There are many new trends surfacing in gardening, and water gardening is one of the main new interests. Water gardening can be in the form of waterfalls, ponds, fountains, all of which can be enhanced by rock work combinations and lighting, plants, and fish. Water gardening doesn?t have to be a pond or natural water source either, it can consist of just a plastic tub, basically anything that can hold water.
Continue reading →There is a specific kind of magic that happens in the transitional weeks between late winter and early spring. The air loses its bite, the soil begins to yield underfoot, and that primal urge to “grow something” starts to itch. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a few sunny pots on a fire escape, planting a spring garden is an act of optimism—a literal investment in the future.
There are two main classes of roses: Bush roses and climbing roses. These two classifications are based entirely on tendencies of growth. Bush roses grow from 1 foot to 6 feet in height and require no support. Climbing roses produce long canes each year and must be provided with some type of support. Bush Roses Bush roses include many types grouped according to flowering habit, winter hardiness, and other traits. These types are hybrid teas, floribundas. polyanthas, hybrid perpetuals, shrubs, old-fashioned, tree or standard, and miniature.
Continue reading →In the beginning there was a garden with natural water fountains. Creation’s garden. And life was good. All plants were natives. Food was pure and abundant. Predators and prey were in balance (which is not to say they were equal).
Continue reading →Most people think of landscaping as rocks carefully placed, manicured lawns, and large trees scattered about a property. However, a garden can make a very attractive addition to any landscape. Whether it is an herb garden or whether it is a vegetable garden, these features can be just as beautiful as any other landscape element, and provide added benefits as well. Well maintained vegetable and herb gardens also provide other benefits: they are a source of food and can be a source of very pleasing smells.
Continue reading →There is a unique, grounding magic in sticking your hands into the earth and realizing that, with a little patience and water, you can grow something life-sustaining. Whether you are inspired by the recent trend of swapping thirsty lawns for native plants or simply want the crunch of a homegrown snap pea, starting a garden is one of the most rewarding projects you can undertake.
Liquid feeds
Compost tea is easy to make, pick your compost (stinging nettles, goat/sheep manure or homemade compost) then fill up an old pillowcase with you organic material.
Tie the pillow case and attach a weight, a couple of bricks will do nicely.
Sink this in a large water filled container, cover the container and leave for a couple of days. Hey presto you now have a light liquid feed, you can leave it longer if you need a strong liquid feed, the left overs in the pillowcase can be used as a bedding mulch
Beautiful flower gardens have been a part of our world for thousands of years. Yet, flowers don’t provide us with food, clothing fibers, or any other item considered necessary for survival. So, why do we spend so much time planting and caring for flowers?
Continue reading →The idea of no-dig gardening was developed by an Australian named Esther Deans. It was originally both developed both as a labor saving idea, and a method to rejuvenate badly depleted soil in a vegetable garden.
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It?s easy to spend a fortune every year creating a beautiful yard. These five tips can help save you money in both this, and future gardening seasons.
1. Plan your vegetable garden according to what your neighbors are planting so you can share your vegetables when they?re ready for eating. Often I?ve had too many of one kind of vegetable I couldn?t give away because my friend?s were ripe at the same time.
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