Dedicating a Hope Patch as a Remembrance Garden

The idea for our first Hope Patch came as a remembrance garden. My wife's uncle Don had just passed away. Don was a welder and one of his last gifts to us was a large, sturdy iron shepherd's crook that would hold a flower basket. That following November, to celebrate All Soul's Day at our parish, the staff distributed tulip bulbs with a note encouraging us to plant that bulb and believe that new life was on the way to our beloved dead.

The Hope Patch as a remembrance garden was born. We cleared a small portion of land in our backyard and pounded the shepherd's crook into the ground. Then, at the base of the staff, we planted the tulip bulb. Later, we created a garden sign with the words, "Hope Patch" and hung it over the small garden. We added more tulip bulbs that fall and in the spring, we added petunias, impatiens, and begonias. Every year we add to the Hope Patch, remembering Don and all of our loved ones.

Now is this idea appealing to you? Do you have a family member, a friend, or a pet that you miss or are grieving? If so, you may wish to consider creating a Hope Patch as a remembrance garden. Here are five things to consider:

1. Choose to plant flowers and colors that were favorites of your family or friend. If he or she loved roses, plant one or more rose bushes. If bright orange was the favorite color, plant orange tulips, dahlias and tiger lilies.

2. Get a customized garden memorial stone with the name of your beloved. Or choose one with a comforting verse that will inspire you with hope whenever you see or read it.

3. Position your Hope Patch so that you see it easily every day. Don't tuck it on the far side of a house or the back of the lot where you can't see it. A Hope Patch is made to be seen by you -- and others.

4. Tell others about your Hope Patch. Let them know about your hope for a better future for those who have passed on. Hope is contagious and healing -- make sure that another person "catches" it.

5. Add to your Hope Patch every year. This may include new statues, more flowers, a bush and other things to enlarge the impact of your garden. Real hope grows as it is exercised. Commit to making your Hope Patch grow and you will be amazed how much it will mean to you.

Remember, a Hope Patch is not just for those who have passed on -- it is for you to hold them in your memory and imagine they are in a better place. Creating a remembrance garden as a Hope Patch is a life giving activity for you.

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Dave Pipitone is a professional communicator, spiritual gardener aand entrepreneur, dedicated husband and father. For more information on creating a remembrance garden, visit www.thehopepatch.com

Dream Home Gardening

Home gardening is tricky business. Do you ever wonder how you can get your garden to look like those in popular home-and-garden magazines? Extensive gardening information can help you to plan for your own garden.

Getting a plant to respond well is something anyone can do - don't believe the myth of the green thumb. The only difference between you and those who seem to have them is that they know how to care for different types of plants. Several general steps are involved with getting the results you want, some of which you may have already been doing.

Getting your garden planted is not an easy job, and keeping your garden maintained can be another tricky subject altogether. If you are planning to create your own garden space, proper planning is essential. First, draw a diagram of the area in which you plan to plant your garden. This map of the landscape will be backbone of your plan. Be particularly conscious of sun and shade, dry and wet areas as these will be critical to your plant selection.

Now, begin your gardening by selecting the large shrubs and trees that will be permanent fixtures in your yard. Note their height, distinctive shade, and sunny areas. You decide how much sun or shade you want the areas of your yard to have by your choice of which plants to place.

Then, begin selecting the individual plants you want in your garden. Always remember that you are the one who will be looking at these plants and taking care of them. So choose the plants that make you happy and that you want to give attention to and care for. And of course, be mindful of the climate in your area - plants which thrive in hot sunny climes may not do as well when the winter chills set in up north.

Each kind of plant will have its own water needs, such as frequency of watering and amount of water. For easier care, put plants with similar water requirements near each other. Fertilizing plants will help plants to grow faster and protect against damage. Landscape plants respond very well to fertilizers with a high percent of slow-release organic nitrogen, which ensures that plants reach their full potential for deep, green color. Be sure to consider the condition of the root system.

When attempts at gardening fail, it is often not because people took poor care of their plants, but rather that they chose their plants without taking into consideration the specifics of soil type, temperature zone, and climate that will dictate how well plants will plants do in the area. It's a good idea to visit your local garden center and peruse the catalogs to look for those plants that fill your needs and can thrive in your local environment and climate.

And while you're there, ask a lot of questions. Garden centers tend to attract plant-lovers and experts who really want to help.

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This article published by editorial staff of the National Tollfree Directory. More Unique Gift Idea, Gift Basket Idea, Gifts for Kids information available at Nuts to You & Other Things Too www.giftsfromnutstoyou.com/. Feedback on this article welcome editorial@strbusinessmedia.com.

10 Frequently Asked Questions On Planting Tulip Bulbs

1. What are the best types of tulips to plant?
Many of the hybrid (grown and bred) tulips that came from Holland or from one of the Holland tulip festivals are some of the best. You can plant beauties such as Red Emperor, Florentine, or other varieties of both single and double blooming flowers. For more specific information regarding what types you will have to check which USDA hardiness zone you live in. A zone map will tell you how cold of a temperature the ground in your geographical area drops to during the winter. These maps are numbered by regions, and are a very useful tool. You can find this map at the United States National Arboretum website, http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/ushzmap.html?

2. What kind of soil should I use?
Generally speaking you should use a loose, sandy soil in which to plant your tulips. Your tulips should be well-drained to ensure proper growth.

3. How much sun should my tulips get?
Most of your tulips need quite a bit of sun. However, planting in them in a lightly shaded area-but not away from the sun-will help keep the bulbs chilled during the winter.

4. How do I plant and take care of my tulip bulbs?
This is a broad question that can be answered in many ways. Some of the most important tips for properly caring for your bulbs include making sure you plant them deep enough (6 inches under the ground), make sure they receive enough water (one time per month before bloom, one time per week after bloom is recommended), and make sure you remove all the weeds before they reach more than an inch high. You also may need to add mulch for extra insulation for the winter months or a fertilizer that contains Nitrogen, Potassium, and other necessary plant ingredients. Make sure you do not fertilize them after they have begun to bloom, however, because they could develop a fungus or other disease.

5. What tools do I use for planting my tulip bulbs?
The most commonly used tool for planting small tulip patches is the trowel, a small spade, with a blade that is approximately six inches. For larger gardens many people use a garden fork, or larger garden spade. You can also use another device called a Dibble, which is a T-handled tool that has a sharp point at the end of it. You insert this device into the ground, and it makes an impression in which you can put your tulip. Then, you cover the planted bulb with surrounding dirt.

6. Why didn't as many tulips come up the second year as the first?
This could be due to a variety of reasons. One could be that the type you have purchased to not fare well in your climate. It could also be that you need to add peat moss or sand to your soil. This will help the water drain from the tulips more properly. You also may need to move your tulip bed to a more well-lit area of your yard.

7. How long do tulips bloom?
Some tulips bloom starting in the early spring for approximately one month. Some tulips bloom in mid to late spring, and bloom for the same period of time or shorter.

8. I planted bulbs. Why did they not come up?
This is the plight of people who did not know better. If your tulips did not come up the first year there is a chance that you either did not allow them to incubate for long enough. They need to either be chilled in a refrigerator for a few months before growth in warmer climates, or they need to be planted in late fall, just after the ground reaches below 60 degrees.

9. When do I plant my tulips?
You plant them in what is considered fall in your area. In some hardiness zones you plant them in mid September to early October, and other areas you may not plant them until November, December, or January. It all depends on when the ground begins to freeze. If you are experiencing an unusually warm winter in your area you can also refrigerate the bulbs for a few months. Some may only require refrigeration for about 8 weeks.

10. What if some of my tulips have developed a fungus?
Remove the affected plants immediately, and make sure you not fertilize them with high-nitrogen fertilizer after the blooming season. Not only that, but you may need to add protection such as mulch to your tulip patch to keep out unwanted hosts.

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Dave Pipitone is a professional communicator, spiritual gardener and entrepreneur, dedicated husband and father.For more information on growing a tulip garden that will be the envy of your neighborhood, visit www.tulipreview.com.

The Benefits of Compact Gardening

Compact gardening does not mean second rate gardening, in fact, creative gardeners can have amazing compact gardens, even container gardens for those with no land to cultivate. Compact gardening is especially proper in big cities. So if you live in a big city or urban area, don't worry, you can still have a nice beautiful garden.

Living in a city does not mean you have to give up having a great garden, including a flower garden, vegetable garden, herb garden or any combination of them. People who live in large cities have learned to enjoy compact gardening and container gardening.

Maximizing the space you have available is the key to success for this type of gardening. Knowing how large things grow, how big their root structure is and things of that nature will help you plan your garden.

Compact gardening requires advance planning. Knowing as much as you can about what you plan to grow, how fast it grows, how it grows, what kind of light it needs, etc., will help you choose the right things to plant in your garden. The last thing you want to do is go into it without planning and have to restart your whole project!

Many people have maximized space by using vine gardening, water gardens, container gardens and herb gardening in order to keep their green thumb in use while having only a limited space available to garden in.

The only limits compact gardening has are the limitations of your imagination. With the right level of creativity and advanced planning you can have an incredible compact garden no matter where you live.

Many stores carry items specifically for compact gardening in order to help you maximize your available space. The use of the right equipment will go a long way towards helping you maximize your garden. Smaller equipment makes your work more efficient when you have a limited space to work in.

There are many resources, books and discussion groups about compact gardening, water gardens, vine gardening, container gardening and related subjects that are all geared towards the person looking to have a great, yet compact garden.

Rather than lamenting over the lack of space, start thinking about all the great things you can do in the space that you do have and you will be well on your way to having a great compact garden. So stop wasting your time worrying about it and go out there and start it!

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Byran Kempa for Gardening Information Online

Arguing for Paradise

If you have lived all your life in a city, like I have, then your need to be able to view and touch plants is something that has probably haunted you for years. At least in my case, the idea of developing my own garden came naturally one day during a discussion with some friends on my roof. As they saw it, my apartment building had a lot of unused space on the roof, which no one from the rest of the tenants had ever thought of using. Creating my own paradise in the premises of my own house evolved from a simple idea to a challenge that I wished to take.

Most people consider the creation of a roof garden as a wonderful idea, but it takes great motivation and patience if you wish to begin constructing a roof garden on your own. For me, things were rather simple. During the owners and tenants next board meeting, I introduced my ideas on paper and with the help of a visual aid computer program I gave them a first pick on how the roof garden of our building would look like. The reaction was not exactly what I expected to receive. Instead of happy faces and words of encouragement or even declarations from volunteers that they would help, people looked at me as if I had just landed from Mars and begun questioning my intentions. The first question I had to answer had to do with the cost of my roof garden idea. The second with the time period it would take for everything to finish, while the third, fourth and so on, addresses issues like noise, extra building costs, paperwork, licenses and watering. One person even mentioned that he has heard of a building collapsing because of the excess plantation weight on its roof, which I have never heard of!

While some of the questions had some validity, others annoyed me since people seemed to raise them deliberately, so as to put me on the spot for proposing something that everyone would enjoy, but only I would receive the credit for initiating. A few minutes after I began answering everyone's questions, I too began questioning my determination and if I was ready to overcome various problems and address all of their concerns for something I only-apparently-thought as a wonderful, necessary idea. But fortunately enough, I did not surrender without a "fight." After researching on every single concern I heard that evening and coming up with a budget and a time plan, I contacted all those who had initially been opposing my idea. Then I paid courteous visits to each of those people's residences and obtained their signatures on a piece of paper that a lawyer friend put together for my sake. Since everyone was now in agreement, my roof garden project began and I kept myself busy for ten consecutive weekends. Some volunteers did show up and by the time we were about to finish, everyone in the building was excited that they would soon have a place to relax and dine with friends just above their heads at a brand new roof garden!

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Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Tips for Gardening, Home Improvement, and Home Life

The Usage Of Herbs

There is a great tradition in different cultures around the world to use herbs, for their flavor in cooking and for their healing properties for the mind and body. The monks and nuns in early England were amongst the first people in the West to learn about herbs. They experimented with herbalism in their gardens and soon became experts in dispensing the appropriate treatment.

It's important when learning about the usage of herbs for medicinal purposes, to choose the correct dosage and to make sure of the purity of the herb. Many people who don't know about herbs think that they are completely harmless because they grow naturally. This is not true, as herbs can have side effects just as much as drugs can if not administered correctly. If you are not sure about herbs, seek advice and go to a licensed herbal practitioner. This is particularly important if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or receiving treatment by drugs. Taking both a herbal treatment and a drug can double up on components and flood the body too much.

The use of herbs and their effects is well documented. A lot of medical professionals from conventional backgrounds are beginning to give herbal remedies more respect as they learn more about herbs. The Chinese have already had herbal medicine as part of their everyday treatment for a very long time. Different ailments have their own treatment solutions, with many herbs duplicating each other.

Aloe Vera is a multi purpose herb, treating many ailments including arthritis, acne, warts, and allergic reactions. Lavender can also help with arthritis. Nigella Sativa (Black Cumin), is another herb that is used for a variety of patients, treating influenza, stomach ache, and pulmonary infections. St. John's Wort (one of the more dangerous herbs in incorrect doses), has been tested in medical trials for the treatment of mild to moderate levels of depression. Results showed that the herb performed better than a placebo.

A lot of people suffer from acute insomnia but don't want to take sleeping pills. In studies about herbs, it's been found that Valerian root is a good alternative and doesn't cause drowsiness in the morning. General fatigue can be helped by periwinkle or dandelion. Periwinkle can also ease the symptoms of the menopause, as can fennel.

Many gardeners get a lot of pleasure from growing a herb garden, providing wonderful scents and flavor for the pot. A stock of mint, basil, oregano, sage, thyme, and parsley will give you the basic supply needed for most dishes. Add some rosemary and chives and you're well set up. You'll have fun learning all about herbs and their uses in the kitchen, whether you follow advice in cookery books or do some experimenting of your own.

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Hans Hasselfors is the founder of www.submityournewarticle.com. Visit our article directory for varied articles about herbs.

Gardening and The Accessories You Need

If you enjoy gardening, you are not alone. Each year, millions of Americans grow a garden. If you are interested in becoming one of those individuals, you may need to purchase some supplies. These gardening accessories may not only make gardening easier, but they may also help to produce better results.

When it comes to gardening accessories, there are a number of different items that are included. To start a garden and maintain it, it is likely that you will need gardening supplies. To grow plants or food, you will need to have seeds. To help your seeds flourish, you may want to have plant food and other feeding supplies. The gardening tools and supplies that you need will all depend on what type of garden you are interested in developing. Despite the difference in supplies, there are many common accessories that you may wish to have.

The first step in starting a garden is to pick a space. Since your plants, flowers, or food will need sunlight, you will want to select an area that receives an adequate amount of it. This area can either be large or small, depending on the size of your garden. You may also want to make sure that this area is not in the way of your other activities. Developing your garden in a fairly secluded area will help to reduce the risk of destruction.

To get started, you will need to have a number of important gardening tools. These tools should be used to dig a hole for your seeds and to create a smooth ground surface. Popular gardening tools include, but should not be limited to, weeding forks, surface rakes, shovels, and hoes. If you do not already have these tools, you will need to purchase them. Most of these garden tools, along with other gardening accessories, can be purchased online or from most department stores or home improvement stores.

Once you have created a safe gardening area, you will then need to start planting your seeds. Your seeds will all depend on which type of garden you plan on having. Many gardeners choose to have a flower garden, plant garden, or a vegetable garden. It addition to having one or the other, you may also want to incorporate plants, vegetables and flowers all into one. You can easily obtain seeds by visiting your local home improvement store, garden store, or department store. For hard to find seeds, you may need to resort to online shopping.

Depending on the type of flowers, plants, or vegetables you planted, you should begin to see results in a few weeks. Plant food and special soil may help to increase the appearance of your garden. While most gardeners prefer to use plant food, it is optional. In some cases, you may find that your plants, flowers, or vegetables will grow just as well on their own. Plant food and premixed food soils can be purchased for an affordable price at most retail stores.

Gardening is a backyard activity that many enjoy themselves. If you are a parent, you may also want to include your child. Depending on their age, age appropriate gardening tools can be purchased. These tools are similar to most traditional tools, but they tend to be safer. In fact, most play gardening tools are made of plastic and have dull edges. To purchase these gardening supplies for your child, you will want to visit your local retail store or shop online.

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Randy G. Hutchings is an Online Marketer that been
given reviews and written many articles about
Online Scams in Homebase Business and Gardening.
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Dandelions Are An Herbal Plant And A Medicinal Plant Not Just A Weed

You can use dandelions as an herbal plant and a medicinal plant; it's no longer just a weed. You can use the dandelion roots to make tinctures or teas. The dandelion flower can be used to make dandelion wine and the leaves can be chopped and added to salads, soups or stews. The versatility of the dandelion herb is astounding.

Long ago physicians treated patients according to the Doctrine of the Signatures. They believed that herbs were signed by God to indicate their medicinal usage by color. Therefore, they treated jaundice with a dandelion tonic because of its yellow hue. In Victorian days cooks grew dandelions in their kitchen gardens for addition to their recipes and of course, to make dandelion wine.

The French call it the dent-de-lion or lion's tooth. They feel that the petals reminds them of lion's teeth. It has acquired many nick names along the years including, blow ball or puff ball, tell-the-time and clockflower. The puff ball moniker refers to days after the flowering, when a feather globe of seeds appears to be blown in the wind to a new destination. It is said that the dandelion can foretell the weather. If the day is to be fine the flower will open fully. If the flower ball remains tightly closed it is a sign of rain.

The dandelion grows across the United States and Canada. It has a long growing period that lasts from spring to fall. Early spring is the best time to harvest the green leaves before the dandelion flowers. Once the dandelion has flowered the leaves will be very bitter. The dandelion leaves have more iron that spinach and more carotene than carrots.

That common dandelion weed is packed with minerals such as calcium, magnesium phosphorous, iron, zinc and selenium. Added to that, it supplies vitamins B1, B2, B3, C and E. Who knew?

The dandelion as an herbal plant has many uses. You can use the flowers to make dandelion wine. Just grind up one cup of the flowers into 4 cups of white wine, put in an air tight container and let it steep for 4 weeks. Of course, strain out the flowers before drinking. The leaves make a tea or can be used chopped in a salad, soups and stews. The roots can be made into a caffeine free coffee after roasting or dry them for tinctures. The entire dandelion can be used as an herbal plant or a medicinal plant. Just make sure to dig deep when harvesting the dandelion as it has a very long tap root.

Another useful way to use the dandelion herb is to juice a big bowl of it with ½ of an apple. You will find it a very easy way to supplement your diet with the beneficial properties of the dandelion plant.

The dandelion as a medicinal plant can be used in a variety of ways. In the spring pick young leaves to be eaten in salads to take advantage of all those vitamins and minerals. Pick mature leaves, before the dandelion flowers, for their diuretic qualities to cleanse the bladder and urinary tract. The leaves made into teas will help ease water retention associated with PMS. The milky sap that oozes out of the stem is said to remove warts.

So the dandelion is no longer just a weed, it can be used as an herbal plant and a medicinal plant. Or view it as a fun memory of your childhood. How many of us can remember braiding "necklaces" out of dandelions as young children. Or, remember the delight of blowing on the puff ball to scatter its seeds. It is time to become reacquainted with the dandelion and all it is worth.

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