Whether you're playing games in the garden or preparing for winter bulbs, give a thought to decorating your outside space. There are lots of fun and interesting things you can do without spending tons of money...
1. Wind-Chimes - There are some beautiful wind chimes on the market, and you should be able to find some that suit your style and budget. However, you could go one step further and make your own. Study how they are made, and get the kids to join in! Wind chimes are soothing and very compatible with gardening, so position your chimes well.
They must be in at least a slight draught, which you should be able to find outside with ease. Also, they can scare the birds away from your fruit bushes. Hang them on the patio and in the vegetable garden.
2. Lights and Lanterns - For those smooth hot summer nights. Choose candles for calm nights and opt for lanterns if there's a breeze about. Solar powered lights are a good choice as there aren't any cables, batteries or plugs to worry about. They must be in sunlight during the day to re-charge though. Large garden candles will burn for many hours and are available in all sorts of aroma-therapeutic scents.
3. Garden Furniture - Invest in some comfy chairs for the garden. We don't spend half as much time as we should outside, simply because we don't feel comfortable. Look at unique ways of furnishing your garden. Do you have a couple of trees a hammock could be strung between? Or how about a park-type bench with comfy cushions set under the shade of the apple tree? Whatever the style or size of your garden, look for relaxing furniture so you can fully enjoy your outside space.
4. Fake Flowers - Well, hey, we don't all have mature gardens and fresh flowers blooming all year round! If you have to resort to a little 'deception' who cares if it looks good? Hang some pretty silk flowers on a wall, or low roof or even in a tree! If nothing else, you'll keep your visitors guessing :-)
5. Colour it up - If you still need a bit of colour around the place, get the kids involved. No, I don't mean let them loose with a tin of paint and brushes... what they could do is draw some great pictures of trees, flowers, animals etc, and you can pin them around the patio area or 'blu-tak' them to a tree or two. Remember to rescue them if it rains!
6. Cut down on Big Toys - Children's outdoor toys, such as swings, slides etc; can take up loads of room in the garden, and they're not always very attractive. Look for something a little less permanent. Maybe separate items you can load away in the shed at night, or go for something completely different and build a giant chess set. Or if you really feel creative, what about a tree-house? They can always go to the park for the swings!
7. Containers - Collect large pots and grow plants you can move around the garden, every day if you like! Grow herbs and flowers and position sweet smelling plants on the patio or round your seating area. Strawberries grow very well in containers as do other useful plants. Make sure the pots aren't too heavy for you to move, or invest in a garden trolley if they are. If you grow colour co-ordinated flowers, a wonderful display can be created by positioning your pots well.
8. Wild Corner - I know this may be hard if you like a neat and tidy garden, but leaving a wild patch can be very entertaining and visually very pleasing. Nettles and other wildflowers attract butterflies and bees, and it's often suprising how delicate and colourful wildflowers can be when allowed to grow in their own space. If you're still unsure, how about building a little fence around the area and making a wooden plaque declaring it a wildlife zone...well, it was just an idea!
9. Water Features - are becoming more and more popular and also more affordable. Create a water feature that will suit your garden. Try not to be persuaded by an over-enthusiastic sales assistant trying to sell you a system that will be far too big or even too small for your outside space. Do some research before you start. There could be a fair amount of physical work involved and you should arrange some strong arm help. You could go for a full waterfall and pond or perhaps a simple water feature on your patio.
10. Rock Gardens - Rock gardens can take on different themes and colour schemes throughout the year with a little careful planning. There is again some heavy physical work involved when you're putting together your rock garden but well worth it in the end. Make sure you can get to all areas for weeding, watering etc; Try out different rock plants and flowers until you feel happy with the overall view, and even then you can change it. Nothing's set in stone!
These are just a few ideas. Let your imagination free and decorate your outside space with love. Read through the Garden Decor and Garden Ideas pages on the Flower and Garden Tips website for more ideas and resources.
About the author: Decorate your home and garden with style! More ideas and places to visit can be found at Linda's website, Flower and Garden Tips. Drop in on the home and garden page and wander round from there - Bring a cuppa! H ome and Garden
Sunday, January 20, 2008
6 Ways of Creating Your Own Composting Machine
Composting as everybody knows is not a difficult, costly and time consuming process. Even the equipments and tools involved can be made available by just reusing any of your unused items stored in your backyard. If you're not into the build from scratch or crafting ideas, ready made composting items can be purchased quite easily and cheaply. I'll show you 6 different steps on how you can start composting, with the least fanciest equipment you can find.
Method 1 : Pile
The most simplistic idea ever. The only thing you'll need is an open area, measuring at least 3' x 3' x 3' for best results. There will be no supporting structure whatsoever to accommodate your composting activities within the defined area. Just throw in your composting materials and let the nature do its work.
Method 2 : Pallets
If you can find abandoned pallets, then you're in luck. But fear not, pallets can be easily purchased if you don't have any. Get at least a minimum of 4 pallets to form a 4 sided, open-top box. You may call it as a composting well if you want. The existing structure of the pallets which have empty spaces will allow a better air circulation throughout your composting process. Install a hinge on one of the pallets to create a door for easier addition of materials and for extraction purposes.It's a good idea to secure the 4 walls of the pallets together as well as to the ground for a better hold.
Method 3 : Concrete Cinder Blocks
The only drawback of this method is acquiring your own supply of cinder blocks, but this is probably a one time investment as this strong structure will get you going on for a long time. Start by stacking the blocks as high as you see fit. Air circulation is crucial, so stagger the blocks to allow proper circulation through the sides and back of the unit. To save excessive usage of the blocks, assemble a 3 sided composting unit. Provide a supporting wooden or iron posts to stabilize the overall unit structure. For a more organized structure, and provided if you have a lot of blocks to spare, you can create a considerably huge composting unit, divided into 3 areas of storage, for fresh, maturing and finished areas.
Method 4 : Wire (chicken wire or hardware cloth)
This method is relatively easy to implement. Get a galvanized chicken wire or hardware cloth approximately 10' in length and 1/2 to 1 inch wide. This measurement varies depending on the size of your unit you wish to build. You don't want to create a overly sized unit as the flimsiness of the wire structure might ruin your whole effort at certain point. Fashion the wire to form a cylinder or a well look alike structure. Get a couple of wooden or iron posts to hold the structure together. You can nail the chicken wire onto several posts on certain areas to give it a "backbone" before putting it up. Create a door with one of the ends so you'll have easy access to the contents.
Method 5 : Wood bin (single or multiple bin units)
When it comes to any conventional wood architecture, you obviously will need nails and the hammer. This method will require some carpentry skills and other tools that you may have to purchase. These units of design typically end up being larger than the other methods, so you might have to budget your available space should you want to go with this route. A permanent structure of this kind usually will require a slightly higher budget.
Method 6 : Ready-made composters
The simple buy it and use it straight away method. Nothing beats this, as you can find complete ready made composters at your local garden center or any online stores. Pre-fabricated units include tumblers, rotating barrels and boxes for the home gardener. Selection is huge, so you should have most of your options right in front of your eyes.
Happy composting!
About the author: Provided by the Websition Article Team where you will find free gardening tips to use for your website, newsletter, or ezine, all with royalty-free reprint rights. http://www.websition.com
Method 1 : Pile
The most simplistic idea ever. The only thing you'll need is an open area, measuring at least 3' x 3' x 3' for best results. There will be no supporting structure whatsoever to accommodate your composting activities within the defined area. Just throw in your composting materials and let the nature do its work.
Method 2 : Pallets
If you can find abandoned pallets, then you're in luck. But fear not, pallets can be easily purchased if you don't have any. Get at least a minimum of 4 pallets to form a 4 sided, open-top box. You may call it as a composting well if you want. The existing structure of the pallets which have empty spaces will allow a better air circulation throughout your composting process. Install a hinge on one of the pallets to create a door for easier addition of materials and for extraction purposes.It's a good idea to secure the 4 walls of the pallets together as well as to the ground for a better hold.
Method 3 : Concrete Cinder Blocks
The only drawback of this method is acquiring your own supply of cinder blocks, but this is probably a one time investment as this strong structure will get you going on for a long time. Start by stacking the blocks as high as you see fit. Air circulation is crucial, so stagger the blocks to allow proper circulation through the sides and back of the unit. To save excessive usage of the blocks, assemble a 3 sided composting unit. Provide a supporting wooden or iron posts to stabilize the overall unit structure. For a more organized structure, and provided if you have a lot of blocks to spare, you can create a considerably huge composting unit, divided into 3 areas of storage, for fresh, maturing and finished areas.
Method 4 : Wire (chicken wire or hardware cloth)
This method is relatively easy to implement. Get a galvanized chicken wire or hardware cloth approximately 10' in length and 1/2 to 1 inch wide. This measurement varies depending on the size of your unit you wish to build. You don't want to create a overly sized unit as the flimsiness of the wire structure might ruin your whole effort at certain point. Fashion the wire to form a cylinder or a well look alike structure. Get a couple of wooden or iron posts to hold the structure together. You can nail the chicken wire onto several posts on certain areas to give it a "backbone" before putting it up. Create a door with one of the ends so you'll have easy access to the contents.
Method 5 : Wood bin (single or multiple bin units)
When it comes to any conventional wood architecture, you obviously will need nails and the hammer. This method will require some carpentry skills and other tools that you may have to purchase. These units of design typically end up being larger than the other methods, so you might have to budget your available space should you want to go with this route. A permanent structure of this kind usually will require a slightly higher budget.
Method 6 : Ready-made composters
The simple buy it and use it straight away method. Nothing beats this, as you can find complete ready made composters at your local garden center or any online stores. Pre-fabricated units include tumblers, rotating barrels and boxes for the home gardener. Selection is huge, so you should have most of your options right in front of your eyes.
Happy composting!
About the author: Provided by the Websition Article Team where you will find free gardening tips to use for your website, newsletter, or ezine, all with royalty-free reprint rights. http://www.websition.com
Saturday, January 12, 2008
Greenhouse Accessories
Accessorizing your greenhouse isn't quite the same as accessorizing any other 'room' in your home. Greenhouse accessories aren't a fashion statement - they're functional things like shelves, misters, irrigation systems, covers and heaters that increase the functionality of your greenhouse. What greenhouse accessories should you consider if you're building a new (or refurbishing an old) greenhouse? It depends a great deal on how you use your greenhouse and where it is.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Among the greenhouse accessories you might consider are thermometers and humidity gauges, automatic plant misting systems, plant lighting options, soil sterilization and treatment kits, potting benches, specialty shelving systems that can create mini-greenhouses within the greenhouse, shades and shelters and venting and roof openers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Potting benches
Potting benches are one of the most useful greenhouse accessories you'll invest in. Generally, a potting bench has one or two shelves to hold potting supplies like pots, dirt and fertilizer, and a slatted top with a tray to make it easy for you to clean. By keeping all your potting supplies on one easy to move potting bench, you save yourself all sorts of steps and labor and keep everything you need close at hand.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Greenhouse shelving
There are a number of different styles of specialty shelving for greenhouses that can be counted as greenhouse accessories. Grow shelves are aluminum frames into which you can fit seedling trays. Grow shelves often come with UV stabilized plastic covers to create greenhouse conditions within the greenhouse for starting new plants or isolating specialty plants that need different conditions than standard.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Misting Propagation Systems
One of the most important factors for healthy growth and propagation of plants is the moisture in the air. Automatic misters can maintain the high humidity needed by rooting plants. They're available with timers that you can set to mist the entire greenhouse at specified intervals, or with moisture sensors that will send out a cooling mist whenever the moisture content of the air falls below a specific density. A misting propagation system can be one of the important greenhouse accessories in a greenhouse that grows tropical plants, or in which you intend to often start plants from leaf cuttings. There are many choices that can be both affordable and useful.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rainwater Systems
For the eco-conscious gardener with a greenhouse, rainwater systems allow you to collect rainwater via gutters and downspouts and reuse it for irrigation and watering of your plants. Remember the old-fashioned rain barrel? Welcome to the modern version, which will automatically recycle rainwater for use in your greenhouse.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lighting Greenhouse Accessories
Grow lights are one way to increase the amount of available full-spectrum light for your plants, particularly during northern winters when days are short. They come in full kits that include wiring, or as individual lights that can be set up for specific purposes.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Whatever the needs for your greenhouse, you'll find greenhouse accessories that are specially designed to fit the needs and help you grow lush, beautiful plants with a minimum of effort.
About the author: Garry John contributes to many home improvement and garden sites such as greenhouses and conservatories .
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Among the greenhouse accessories you might consider are thermometers and humidity gauges, automatic plant misting systems, plant lighting options, soil sterilization and treatment kits, potting benches, specialty shelving systems that can create mini-greenhouses within the greenhouse, shades and shelters and venting and roof openers.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Potting benches
Potting benches are one of the most useful greenhouse accessories you'll invest in. Generally, a potting bench has one or two shelves to hold potting supplies like pots, dirt and fertilizer, and a slatted top with a tray to make it easy for you to clean. By keeping all your potting supplies on one easy to move potting bench, you save yourself all sorts of steps and labor and keep everything you need close at hand.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Greenhouse shelving
There are a number of different styles of specialty shelving for greenhouses that can be counted as greenhouse accessories. Grow shelves are aluminum frames into which you can fit seedling trays. Grow shelves often come with UV stabilized plastic covers to create greenhouse conditions within the greenhouse for starting new plants or isolating specialty plants that need different conditions than standard.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Misting Propagation Systems
One of the most important factors for healthy growth and propagation of plants is the moisture in the air. Automatic misters can maintain the high humidity needed by rooting plants. They're available with timers that you can set to mist the entire greenhouse at specified intervals, or with moisture sensors that will send out a cooling mist whenever the moisture content of the air falls below a specific density. A misting propagation system can be one of the important greenhouse accessories in a greenhouse that grows tropical plants, or in which you intend to often start plants from leaf cuttings. There are many choices that can be both affordable and useful.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rainwater Systems
For the eco-conscious gardener with a greenhouse, rainwater systems allow you to collect rainwater via gutters and downspouts and reuse it for irrigation and watering of your plants. Remember the old-fashioned rain barrel? Welcome to the modern version, which will automatically recycle rainwater for use in your greenhouse.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lighting Greenhouse Accessories
Grow lights are one way to increase the amount of available full-spectrum light for your plants, particularly during northern winters when days are short. They come in full kits that include wiring, or as individual lights that can be set up for specific purposes.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Whatever the needs for your greenhouse, you'll find greenhouse accessories that are specially designed to fit the needs and help you grow lush, beautiful plants with a minimum of effort.
About the author: Garry John contributes to many home improvement and garden sites such as greenhouses and conservatories .
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Decorative Garden Accents
Think of your garden like you would a room in your home. After planning the shape, tilling the soil, choosing the right plants the last step is to add those personal touches. And just like indoors this is accomplished with accessories.
What type of accessories or accents you add will depend on what you like and what type of garden you�ve designed. For example in a formal type garden you probably would not add whimsical looking birdhouses or a regal looking statue would look out of place in a cottage style garden.
That being said, nothing is written in stone just as indoors the garden should reflect your personality. Which simply means if you love something use it.
The following are examples of some of the accents that can be used to dress up your gardens.
1)Gates: Whether they are part of an existing fencing system or just free standing, a gate will add an architectural detail. Wooden, iron, plain or whimsically decorated let the gate reflect your personality.
2)Gazing Globes: Beginning in Victorian times gardeners have tucked these decorative spheres into their gardens. Available in a wide array of colors and sizes ranging from 10 to 14in, place one on a pedestal and watch how suddenly things begin to look magical.
3)Decorative Planters: Terra Cotta, Stone, Metal or Resin � Plain, Colorful, Textured or a Whimsical piece. Placing decorative planters filled with beautiful flowers within your garden adds interest and a focal point.
These can be moved around the garden or replanted later in the season with new plants.
There are so many types of planters to choose from, just have some fun with them. Also, any container you happen to have whether it�s an old watering can or one lone rubber boot can be made into a decorative container as long as it has some type of drainage.
4)Statues: Choose from Cherubs, Religious Figures, Lions, Birds or Frogs. They can be large or small made of marble, stone or resin. Adding one or several give interest and whimsy to any size garden.
5)Furniture: Place a bench in or near a garden and it immediately says, �Sit, Relax and Enjoy�. Choose materials ranging from Cedar, Pine to Metal, buy something new or scrounge around your attic or basement for an older piece not being used anymore.
6)Birdbaths: A functional and decorative focal point. Most commonly seen birdbaths are shallow simple basins that sit on a pedestal, usually made of cement, porcelain or plastic. Mini versions are becoming popular for placing on patios and walkways.
7)Fountains: Water is a necessity in the garden; therefore having a fountain just seems natural. They provide a soothing sound and become a beautiful accent. The most common styles include; wall mounted, free standing, single basin and multi-tiered.
8)Birdhouses: Found at nurseries, home improvement, discount stores and flea markets, this is probably the easiest of accessories to add.
They can be simple square wooden boxes to elaborately detailed versions; you might even try your hand at making your own. Mount or hang them on a tree, place on top of a pole or simply sit one on an old bench or chair.
If your also hoping for them to take on tenants, make sure to check dimensions as different species of birds prefer certain sizes.
On two trees that sat back away from the house we attached simple rectangular shaped wooden houses with small entrance holes in the front.
Each spring we were rewarded with two families of beautiful Blue Birds making a home in those houses. Watching mom and dad first preparing the inside then little heads peeking out and finally the first flight was marvelous.
9)Sundials: Here�s an accent that may not be common but has been around since early civilization. Of course in the beginning their sole purpose was to measure time. You can still mark time with them but what a unique decorative accent they�d make in your garden.
10)Stepping Stones: Another fun way to accessorize your garden. Even if you don�t use them to walk on one or two placed amongst your plants look wonderful. Plain or decorated with a picture, pick whatever suites your garden.
I�ve used simple terra-cotta color stones around colorful flowers, light colored cement ones with embedded pebbles and bits of ground glass that sparkle around shrubs.
Around shrubs or flowers that attract butterflies or hummingbirds find stones with a print on them to match the theme of the plant.
Whether it�s an elaborate water feature, a simple resin turtle or something just for fun like the tree face picture at right, keep in mind it�s just like dressing a room in your home.
After all the main elements in place the final touch is to embellish and personalize with decorative accents.
This is a share ware article. Give this article away for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including this notice. Copyright � 2005 bonnie carrier.
About the author: Bonnie P. Carrier is the creator of Savvy Home Decorating & Savvy Outdoor Decorating. She is the mother to two grown daughters and a very spoiled 4yr old Blue Merle Sheltie named Toby. Stop by for information and ideas for both inside and outside your home.
www.savvy-home-decorating.com www.savvyoutdoordecorating.com
What type of accessories or accents you add will depend on what you like and what type of garden you�ve designed. For example in a formal type garden you probably would not add whimsical looking birdhouses or a regal looking statue would look out of place in a cottage style garden.
That being said, nothing is written in stone just as indoors the garden should reflect your personality. Which simply means if you love something use it.
The following are examples of some of the accents that can be used to dress up your gardens.
1)Gates: Whether they are part of an existing fencing system or just free standing, a gate will add an architectural detail. Wooden, iron, plain or whimsically decorated let the gate reflect your personality.
2)Gazing Globes: Beginning in Victorian times gardeners have tucked these decorative spheres into their gardens. Available in a wide array of colors and sizes ranging from 10 to 14in, place one on a pedestal and watch how suddenly things begin to look magical.
3)Decorative Planters: Terra Cotta, Stone, Metal or Resin � Plain, Colorful, Textured or a Whimsical piece. Placing decorative planters filled with beautiful flowers within your garden adds interest and a focal point.
These can be moved around the garden or replanted later in the season with new plants.
There are so many types of planters to choose from, just have some fun with them. Also, any container you happen to have whether it�s an old watering can or one lone rubber boot can be made into a decorative container as long as it has some type of drainage.
4)Statues: Choose from Cherubs, Religious Figures, Lions, Birds or Frogs. They can be large or small made of marble, stone or resin. Adding one or several give interest and whimsy to any size garden.
5)Furniture: Place a bench in or near a garden and it immediately says, �Sit, Relax and Enjoy�. Choose materials ranging from Cedar, Pine to Metal, buy something new or scrounge around your attic or basement for an older piece not being used anymore.
6)Birdbaths: A functional and decorative focal point. Most commonly seen birdbaths are shallow simple basins that sit on a pedestal, usually made of cement, porcelain or plastic. Mini versions are becoming popular for placing on patios and walkways.
7)Fountains: Water is a necessity in the garden; therefore having a fountain just seems natural. They provide a soothing sound and become a beautiful accent. The most common styles include; wall mounted, free standing, single basin and multi-tiered.
8)Birdhouses: Found at nurseries, home improvement, discount stores and flea markets, this is probably the easiest of accessories to add.
They can be simple square wooden boxes to elaborately detailed versions; you might even try your hand at making your own. Mount or hang them on a tree, place on top of a pole or simply sit one on an old bench or chair.
If your also hoping for them to take on tenants, make sure to check dimensions as different species of birds prefer certain sizes.
On two trees that sat back away from the house we attached simple rectangular shaped wooden houses with small entrance holes in the front.
Each spring we were rewarded with two families of beautiful Blue Birds making a home in those houses. Watching mom and dad first preparing the inside then little heads peeking out and finally the first flight was marvelous.
9)Sundials: Here�s an accent that may not be common but has been around since early civilization. Of course in the beginning their sole purpose was to measure time. You can still mark time with them but what a unique decorative accent they�d make in your garden.
10)Stepping Stones: Another fun way to accessorize your garden. Even if you don�t use them to walk on one or two placed amongst your plants look wonderful. Plain or decorated with a picture, pick whatever suites your garden.
I�ve used simple terra-cotta color stones around colorful flowers, light colored cement ones with embedded pebbles and bits of ground glass that sparkle around shrubs.
Around shrubs or flowers that attract butterflies or hummingbirds find stones with a print on them to match the theme of the plant.
Whether it�s an elaborate water feature, a simple resin turtle or something just for fun like the tree face picture at right, keep in mind it�s just like dressing a room in your home.
After all the main elements in place the final touch is to embellish and personalize with decorative accents.
This is a share ware article. Give this article away for free on your site, or include it as part of any paid package as long as the entire article is left intact including this notice. Copyright � 2005 bonnie carrier.
About the author: Bonnie P. Carrier is the creator of Savvy Home Decorating & Savvy Outdoor Decorating. She is the mother to two grown daughters and a very spoiled 4yr old Blue Merle Sheltie named Toby. Stop by for information and ideas for both inside and outside your home.
www.savvy-home-decorating.com www.savvyoutdoordecorating.com
Sunday, July 1, 2007
How To Use Vines In Landscaping Your Home
Vines can be the quick salvation of the new home owner. Fast-paced annuals will twine up a hastily erected pergola almost before summer starts, providing a cool, fragrant and beautiful awning. Annuals and perennials (or hardy vines, as perennials are called) are an inexpensive way of softening the lines of new buildings, linking them to the landscape.
Decorative and functional, vines are often the answer for older homes as well, the ground-covering varieties serving as cover for foundations and banks, others spreading a carpet of flowering greenery over walls, making fences seem friendlier and stone buildings less harsh.
The methods by which vines climb will necessarily influence and determine your selection. Some vines, such as grape vine, have tendrils which reach out and grasp small objects to hold on to; these vines need a lattice or fence. Others, such as Boston ivy, have adhesive discs that fasten on to a brick or stone wall, and still others, such as the climbing hydrangea, hold to a masonry wall with small, aerial rootlets.
Finally, there are those that climb by twining around other branches or poles, climbing from left to right, or right to left (like honeysuckle). This type can be parasitic in the worst sense, climbing over small bushes and trees and completely strangling them.
No vine should be unsupported, however, and attractive vines are those which are carefully trained and held up. Supports such as arbors, trellises and per golas need not be elaborately constructed, since their function is to display the vine, not themselves. Wood or other material that does not require painting is ideal, for the natural woods are really more suitable as a background for vines than are the painted ones.
If you have a wooden house and want vines on the walls, it is a good idea to construct a detachable trellis, hinged at the bottom so that it can swing outward when painting is going on. There will be sufficient flexibility in the tendrils to allow this.
Planting Vines
If you are planting annuals, ordinary digging in well-drained soil should suffice. But if you are planting perennials, you will want to plant them as well as any shrub; remember that if they are planted close to the foundation, the soil may be poor initially and may need preparation. The hole should be at least 2 feet square. Break up the bottom soil and mix in bone meal, peat moss, etc.
If you are planting near the house, be careful to place the vine far enough from the overhanging eaves so that water will not drip on the leaves. In winter weather, wet leaves can freeze in the evening and crack. Also, if the vines are placed against a sunny wall they will get reflective heat, and so they should receive extra watering in hot weather.
Decorative and functional, vines are often the answer for older homes as well, the ground-covering varieties serving as cover for foundations and banks, others spreading a carpet of flowering greenery over walls, making fences seem friendlier and stone buildings less harsh.
The methods by which vines climb will necessarily influence and determine your selection. Some vines, such as grape vine, have tendrils which reach out and grasp small objects to hold on to; these vines need a lattice or fence. Others, such as Boston ivy, have adhesive discs that fasten on to a brick or stone wall, and still others, such as the climbing hydrangea, hold to a masonry wall with small, aerial rootlets.
Finally, there are those that climb by twining around other branches or poles, climbing from left to right, or right to left (like honeysuckle). This type can be parasitic in the worst sense, climbing over small bushes and trees and completely strangling them.
No vine should be unsupported, however, and attractive vines are those which are carefully trained and held up. Supports such as arbors, trellises and per golas need not be elaborately constructed, since their function is to display the vine, not themselves. Wood or other material that does not require painting is ideal, for the natural woods are really more suitable as a background for vines than are the painted ones.
If you have a wooden house and want vines on the walls, it is a good idea to construct a detachable trellis, hinged at the bottom so that it can swing outward when painting is going on. There will be sufficient flexibility in the tendrils to allow this.
Planting Vines
If you are planting annuals, ordinary digging in well-drained soil should suffice. But if you are planting perennials, you will want to plant them as well as any shrub; remember that if they are planted close to the foundation, the soil may be poor initially and may need preparation. The hole should be at least 2 feet square. Break up the bottom soil and mix in bone meal, peat moss, etc.
If you are planting near the house, be careful to place the vine far enough from the overhanging eaves so that water will not drip on the leaves. In winter weather, wet leaves can freeze in the evening and crack. Also, if the vines are placed against a sunny wall they will get reflective heat, and so they should receive extra watering in hot weather.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Using Popular Rose Varieties In Your Garden
When many people think of gardening, their thoughts turn first to roses, and there is no wonder. Roses are among the most popular, and certainly most beautiful, types of flowers there are. In addition, roses are a huge part of both the gardening hobby and the professional flower business. There are even rose and flowers shows were master gardeners proudly show off their lovely creations to an awestruck crowd.
Whether your ultimate goal is to take the big prize at the next rose show or just enjoy a few roses in your garden, it is important to get a feel for the many varieties of roses on the market. Roses are among the most varied flowers on the market; they come in virtually every color of the rainbow and in blooms ranging in size from a fraction of an inch to almost a foot in width. This article focuses on a few of the most commonly seen rose varieties.
impinellifolia Roses Pimpinellifolia roses are renowned for their hardiness, and their attractive foliage and lovely blooms make them a great choice for the beginning rose enthusiast or the experienced gardener. These roses come in pink, red, yellow and white blossoms, and they grow on attractive and very compact bushes.
Boursault Roses Boursault roses are of the climbing variety, and they are said to be the result of a cross between an early variety of China rose and the R. Pendulina rose. This cross is thought to have occurred during the reign of Napoleon, who was a well known rose enthusiast. The blossoms of this rose are somewhat large, and they grow in either small or large clusters depending on the variety. The blooms come in various shades of pink and red. Many varieties can reblossom later in the season.
Sempervirens Roses The Sempevirens is similar to the Boursault, in that it is also a climbing rose. The Sempervirens originated in the Mediterranean region of the world, and it has large leaves accented by small white flowers which grow in large clusters. This variety of rose was studied extensively by rose enthusiasts as far back as 1820, and it continues to be one of the most popular varieties of climbing rose on the market today. This variety of rose is seen in various shades of pink and white.
Setigera Roses The Setigera variety of rose, known to the scientific community as R. setigera, has a reputation for being a hardy and tough plant. That hardiness may be due to the fact that R. setigera comes from the prairie region of the United States, a difficult environment to say the least. The setigera rose has been used in breeding programs to create many very hardy varieties of climbing roses, most notably the crosses with the Noisettes and Gallicas varieties.
Wichuraiana Roses The Wichuraiana rose, also known as R. wichuraiana, is a frequently seen wide spreading cluster rose. It is used both as a climbing rose and as an attractive ground cover.
About the author: Steve Hall is the owner of http://www.your-official-guide.com, your one-stop location for getting the information you are looking for on a wide ranging and ever-growing list of subjects.
Whether your ultimate goal is to take the big prize at the next rose show or just enjoy a few roses in your garden, it is important to get a feel for the many varieties of roses on the market. Roses are among the most varied flowers on the market; they come in virtually every color of the rainbow and in blooms ranging in size from a fraction of an inch to almost a foot in width. This article focuses on a few of the most commonly seen rose varieties.
impinellifolia Roses Pimpinellifolia roses are renowned for their hardiness, and their attractive foliage and lovely blooms make them a great choice for the beginning rose enthusiast or the experienced gardener. These roses come in pink, red, yellow and white blossoms, and they grow on attractive and very compact bushes.
Boursault Roses Boursault roses are of the climbing variety, and they are said to be the result of a cross between an early variety of China rose and the R. Pendulina rose. This cross is thought to have occurred during the reign of Napoleon, who was a well known rose enthusiast. The blossoms of this rose are somewhat large, and they grow in either small or large clusters depending on the variety. The blooms come in various shades of pink and red. Many varieties can reblossom later in the season.
Sempervirens Roses The Sempevirens is similar to the Boursault, in that it is also a climbing rose. The Sempervirens originated in the Mediterranean region of the world, and it has large leaves accented by small white flowers which grow in large clusters. This variety of rose was studied extensively by rose enthusiasts as far back as 1820, and it continues to be one of the most popular varieties of climbing rose on the market today. This variety of rose is seen in various shades of pink and white.
Setigera Roses The Setigera variety of rose, known to the scientific community as R. setigera, has a reputation for being a hardy and tough plant. That hardiness may be due to the fact that R. setigera comes from the prairie region of the United States, a difficult environment to say the least. The setigera rose has been used in breeding programs to create many very hardy varieties of climbing roses, most notably the crosses with the Noisettes and Gallicas varieties.
Wichuraiana Roses The Wichuraiana rose, also known as R. wichuraiana, is a frequently seen wide spreading cluster rose. It is used both as a climbing rose and as an attractive ground cover.
About the author: Steve Hall is the owner of http://www.your-official-guide.com, your one-stop location for getting the information you are looking for on a wide ranging and ever-growing list of subjects.
Thursday, June 14, 2007
growing aloes
When growing your aloes it is good to know what the aloe habitat of that aloe species is and try to imitate that as much as possible.? On the other hand, most aloes for sale are hybrids and even if they were a species, it is seldom possible to get the right identification.
There are a few rules that can be followed for any aloe.
Aloe hybrids are much easier than aloe species in that the hybrid has a wider choice of growing conditions inherited from at least two different aloes species.
In the wild aloe habitat most species occur on hill/mountain slopes or ridges.? Follow this pattern by giving aloe plants plenty large and small stones around the roots for drainage. Good drainage is essential; as is? humus and old manure.? In the wild, leaves and dry grass get blown amongst the rocks and stones.? Add some Dolomite gravel it will not harm the plants as it dissolves slowly so that?it gives a good calcium/magnesium balance which is appreciated by most, and essential to some aloes. If dolomite is not available, sprinkle roughly one half teaspoon? Epsom salts and a full teaspoon lime around the plants at monthly intervals for 3-4 months in the rainy season.? Aloes can withstand some rain and water in a warm climate provided they get a chance to dry out every few days.? Aloes can also withstand short periods of frost in a dry climate.? Growing aloes in the open garden, in a wet cold climate? is near to impossible.? However by planting aloes in pots or containers and moving them inside you can still grow your aloes.?
Having said that -? Aloe polyphylla comes from the high mountains in Lesotho, covered in mist and often in snow - this aloe is very difficult? to grow in other areas in South Africa. However it is growing virtually without problem in the United Kingdom and many countries with cold wet winters, which brings us back to - "aloes are easy to grow given the right climate and growing medium for that aloe species".
Aloes are easy going and need very little maintenance.? The two ways to kill an aloe easy is with water and by aphids(with the help of ants).
For summer rainfall areas. An aloe can go for months without water, but they rot very easy when wet. ? Keep them in a dry place and resist the temptation to water them.? They will not die of thirst.? How much water is the difficult question.? Once or twice per month in the summer -? only in desert regions.? Where summer rain occur, do not water the aloes.? In very cold climates, no water in winter.?? No need to water in winter in any case, as they will get enough water in the summer.?
For winter rainfall areas.? Here the rules will be once or twice a month in the summer for the summer growing aloes only. Which is most aloes.? Plant the aloes on stones to keep the water running off quickly from the winter rain.? Not many aloes will grow in the winter rainfall areas, try to get aloes that have been doing well in your area.? We are in a winter rainfall area, but our rainfall is not very high and we get no frost.? The number one enemy of aloes are ants? Watch out for any sign of ants. ? They carry the aphids into the crevices of the rosette where the aphids damage the plants and that is a very quick way to loose an aloe to? rot Aphids/ants:-? Wash the aloe plants with a dish washing liquid that contains lemon in a dry climate and where the infestation is still on a small scale. ? However in a wet climate -? it will be necessary to use a poison powder in the case of damage where there are already a lot of aphids .? The danger of rot? is high, keep the damaged aloe plant dry.
wishing you green thumbs up
There are a few rules that can be followed for any aloe.
Aloe hybrids are much easier than aloe species in that the hybrid has a wider choice of growing conditions inherited from at least two different aloes species.
In the wild aloe habitat most species occur on hill/mountain slopes or ridges.? Follow this pattern by giving aloe plants plenty large and small stones around the roots for drainage. Good drainage is essential; as is? humus and old manure.? In the wild, leaves and dry grass get blown amongst the rocks and stones.? Add some Dolomite gravel it will not harm the plants as it dissolves slowly so that?it gives a good calcium/magnesium balance which is appreciated by most, and essential to some aloes. If dolomite is not available, sprinkle roughly one half teaspoon? Epsom salts and a full teaspoon lime around the plants at monthly intervals for 3-4 months in the rainy season.? Aloes can withstand some rain and water in a warm climate provided they get a chance to dry out every few days.? Aloes can also withstand short periods of frost in a dry climate.? Growing aloes in the open garden, in a wet cold climate? is near to impossible.? However by planting aloes in pots or containers and moving them inside you can still grow your aloes.?
Having said that -? Aloe polyphylla comes from the high mountains in Lesotho, covered in mist and often in snow - this aloe is very difficult? to grow in other areas in South Africa. However it is growing virtually without problem in the United Kingdom and many countries with cold wet winters, which brings us back to - "aloes are easy to grow given the right climate and growing medium for that aloe species".
Aloes are easy going and need very little maintenance.? The two ways to kill an aloe easy is with water and by aphids(with the help of ants).
For summer rainfall areas. An aloe can go for months without water, but they rot very easy when wet. ? Keep them in a dry place and resist the temptation to water them.? They will not die of thirst.? How much water is the difficult question.? Once or twice per month in the summer -? only in desert regions.? Where summer rain occur, do not water the aloes.? In very cold climates, no water in winter.?? No need to water in winter in any case, as they will get enough water in the summer.?
For winter rainfall areas.? Here the rules will be once or twice a month in the summer for the summer growing aloes only. Which is most aloes.? Plant the aloes on stones to keep the water running off quickly from the winter rain.? Not many aloes will grow in the winter rainfall areas, try to get aloes that have been doing well in your area.? We are in a winter rainfall area, but our rainfall is not very high and we get no frost.? The number one enemy of aloes are ants? Watch out for any sign of ants. ? They carry the aphids into the crevices of the rosette where the aphids damage the plants and that is a very quick way to loose an aloe to? rot Aphids/ants:-? Wash the aloe plants with a dish washing liquid that contains lemon in a dry climate and where the infestation is still on a small scale. ? However in a wet climate -? it will be necessary to use a poison powder in the case of damage where there are already a lot of aphids .? The danger of rot? is high, keep the damaged aloe plant dry.
wishing you green thumbs up
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