Garden Tips | Home Gardening Idea

Tomato Problems - Tomato Diseases: Foliage

2010-08-20T18:12:00.000-07:00

Growing fresh tomatoes is one of the true joys of the vegetable gardener. But tomatoes can suffer from all kinds of diseases and pests. Problems growing tomatoes are often the result of weather conditions. This is something that is out of the gardeners control. However if you know your area is prone to a certain disease, you should look for varieties that are listed as resistant. Your local Cooperative Extension Service should be able to help you there.

Tomato diseases are rarely fatal, if the proper management is employed. It is important to catch any tomato disease early, before it spreads to all of your tomato plants and possibly other plants in the same family, such as potatoes, eggplants and peppers. Here are some common tomato diseases, their symptoms and what to do if tomato diseases threaten your home vegetable garden.
Tomato Diseases - Foliage
Early Blight Early Blight can affect the foliage, stems and fruit of tomatoes. Symptoms: Dark spots with concentric rings develop on older leaves first. The surrounding leaf area may turn yellow. Affected leaves may die prematurely, exposing the fruits to sun scald. next to: http://gardening.about.com/od/vegetablepatch/a/TomatoProblems.htm

Recipes for Attracting Beneficial Insects to Your Garden

2010-08-20T18:01:00.000-07:00

Aphids, mites, thrips, and other insect pests can do some serious damage to plants in your garden. But don't worry, you don't need to reach for the pesticides to combat these tiny bugs. Try these recipes for attracting beneficial insects to your garden. Ladybugs, lacewings, and other good bugs will arrive for the free meal, and stay to munch on the bad bugs.
Homemade Wheast:

Wheast, a combination of whey and yeast, is used by commercial insectaries to feed ladybugs, lacewings, and other insects. You can buy this bug food from organic gardening suppliers, or you can make a homemade version, minus the whey.

Ingredients:
1 part sugar
1 part yeast

Directions: Add water to the sugar and yeast, mixing until it becomes the consistency of a paste.

Application: Apply the Wheast paste to small wooden stakes, and place them in the soil around your plants. Or, dilute the Wheast in water and apply it directly to your plants using a spray bottle.
Sugar Spray:

A sugar-water solution applied to plants can dramatically increase your ladybug population in just a few days.

Ingredients:
10 tablespoons sugar
1 quart of warm water

Directions: Dissolve sugar in water.

Application: Use a spray bottle to apply solution directly to plants infested with aphids or other soft-bodied insects.
Beneficial Bug Food:

This recipe uses a little honey (made by bees!) to attract good bugs to your garden. You'll need to store it in your refrigerator, and don't keep it longer than a week.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup sugar
2 tsp. honey
4 tbsp. brewer's yeast
2/3 cup of warm water

Directions: Mix all ingredients together well.

Application: Dilute two spoonfuls of the mixture in a quart of warm water. Use a spray bottle to apply the solution to your plants.

Source: http://insects.about.com/od/insectpests/p/recipes-attract-good-bugs.htm

Accepting Imperfection in the Garden

2010-07-15T19:35:00.000-07:00

Despite our best efforts, our gardens don't always turn out the way we pictured them in our heads. Some things are simply beyond our control. Gardeners shouldn't be panicking every time they see a hole in a leaf or bean that's been munched on. That's hard to do when you only have a small garden and every plant counts, but it's still wise advice.

There will always be insects in your garden. Start to worry when there aren't. Some insects are pests, but it usually takes a whole lot of them to do real damage. So keep things in check. Most insects have their favorite plants; plant a lot of variety and confuse them. And even if your cosmos has a bad year, you can always enjoy your coreopsis.

Some insects are just around for a week or two. There's no sense spraying for Japanese beetles once they've burrowed into the ground to lay eggs. There's also no sense in spraying until you know what the problem is. Black mold on a leaf could man a plant fungus disease or it could be growing on aphid honeydew. Get rid of the aphids and you'll get rid of the mold.

This little guy to the right is a baby ladybug. She's going to be feasting on a whole lot of aphids during her lifetime. It's really important to start learning what insects are your allies in the garden and how to attract them. Then, even if you see one of the bad guys, you can relax and know that his time in your garden is going to be short.[http://gardening.about.com/b/2010/07/13/accepting-imperfection-in-the-garden.htm]

Eco friendly garden furniture

2010-05-06T23:24:00.000-07:00

Eco friendly garden furniture

When choosing eco-friendly garden furniture, is it enough for it to be FSC certified? Should we be sticking to local materials or choosing garden furniture made from salvaged or recycled materials?

Is it more sustainable to choose garden furniture made from local materials, or garden furniture made from salvaged wood?

Sustainable garden furniture choices can be a minefield as there is no one right answer. Here are some simple tips to keep in mind when making your decisions...

1/Buy garden furniture made from locally produced wood

There is no excuse for buying teak furniture (even if it is sustainably forested) when so much environmental damage is done shipping it halfway around the world. Choose English Oak from local managed woodland, or if you must have teak, choose furniture made from salvaged or recycled wood

2/Buy recycled garden furniture, or garden furniture that is made from reclaimed materials

Furniture made from recycled or reclaimed materials is clearly the most sustainable option. Garden Boutique have a great choice of stylish recycled metal garden furniture and wooden furniture made from reclaimed wood. These materials are already in circulation and so have a limited impact on the environment.

3/Avoid oil based paints and stains.

Choose wood that is suitable for outdoor use without treatment such as oak, sweet chestnut, larch, western red cedar or douglas fir. If you must colour your wood, choose water-based products so that any wooden furniture can be recycled or composted at the end of its useful life.

This garden furniture is made from 100% recycled aluminium.

Making this garden furniture reuses waste aluminium and consumes only 5% of the energy needed to produce aluminium from ore.

Money really does grow on trees

2010-05-06T23:18:00.000-07:00

These labels are made from recycled coffee cups!

This tealight chandelier looks beautiful decorated with clematis

What Are Your Spring Garden Plans?

2010-05-06T22:54:00.000-07:00

Today I came across this photo of Harry the Pug on my spring path. It tugged at my heart because right now the path is under a foot of snow.

Outdoors it is cold and silent; there are no birds, bees, ground squirrels, or Harry the Pugs walking my garden paths. Truly it appears to be dead. Yet the countdown has begun for spring, at least my personal countdown.

Only a few short months away, it seems like forever until I can put my bare feet into the rich life-filled garden right outside my front door.

I miss spring! Do you?

Give me some sustaining fuel readers - tell me about your plans for your spring gardens. Perhaps sharing a few plans and ideas will make spring come a little more quickly!

A touch of coastal history garden

2010-02-05T23:15:00.000-08:00

Designed by Southend-on-Sea borough council for the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show, this garden aimed to create a touch of early twentieth century, coastal-style nostalgia. With that in mind, they've opted for thick hedges, plentiful fruit and vegetable plants and a mobile hut to represent coastal shepherding of this time. Glass plaques with images of shepherds and sheep complete the quirky theme.

Styled with sustainables garden

2010-02-05T23:04:00.001-08:00

Designed for the RHS Hampton Court Palace Flower Show by students in a nearby school, this garden aims to show how everyday objects can be used to produce green spaces in an urban garden. With that in mind, they have used towers of tyres as planters, scaffoldboard decking and discarded brick rubble. Bright Belisha beacons add colour to the lush, yet low maintenance, evergreen planting, while a postbox with a water feature installed adds yet another quirky element.

Garden Idea: Mirror Detail

2010-02-05T23:04:00.000-08:00

Make a small garden feel larger with a decorative mirror in the shape of a window. Paint the wall behind it a lush green to blend in with the plants, and blur the boundaries of the small space.

Garden Idea: Garden Seating Area

2010-02-02T20:12:00.000-08:00

Hidden at the end of a garden this simple stone bench, set against a backdrop of leafy bamboo, provides a great place to relax. Keep things simple with bark chippings and tall delicate plants.

GArden Idea: Outdoor dining area

2010-02-02T20:07:00.000-08:00

The tall plants and shrubbery surrounding this outdoor dining area with modern garden furniture, creates a real sense of seclusion. A curved patio creates a sense of movement through the garden, the soft lines complementing the planting to establish a relaxing outdoor space.

Home Idea: Formal terrace

2010-02-02T20:04:00.000-08:00

Unfussy furniture and sleek containers give structure to this living space, while a neutral palette of chocolate, cream and sage green blends well with the surroundings to give a chic, sophisticated look.

Elegant garden setting

2010-02-02T19:50:00.000-08:00

For an elegant garden setting whatever the occasion, use lighting along a path to lead guests to a relaxed seating area. Layer a country-style bench with comfy cushions in pretty floral fabrics and keep the area shaded with a decorative parasol.

Garden Ice House

2010-02-02T19:31:00.000-08:00

The Basic Skills program was developed by U.S. Figure Skating, the national, governing body of skating on ice in the United States. U.S. Figure Skating is a member of the International Skating Union (ISU) and a member of the United States Olympic Committee

The Gardens Sports US Figure Skating Learn to Skate Program, taught by The Chesapeake Skating School, has been formed to provide and fun, safe atmosphere for all students (Age 3 and above) to learn how to ice skate. The Tot and Basic 1-6 levels are geared towards the fundamentals of skating and develops the skills that are necessary for recreational, figure, ice hockey and speedskating. The Basic 7, Basic 8, and Freestyle levels develop the skills necessary
for advancement into figure skating.

The best program of its kind, the Basic Skills Program consists of a comprehensive lesson/test structure that is exciting, rewarding safe and fun. It has proven to be an overwhelming success across the United States.

ISI->USFS Skating Level Conversions

Never Skated or on Pre-Alpha=Basic 1-2

On Alpha=Basic 3,4

On Beta=Basic 5,6

On Gamma=Basic 7,8

On Delta=sign up for Freestyle 1

All other Freestyle levels will be evaluated by an instructor.

Program Includes:
One 25 minute lesson weekly
Free skate rental (when you come to the class)
Six practice sessions. (to be used during the series, does not include skate rentals)
USFS test badge upon completion of level

Learn to Skate Schedule:

Series 1 - 01/04/2010 – 02/15/2010 (No Class January 18 2010 )
Series 2 - 02/20/2010 - 03/29/2010
Series 3 - 04/10/2010 – 05/22/2010 (No Class May 15)
Series 4 - Tuesday/Thursday (3 weeks) - 06/01/2010 – 06/17/2010
Series 5 - Tuesday/Thursday (3 weeks) - 06/29/2010 – 07/15/2010
Series 6 - Tuesday/Thursday (3 weeks) - 07/20/2010 – 08/05/2010
Series 7 - Tuesday/Thursday (3 weeks) - 08/10/2010 – 08/26/2010
Series 8 - ( 7 week series) - 09/11/2010 – 10/25/2010
Series 9 - (7 week series) - 10/30/2010 – 12/13/2010 (No Class November 27 and 29)

Home Page: http://www.thegardensicehouse.com/programs_lts.html

Garden Of Life

2010-01-31T20:51:00.000-08:00

7.30 : I wake up and the house is still quiet. Saturday. I slide out of bed, go into the kitchen to make a cup of tea, and open the shutters. The outside thermometer says 18°C, so it’s just warm enough still to sit out on the balcony and have breakfast. Make the most of it – it won’t last long now that October has arrived. The balcony’s looking a mess – a general clear-up is necessary.

10.00 : Things are starting to improve. I’ve got rid of a few annuals which were looking tatty, and re-organised the containers so that the plants which are still blooming are near the windows. I don’t think the zinnias are ever going to stop. They’ve been going for over three months now, and are still showing buds.

10.30 : Have spent the last half hour dead-heading and seed collecting. The mirabilis jalapa is still flowering, but is now covered with seeds. I’ve already collected enough to start a nursery, but I can always give them away. Every so often I drop one and it falls off the balcony onto the path below where the little kids play. They’re poisonous, so I go down and spend ten minutes hunting for them just in case.

11.00 : Get out my gardening books and magazines to find out what I need to be doing this month. Planting out the biennials and generally preparing for winter it seems. I’m out of compost and am going to need some for the re-potting I want to do later. Time for a quick walk to the garden centre. I’m lucky – garden centres in Milan are few and far between but ours is only two minutes away. Otherwise it’s a trip out of town, or wait and see what they’ve got at the weekly street market. Resist heroically the temptation to buy more plants.

11.40 : Two bleary teenage eyes peer round the door onto the balcony inquiring if we’re having lunch soon or if it’s worth having breakfast. Seeing me up to my elbows in stable manure, he opts for cornflakes.

2.30 : Time for the weekend shopping. As we go in, a stand of plants catches my eye - cyclamen at ridiculously reduced prices. Look a bit closer and see why – they’re half dead. But there are three at the back that look all right. What the hell. I’ve got some coming on, but I’m not convinced they’ll bloom this winter. And mine are all red or white – these are violet. Add them to the trolley.

4.00 : Back home. Decide to sit down and blog for a while. While I’m doing it, my son wanders into the study to tell me about a video on organic produce calledGrocery Store Warswhich he saw at school. Says it’s funny. We watch it together and it is.

6.00 : It’s been a few days since I watered and today has been sunny, so I go out to do it. Remember that I’ve run out of liquid fertiliser. It can wait. Nearly time to stop, anyway

Home page: http://www.wellsphere.com/gardening-article/blast-from-the-past-tuesday-a-day-in-the-gardening-life-of/760297?query=Garden+Of+Life

LIA Turbo Networking - Garden City Hotel

2010-01-31T20:31:00.000-08:00

LIA Turbo Networking - Garden City Hotel from TeleStory Pictures on Vimeo.

American Garden Design 2010

2010-01-29T23:07:00.000-08:00

This backyard in Santa Monica, California, may be small, but it can still contain a beautiful meadow. The lawn consists of California dune sedge (Carex pansa); accent grasses include muhlys (Muhlenbergia) and sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum).

Blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) and buffalo grass (Buchloe dactyloides) form the base grasses in this meadow; accents and background grasses grow up through them.

A designed meadow can be exquisitely layered with plants, just as nature is, and as horticulturally sophisticated as any fussy perennial border. Grass is the glue that holds it all together.

Low flowering bulbs and perennials evoke a mountain meadow in this hot Napa Valley courtyard. The garden is more heat and drought tolerant than it might seem.

The Matus-Sheehan garden, Padadena California: This garden is perfect for strolling with drink in hand. You'd never know that it's in the heart of the city.

Home Design - Interior Design for Garden Idea

2010-01-29T22:56:00.001-08:00

Need inspiration for decorating your home & garden?
At Look4Design you can easily navigate to view a wide variety of exhibitors in the area of home and interior design. The products are shown using a unique technology which makes them easy to view.
There is a careful selection process of the companies which participate in this exhibition.
The exhibitors must comply with the highest quality design standards.

Visit site: http://www.look4design.co.uk/?gclid=CIW29qXEy58CFYMvpAodREeG1g

Garden Plans for 2010

2010-01-02T18:51:00.001-08:00

How to start a perennial gardening business has been covered before but a more detailed plan and blogging results will follow. With times being tough for many the added income of growing your own plants, trees and shrubs will be helpful plus you may be able to add a little additional income from selling plants to friends or the neighborhood.

An herb garden or herb business is rather easy and easy to start with only a few plants. You may be able to trade herbs with someone else for a larger plant variety plus the benefits of herbs for cooking, crafting and your health are invaluable.

Fast and easy hand built greenhouse plans will be covered. I know they are easy. I put one up myself and it’s still standing. It’s made of old recycled windows and heated by solar heat. I picked up most of the windows for free so my main cost was for a fan and a door.

Plans and sharing ideas for a recession or community garden will also be covered more in-depth. By studying victory gardens from the past you can learn secrets from experienced gardeners.

Information on indoor plants, outdoor plants, fruits and vegetables will be covered. The information will either be covered here or links will be provided for the information you need to plant and harvest a successful garden.

There will be the addition of a forum to ask your gardening questions.

Gardening makes a great hobby, provides fresh air and exercise, it’s a time families can spend together and most importantly, its save money and at the same time provides healthy fresh food.

Home Tips Decoration Idea For Holiday

2009-12-25T01:58:00.000-08:00

Home Tips Decoration Idea For Holiday

* Get kids involved. When you create crafts with your children, you’re not just making decorations, you’re making memories that will stay with them throughout their lives. Plus, making crafts together will make each item feel that much more meaningful when you use it to decorate your home.

* Choose craft items that complement your home’s overall theme. For example, if you love clean, contemporary modern lines, make items that mimic that look. Crafts that incorporate reflective surfaces and metallic looks will fit well with contemporary themes. Softer fabrics and materials will mesh with a country theme.

* Make crafts that will endure and be durable for seasons to come. “You’ll invest your time and a bit of yourself in every item you make,” Skinner says. “Opt for items that will be easy to care for and that will appeal to your sense of the holidays not just this year, but next year and the year after that as well.”

* Give yourself plenty of time and space in which to create. You’re not rushing the season if you start working on your holiday crafts in early November or even late October. You’re just giving yourself plenty of time to accomplish everything you want to do. Also, dedicate a specific area of your home to your crafting and keep all your projects in one place – this way you’ll have everything you need at your fingertips.

Water Gardens & Ponds

2009-12-03T06:02:00.000-08:00

A water garden or pond in your backyard to increase the overall beauty, and add a conversation piece to your overall outdoor recreation? We have everything you need to build a backyard water oasis including complete kits, pumps, chemicals, lighting, accessories, and much more! Be sure to check out our garden decor section for a great selection of garden fountains to complement your pond. And a reminder: don’t forget to wear the proper garden apparel, including gloves and protective clothing when dealing with pond chemicals.

www.garden.com

Gardening Tips Question of the Week

2009-11-17T19:03:00.000-08:00

Plant names can be very confusing. One person's 'Love Lies Bleeding' is another's 'Kiss Me Over the Garden Gate'. Then there are those taxonomy enigmas where Actaea is the plant formerly known as Cimicifuga. My feeling is, if the person you're talking to knows what you're talking about, it doesn't really matter if you've got the right name or know how to pronounce it in Latin.

The only time it's truly important that you get the name of a plant right is when you are shopping for a specific plant. The full Latin name will guarantee you get the plant you intended. But even then, it's not important to know the difference between cultivar and variety. Where these terms factor in is if you're planning to propagate more plants. So what's the difference?
Variety
Varieties happen naturally. Plant varieties are changes in a plant species that occur in nature, through cross-pollination, mutation and adaptation. For instance, when a white flowering variety is discovered of a plant that has only been known to bloom pink.
Most varieties will produce seed that grows a plant just like them.
Variety names follow the species and are always italicized and lower case, for example, alba: Baptisia leucantha alba. (Older nomenclature sometimes designated varieties by preceding the name with the abbreviation var.)
Cultivar
Cultivar is a contraction of "cultivated variety". Cultivars are plants that have been intentionally bred to have certain characteristics, like purple foliage or more petals. Cultivars don't occur naturally.
Cultivars usually do not grow true from seed and will need to be propagated by some means other than seed, like grafting, cuttings or repeated hybridization. However they are only considered a cultivar if the distinguishing characteristics that make them unique from the original plants are retained when they are propagated.

Featured Plant: Sweet Potatoes vegetables

2009-11-17T18:50:00.001-08:00

Some vegetables really need to hire better PR people. The poor sweet potato suffers from being confused with the yam. No relation. And the potato. No relation. Sweet potatoes are high in fiber and good sources of Vitamins A & C. How many sweet foods can claim that?

Although they're available year round, they're in season in November and December, making them popular holiday foods. But did you ever think of growing your own sweet potatoes and having a few baby sweet potatoes to snack on in early fall? Or harvesting sweet potato greens all summer? Unfortunately sweet potatoes need a fairly long growing season and a good amount of space, but it's nice to try growing everything at least once, just to know what they're really supposed to taste like.

Gardening Tool Basket

2009-11-10T19:58:00.000-08:00

Product Description
From the Manufacturer
An attractive easily portable chrome tool basket containing a chorme mist spray bottle, multi-purpose pointed scissors with high carbon Japanese SK-5 steel blades and a stainless steel mini tool set for tending to house and patio plants.
Whether it's Mother's Day, Father's Day, Christmas or simply a pleasant surprise, these attractively packaged sets make an ideal gift for the garden lover, and are sure to make a welcome change from the usual socks or soap sets! An attractive easily portable chrome tool basket containing a chrome mist spray bottle, multi-purpose pointed scissors with high carbon Japanese SK-5 steel blades and a stainless steel mini tool set for tending to house and patio plants.

Info / buy now...

Indoor Culinary Herb Garden Starter Kit

2009-11-10T19:48:00.000-08:00

Product Description
Cool indoor herb gardening kit. Grow your own fresh cooking herbs indoors year round. Add zest and flavor to your cooking, and enjoy the fun and benefits of indoor gardening. Nothing improves your cooking like fresh herbs. Herb Kits make fantastic gifts. Contents: Tray, Dome, 50 Peat Pellets, 12 packages Culinary Herbs: Parsley, Thyme, Cilantro, Basil, Dill, Oregano, Sweet Marjoram, Chives, Savory, Garlic Chives, Mustard, Sage, Instructions

Info / buy now...

Pruning Trees and Shrubs

2009-11-06T21:35:00.000-08:00

When To Prune

Generally, the best time to prune woody plants is in the early spring while they are still dormant. Exceptions to this rule include plants that will "bleed" if pruned in winter or early spring. Although this loss of sap causes no harm to the plant, it is a source of concern for many homeowners. To prevent sap loss in the spring, these plants should be pruned when they are fully leafed out. These would include maples (including boxelder), birch, black walnut, elms and honeylocust.

Trees that bloom on old wood should be pruned immediately after blooming. The flowering buds of these plants are produced the previous growing season. These plants include: forsythia, lilac, viburnum, mockorange and spirea.

Evergreens

Evergreens can be pruned in the early spring (March-May) or in early summer after any new growth has hardened. Pines probably have the most particular pruning requirements. In the early spring they produce new growth known as "candles." These candles can be pruned when they have elongated but before the needles fully emerge.

Junipers, arborvitaes and yews can be pruned anytime from mid-April to mid-August. Pruning later would likely leave unhealed wounds that could result in winter damage.

How To Prune

Always make pruning cuts just beyond (Figure 1) a side branch or bud. Plant growth will be directed into the remaining side branch or bud. Pruning paints are usually not necessary except on trees or shrubs that are susceptible to bacterial diseases such as fireblight.

Deciduous Woody Plant Pruning Guidelines
Trees

When removing large branches, three cuts are necessary to avoid tearing the bark. The first cut should be made on the underside of the branch, about 12" out from where the branch joins the trunk. This cut should be one-fourth to one-third of the way through the branch. Be sure to stop before the saw binds. The second cut is made on the topside of the branch, 1 to 2 inches farther out than the first cut. Saw completely through the branch. The final cutting operation should be made just beyond the branch collar (see diagram). Cutting flush to the main trunk should be avoided as the cuts produce larger wounds and are slower to heal. Never leave branch stubs because these serve as entryways for disease organisms. Topping, heading back, hat-racking or stubbing large trees is not recommended! (Figure 2). This method of "pruning" cause a large number of weak, small shoots (suckers) at or near the cut surface. The improperly pruned tree never returns to its characteristic shape or form.

Shrubs

Thinning and heading back are two methods of pruning shrubs. Thinning is removal of a branch by cutting it back to the main stem or ground level. This results in a more open plant without promoting excessive new growth.Heading back is the removal of the terminal portion of a branch by cutting it back to a bud or another branch. The shape of the shrub may be controlled by cutting back to an outward or inward pointing bud, depending on the desired directions of growth. Heading back will promote the growth of new shoots and will result in the growth of a denser plant.

Rejuvenation of a shrub can be accomplished by using a combination of these methods.

Hedges

Hedge plants are pruned to give them a uniform, pleasing appearance or to keep them in bounds. Pruning of young shrubs ensures that many branches will develop at the base of the hedge.

Hedges should be pruned to keep the top portion narrower than the bottom. This allows the sun to reach all sides, permitting full, dense, growth.

Leggy, or thin hedges are best cut back to near ground level in early spring. Rapid regrowth then can be properly shaped to taper the top.

Correct pruning of hedges.

Evergreens

Evergreens need to be pruned based on the presence of their foliage on the branch. Care should be taken not to cut beyond the green foliage portion.

Frequent, light pruning of junipers, arborvitaes and yews each summer for several years will result in a thick and fuller plant (Figure 3).

With the larger pfitzer type junipers that need a reduction in size, follow along the branches to be cut and find some small new growth that parallels the branch. Just above this, make a diagonal cut.

If spruce or pine should lose their tops from injury, simply select the largest lateral of the nearest whorl and gently bend it up and tie to an attached brace. Use cloth or other non-girdling materials for fastening. Cut back other lateral branches by about half so that they do not compete with the shoot that has been selected.

If the tree's top was broken for some time before the damage was noticed, a double or multiple leader may be developing. Remove the leaders farthest from the central axis (Figure 4).

As with deciduous plants, evergreens should always be cut back to a side branch or bud. Do not leave stubs!

Tips For Using Flowering Trees And Shrubs In Your Garden.

2009-11-06T21:24:00.000-08:00

Using trees and small shrubs in your garden:

Crabapple tree flowers

The tendency not to separate the flowers in their own beds, but to plant the so-called "mixed border" where the trees small flowering trees like pear or ornamental shrubs such as rhododendrons join in planting tree crops that can look attractive throughout the season.

This style is practical for the smaller properties, which do not have enough space for separate beds of shrubs and flowers - another reason for not serving on the width of your bed.

Trees and shrubs are way lower maintenance to add all-season color and texture. If you choose carefully, they can be among the easiest plants maintenance.

A garden filled with one of these and one that tends to look messy and need something to pull all together.

Park designers recommend planting all but the largest part of a stand-alone or plant specimens in the odd group of three or five. Depending on the space you have available, it is also a good idea with the bushes.
Selecting Woody plants that will grow

Make sure the humidity, soil and sun requirements, or you select a tree in accordance with the conditions of a bush in your yard. For example, woody plants that grow best in damp situations will do poorly in dry land areas if they never get a drink.

Considering the size and shape of the mature bush or tree that you want to plant. If there are people making a big mistake in their gardens, it is that they seem to forget that plants grow! And then they spent all kinds of pruning (which generally means hacking and damage) woody plants such as forsythia to try to make their gardening smaller.To make it easier and more enjoyable in the long run, take the time to research the right-size the plant before you buy .
Consider the diversity of plants

Do not just plant what the neighbors have. Unfortunately most of the settlements across North America with only a few basic woody plants.

There is a beautiful bush property, as well as flowering trees and fruit to choose from, so that should not be too hard to add some diversity of plants for your garden.
Garden writer Pam Duthie has a very good book about choosing interesting and garden-worthy flowering shrubs and small trees.

Nice People

2009-10-30T21:46:00.000-07:00

There are lots of good reasons to work in your garden, but one of the best reasons is ... the people who walk by while you do.

It is hard, in the heat of late summer, when the garden is a mess and the mosquitoes are relentless, to gin up the motivation to spend a day in the garden.

But your neighbors, strangers and passersby can make it worthwhile.

My neighbors Ruth, Patsy, Ginger and Bob are reasons to take a break, stand in the shade and talk. One or more of them is always outdoors, and they always give me an excuse to talk about the other subject of which I am so fond...my kids.

But three times in the last couple of weeks, complete strangers, out jogging, walking the dog, the husband or the kids, have stopped by to tell me how much my gardens mean to them.

"Even in winter," the woman jogger stopped to say, breathlessly, "I know I will see something in your garden. I wait for the hellebores."

I am embarrassed and I laugh and say that if they like my garden so much, they are welcome to stop and help me with my chores. Then I thank them and tell them that their words will keep me going.

Gardening isn't about snipping roses and placing them gently in a basket on your arm. Gardening is hard, sweaty, dirty work. And the rewards, especially in late summer, can be few and far between.

Sometimes those rewards are walking up the street to see you, and to saw something nice about your gardens.

My Garden; Freshen flowers

2009-10-30T21:33:00.000-07:00

In my column in The Baltimore Sun Thursday, I talk about freshening up your garden and your containers, replacing plants that look leggy or tired, adding fall color or filling bald spots in the garden with something new.

There isn't room in the newspaper to include pictures of all the plants I mention, so I thought I would post them here, on Garden Variety.

My Garden Home

2009-10-30T20:53:00.000-07:00

Goldfish Plant

2009-10-08T18:25:00.000-07:00

Goldfish Plant - 6" Hanging Basket - Blooms Constantly!

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Product Description
The Goldfish Plant, from Southern Mexico and Brazil, is a small, indoor, hanging plant with waxy leaves and tiny orange pouched flowers. This plant needs bright light, but avoid full sun. A windowsill facing east seems to be the perfect place for this plant. Trying to keep the plant about 60 degrees in winter is said to encourage flowering. Prune the stems often in winter to encourage bushy growth and flowers. Keep the soil just damp while in flower. This plant will also benefit from fertilizers, but do not feed it in the winter. Also, you should slow the watering of almost all your plants while they're resting in the winter.

Super Dwarf Patio Banana Plant

2009-10-08T18:24:00.000-07:00

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Product Description
MUSA ACUMINATA SUPER DWARF CAVENDISH BANANA Forget about huge banana plants that need a lot of room. This unique super dwarf allows for growing inside the home, on the porch, or close confines of a patio. Has a very symmetrical and compact appearance: 2'-4' in height. Can produce tasty fruit inside or out. Has been used as ground cover around base of palms which provide strong vertical elements. Easy to grow in containers down to 8" in diameter. Because of its size, our most versatile banana. Hardy in Zone 8 and higher. Comments: This dwarf variety makes a great potted plant for any patio. It has an attractive mahogany colored trunk and will produce a small edible fruit even in a container.

House Plant

2009-10-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

Hindu or Indian Rope Plant

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Product Description
The Hindu Rope Plant is an exotic house plant native to the far east. It is rather easy to grow and can reach lengths of over 8 feet! The plant is easy to grow. It does best in a filtered light window and watered when dry. The plant prefers to be pot bound. The plant has thick, convoluted, dark green leaves, arranged on trailing, twisted stems. Small, white, waxy flowers have red centers and are very fragrant. It is related to the Wax Plant. Proper name: Hoya carnosa compacta. The plant you will receive is growing in a 6" hanging basket and contains 3 plants. The vines are between 3" and 6" long and just coming over the edge of the pot.

Ergonomic Garden Set

2009-10-08T18:00:00.000-07:00

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Product Description
'RADIUS GARDEN' ADVANCED ERGONOMIC BULB TROWEL For bulbs and transplanting Optimized blade with depth markings for precision planting Natural radius grip maximized power and comfort and minimizes hand and wrist stress Santoprene provides secure grip weather wet or dry Ultra-light, super-strong aluminum magnesium blades should last a lifetime of gardening Carded Ergo style hand tool program that was featured at the open buy program

Apollo Precision Tools 18-Piece Garden Tool Set

2009-10-08T17:58:00.000-07:00

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From the Manufacturer
A portion of each purchase is used to help fund breast cancer awareness initiatives. Think "the pink garden tool kit" as the perfect gift!! The 18 piece garden tool set contains useful tools for all your gardening needs. Includes pruning shears, soft grip hose nozzles, quick hose connects and water splitter/controler. The knee pad is convenient and comfortable for weeding and planting. Tools are contained in a sturdy blow molded carrying case. ANSI physical and critical dimensional quality standard compliant.

Product Description
This 18 piece garden tool set is perfect for all your gardening needs. Includes: • 8.5" pruning shears • 8.5" anvil pruning shears • Knee pad • Trowel • Narrow trowel • Rake • Pitch fork • Weeder • Bulb planter • Edging knife • 6 function hose nozzle • Adjustable metal hose nozzle • y hose coupler with swivel 1/2" hose connector • 1/2" waterstop hose connector • Three 3/4" tap adaptors Assembly level/degree of difficulty: No Assembly Required.

5 Dark Red Clivia Seeds - Rare - Easy to grow

2009-10-05T18:43:00.000-07:00

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Product Description
History: From the moment of their discovery in the early 19th century, clivias have had a profound effect on horticulture. Gardeners in Japan particularly became enchanted by these members of the amaryllis family soon after the plants reached that country from their native South Africa. Europe wasn't far behind. In England, the most spectacular species, Clivia miniata, was put on display before its identity was known, and the first flowers created a sensation. It proved to be a durable and long-lived plant, and its large seeds were readily produced and easy to germinate. Before long, the plant breeders were at work, using some of the fine selections that had been discovered in the wild and brought back to Europe. By the end of the 19th century, spectacular new hybrids were being shown and illustrated. And then they disappeared, victims of the upheavals and fuel shortages caused by the First World War. However, interest has been rekindled with a vengeance. An international movement has changed this plant in many different and exciting ways. Belgian breeders, for example, have transformed clivias into more petite, rapidly maturing pot plants, selling more than 700,000 plants per year in Europe. Chinese breeders have selected clivias for unusual leaf patterns and shapes; single plants there reputedly sell for as much as $10,000. Individual seeds from desirable parents can sell for as much as $10 to $20 each. In South Africa and California, new colors such as peaches, apricots, and pinks are becoming popular

Golden Dragon Clivia Plant - RARE - 4" pot

2009-10-02T18:35:00.000-07:00

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Product Description
New Variety Introduction to the US. Exclusively from Hirt's! Clear bright yellow color. Vigorous growth. Multiple flowers per stalk. Tough plant. Representing more than ten years of breeding and selection in Japan and the US, Clivia Golden Dragon is a superior strain of Yellow Clivia. The clear yellow flowers have no orange or red markings to darken the power of their color. This clean yellow can be seen at a distance, making them ideal to brighten dark corners, or shaded indoor planters. Flower clusters are large and long lasting. Clivia are tough plants, known as survivors, proven soldiers for long-term use in mall plantings, indoor containers, and landscapes. Clivia Golden Dragon makes a good plant even better, by offering a distinctive form and bright vibrant yellow color option to homeowners, designers, and landscapers. Yellow is a rare color in Clivia. Most clivia are red or orange. Golden Dragon represents the best of Horticultural effort to make the unusual and beautiful available to the general public. Flowering begins in February and continues through May. Cultural Info Temperature. Frost-free locations. Growth is fastest with 60F nights. In frost-free areas, can be used outdoors in any shade location. Light. 1000-3000 ft candles Humidity. Thick leaves and bulbs of this South African plant tolerate a wide range of humidity Watering. Keep moist Soils and Substrate. Fastest growth occurs in a light organic substrate such as peat, peat/bark, or peat/wood shavings. The plant you will receive is growing in a 2 1/2" pot and is about 6 inches tall.

Bonsai Garden Plant

2009-08-12T21:21:00.000-07:00

Bonsai is the art of growing trees and plants and of keeping them diminutive by growing them in a pot. it also includes the use of skilled pruning. The plants and trees are formed to create an aesthetic shape and the illusion of age, although many trees are quite old and simply show their age in miniature form.

In China, the art of penjing is very similar and is the precursor of the Japanese art of bonsai. The word is pronounced "Bon zai" - and each syllable has equal emphasis.

Water about once a day, never allow the soil to dry out, but be careful not to overwater. The soil should be kept just moist at all times.You will need to water more frequently in hot weather and in the growing season and less in winter.

The larger leafed varieties should have their leaves sprayed occasionally. But never do this in the heat of the day or while the tree is receiving direct sunlight. Sun on water droplets has the same effect as a magnifying glass—the leaves will be burnt or scorched.

Use different grades of coarse mixed soil which are suitable for your particular tree, some water retentive and some open and porous. If you use too fine a soil it will clog down when watered and not enough air will be able to circulate around the roots.

Put the coarsest soil in the bottom of the pot, above the crocks, and the finest soil on top and around the roots.

Bonsai (盆栽, "tray gardening" in Japanese), like pot plants, need regular feeding with a liquid fertilizer during the growing season. This is because their roots are restricted as to the area they can stretch out to in search of food.Use different grades of coarse mixed soil which are suitable for your particular tree, some water retentive and some open and porous. If you use too fine a soil it will clog down when watered and not enough air will be able to circulate around the roots.

Put the coarsest soil in the bottom of the pot, above the crocks, and the finest soil on top and around the roots.

Prunethem to give them shape and a bushy appearance. This should generally be done in spring. Never prune roots and the top growth at the same time, as this will give the plant too much of a shock.

Cut off the top tips to get a bushy look. And prune carefully to give the tree the desired shape. Think about the final shape you want the tree to have, and consider the angle from which it will be seen. (If you buy a ready-grown plant you will of course only have to trim it, its basic shape will have been established long before you bought it).

Wire is twisted around the trunk or branches to encourage growth in a particular direction, or to develop a gnarled-looking twist. Do not wire immediately following repotting as you must allow time for the plant to settle. Use copper wire - except for Cherry trees or young delicate shoots where pipe cleaners should be used. Do not wire unnecessarily and be careful not to damage the branch. Remove the wire as soon as the branch is set in its new position.

When wiring the trunk of the tree the end of the wire must be anchored so that it is taut enough to pull the trunk in the required direction. You can do this by inserting the wire through the drainage hole while you are repotting, and then leaving it on the surface of the soil until you are ready to wire the trunk.

Root pruning is done when repotting and does not, in itself, dwarf a tree - rather it promotes healthy growth. The fine roots feed the tree and the larger ones hold it firmly in the ground. Carefully knock off most of the earth, then trim the large coarse roots as, clearly, they are not really necessary. Also remove any broken and dead roots. There should be a space of 1-1 inch between the root ball and the side of the container.

Pruning roots in this way also helps to ensure that they get enough air. Too many roots tangled together (or heavy soil) prevent this. Remember to use a sharp tool when pruning the roots to avoid damaging or bruising them.

Cactus Plants

2009-08-12T21:14:00.000-07:00

All plants belonging to the cactus family have six characteristics in common.
The fruit is a single-celled berry. The seed pod has no internal divisions to divide it into sections. It may be dry, juicy, smooth or spiny, and often large and highly colored.
Each seed has two cotyledons. This means that when the seed germinates the two seed leaves appear at the same time. They remain to supply food for the developing plant—they disappear as the plant becomes established.
Areoles or spine cushions are always present. These are latent points for growth, usually bearing cushions of wool or glochids. From these areoles, arise new spines, leaves (if any) roots, new joints and flowers.
The flower is borne above the fruit. This means the ovary is inferior. The ovary must be below the point where the petals are inserted.
The stigma is always divided into a number of lobes—in the genus Echinocereus they are a vivid green.
The waxy covering of the cactus skin often apparent as a 'bloom' on some cacti, again helps reduce diffusion of water vapor through the skin during the hot weather. Fluting and ribbing of the stem allows the rapid expansion or contraction as water is supplied or withheld with a minimal risk of splitting. This permits the plant to store water reserves rapidly when water is available. The thin-walled cells also help the storage.

Several species have also developed tuberous roots for additional water storage. These roots are often bigger than the exposed stems of the plant eg. Peniocereus johnsonii. The plants which are exposed to hot desert sun have evolved a copious spine covering, which helps to give protection to the skin by shading it to some extent.

Cacti must have:
A well-drained compost free of stagnant moisture, containing little or no active nitrogenous material.
A proper resting period during winter to develop the previous season's growth and help develop the flower buds in many species.
Ample light and fresh air such as a well-lit, ventilated glasshouse or northern aspect. Some of the plants will tolerate a southern light. In the towns it is a good idea to spray overhead to wash off the dust and allow the breathing pores to function to their best ability.
Those who grow them in the snow areas—cacti will need protection from frost and snow, since too much will lead to rotting or unsightly scarring.

Cacti will not tolerate:
High humidity combined with cold—they will rot.
Nitrogenous fertilisers as commonly found in garden fertilisers, either natural or artificial. It is better to use very old animal manure or leaf mould.
Too much watering or too high temperature during the dormant season is nearly always fatal and is the most common fault of new growers. Too much water in the cold weather will cause the roots to rot off. If the temperature is too high, the plants will be forced to start into new growth too early to the detriment of the next season's flowers.
Fumes from gas heaters, fires or kero heaters are all highly dangerous to cacti. These fumes will kill them. Any form of combustion heating is safe, providing the exhaust fumes are prevented from coming in contact with the plants.All plants belonging to the cactus family have six characteristics in common.

Small Garden Plans

2009-08-12T20:38:00.000-07:00

Free Garden Plan

Our free Planting Guide for this garden includes a larger version of the illustration, a detailed layout diagram, a list of plants for the garden as shown, and complete instructions for installing the garden. (Free, one-time registration allows unlimited access to Planting Guides for all garden plans.)

Midsummer Color in the Perennial Garden

2009-08-12T20:30:00.000-07:00

It is midsummer, the time of ripeness in the vegetable garden, full-blown fruits in the orchard, and hot summer color in the perennial garden. This is a time when days are lazy and there is not a lot of incentive to getting out in the garden for weeding. Hammocks are much more fun.

I thought I'd give you some of my recent favorites for color that will amaze and enthrall you in the heat of summer. Natural colors for this time of year are the reds, oranges, and yellows. Think of the field of black-eyed Susans or the red-orange of Mexican sunflowers. However, there are also some pinks and blues that pop up in midsummer so don't feel that you only have to use a warm palette.

Tithonia
These annual sunflowers tower at 6 to 7 feet, and have exciting reddish-orange blossoms of about 5 to 6 inches across. The huge shrubs make a statement at the back of the border and will grow just about anywhere you have full sun. Don't forget to cut a vase-full and bring the light indoors.

Helenium 'Mardi Gras'
With the strange common name of sneezeweed, Helenium 'Mardi Gras' grows to 3 feet with bright red-orange-brown-yellow blossoms. They are more subtle than some other summer bloomers, but they offer a beautiful shrubby accent with hundreds of blossoms.

Ligularia 'Desdemona'
This is a perennial favorite of mine even though it's not a new plant. The huge tropical leaves give way to 3-foot-tall spikes that unfold bold golden daisies. One of the best attributes of this plant is that it grows quite well in shade. In fact, it tends to wilt every afternoon in sun, so give it a shady, moist situation and it will be the star of the garden.

Coneflower
I can't write about summer flowers without mentioning coneflowers. The traditional purple is still a winner, but this has been a hot area of breeding for several years, and coneflowers now come in the most dramatic of colors, from all shades of pink and purple to yellow, salmon, fuchsia, orange, and frosty white. With their brown to orange to golden centers, these are true stalwarts of summer color.

Achillea
The summer garden wouldn't be the same without yarrow. A stunning selection is 'Gold Plate' with huge flower heads, up to 8 inches, with shining golden flowers that last and last. They also make excellent cut flowers and will last for a couple of weeks in a vase.

There are so many other choices out there to use in summer, from coreopsis to lily, phlox, cleome, and torch lily. Take a look at your local botanic garden or even neighbor's yard to find some treasures to add next year.

Vegetable Garden

2009-08-12T20:20:00.000-07:00

When I was young, my parents offered me a tiny plot of ground in our backyard for my own garden. That first season, I grew carnations, tomatoes and cucumbers. The spark was ignited. I've been gardening ever since, wherever I've lived; Colorado, California and here in Vermont. After 30 years, I continue to learn about and experiment with new vegetable varieties and plant combinations. I make discoveries every season. But over the years I've settled on a garden layout that utilizes three-foot-wide raised beds. It is, I think, the key to beautiful and productive gardens.

First, I'm going to review the essentials of a vegetable garden, then I'll describe how I make my raised beds. I believe that if you follow these directions, you'll be well on your way to an abundant harvest and an enjoyable gardening season.
Choose a Sunny Location

There's no better way to start than by choosing a sunny spot for your garden. Most vegetables need six to eight hours of direct sun a day for best results. Leafy greens like spinach and lettuce can thrive with a bit less. As you assess your yard this winter, remember that the deciduous trees that are leafless now will cast shadows as the seasons progress.

If possible, locate the garden so that access to and from the kitchen is easy and convenient. It's best if you can view the garden from a window. When the garden is easy to see and reach, you are more apt to notice what needs to be tended and to take full advantage of the harvest.

The ideal garden location has loose soil that drains well. If your soil isn't perfect, you can improve it over time by adding organic matter such as compost.
Make the Garden the Right Size

A 20- by 20-foot garden gives you room to grow a wide range of crops, including some tasty "space hogs" such as corn and winter squash. A 12- by 16-foot plot is sufficient for a garden sampler with a variety of greens, some herbs, a few tomatoes and peppers, beans, cucumbers and even edible flowers such as nasturtiums for garnishes. By growing plants in succession and using three-foot-wide beds with 18-inch paths, you should have plenty of luscious vegetables for fresh eating and extras for friends.

Use the following plan as a guideline, substituting crops to suit your own tastes. I always include flowers in my garden because they are beautiful and a joy to cut and bring indoors. Flowers also attract pollinating insects to the garden.

Regional Gardening Guide

2009-08-08T20:56:00.000-07:00

Gardening in October is entirely dependant on the weather. If there's an Indian Summer, there is no better time of year to be out in the garden. While gardeners in warm areas will have more to do than their northern counterparts, there are plenty of garden tasks to keep everyone busy in October.

In General
Get your soil tested and add amendments as needed.
Amend your soil with a dressing of compost
Turn your compost pile.
Use your garden debris and leaves to start a compost pile.
Plant trees and shrubs. Be sure to keep them well-watered, even through the winter (Snow permitting).
Make sure all vacationing houseplants are brought back inside.
Continue planting garlic.
Plant cool season annuals. Covering mums and asters on nights when a frost is expected, will lengthen their blooming.
Clear away dead foliage.
Dry and save seed.
Take cuttings of tender perennials.
Harvest and dry or freeze herbs for winter use.
Remove green tomatoes from the plants. Either ripen in a brown paper bag or lift the entire plant and hang upside down in a warm spot, to ripen.
Harvest winter squash once the vines die back, but definately before a hard freeze.
Continue harvesting fall crops like beets, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, kale and leeks.
Clean and put away empty containers and garden ornaments.
Clean and sharpen gardening tools.
Clean bird feeders.
Think about a de-icer for the birdbath. If you're in an area that freezes and you don't have a de-icer, turn your birdbath over to keep it from cracking.
Enjoy the season. Show off your harvest with a fall display.

Beneficial Garden Bugs

2009-08-08T20:37:00.000-07:00

Carpenter Bee
While sometimes regarded as pests, the Carpenter bee is actually an important pollinator. There are over 500 species of Carpenter Bee. Males cannot sting and females are too gentle to sting unless provoked.

Tachnid Fly
The Tachinid Fly helps to control tomato hornworms. They do this by laying eggs in insects. Their larvae eat the infected host and kills it. Tachinid flies also control cabbage lopers, potato beetles and corn borers.

Laydybug Larvae
Like Ladybugs, Ladybug larvae vary in coloration. They can be black and red or black and yellow. If you see these little guys in your garden, be happy! They are working hard to keep your garden aphid free.

Many Beneficial Garden Bugs

Of all the beneficial garden bugs, ladybugs are the most well-known. There are, in fact, many more that will help keep your garden healthy and pest-free.
You might be surprised at what bugs are actually helpful! Enjoy this small sampling of the many beneficial insects in your garden.
These first four images are courtesy of Allison Mia Starcher, author of Good Bugs for Your Garden.

Growing Hydrangeas Garden

2009-08-08T20:08:00.000-07:00

This Climbing type is called Hydrangea anomala ssp petiolaris. It does well in sun or shade and thrives in Zones 4 to 8.

Hydrangea arborescens 'White Dome' is a Smooth hydrangea. It grows in full sun to part shade in Zones 4 to 9.

This beautiful Bigleaf variety, Hydrangea serrata 'Mihagi-Nishiki', grows in Zones 6 to 9 in full sun.

Hydrangea serrata 'Beni-gaku' is a Bigleaf that does well in Zones 6 to 8 and likes full sun.

Hydrangea serrata 'Beni', another Bigleaf type, likes full sun

Growing hydrangeas will add beauty and interest to your landscape. With so many to choose from, you'll want to include several in your planting areas.
This one, a Bigleaf type, is called Hydrangea macrophylla 'Izu No Hana'.

Hydrangea quercifolia 'Snow Flake' is an Oakleaf type that grows in full sun.

This Bigleaf, Hydrangea serrata 'Miranda'

Hydrangea macrophylla 'Endless Summer' is a very popular Bigleaf variety

Flowers in a Garden Border

2009-08-06T20:52:00.000-07:00

Picture of Flowers in a Garden Border.

Mount Vernon Home Idea

2009-08-06T20:49:00.000-07:00

Home and final resting place of America's 1st President, George Washington. During the time that Washington lived here (more than 45 years), Mount Vernon was an 8,000-acre plantation, which was divided into five farms; each was a complete unit. The farm where Washington and his family lived was called the "Mansion House Farm," and is the part of the plantation that we refer to today as "Mount Vernon." Washington inherited the property from his older half-brother, who named the property in honor of his commanding officer, Admiral Edward Vernon of the British navy.

Octagon House|Home Idea

2009-08-06T20:45:00.000-07:00

This residence, designed by Dr. William Thornton who was the architect of the U.S. Capitol, served as a temporary "Executive Mansion" for President James Madison in 1814 after the British burned the White House. Extensive restoration has brought back the home's elegance and Georgian architecture features.

The White House Garden

2009-08-06T20:40:00.000-07:00

Although the White House and its gardens are only open to the public through reservations, you can view the grounds of the White House from the Ellipse and Pennsylvania Avenue.

Each year, the White House hosts garden tours; please visit the Seasonal section of Tour Information for the most recent dates.

U.S. Botanic Garden

2009-08-06T20:37:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Botanic Garden is located on the National Mall across from the U.S. Capitol along First Street, SW. It features Bartholdi Park, the National Garden and the newly-restored Conservatory. Approximately 4,000 plants are on display.

Eucalypt Festival – celebrating our iconic Australian

2009-08-06T20:34:00.000-07:00

The Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne will be celebrating our annual Eucalypt Festival from the 3 to the 19 April 2009.

For information on activities and events follow the link to our website.

If you have a favourite story or photo of a Gum Tree please add it to this page via ‘comments’ below.

Jumping into flower

2009-08-06T20:31:00.000-07:00

One of the most wonderful things about the Australian Garden at the moment are the spectacular Anigozanthos or Kangaroo paws in flower around the garden.

Kangaroo paws are an iconic Australian native plant with distinctive flowers and a diversity of colours, from hot reds through to cool yellow-greens. Hotspots for Kangaroo paws in the Australian Garden are the margins of the Red Sand Garden and the Future Garden – be sure to bring in your camera, they are simply stunning.

Growing Tips: Kangaroo paws are amongst the most rewarding Australian natives to plant in home gardens as they are easy to grow with stunning results. Kangaroo paws grow from an underground rhizome and produce long strappy leaves and beautiful flowers on long stems during spring and summer. There are many new varieties of Kangaroo paws with a wide range of colours to choose from.

To get the best out of Kangaroo Paws in your garden, grow them in a position that offers full sun and well-drained soil. Kangaroo paws are drought tolerant but do require slightly more water while flowering and when they are establishing growth in their first summer.

Pruning Kangaroo paws back to ground level once they have finished flowering is important to keep them healthy.

Tudor Place Garden

2009-08-06T20:26:00.000-07:00

Tudor Place in Georgetown Heights was built by Martha Washington's granddaughter and her husband. The 5-1/2 acre garden features a box edging from Mount Vernon with a large collection of period flowers and shrubs.

The Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne is Still Growing

2009-08-06T20:22:00.000-07:00

The Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne is still growing, with exciting new projects on the horizon including the extended Visitor Centre, second stage of the Australian Garden and newly-opened Woodland Picnic Area.

We appreciate your understanding and patience during these works and recognise that this may from time to time have an impact on visitor enjoyment of the Gardens. However, we are confident that visitors will still be inspired by this amazing Garden.

The Australian Garden is set to expand with the completion of Stage 2 scheduled for mid-2011. Features will include The Ian Potter Lakeside Precinct, Weird and Wonderful Garden, River Walk and much more.

The Visitor Centre

Work to expand the current Visitor Centre is already underway. The extended Visitor Centre will be open to visitors from spring 2009 and will include an auditorium for talks, workshops and displays, a private function room and an extended café.

The Gardens Shop

At The Gardens Shop it will be business as usual. Browse through an exciting range of Australian Garden inspired products.

The Woodland Picnic Area

The Woodland Picnic Area is now open in the RBG Cranbourne bushland, providing a great play space for children, shelter, seats and free BBQ’s.

Hillwood Museum and Gardens

2009-08-06T20:17:00.000-07:00

Hillwood is the former 25-acre estate of Marjorie Merriweather Post, heir to the Post cereal fortune. It features French and Russian art collections as well as beautiful gardens, which are maintained in the same manner as when Mrs. Post lived at Hillwood.

History of Kitchen Garden

2009-08-06T20:10:00.000-07:00

The Kitchen Garden Centre now has a wide range of gifts in stock suitable for gardening enthusiasts. The full range of high quality plants cultivated at the Denbies Kitchen Garden are available to visitors through the nursery. Converted farm buildings to the side of the visitor centre house the Kitchen Garden Centre and display the various seasonal plants on offer. Associated goods are also available, as well as advice on specialist products and growing methods. Vines, fruit fruits and herbs are a particular speciality.

The Kitchen Garden is contained within a two acre walled site near the Denbies House. Happily today, the garden centre is back in full use, being a popular local visit in Surrey and further afield. These days, rather than producing food for estate, the focus has shifted to culinery herbs including rosemary, thyme, marjoram, lavender and dill as well as fruit trees and many varieties of vine.

Felco Classic Manual Hand Pruner Garden Tool

2009-08-03T20:21:00.000-07:00

Technical Details

Hand bypass pruners with hardened nut and bolt and replaceable cutting blade
Anvil blade with deep sap groove to prevent sticking; shock absorbers reduce wrist fatigue
Forged-metal alloy handles with molded-plastic coating for comfort; Swiss, hardened cutting blade
Includes adjustment key and plastic storage package
8-1/2 inches long; 8.5 ounces; lifetime limited warranty

Garden Sprinkler of Water Tools

2009-08-03T20:08:00.000-07:00

Technical Details

You control the spraying of only that which you want watered
Conserves your water by not spraying streets, sidewalks, buildings, windows, people or cars
No more brown spots in your lawns, simply point more noodles at them
Adapts to any shape or pattern you can imagine
Perfect for flowerbeds, sideyards, lawns, patios, courtyards, vegetable and herb gardens

Cider Gum Eucalyptus Tree Herb 20 Seeds - Eucalyptus gunnii

2009-07-30T20:01:00.000-07:00

Eucalyptus is an enormous and fascinating genus. It comprises over 700 species, and accounts for more than two-thirds of Australia's vegetation. It is unfortunate that they are frequently regarded as not being reliably hardy outside of the subtropics, because it discourages people from planting them in cooler areas. There are many reasons to plant a eucalyptus--to begin with, they help to control aphids and other insects, most of them will grow rapidly, even in poor soil (12' per year is not out of the question), and most of them are very attractive--eucalyptus have a beauty all their own. And eucalyptus foliage, which shows incredible variety, is excellent for cut foliage in floral arrangements. Unless it is to be grown as a pot plant for its entire life (more on that below), a eucalyptus seedling must be planted as soon as possible, before too many roots reach the edges and bottom of its pot. Eucalyptus ought to be planted when they are no more than 8 - 14 inches in height. This tree is a native of Australia, but nowadays it is popular in European and American ornamental gardens. The foliage has an attractive silvery-bluish colour and a fine, aromatic fragrance which keeps gnats at bay. Growth is extremely rapid.

Bamboo Palm

2009-07-30T19:53:00.000-07:00

Do you have a low light area in your home or office that needs some green? Do you want a low-maintenance but graceful-looking palm to show off? Well, it doesn't get any better than Chamaedorea florida, or the Bamboo Palm. The Bamboo Palm, or Reed Palm, is a relatively small, graceful palm that grows to about 7 feet. Usually, when these plants are sold in nurseries, they are clumped with about 20 or 30 individual plants. Each stem is long and slender with "nodes" very similar in appearance to bamboo. Although these plants are commercially clumped together to form shrub-like specimens, this palm naturally spreads by suckers or offshoots that are also similar to bamboo. The stems are tall and have about 10-15 fronds each with about 12 dark green pinnate leaflets. As the old fronds die, these should be trimmed off and the leaf bases, or sheaths, allowed to dry. Later, these should be removed to promote good plant hygiene and expose the attractive light green "bamboo stem." Although the Bamboo Palm is mostly used indoors because it prefers shade, it can withstand higher light and will produce flowers and fruit in these environments. The flowers arise from the leaf sheaths, or coverings, and are colored a dull yellow. The fruits are usually small, orange/red, pea-sized berries.

Bambusa Vulgaris Tropical Timber Bamboo

2009-07-30T19:33:00.000-07:00

Bambusa Vulgaris Tropical Timber Bamboo is great bamboo for a large specimen or privacy screen. This beautiful open clumper gives the classic tropical bamboo look and quickly forms an open, straight clump perfect for privacy. It will grow into a 60' tall clump with canes spaced 1'-2' apart and 5" in diameter when planted in the ground. It will grow to full mature height within 3 years. This beautiful bamboo also does well in large containers but will need to be replanted annually. Bring a tropical look to any balcony or patio. Full sun to high light with minimum temperatures of 27F. This is a tropical plant and needs a tropical environment to survive. All plants are wrapped in plastic with some soil removed and carefully bent over to fit a 30" box.

Bambusa oldhamii - Giant Timber Bamboo

2009-07-30T19:18:00.000-07:00

Oldhamii Giant Timber Bamboo is cold tolerant to the low 20's This is the famous Oldhamii timber bamboo used throughout Walt Disney World. It is impressive in mass and stature, with culms that can grow in excess of 4" in diameter and over 55' tall when well watered and fed. It is a very easy plant to grow and with proper water and fertilization will achieve mature size in just a few years. Oldhamii produces tall and very straight timber in a tight clumping pattern. It is truly a well behaved giant. This is a very easy plant to grow which requires little attention once rooted. That being said the more water and food you give it the more it will impress you. Commonly used for large privacy hedges and windbreaks on large properties.

Bambusa Textilis Gracilis Bamboo Plant

2009-07-30T19:13:00.000-07:00

Bambusa Textilis Gracilis bamboo plant is the most sought after landscape bamboo we sell. Used extensively throughout discriminating landscapes for its small footprint and delicate appearance. This bamboo is small enough to grow successfully in a large pot and can be easily thinned and groomed to achieve any shape or form. Gracilis can easily be groomed into a handsome hedge and is a superior choice over Areca palms for it's wind resistance and lower maintenance costs. Gracilis is easy to grow and requires little care once established in the ground. That being said the more food and water you give the plant it will impress you. These are well rooted, large 3 gallon nursery stock shipped from a licensed bamboo nursery. Care instructions are included.

Memphis Botanic Garden

2009-07-28T23:09:00.000-07:00

The Memphis Botanic Garden collection is comprised of 23 specialty gardens covering a total of 96 acres. A favorite of among visitors is the breathtaking Japanese garden which includes ponds with goldfish and lovely bridges which can be seen on the candlelight evening tours in during summer months. The Japanese Garden of Tranquility is a beach garden that includes bamboo, a primary element of the garden. The Memphis Botanic Garden aims to connect plants and people and establish harmony between people and nature while increasing environmental appreciation. An in-depth look is provided by the Memphis Botanic Garden into a variety of plant families, trees and flowers.

The Memphis Botanic Gardens provide a convenient month-by-month blooming calender so visitors will know when certain flowers they really want to see will be in full bloom and at their best. There is also a monthly art exhibit featured at the Visitors Center Gallery which include a variety of media mediums by regional and local artists and provides a good opportunity when shopping for art. During public hours at the Memphis Botanic Gardens visitors can view the works on display which are also for sale.

The Memphis Botanic Gardens also offers adult workshops and events of various kinds. Sketching, painting and multimedia are a few of the more popular classes taken. Other classes available through the Memphis Botanic Garden are Stonescaping, Horticulture Therapy and Nature Arts. On the 2nd Wednesday of each month the garden hosts classes covering a new horticultural topic each week with an expert through their Brown Bag Lunch and Learn Series. The atmosphere is inviting and relaxed and classes begin at noon. Past topics include Plant CSI, Planting to Attract Wildlife and Using a Plant ID Key.

Some of the Botanic Gardens in Memphis include Cactus Garden, Hosta Trail, Four Seasons Garden, Madlinger Azalea Trail and Wildflower Woodland just to name a few. When looking for a perfect place to stop and smell the roses the Botanic Gardens in Memphis are the ideal candidate. Nowhere else in the city will visitors find this kind of amazing attention to detail or green thumb ability.

The quiet and tranquil setting is an experience like no other and a walk through the 23 gardens will be a vast contrast from frenetic city life. Some of nature's most beautiful and illustrious plant life thrives in the Botanic Gardens in Memphis. Sweeping vistas comprised of woodlands and lakes, display gardens and featured gardens provide a unique setting. There are also many Memphis hotels conveniently located near the gardens.

The Memphis Botanic Garden is open to the public from April through to October Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm and Sunday from 11am to 6pm. From November to April the gardens are open from 9am to 4:30pm Monday thru Saturday and on Sundays from 11am to 4:30pm. If interested in plant life a visit to the gardens is one of the things to do in the area. The views are more stunning then can be imagined.

Municipal Rose Garden

2009-07-28T23:01:00.000-07:00

The Berkeley Municipal Rose Garden was dedicated in September 1937 after four years of construction. The building of the garden was a Civil Works Administration project. It was among the many public parks projects sponsored by the federal government to provide employment during the Depression.
The garden was designed by Vernon M. Dean, and construction was supervised by Charles W. Cresswell of the Berkeley Parks and Recreation Department.The main section of the rose garden is designed like an amphitheater, with wide stone terraces facing magnificent views of San Francisco Bay. A semicircular redwood pergola, which extends the full width of the amphitheater, provides not only visual definition to the site but a structure for climbing roses and shaded benches. The planting of 2,500 rose bushes was planned by the East Bay Counties Rose Society under the supervision of Charles V. Covell. The roses were arranged one color per terrace, from shades of red at the top through bronze and pink to yellow and white at the bottom.

The location of the Rose Garden is in a deep canyon named El Valle de Los Codornices (Valley of the Quails) by Don Jose Domingo Peralta in the 1840s. Early entrepreneurs of Codornices Canyon and its creeks were Henry Berryman and Felix Chappellet, who began selling water from the creeks in 1877.
As residential development moved farther north into the upper hills, the Cragmont Improvement Club extended streetcar service into the Cragmont subdivision by building a streetcar trestle across the canyon. The trestle was removed and a land bridge built in the 1920s.
On the east side of the land bridge, the neighborhood Codornices Club had built a park and club house in 1913. However, the west side of the land bridge remained unimproved until the Rose Garden was built.

Victoria Rose Garden

2009-07-28T22:57:00.000-07:00

Beautiful victoria rose garden

Beautiful Traditional Japanese Garden

2009-07-28T22:44:00.000-07:00

The Pureland Japanese Garden and Meditation Centre is a remarkable place. It is a uniquely beautiful garden, and also the home of Buddha Maitreya (pronounced 'My-treeya'), a spiritual teacher and creator of this wonderful space.

The Pureland Japanese Garden, and the teachings and sessions provided by Buddha Maitreya, present a wonderful opportunity to bring spirituality and enlightenment into organisational learning and development. Spirituality and business - or love and business - might not seem an obvious 'fit' according to traditional thinking, however, we live in enlightened times. More and more people are seeking a new meaning from life and work. So there are increasingly significant connections between the ideas of spiritual peace, and what people want from their work and life beyond work. Pureland, based in the English East Midlands close to Newark Nottinghamshire, and Buddha Maitreya, offer a wonderful way to make these connections real.

The Pureland garden reflects Maitreya's approach to meditation and philosophy, in which he teaches self-awareness, peace, and harmony with nature.

Buddha Maitreya acquired the land in 1973. It was then one and a half acres of flat wasteland - the site of an old farm house.

Maitreya has since transformed the space into an extraordinary venue, for people who seek peace and well-being, to discover more about themselves, or for others who simply enjoy visiting beautiful gardens.

The pictures convey a little of the Pureland experience. Visit the garden, or arrange a session for yourself or your team, with Buddha Maitreya, and discover for yourself the wonder of this special place, and this special teacher.

For those too distant to reach the Pureland venue, you might instead consider asking Buddha Maitreya to visit you, to teach relaxation and meditation, and/or maybe to give his talk and slide show about this beautiful Japanese garden and how it was created.

pureland japanese garden views

Traditional Japanese garden elements combine to create a special peaceful space.
Pureland is a maze of seemingly endless features, exquisitely crafted, and immaculately maintained. The story of the garden's construction, from disused farmland into a stunning garden, over many years, and virtually single-handedly by Buddha Maitreya is remarkable in itself.

Maitreya's slideshow of the garden through the seasons is an absolute wonder to behold.

Buddha Maitreya is a wonderful teacher and host. In his company you feel uplifted and centred. People who possess such wisdom and calm, plus the ability to transfer a genuine sense of peace and serenity to others, are extremely rare.

He offers meditation classes, tea ceremonies, and friendly, very reasonably-priced hospitality.

Activities at Pureland include:
individual relaxation and meditation tuition
individual consultation
regular monthly meetings at which Maitreya teaches his simple 'pure meditation' approach to inner peace
group relaxation and meditation sessions
Japanese garden viewings - from the last weekend in March to the last weekend in October
lantern lit evening garden viewings - Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during August and September, 7pm - 10pm
Japanese tea ceremonies - for up to five people
group visits to the garden - available day or evening by appointment

Activities other than garden viewings generally include food and/or afternoon tea, which is available separately if required, and highly recommended when viewing the garden. (You don't have to have an interest in religion and peace and love to view the garden - many people come to Pureland simply to see the Japanese garden.)

Please bear in mind that Pureland is not a large commercial concern. Do not expect the venue to be like a modern conference facility. The meditation centre is basically Maitreya's house and the tea-room for visitors. The meditation centre - house and team-room - accommodates up to fifteen visitors. Of course there is a lot more room outside.

Pureland's appeal lies in its simple beauty, the richness and tranquility of the garden, and the wisdom and teaching of Buddha Maitreya.

Pureland Japanese Garden and Meditation Centre is based in North Clifton, Nottinghamshire, England, just off the A1133 road, half way between Newark and Gainsborough and about 12 miles from each. Pureland is signposted from the main road.

There is ample car parking space.

To make a booking for a lecture, relaxation, meditation or a group visit contact Buddha Maitreya.

Buddha Maitreya is also available to visit you to give talks on higher self-awareness, meditation and meditation guidance.

Maitreya offers a wonderful slideshow presentation (35mm slide projector required) and talks about the creation of the Pureland Japanese garden.

buddha maitreya

Maitreya was born and raised in Handa, near Nagoya, in Japan. From an early age he sought to find truth, and attained enlightenment through meditation, which he then followed through teaching and sharing with others. He completed a Masters degree in Buddhist Theology, and for a while afterwards lived the life of a Zen Buddhist monk. His experiences as a Zen Buddhist monk led him to feel that monastic existence was too harsh and inflexible for modern teaching and application of meditation and Buddhist ideas. Maitreya left Japan and travelled to Thailand, India and Nepal, where he taught meditation for several years. On the invitation of a friend Maitreya visited England, where he began teaching and lecturing at various English universities, including Cambridge, Reading and Lancaster. While visiting Nottingham Maitreya learned of the old pig-farm property for sale in North Clifton, which he decided would be a good base from which to teach meditation, and in 1973 Pureland meditation centre was born.

Maitreya began the serious work of creating the Pureland Japanese garden in 1980. He had no previous gardening or agricultural experience. The flat featureless land was re-shaped into small hills around a newly dug central pond. Large boulders were brought in from a Derbyshire quarry, which helped form the winding paths and walkways. Elements were positioned harmoniously, and to reflect Maitreya's philosophical ideals. Maitreya completed most of the work by hand over many years.

At the core of Maitreya's philosophy are the following principles:
Self-awareness.
Harmony with nature.
Peace - the most important thing in our life.
Meditation provides you with peace, and also lets you be in touch with your inner self.
The purpose of life for human beings is not just to pursue one's 'wordly' life, but more importantly to realise one's True Self.
Life is for us to evolve from 'ego' existence become to Self Awakened.
Learning meditation enables us to become Self Awakened.

Maitreya teaches his own form of 'Pure Meditation' .

His teaching is accessible to all.

Maitreya's teachings are simple and aim to provide a direct path to fulfil the purpose of life, namely 'Self Realisation', and for all people to contribute to the 'Higher Evolution' of mankind.

"Not only the cherry blossom
That has cracked into a smile
But also my face."

(Maitreya, 25 April 2006)

Buddha Maitreya's teachings, and the inspiration and peace offered at Pureland, provide a wonderful perspective for living a good, positive and fulfilled life.

With acknowledgements Buddha Maitreya.

Staten Island Botanical Garden

2009-07-28T22:29:00.000-07:00

Visitors enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Staten Island Botanical Gardens

Within the grounds of the Snug Harbor Cultural Center, The Staten Island Botanical
Garden is a 53 acre natural woodland with over 20 specimen gardens.

Founded in 1977, The Staten Island Botanical Garden is constantly evolving and offers
many classes for school age children, which afford a unique learning experience
combining horticulture, history and art.

The Staten Island Botanical Garden has created a number of gardens which include
representations from particular periods along with contemporary styles. Highlights
include the Garden of Healing which features the World Trade Center Educational
Tribute, the Italian Garden modeled after Florence Italy’s Villa Gamberaia, the White
Garden inspired by Vita Sackville-West’s famous garden in Sissinghurst, England and
the Connie Gretz Secret Garden modeled after Frances Hodgson Burnett’s children’s
classic complete with a child-sized castle and a maze.

The New York Chinese Scholar's Garden at Snug Harbor

The Staten Island Botanical Garden is also home to the first Chinese Scholar's Garden in the United States. This one acre garden is a superbly crafted example of Ming design and houses a collection of 18th and 19th century Chinese furniture. It is set in a Chinese
landscape of flowering trees and bamboo along with a variety of flora native to China.

Water Gardening

2009-07-28T22:20:00.000-07:00

Develop your skills in designing, constructing and maintaining a variety of different types of water gardens (fountains, strams, ponds, waterfalls, etc). Water gardens may be small or large, and when used properly can bring movement, sounds and a character to a garden that cannot be found any other way.

Natural Garden Design

2009-07-28T22:16:00.000-07:00

Create innovative plans for low maintenance natural gardens (bush garden, woodland garden, using either indigenous plants or a mixture of both indigenous and other plants).

A natural garden frequently makes use of the indigenous flora, or native plants of a particular area. It might make use of other plants as well. Your choice of plants for a natural garden will largely depend upon what affect you are trying to achieve. To appear informal a natural garden should have curves rather than being angular; is informal rather than formal and tends to incorporate nature rather than manipulate it. This course have develops your understanding of how the natural environment works.

Ten lessons cover the concept of natural garden design including how to produce concept and detailed plans, plus incorporate plants and landscape features into various types of natural gardens.

Garden Design

2009-07-28T22:06:00.000-07:00

This course has operated for many years as an effective training program for people working, or wishing to work, in the landscape industry; either in their own business, or at a supervisory level for someone else. It is a course which both develops the students design skills (drawing plans, landscape principles, history and styles, planting design, etc), as well as basic knowledge in other areas of concern to the landscaper (eg. horticultural practices, management, plant identification and use, and marketing). On completion of this course the student should be able to draw landscape plans, compile specifications, and prepare cost estimates. There are thirty lessons taking around 6-700 hours to complete.

Beautiful Tropical Garden Wallpeper

2009-07-28T21:59:00.000-07:00

Flowers we have in Europe in summer time for a few weeks or months after intense care often have their natural home here in tropical places and blossom all year here in their home environment. These flower photo also is available as tropical flower wallpapers.

Garden Design

2009-07-21T22:32:00.000-07:00

Design a garden to enhance your home page and create a beautiful scenery around the house.

Elements in the Water Garden House

2009-07-21T20:53:00.000-07:00

The element of water has a million meanings. What if you want to include as one of the design elements in the house?
Elements of water are often to sweeten the garden, such as swimming or simply water the plants. The presence sound of water droplets, reflection ripple-ripple pond and fish lincah movement can create the impression cool and quiet when we relax in the garden.
Unfortunately, often the selection of design elements and type of water or less harmonious with the appropriate park. Consequently, the beauty of the garden will be less than optimal, and then arise to keep feeling lazy. Elements of water and so dormant, dry, dirty or mossy. While not a little cost incurred to create it. Therefore, consideration will need to mature before a select and create elements of water in the home garden. Here are some examples of the common elements of the water used in home gardens:

1. Swimming Relief
Swimming this "patch" on the wall similar natural stone wall. Generally made from chicken wire, stones, and cement. Design focused on the pool wall with a relief texture sketch-sketch stones that cause natural effects. Cost of making relatively expensive because the carpenters need special skills, especially when equipped with a waterfall that requires a water pump.
This type of swimming is very appropriate when the available land, relatively narrow space, but provide a wide perspective, so that relief can be enjoyed from the wall a sufficient distance. For example, the park is located on the back of the house is narrow, but can be enjoyed (seen) from the living room / dining.
Swimming relief can be made for indoor or outdoor gardens. For indoor gardens, need to consider water circulation so that the house does not become moist, especially when decorated waterfall. For plant decoration plant should be selected small Texturized smooth and dangle like braid fern (Nephrolepis biserata), philodendron (Philodendron Sp.) And carriage. Not recommended to plant trees and wooden trunked high. When exposed to enough sun can also be used to dangle flowering plants such as Lantana (Lantana sellowiana) and orchids.
Lighting (lighting) that the plant or to the waterfall on the wall can show the shadow of the beautiful effects. For lighting and sederha
Relief pond maintenance relatively easy. Dark color and rough texture make it easy to not look dirty. However, the pond still needs to be clean and changed regularly so that water does not become a mosquito breeding.

2. Natural stone pond
Overview of almost the same with swimming, but minus wall relief made. Plate is made of stone and cement times. Effect of wild (is not) and natural pond blend arises because the formation of rough times stone and leafy trees that dangle. Swimming natural stone found in many Bali garden, tropical garden, and Japanese garden.Variations can be added to the water fountain or waterfall and a sculpture accents. At the Bali garden, a statue used often associated with mythology and folklore, such as Bali frogs, turtles, and monkeys. Meanwhile, the Japanese garden, accents penciri is Toro and tsukubai (fountain bamboo pipes) and the family's bonsai pine and rhododendron.
Maintenance for this most simple pond. Because the atmosphere of the garden is left natural expression does not need to be cleaned too often. If there are decorative fish must be water and air circulation with the pump. Swimming should be natural stone placed in the area that is exposed to sunlight.
If the land is relatively broad and berkontur, this type of pond can be developed into a kind of miniature river (creek). If made, such as rivers, water sources must be considered. Because the flow is far enough so the water will quickly run out, so that the natural water resources better. Swimming is usually invite people to play water, especially in small children, so that safety factors must be considered. Basic swimming should not be made slippery. Therefore, maintenance is also quite difficult for the need to be cleaned regularly.

3. Square pond
Form a rectangular swimming pool is decorated lips granite or marble tiles. Used in normal and Mediterranean gardens, Balinese gardens, parks and modern.
At the Bali garden, water the plant is used kiambang (Pistia stratiotes). For a fairly large pond can be used as plant water lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), stock (Thypa angustifolia), and water helikonia (Thalia dealbata). While the garden plants that add beauty to the pond, among others, Japan Cambodia (Adenium coetanum), ornamental bananas (Heliconia Sp.) Puring (Codeaum variegatum), and placenta pandan (Pandanus tectona).
In the modern and Mediterranean gardens, swimming square usually serves as a reflecting pool and the focal point. The principle is often decorated stone coral brush, motif mozaik ceramics, and even coins. Because the function as a focal point, the lighting in the pond.When the coated glass in the pool, the swimming bath will impressive light. Plant that is widely used plants such as desert sukulen nuances sikas (Cycas revoluta), palm short, siklok (Aloe agave), yucca (Yucca gloriosa), and cactus.
Maintenance and making of this pool are expensive. Must be regularly cleaned and treated not to mossy. Of granite and marble stones are also quite expensive. Can be used as an alternative to ceramics, andesite stone, or stone temple.

4. Swimming Gush
Gush swimming pool is the water from the shower to accommodate a stick in the wall. Size is usually small and made of concrete. Swimming is usually decorate garden Europe, where water from the gargoyle memancur (water chute) lion-shaped head. Swimming is very suitable for small area can be combined with the style of garden. As swimming can also be perform such ablusins home hygiene water.
Gush of making swimming quite difficult because the need to create a new water network in the walls. Expensive or not depends on the cost of pumps and election materials (granite, marble, or concrete). For treatment, the pond should to brush.

5. Pond Fountain
Swimming is a circular shape with a fountain in the middle. Who are placed in large surface, and made of concrete. And the small "feet" for sale in the form of "so" of fiberglass or ceramic materials. Maintenance are difficult because the need to be cleaned regularly.
Large pond, complete the elegant garden Europe, modern gardens, parks and moslem. Third-style formal garden is symmetrical, that is the composition of plants in the fourth repeat sudutnya. Swimming is usually decorated ornemental detailed and placed in the middle of the garden as a focal point.
Lighting focuses on the details of the water fountain or pond in order to cause a shadow. Do not place the lamp in the garden of the pool not to snatch the attention.
Crops are usually used to smooth and Texturized trimmed. For higher plants, select plants that are not the dominant form and color, such as pandanus and Yuka, so there is a balance between the pond and plants. Not recommended to use water plants.

6. Water Plant in Pot
Pot contains a large variety of water plants or single plant can provide water in a garden accents. Lighting that is focused on the flower or the plant canopy may provide a different scene.
Large pot-shaped jar, according to the very corner of the garden or indoor tropical Bali-style. Crop water use varies from papirus until the water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes). Can be combined with animal sculptures and a normal plant pot. When the water-bearing plants such as lotus, the sun should be enough light is available so that the plants can flower.
Pot white / light-legged and can be used for formal composition, such as European-style gardens. Crop water used should be small. Meanwhile, for the Japanese garden, a pot should be placed as a focal point. Pair with the hard elements such as bamboo and coral with the composition interesting.
Maintenance of the plant pot is not easy because it needs to be cleaned. But needs to hygiene in order not to become a mosquito breeding.
In design, some type of swimming can be combined so that the unique experience such as swimming relief, natural rivers and the mini combined area of the garden, a shower or swimming in the natural stone. Complementary elements also can be combined according to the desire and imagination.

Popular Rock Garden Plant

2009-07-20T20:29:00.000-07:00

Generally speaking, rock gardens should be placed in full sun; most plants you'll use in a rock garden love sunlight. Although you can create an attractive rock garden in a shady spot, your plant choices will be more limited.

Perhaps no other step is as important in planning a rock garden as choosing the right rocks. All too often, a "rock garden" consists of a pile of rounded river stones of various sizes and colors randomly strewn on the ground: Nothing could look more artificial! Instead, use rocks that are uniform in color and texture; ideally, they should be angular in shape with distinct lines or strata. If these similar rocks are placed at roughly the same angle, it will look as though Mother Nature deposited them.Rounded rocks, however, need not be banished from the rock garden, but they should be similar in color and texture. For a natural look, set the first ones quite deeply in the ground. As more rocks are added, make sure that about half of each rock is hidden from sight.

Make sure some of the rocks are very large ones: true boulders. These larger rocks are the keystones of the rock garden. One rule of thumb: If it can be moved by one person, it's too small. Once the boulders are in place, medium-size rocks can be added. Smaller rocks will be needed to fill in any gaps.Rock gardens are also ideal sites for waterfalls. Even a steady stream of water droplets landing in a tiny pond at the garden's base will do. In fact, smaller waterfalls are often the best choice for the home rockery: large cascades of frothy, foaming water are for very massive rock gardens.

Keeping hobby Anggrek Flowers and Roses

2009-07-20T19:55:00.000-07:00

How to plant, tend flowers and orchids roses ;...

How to treat orchid flower, should be put in the place where you shade. Orchid fertilizer that is also given disemprotkan through the leaves on the flowers will grow on the leaves. Usually 1 week once it is given water. Do not be too often even water because it will decompose. If the leaves have decayed, discarded immediately. Stem and flowers that have finished developing, immediately cut the shoots will grow because of the shoot-flower next.
Most people know how to plant it with the paste orchids in trees that are dead, or stick it on the wall (that can already mossy, though the humidity awake). Continue to use the medium also use charcoal or lumber. If the roses, it is better not to need extra attention, be given enough water, get enough sun and do not forget the love of fertilizers (especially for flowering plants). Yes, correct, that would take flowers (roses / orchids), do not forget the scissors, and the leaves / flowers are already dead should start at the scissors.
For months he Anggrek need lighting intensity so that small is better if the shadow tree, while if the type of dendrobium be exposed to the sun. Anggrek months more vulnerable and more difficult the disease is maintenance of Dendrobium orchid that is much more recalcitrant. If beginners are usually easier to maintain the type of dendrobium, a fast growing and flowering.
Fertilization is usually necessary once a week 2x. Fertilization orchids or other plants in general be 2 types, leaves and manure fertilizer flower / fruit. So if still in the vegetative growth of a new alias we want to raise the stem and leaves, we use fertilizer leaves. If the stem and leaves are large, we think we have enough then replace the fertilizer with a fertilizer to stimulate interest generative growth. Brand fertilizer is different, that it is common for Gandasil and Vitabloom. Gandasil D and D Vitablom meant for fertilizer leaves. Gandasil B and B for Vitablom fertilizer flowers. Dishwater rice is also good. Sprinkling also often to be but it must be radical in a prominent fern. Sometimes because of dense roots, a lot of stagnant water in here, this appears to create the appearance of mushrooms, so rotten root of the disease appear.

Bloom flower

2009-06-04T21:05:00.000-07:00

Single Lavender Flower

hot pics flower red rose

White flower rose

jasmine flower

Lavender Flower

2009-06-04T20:36:00.000-07:00

lavender flower heads

leucadendron red bract

little pittosporum

maple red flax

Four Esperance Lechenaultia (fan-flower) species

2009-06-04T20:07:00.000-07:00

Lechenaultia formosa the so called Red Lechenaultia

Lechenaultia is part of the large flora family of Goodeniaceae. Other better known genera include, Goodenia, Scaevola, Dampiera, etc. As a family of fan-flowers there are hundreds of species occurring throughout Australia, their flowers come in all colors and the plants are usually very common after fire or when there has been soil disturbance. Most are small shrubs, although there are also many non-woody species (herbs); the Esperance region species grow in a variety of habitats, from coastal dunes, to sandy heath and dry mallee.

Most Goodeniaceae species have a distinctively fan shaped flower, although some need close examination to appreciate this feature, the foliage varies greatly from tiny leaves to large fleshy ones, some armed with sharp spines, but normally it is the shape of the flowers and their bright colors that draw the attention.
The "Heath Lechenaultia," Lechenaultia tubiflora does not initially look like a fan-flower, but has all the necessary features to place it well and truly within the genus. This species likes the deep sandy soils, obviously preferring better drained sites, but like Lechenaultia formosa above, has an interesting although less varied range of color variations. Commonly the flowers are either red or a cream/green color as shown below.

spring wild flower species

2009-06-04T20:06:00.001-07:00

spring wild flower species.

Cosmos Flower

2009-06-04T20:06:00.000-07:00

cosmos flower spesies

Teaching Garden Plant Lists

2009-06-04T19:53:00.000-07:00

The garden was designed by Marie Stella, a noted landscape historian and designer, and a former member of the New England Unit of The Herb Society of America. The garden is located on the grounds of Elm Bank, 900 Washington Street (Route 16) in Wellesley, MA, home of The Massachusetts Horticultural Society. Elm Bank features several specialty and demonstration gardens, which includes the Noanett Garden Club (ornamental grasses), the Rhododendron Society, the Daylily Society, the Trial Gardens, Weezie's Children's Garden, the Italianate Garden, and more.The Teaching Herb Garden is now 8 years old (2009). The construction phase of the garden was completed in 2004, when a beautiful, custom-built circular bench was installed around the Ginkgo tree, the focal point of our garden. This picture was taken shortly after the bench was installed.The garden is divided into theme beds, which radiate from the center and include: fragrance, dye, culinary, native American, medicinal, edible plants and flowers, and a Colonial theme garden. A collection of Salvia plants was added in 2006. Along one side, a rectangular bed is planted with sweet violets and groundcover plants. On the opposite side of the garden, we feature the "Herb of the Year." Another bed features an Ecumenical Garden. The plants in this garden have religious or symbolic importance in the five major religions, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism. On either side of the teaching arbor, the beds are overflowing with roses and lavender and the perennial border is a visual delight. Planter/benches hold fragrant herbs that welcome visitors to touch and feel and to also smell the herbs.

garden Flowers hypnotics

2009-05-27T09:10:00.000-07:00

garden Flowers hypnotics

gardenia planting

2009-05-24T10:21:00.000-07:00

Gardenias are named after Alexander Garden a Charleston, SC colonial physician. They are members of the Rubiaceae family. They originated in Japan and China.

Gardenias will grow to between 2′ and 6′ depending on which variety you have and how much sun it receives.

According to UF Extension gardenias can grow in sun, shade or any where in between. I have yet to hear of anyone successfully growing gardenias in the sun down here. They thrive in shade to part shade. They also recommend fertilizing three times a year in Feb, Mar, and Sept. I’m finding one application in Feb. or March works well for me.

I have one gardenia planted in a dry area of my yard, another on the edge of the swale garden. Neither minds the dry or damp conditions so I don’t think they are particular about watering.

Yellowing leaves may occur because of nutrient deficiencies related to our very basic ph soil. UF Extension recommends acidifying the soil. I purchased some iron granules for lawns and scattered them through all the gardens this spring. You likely want to add some iron and then fertilize regularly.Â Gardenias are heavy feeders.

As with all flowering shrubs, prune after the plant is done flowering. Pruning done after October will reduce spring flowering.

Most cases of Gardenia suicide can be attributed to nematodes, a soil born root eater. Gardenias are highly susceptible to nematodes. There is nothing you can do. The plant is either grown on resistant root stock or not. Wilting and rapid death will follow if the plant is attacked by nematodes. Gardenias need to be grown on South African Gardenia thunbergia root stock to be protected.

Beautiful daisy gardenia

2009-05-24T10:19:00.000-07:00

Beautiful daisy gardenia

The creamy and interesting Perfect Gardenia

2009-05-24T10:16:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I had the pleasure of not only meeting Sarah Horowitz-Thran, perfumer and founder of Creative Scentualization, but also attending a workshop she facilitated. The featured fragrance to convey her thoughts and ideas? The creamy and interesting Perfect Gardenia.

Sarah began the study of this fragrance by describing the gardenia plant - the creaminess of the petals, the lush green of the leaves, and the dirtiness of the earth from which it grows. Her goal with this fragrance was to capture the entire gardenia plant, roots to petals.

The fragrance begins with a burst of bergamot, followed by lush gardenia and clean freesia. To me, this is what you see of the gardenia plant, the green coinciding with white, the smoothness of the petals and shine of its leaves. The fragrance concludes with french vanilla and patchouli. These notes conjure up the feeling and smells of the plant itself, the silky and creamy texture of white petals above the cool dirt where they originate. Overall, Sarah has very successfully achieved the essence of an entire gardenia plant.

Water Garden & Ponds

2009-04-10T08:34:00.000-07:00

Water Gardens & Ponds

Interested in installing a water garden or pond in your backyard to increase the overall beauty, and add a conversation piece to your overall outdoor recreation? We have everything you need to build a backyard water oasis including complete kits, pumps, chemicals, lighting, accessories, and much more! Be sure to check out our garden decor section for a great selection of garden fountains to complement your pond. And a reminder: don’t forget to wear the proper garden apparel, including gloves and protective clothing when dealing with pond chemicals.

Patio Furniture

2009-04-10T08:24:00.000-07:00

Patio Furniture

With the many styles and choices of patio furniture available at Garden.com, it’s easy to furnish your outdoor space just as attractively as you do your indoor space. Consider just some of the possibilities—resin and wood patio furniture, Adirondack Chairs and garden benches! Patio furniture offers more than just a place to sit down; it adds beauty, style and functionality to your garden or backyard area. Add to the outdoor ambiance with an outdoor fireplace to sit around, some garden decor to admire, or even a wild bird feeder to relax and watch the wildlife.

Outdoor Fireplaces & Cooling Systems

2009-04-10T07:50:00.000-07:00

Outdoor Fireplaces & Cooling Systems

What better way to relax on a cool summer night than near the warm glow of a fire? Outdoor fireplaces, fire pits, patio heaters, and chimeneas add peacefulness to your outdoor work of art, giving your family and friends a beautiful place to relax. And while we are talking about fire, don't forget about the outdoor recreation fun a grill can add to your backyard! All of this outdoor beauty can be accented with a carefully placed garden lighting system or garden planter. Shop garden.com for all of your outdoor fireplace and recreation needs.

Hydroponics & Hydroponic System

2009-04-10T07:41:00.000-07:00

Hydroponics is an ancient method for growing live plants and flowers in a completely natural indoor environment. Today this technology is widely used to grow lush, healthy indoor plants and premium grade vegetables, fruits and herbs. The natural requirements of plants can be met with supplies available on Garden.com including growing medium, nutrient solution and grow lights. This unique growing method can be used to grow a healthy garden indoors year round without the worrying about the weather outside.

Pots & Planters

2009-04-10T07:31:00.000-07:00

Pots & Planters

Looking for the largest selection of pots and planters in the market? We have what you need, from clay pots to wall planters to raised garden beds, always at the lowest prices. So, if you prefer a potted plant over an entire garden, or just want to add a beautiful natural garden decor accent to your home or outdoor space, make sure you shop our huge collection of planters & pots. A potted flower can also serve as a beautiful center piece on a patio furniture table or even as an accent to a garden arbor.

Garden Decor

2009-03-14T13:07:00.000-07:00

Adding the right decor to your garden allows your personality and style to shine as brightly as the carefully chosen landscape. It's the little things that count, and adding wind chimes, weather vanes, garden flags or even a garden statue or two will put the finishing touches on your masterpiece! Or you can attract wildlife to your garden, while keeping it beautiful with a bird feeder or bird house from our wild bird section. Accent all of your garden decor with a garden lighting system or a beautiful decorative flower pot.

Green House

2009-03-14T12:43:00.000-07:00

Greenhouses

All of our greenhouses have a combination of the best high quality construction materials and the ultimate in functionality, while providing beauty to your home and garden landscape. And while you are adding a greenhouse as the centerpiece of your backyard paradise, make sure accent it with a garden lighting system, and some beautiful garden decor! We also carry all of the greenhouse accessories you will ever need, including temperature control systems, shelving, timers and more! And if you want to try a different type of indoor gardening, look into hydroponics, which is another fun and exciting way to enjoy indoor gardening.

Casablanca Arch

2009-02-15T12:01:00.000-08:00

Casablanca Arch

Compost Systems

2009-02-15T11:38:00.000-08:00

Del uxe Pyramid Composter

Plastic Big Shovel

2009-02-15T11:21:00.000-08:00

Plastic Big Shovel

Home Interior Design Ideas

2009-02-15T10:58:00.000-08:00

How To Get Great Home Interior Design Ideas

If you like the idea of coming up with your own home Interior design, you are not alone. Lots of folks these days are planning out and then executing their own interior designs. But how do you come up with great home interior design ideas? Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

Probably one of the easiest ways to get home decoration ideas is to simply watch television these days. There are several shows that are dedicated to the subject of completely redesigning an entire house room by room. The biggest problem with watching these television shows is having something in front of you as documentation. So a couple of ideas that may help out is to have a pencil and paper available to take notes as you go, and also to record the program for viewing later on.

Even though you may get some great home interior design ideas from these television shows, ask yourself whether or not they will fit well in your particular home. Just because they look great on television in someone else's home does not mean that it will fit in well in your home. So try to visualize the whole project from beginning to end in your house. And plan, plan, plan. By taking extra precaution in the planning stages, you can ensure a more problem free application.

However, television is not the only source for home decoration information and ideas on Interior design. There are several great books on the subject that are able to help designers of almost any background and experience level. The advantage of books is that the documentation is already done for you. It usually has a very well thought out plan for implementing any kind of home interior design on its pages. And usually you'll be able to have more than enough photos and pictures to help get a good mental picture of the process as it goes.

Another way to get excellent ideas for interior design is to look through magazines on the subject. There is no shortage of magazines that are devoted to home decoration and interior design. Believe it or not, even many professional interior designers collect large quantities of magazine articles and pictures and store them in a way that will help them have a larger pool of ideas to draw from in the future. Not being a professional yourself, it may be a good idea to start your own scrapbook of home interior design articles and photos that you can separate according to a specific theme or room type. Sometimes, the best decoration ideas are a combination of things that are brought together from several different sources to form a unique, one-of-a-kind design.

As you become more comfortable with your own level of creativity, you will be able to combine aspects of one design with another more adeptly. However, as you start out it may be best to stick to the overall themes and suggestions given in the magazine for achieving the look that is desired.

If you begin right away to assemble this archive of home interior design ideas, it won't take long for you to have a really sizable reference guide to help you come up with almost any idea that you could ever need.

So as you can see, gathering information and ideas from several different sources and compiling them all together in an easily researched form can be one of the best ways for you to get great home interior design ideas quickly and easily.

Netting Protects Veggies from Insects and Animals

2009-01-04T08:04:00.000-08:00

Netting Protects Veggies from Insects and Animals

You'll like how this insect netting comes ready to use in your garden — complete with support hoops. Just position the finely-woven mesh tunnel over vulnerable plants to prevent damage from cucumber beetles, squash bugs, potato beetles — even deer, birds and bunnies. Nearly instant pest control!

-Finely-woven mesh protects plants from insect damage
-Silver ribbons reflect the sun, keeping birds away
-Discourages deer and rabbits, too
-Folds flat for storage

-Reusable

Illuminated Cottage Pampers Houseplants

2009-01-04T07:21:00.000-08:00

Illuminated Cottage Pampers Houseplants

When winter winds blow, indoor plants become treasured home accents. Here’s a new way to keep houseplants happy and also create a beautiful focal point in your home. We’ve built lots of plant-friendly features into this handsome pine cabinet, including an energy-saving T-5 fluorescent bulb, which lasts up to 30,000 hours; a rust-resistant metal liner inside and on the bottom shelf; handy drawers for markers, scissors and more. The greenhouse top opens wide for easy access; gable ends are open for good ventilation.

Handsome cabinet showcases your plants
One energy-efficient T-5 full spectrum fluorescent fixture included
Add one or two additional T-5 Lights, sold separately, to illuminate the bottom shelf
This oversize item has an additional $25 shipping charge

Indoor Wall Planter

2009-01-04T06:51:00.000-08:00

Stylish Indoor Living Wall Planter is a Dramatic Home Accent

This innovative growing system graces penthouse apartments in Paris and chic restaurants in Italy. It's easy to see why; no other plant display creates such drama while being so easy to maintain. These wall-mounted and freestanding models are an easy way to add a breathtaking plant display to your home. Each kit includes the planting grid, top and bottom trays, a cedar frame, mounting hardware and complete instructions.

-Indoor Kit is designed to be wall-mounted
-Freestanding Kit includes cedar legs for a floor display
-Once planted, simply water occasionally through the top reservoir
-Water trickles down to each pocket; any excess collects in the bottom tray
-Great for flowers and succulents in bright light, or ferns and ivies in low light