will need to start with the best and healthiest seeds or plants.It is important that you choose good quality container mix too. There are proprietary hanging basket mixes that you really should use as they have been developed to provide the best growing conditions in these unique situations.For aesthetics you will probably want to get the basket looking as 'full' as possible so you will be cramming the plants in.It is best to put the larger plants in the middle of the basket with smaller plants trailing out to the edges and the sides.The larger the basket the better chance your plants will have to survive and they will also require less maintenance.As with all plants no matter where they are growing water will be essential and with baskets more care is required than normal.You can place a water trough between the plants and the liner to maintain a place to hold water that would normally seep through the liner.In warmer weather you will need to water the plants more often and this is best handled with a long watering wand, which makes reaching the plants easier.Occasionally, where you have baskets that are easily moved, you can soak the entire basket in a tub of water.If the basket has been quite dry you will need to soak it until the bubbles stop rising.Always use quality liquid plant feed to ensure your plants are getting all the nutrients that they require.To prevent the plants from drying out in the sun and the wind aim to get maximum foliage coverage.If you take the time to give your basket plants the additional care that they need, you will be rewarded with a pleasant addition to any living area.
There is a great sense of satisfaction knowing that you will be able to wander down to your own garden and pick the vegetables that you have been growing and then cook them and eat them for your dinner.You will never be able to get vegetables as fresh as that from the shops and you certainly will be able to taste the difference in the extra freshness that you will get with every bite.Many vegetables taste just as good, if not better, eaten fresh from the garden without even cooking them.Peas, beans, tomatoes and the like are all ready to be eaten and enjoyed as they are picked.What makes garden fresh vegetables even more appealing is the fact that you will know everything that has gone into the soil and every spray that has been used to assist in the growing of those vegetables.And that is something that you would never know about the produce that you buy from the shops.You will need to use sprays on your garden to ensure you have a healthy crop so it is wise to look at all the instructions and the contents of any sprays that you might need to use.By using the best sprays you can be satisfied that not only will your crops have had the best nutrition but you will also be safe from some of the chemicals that many commercial growers use.You can often keep pests off your crops, or reduce the incidence of the damage they can create by planting companion plants around your crops to keep them away.You can reduce the chance of getting disease by selecting resistant varieties of plants that are less susceptible to disease and by giving them more room to grow by spacing them out a little more.
For your plants to survive it is essential to have an effective watering plan and this can be made somewhat easier by installing an irrigation system.There are many products on the market that allow the home handy person to install their own irrigation system.The first thing you will need to do is set out a plan of where the irrigation needs to go, taking into account your water supply, the types of plants that you will be watering, and the flexibility in water management that you will need.Flexibility in water management is particularly important, as this will allow you to supply varying contents of water to specific plants to ensure all the plants in your garden are getting their optimum requirements.Another factor that you should consider is having a timed irrigation system where you can supply water to your plants on a regular basis even if you are away on holiday for an extended period of time.These timed watering systems are very cost effective and can save you a lot of money that could otherwise be lost in plants that die due to a lack of water.There are a wide variety of soaker and sprinkler type water systems and they all have their specific benefits for your garden.If you are unsure what your garden requirements are, many of the home irrigation systems have information to help you make educated decisions but if that still leaves you in doubt then a consultation with a garden professional could save you a lot of time and money.Before buying anything check out the prices from the online garden supply stores as you will generally get a better price than buying elsewhere and if you do find you need help from a professional, you can simply get their recommendations and buy the products elsewhere to save money.
There is nothing quite like a good condition, well maintained lawn to set off your garden.It's the finishing touch, just like a frame around a painting.Preparation when the lawn is first laid can make maintenance a whole lot easier and the finished result will look better too.Simple things like making sure the ground is even will make mowing and walking on it easier.Irrigation and drainage are also of vital importance and will extend the time during the year when you will be able to enjoy your lawn.In the winter a poorly drained lawn can get muddy and pond with water which will mean you won't be able to walk on it, or worse still, it could stop you from gaining easy access to parts of your garden.The lie of the land will also affect the runoff from the lawn that could cause damage to the plants in your garden.Good drainage can make all the difference to both your lawn and the surrounding garden and as these drainage systems are relatively cheap it is a wise investment to take the time to install them.With the various different systems that are available, there will be something to suit almost any lawn whether it is prior to getting laid or improving a lawn that is already established.In particularly hot and dry climates the lawn will need to be irrigated to remain looking good when there is a shortage of rainfall.Sprinkler systems are available for a few dollars, up to expensive, hidden, automated systems that are virtually set and forget.Regular sprinkling over the summer months can make the difference been a lush green lawn and brown patches that will greet a shortage of water.And who wants prickles on their lawn?In summer there is nothing better than to wander around your lawn in bare feet and feel the soft grass beneath you.On the other hand, there is nothing worse than walking off the grass to find that you have a few dozen prickles in your feet.Now that is one area that every lawn owner should concentrate on.
As well as drainage and irrigation there are other areas that can enhance your lawn and make it look more beautiful and more enjoyable.Regular mowing, catching of the grass clippings and also rolling will help to maintain the condition of your lawn.There are people who believe that cutting the lawn at particular phases of the moon can slow it's growth and increase the time between mowing.There doesn't appear to be any evidence to support this but there is no harm in trying.If you are interested in experimenting on your own lawn try mowing during the waxing or full moon.Just don't do it while the neighbors are sleeping:-)Getting rid of insects in the lawn will help with its condition and this can be achieved with the use of insecticides that are commonly sold through garden stores or better still with the use of natural methods.Using natural methods is the healthiest solution as it won't affect children and pets and more often than not the natural methods work better for longer than the insecticides.Without the toxic contents that are used in the commercial insecticides you will be happier to walk on the lawn and know that you won't be putting any of the residue into your system.Some people still use soap as a natural insecticide in the garden but you need to be careful that you are using the correct soap, as some household soaps can be harmful to plants.Obviously you won't want to be flooding your lawn with soapy water and in fact this is banned in many areas where soap can cause problems if it enters in to the waterways.More and more insecticides are also getting banned so it makes sense to look at the natural alternatives that are available.
As houseplants are living in an unnatural environment we need to give them extra care to get the best results.They will require all the elements of outdoor plants in their need for good nutrients, water, ventilation, light and a suitable climate.Without this balance they will soon wither and die.It is vitally important that they have the best quality soil.As with outdoor plants they will need soil that is light enough for their roots and to hold water and air but not so light as to allow the nutrients to wash through and not be made available for their roots.One thing that will not be as much of a concern as outdoor plants is their need for support against winds.This can allow you to use lighter soil however you will still need to ensure the plant is getting the nutrients.This might require additional feeding that is over and above what you would give an outdoor plant.The environment can also affect plants, and anyone who is smoking in the house will affect the plant growth and result in poor health just as it does to the person smoking.Potting mix is readily available and in different varieties to suit the requirements of various indoor plants.You can buy inexpensive moisture monitoring kits and also some small units that will release water into the soil when it detects that the moisture is getting too low.Getting good potting mix for your indoor plants can make a noticeable difference to their condition as the soil that we get from outside can sometimes have diseases or insects in it.If there is an opportunity to do so, it is a good policy to put the plants outside in the sun for a few hours and also to get some fresh air.Plants will also benefit from having their leaves cleaned, as there can be a buildup of dust when growing indoors and not having the rainfall to wash them clean.It is also good to catch rainwater in containers to use for watering your indoor plants.
