Garden Exposure

Making Short Work of Slugs and Snails

2007-07-03T09:58:00.000Z

Slugs and snails are the bane of many gardeners' lives, ripping at slow speed through a garden, destroying young plants under the cover of darkness. It's not unusual to find a whole row of seedlings fatally damaged in one sitting, and even a single snail can cause devastation. Bearing this in mind, it's pretty obvious that many gardeners develop a distinct antipathy towards our mollusc friends and will try almost anything to rid their gardens of the invertebrate menace.

The traditional answer to the snail and slug problem was to use pellets, which contained toxins which would kill the creatures after they consume them. For many reasons, this is less than a perfect solution, as the pellets can also be very dangerous for wildlife, pets, and even children. Not only can the pellets themselves cause poisoning, the slugs and snails become poisonous to birds before expiring, which is bad news for any of our feathered friends which decide to snack on a slug.

Organic slug pellets have recently become available which do not suffer from this toxin problem, but the jury is still out on how effective they are, and they are still a chemical treatment which many people would choose to avoid in these environmentally conscious times.

The most eco-friendly way of fighting back against slugs is to provide an environment which is hostile to them, while being attractive to their natural predators such as birds, hedgehogs, and toads. Attract these animals to your garden and they will do a fine job of gorging themselves on the local snail population, and so reducing the severity of measures you need to take yourself. Also, slugs and snails like to spend the day in cool, damp, dark conditions such as those found in messy flowerbeds and uncut grass. Remove these refuges by keeping your garden as tidy as you can, and there's less chance of a slug evading a predator.

However much you try and discourage your local molluscs from living in your garden, the lure of tasty young seedlings is certain to be stronger. You can protect individual plants by placing some sort of barrier around them. Popular substances include sharp grit or broken egg shells, which slugs and snails are reluctant to slide over, or a smear of vaseline around the top of a plant pot which works in much the same way. You can also buy copper rings or bands, or even tape, which work by giving a small electric shock to any snail which tries to cross it - a most effective deterrent!

Slug traps are available which you half bury in the ground, and fill with a tempting liquid such as beer. The idea is that as the slugs crawl towards it, they fall in and drown (or die of alcoholic poisoning, possibly). The drawback is that these traps are a waste of good beer, and cleaning them out every morning is not a pleasant task if the catch has been good!

For severe slug problems, you could always resort to bacteriological warfare. A kind of slug parasite called nematodes is available, which you add to water and spray onto the infected areas. These parasites will kill any slug they can find, continuously and for a period of up to 6 weeks, but it's an expensive option and doesn't do anything against snails.

A much cheaper option, although it may gain you something of a reputation in the neighborhood, is a midnight slug hunt. After dark, when the slugs are at their most destructively active, patrol your garden armed with a torch, a bucket, and a means of slug dispatch. This technique is especially effective during rain, although probably not an exercise you'd care to repeat too often!

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Andrea writes on gardening, food and ecological issues, a

Great Tools for Great Gardening

2007-06-23T12:13:00.000Z

It's no wonder so many people love gardening. It allows one to spend time in perfect tranquility, tending the earth and enjoying the stillness and serenity of nature. Gardening gives you a good reason to get dirty, and feel the warm earth between your fingers and toes. You are able to enjoy a sense of accomplishment when you garden, as you carefully plant and attentively pamper your crops. Best of all, gardening produces tangible, colorful, and delicious results for all of your hard work.

In any situation, the proper tools can make the work more pleasant. Experienced gardeners have their favorite tools. Some remain faithful to traditional tools, while some opt for more modern power tools. Whatever your preference, it is challenging to garden with no tools at all. When choosing gardening tools, it is important to consider the size of your garden, the type of tools you will most enjoy working with, as well as your physical ability. Traditional tools require a little more elbow grease. The cost of the tools, as well as the time you have to devote to your hobby, as also important considerations in your decision making process.

In springtime, even before planting begins, it is necessary to prepare the soil. The soil should be turned and irrigated, and, if desired, some organic fertilizer added at this stage. Many gardeners choose to use tillers and other equipment to help them with this pre-planting preparation. Having the right tools always makes the job easier. There is such a wide variety of cultivating tools available that you will have no trouble choosing the tools most suited for you gardening needs.

Hand tools are the typical choice of traditional gardeners. These include shovels, pitchforks, spades, rakes and trowels. All of these hand-held gardening tools will aid the gardener in preparing the plot for planting. Although they do call for some elbow grease, these tools are relatively easy to use. Other common hand tools are the pickax, mattock, and wheel cultivator.

Depending on the size of your garden, and the amount of physical labor you wish to commit to, you may wish to use power tools in your garden. Yes, they are somewhat more expensive, however, they get the job done with more ease. If you have a larger garden, a tiller will be very useful in preparing your soil. It is also helpful for people with mobility issues. A tiller is useful for breaking up the ground, to help mix compost and fertilizer into the earth, and to chop up any debris lying around. A tiller can be quite expensive, so they can also be rented at most tool supply stores. You may also choose to share with or borrow from a neighbor. Chippers, chainsaws, and shredders are additional power tools that are useful in the garden.

Pruning tools are handy to have if you have hedges, shrubs, and small trees on your property. Pruning shears are fine to use for branches about 3/4 inches in diameter, while lopping shears can handle branches from a half inch up to about 2 inches. Taller trees and shrubs require pole pruners, which allow the gardener to extend their reach to branches as high as 15 feet from the ground. Heavy-duty hedge shears and pruning saws are also handy gardening tools to have on hand.

Your garden will not survive without water. When nature doesn't take of your garden's water needs, it is a good idea to have watering equipment on hand. A garden hose with a good quality spray nozzle, or a sprinkler is very useful for those with a bigger garden or a grassy lawn. A basic watering can will be enough for a container garden made up of pots and planters. More advanced gardens may have irrigation systems with timers. These provide more accurate watering. Some gardeners may choose to use drip hoses for more even watering.

Remember that the tools you choose should make your gardening experience more pleasant and rewarding. If you want to get on your hands and knees and dig and the dirt, do it. You may simply desire a pair of gardening gloves to protect your hands from cuts and calluses. If you want quick results with a minimum of fuss, consider which tools will best suit your needs. In any case, you will thoroughly enjoy the fruits of your labors. Your lush, beautiful garden will be a haven to return home to every day. Enjoy!

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Leilani Rolphe is a writer for a variety of Internet sites, on lawn gardens and lawn and garden equipment themes.

Add Interest To Your Water Garden With Floating Plants

2007-06-14T17:57:00.000Z

A water garden can be a relaxing element to add to any landscape but it can be rather boring unless you add aquatic plants. They are actually different kinds of plants you can add to your water garden, some like to populate the edges of the garden, some grow in the deep waters and others float right on top of the water.

These floating aquatic plants float on the surface and have long groups that go down into the water. These plants often have an exotic look and can provide shade to control algae as well as provide a nice habitat for fish and other pond creatures.

While most floating water garden plants are tropical there are a few that you can use in northern climates. if you have a harsh winter, you will want to treat your floating plants much the same as you treat your annuals and plan on replanting them each year.

Three of the more popular floating plants are discussed below and include Parrots Feather, Water Lettuce, and Floating Hyacinth.
Parrots Feather

This floating plant is rather easy to care for and has feathery foliage that is a blue green in color. parrot feather has stems that can grow up to 60 inches long and can provide a great spawning area for your pond fish. It is good in zones 4to 11 and can survive the winter is beneath the ice but may incur frost damage at the top of the pond.

Water Lettuce

This plant, as the name implies, resembles a big head of lettuce floating on top your pond. The foliage has a velvety look and can grow up to 10 Inches wide and may sometimes even produce white flowers and green berries although the flowers and berries are pretty hard to notice. This can be an invasive plant so you want to be careful that it doesn't take over your water garden. Water letters prefers warmer climates and can work in zones 9-11. Be very careful of frost, as this can damage leaves and cause them to rot and you don't want that in your pond!
Floating Hyacinth

Floating hyacinth reduces purple flowers on 6 inch stems and can be a colorful addition to the floating plants in your water garden. In order for proper flowering you'll need to make sure it has full sun and warmth and also that your water is providing the nutrients that this plant needs. If it is In good health, it can reproduce quite rapidly and you have to make sure that it doesn't take over your water garden. Good for zones 9 to 11, Floating Hyacinth and will also help to clarify your water.

Adding floating plants to your water garden will not only help but look better but it can also help the water quality be healthier and may reduce your maintenance. This is because the plants consume the same nutrients from the water that algae needs to grow. Therefore, water garden plants can help keep algae growth in check, thus increasing your water quality and reducing your water garden maintenance.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Lee Dobbins writes for watergardens.garden-g8way.com where you can learn more about choosing, installing and maintaining water gardens.

Mini Greenhouses - What Are The Benefits

2007-06-06T08:35:00.000Z

Mini greenhouses are extremely beneficial for a multitude of reasons and if you are attempting to make a decision as to what kind of greenhouse to get there will be many pieces of information you will want to discover so you can make the right decisions.

You need to consider the amount of space you will require for your mini greenhouses before anything else. If you have decided to grow a large quantity of varietal plants then of course you will need a larger greenhouse but if you just wish to have a few plants than probably a small mini greenhouse will do. Be prepared as you want to grow more than your think and you wouldn't want to be stuck with less space than your will need.

A Little More Information About Mini Greenhouses

Mini Greenhouses have a many advantages and no doubt the top one is the fact that they are so light to transfer around your home. If you need to change locations, jut pick it up and move it, doesn't get much simpler than that.

Also, mini greenhouses can be considered the thing to do in todays environment that will show you care about ecology and cetainly your and your families health and well being. When you do decide to choose mini greenhouses please take a step back, gather all your information, look at the different varieties and really think about what you want. Make sure you are going to get what is right for you.

The ideal way to gather information is to take a trip down the information highway; the internet is just loaded with probably everything you will need to get started. You can begin with the information you have researched before you make any further decisions as mini greenhouses come in such a wide variety of shaped and sizes due to their small size. It's a great item as you can fit them into just about any open space in your home.

As a reminder, do not rush when making your choices with a mini greenhouses, be sure to pick the right sizes for the spaces you havbe available. Picking somehting too large is usually the biggest mistake people make with their first purchase.

Involving your family or friends can be a good idea as they will give you different input to locations and size that may be of benefit to you. Just remember to have fun and enjoy your new hobby.

Mini greenhouses can be very rewarding when you reap the benefits. Gather more information by visiting Types of Geenhouses.com Learn more and see what is available when it comes to locating a window greenhouse. Types of Geenhouses.com will help you along the way.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Mini greenhouses can be very rewarding when you reap the benefits. Gather more information by visiting Types of Geenhouses.com Learn more and see what is available when it comes to locating a window greenhouse. Types of Geenhouses.com will help you along the way.

Save Money And Start Your Garden On A Budget

2007-05-31T13:12:00.000Z

Starting a garden of your own can be a very rewarding experience. Working the soil not only will benefit your health it can also save you a lot of money over time. Even during the height of the growing season buying all of those great tasting vegetables can cost you a lot of money. Even though you are going to save some money by growing your vegetables yourself you still will have to make an investment in your future garden to reap the benefits later in the year.

It is possible to start your garden on a budget. You do not have to have all of the new garden tools. Your ancestors made do with little more than a hoe and a horse and plow. There are a few things you need to think about if you want to grow a garden on a budget such as thinking ahead and getting your thoughts sorted before you start planting. Start a compost pile now so when you start your garden you will have some cheap fertilizer ready to nourish your plants. Starting seeds instead of buying plants can save you a lot of money. You can stretch your garden budget by choosing vegetables that will yield an abundant crop. This article will look at some ways to help you spend less on your garden.

Start out by thinking about your garden before it is time to start planting. It is all too easy to start planting and the next thing you know you have several things planted you did not intend to grow. Decide what types of vegetables you want to have in your garden and stick to your plan.

Starting a compost pile can save you a lot of money. Chemicals and fertilizers can be costly and many people do not like to put them on the garden preferring organic methods instead. Starting a compost pile will help recycle items from your kitchen into rich organic fertilizer. Your plants should respond to the compost you add with lush green growth.

Starting your vegetables from seed is one of the best ways to save as plants from a nursery cost a lot more than a package of seeds. Another benefit of starting from seed is you can buy more varieties of vegetables than you can usually find locally.

One last thing you can do to stretch your garden budget is to choose plants that yield abundant crops. Check around and see which types of plants yield the most.

Starting a garden on a budget can be done without a whole lot of trouble as long as you do the proper planning and do not get carried away when you start planting.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

For more information on growing an organic garden of your own try visiting www.onegardens.com/ where you will find tips, advice and resources about topics such as how to grow an organic garden.

Perennial Flower Diseases

2007-05-29T10:41:00.000Z

One of the attractions of perennial flowers is their ability to tolerate a wide range of problems, usually without serious or lasting damage.
There are a few diseases to watch for that can make perennials unsightly, or cause more serious damage.

Powdery mildew, like many diseases, is aptly named as it resembles a powdery white mildew on leaf surfaces. Unlike many diseases, this one
doesn’t need leaves to be wet in order to spread and become a problem.

It is commonly found on some tall garden phlox (/Phlox paniculata/) and lungworts (/Pulmonaria/). There are fungicides, both synthetic and organic, for powdery mildew. Good air circulation from proper spacing may help as well.

Keep in mind that cultivars (cultivated varieties) often have differing resistance to diseases such as this one. ‘David’ is a white phlox mostly resistant, while ‘Mt. Fuji’ is a white phlox very susceptible. Another interesting point about this disease is that it is not the same powdery
mildew strain that gets on lilacs and annual flowers such as zinnias. If you have this disease on these plants, however, conditions are likely ripe for it on perennials.

Downy mildew is quite a different disease, and is rather difficult to control. This appears as gray downy growth on undersides of leaves under cool and humid conditions. Perennials
susceptible to this include tickseed (/Coreopsis/), black-eyed Susan (/Rudbeckia/), speedwell (/Veronica/), asters (/Aster/), bluets (/Centaurea/), dead nettle (/Lamium/), and roses. There are fungicides you can use to prevent this from spreading as it is beginning. Keep in mind that fungicides are preventative—they prevent more disease but usually don’t get rid of that already present. Avoid watering plants with this disease in early morning, and discard severely infected plants.

Rust diseases cause rust-colored spots on leaf surfaces, particularly undersides of leaves. Most commonly it is seen on hollyhocks, but it can occur on many others such as asters and hibiscus. The latest perennial to show a new rust strain to our country, only still in a few areas, is the speedwell. Daylily rust on this popular perennial has become quite prevalent in the last few years in over half the states. It was first introduced into our country in the southeastern states in 2000. Watch for this on purchased plants, especially from southern sources, removing
infested leaves. There are several fungicides that can be used, but check first for resistant cultivars.

If you have hostas, beware of the relatively new Hosta Virus X. Often symptoms resemble natural leaf variegation making diagnosis difficult. Most distinctive is an irregular color feathering along leaf veins. A hosta nursery specialist, or Extension diagnostician, can help identify infected plants. ‘Gold Standard’, ‘Striptease’, and ‘Sum and Substance’ cultivars are often infected. ‘Blue Angel’, ‘Frances Williams’, ‘Bressingham Blue’, ‘Love Pat’, ‘Great Expectations’, and ‘Sagae’ are some of the cultivars immune or resistant.

Remember, if using any pesticides, follow all label directions. Make sure you know what you are treating, as fungicides for instance only work on fungi and not bacteria or virus.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Checked out Perry’s Perennial Pages lately? www.uvm.edu/~pass/perry

Summer Tips For The Vegetable Garden

2007-05-22T16:32:00.001Z

Mulching, pest control, and proper harvest are some of the tips for this season’s vegetable garden.

There's evidence that fruiting of tomatoes and peppers is improved by applying Epsom salts, which contains sulfur and magnesium. Apply one tablespoon of granules around each transplant, or spray a solution of one tablespoon Epsom salts per gallon of water at transplanting, first flowering, and fruit set. You can find it at drug and grocery stores.

Reduce the weeds in walkways in your garden by covering the soil with some type of mulch. Some people like to use carpet scraps placed upside-down. Several sheets of moistened newspaper topped with hay or straw works very well, especially if you move your planting areas around a bit from year to year. Landscape fabric topped with wood chips or gravel is a good choice if the walkways are permanent. Try to avoid the habit of tilling to remove weeds because the process brings up weed seeds from deeper in the soil and exposes
them to the light they need to grow.

Indeterminate tomato plants, such as 'Better Boy', will produce many suckers. A sucker is a new shoot that starts where a branch connects with the main trunk. Removing suckers will decrease the number of fruits produced, but the remaining tomatoes will be larger and will ripen sooner.

Set your tomato supports in place before plants get too large. Smaller determinate (bushy) varieties can be supported with small cages, but larger indeterminate (vining) varieties need large cages or tall stakes. Secure cages with stakes so they don't topple.

Blossom end rot shows up as dark sunken spots on the blossom, or non-stem, end of tomatoes, peppers, and squash. It's caused by a calcium imbalance in the plant. The soil may have adequate calcium, but the plant isn't able to take up enough to supply the rapidly developing fruit. To minimize the problem, keep soil evenly moist, apply a layer of mulch to conserve moisture, don't over-fertilize (especially avoid high-nitrogen fertilizer), and avoid damaging plant roots while cultivating.

Coffee grounds, diatomaceous earth, and even sharp gravel can deter slugs and snails. Spread any of these materials in a ring around individual plants. Wrap
pots with copper tape to keep slugs from crawling up. Inspect foliage and squish or pick off any insects that have already passed the barriers.

Young cucumber, melon, and squash plants are easy prey for cucumber beetles. As the seedlings grow, these yellow-striped or spotted beetles emerge to feed on their foliage. The beetles also spread bacterial wilt disease. To control them in a small planting, suck them up with a portable vacuum cleaner or spray beneficial nematodes on the soil.

It's not too late to sow lettuce, beets, carrots, radishes, and other short-season crops for a late-summer harvest. Shade lettuce, if possible, during late afternoon to keep young plants cooler, or grow them next to larger plants that provide some shade. You'll need to water more often on these hot days than you did in spring and early summer. Mulch between rows to preserve moisture and block weed growth.

Harvest tomatoes, zucchini, beans, and other fruiting crops frequently to encourage continued production. Remove any fruits that have gone by unless you're in competition for the biggest zucchini! You don't want the plant to produce mature seeds because that will signal that it's time to slow down fruit production.

Herbs are best harvested just as they are beginning to flower. That's when they have the highest concentration of essential oils -- and flavor -- in their leaves. Harvest entire branches back to within a few inches of the main stem to encourage new, bushy growth.

Begin harvesting onions when about half to three quarters of the leaves have died back. Then gently dig or pull the onions and store them in a dry, shady place with good ventilation, such as an outdoor shed or barn, for 10 days to two weeks. After the onions have cured, put them in slatted crates or mesh bags and store them over winter indoors in a cellar with low humidity and temperatures between 33 and 45 degrees F.

When the daytime temperatures no longer rise above 65 degrees F in late summer and early fall, it's time to pick the green tomatoes. Wrap them individually in newspaper and let them ripen indoors, or try some fried.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Checked out Perry’s Perennial Pages lately? www.uvm.edu/~pass/perry

Moving Bulbs and other June Gardening Tips

2007-05-19T22:18:00.000Z

Moving spring-flowering bulbs, fertilizing vegetable plants, and pruning lilacs are some of the gardening tips for this month.

If you want to move some spring-blooming bulbs to another spot, wait until the foliage has turned yellow, then carefully dig them up and let them dry in a shady spot for a few days. Store the bulbs in a cool, dry place for the summer until it's time to plant them in fall.

Make a note of gaps in your spring bulb garden, and plan to plant bulbs there this fall. By choosing a variety of bulbs, from early-blooming snowdrops to late-blooming alliums, you can have a colorful show for months. Note the bloom times in plant descriptions. For example,
Kaufmanniana tulips bloom early, while single, late tulips wrap up the spring show.

Cut back shrubby perennials, such as catmint and dianthus and veronica, when they finish blooming. This will tidy them up and encourage them to produce a second flush of flowers. If your clematis blooms only in spring, once it's finished blooming you can prune damaged and wayward stems, and cut back stems if you need to control the size of the vine. Leave the decorative seed heads.

Tomatoes, squash, and cucumbers can use some nutrients now, so scratch some granular fertilizer into the soil around plants or in a shallow trench alongside a row. Do this when the soil is already moist, and then water it in.

There's evidence that fruiting of tomatoes and peppers is improved by applying Epsom salts, which contains sulfur and magnesium. Apply one tablespoon of granules around each transplant, or spray a solution of one tablespoon Epsom salts per gallon of water at transplanting, first flowering, and fruit set. You can find it at drug and grocery stores.

After lilacs finish flowering, prune off the old blossoms to increase the number of flowers next year. Do this soon because the plants will begin setting buds for next year's flowers. To reduce the height of the shrub, prune the old stems to the ground and allow new shoots to grow.
Prune all at once, or gradually remove one-third of the old stems over a three-year period.

Check apple, cherry, and other fruit trees for nests of tent caterpillars. Blast low-lying nests with water to destroy them, or knock them to the ground and destroy them. A spray of /Bt/ will kill emerging caterpillars but is not toxic to beneficial insects, birds, or humans.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Leonard P. Perry, Extension Professor, Univ. of Vermont. Checked out Perry’s Perennial Pages lately? www.uvm.edu/~pass/perry

Everyone Needs Extra Storage So Build A Shed

2007-05-09T17:43:00.000Z

For homeowners and business purposes, vinyl, wood or steel sided outdoor storage sheds are ideal solutions.

When looking for a shed, there are different factors to choose from, shape, style, design, quality and price. The material used for siding is another important element. The material used for siding is another important element. Vinyl siding, wood siding and steel siding are popular. The types of siding that are long lasting are vinyl, cedar and metal types of siding and are available. Vinyl siding is inexpensive and durable. For wood sheds it is a good idea to use vinyl siding instead of wood siding, by using the vinyl the shed will last and be protected against the elements. For a low maintenance siding vinyl is a great choice and comes in many styles and color, and every once in a while you will need to maintain it by cleaning it and it will always look new.

When looking at woods for the shed try to find them with natural resin this will make it so it doesn't rot. Cedar wood is very popular for making sidings, though it also requires maintenance. Wood is a natural material and so a wood shed does not look out of place in a garden like a plastic or a metal shed would. If you want your shed to look like an old fashioned house try to find the siding with the right type of color and wood to give it the proper look.

Wood is a natural material and so a wood shed does not look out of place in a garden like a plastic or a metal shed would. Wood can also be easily painted in chosen colors. Typically any piece of firewood over 8 inches in diameter should be split. Over 50% of the weight in fresh cut wood is moisture.

No matter what type you decide on, when your shed is built you will wonder what you ever did without it. The building must conform to all fire codes and be equipped with fire alarms and sprinkler systems. If you need to build a storage unit outside your house, you can find them prefabricated, pre-built, or in kits with detailed instructions if you look. Things to check on prior to building include zoning codes, drainage of your land, and how well your chosen building will blend in your landscaping.

Building outdoor sheds come in kits today and they are easy to build, you will be able to store toys, lawn equipment, snow stuff and much more. This is a significant problem for people who rent or need to relocate on a regular basis. Storage sheds are buildings that are usually in the back of your house and these sheds normally hold lawn mowers, bikes, tools and other large items.

Using storage sheds to keep your personal belongings safe is easy by placing a padlock on the door. Many more people today need storage and everyone is turning towards outdoor sheds to keep their belongings. Today you don't have to get a shed that is anchored to the ground you can get a shed that is portable. Today so many people have so much that they need extra storage to keep their belonging safe and dry from the weather. Storage sheds are available in a variety of designs and materials in the market.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

David Marc Fishman sells merchandise inexpensively using auction. Price drop as people shop when buying sheds at the bid auction site at Priceriot.

Are You Considering Building A Deck?

2007-05-07T20:41:00.000Z

Decks are one of the most beautiful additions to any home. They add beauty, value, and a serene home getaway that is unbeatable. Imagine yourself sunbathing on your deck with the rays of summer sunshine dancing on your lawn chair. Imagine having a get together with friends, the barbecue grill smoking away spreading its luscious smells to all of your guests and admiring neighbors. Imagine an evening of star gazing with your kids on the solid surface of your deck. Before you imagine too much, though, think about the disastrous consequences of a poorly built outdoor structure. The media is full of stories about decks crashing in on homeowners leaving permanent disability in its wake. If you are ready to build the right outside deck for your structure, there are ten things you should consider first.

The first thing to think about is the purpose of your deck. Will it be used for entertaining guests on a regular basis? If so, have you considered how many guests you want the deck to hold? That should be one of your primary considerations. More guests will equal more weight. It will also mean you might need extra space for lawn furniture, grills, and people. You also might want the deck to be a play area for you small children. If so, that means a whole host of other issues throughout the planning process. Whatever your deck's intended purpose, it is best to think it all the way through before starting on the process.

The next thing you should consider is your deck's location. If you have landscaping issues where you think you will be placing your deck, which is one more thing you are going to have to deal with in the building process. You may also need to consider tree removal, as well as entrances and exits to your home. Remember, you have to have a way to actually access your deck, and if you want it in a place where you do not have an exit, you may need to add one to get the deck in your desired location.

The third thing you need to consider is your deck plan. This will serve as a guide to the entire project. It does not require a professional hand; it just requires someone who can be thorough enough to cover all of the aspects involved.

Another thing you must consider is how your deck will attach to your home. There are many different ways this can be done. It can be freestanding, but that is not always practical or safe. If it is to attach to the house, you have to decide how you will cut away the siding at the joining point. You must also check on the framing of your home where you wish your deck to stand. Is it strong enough?

The fifth thing you must consider are the deck supports as a whole. You need to decide exactly how many footings and posts you will need, and where you intend to place them. If you plan a very large deck, you should plan for a large number of footings and posts. With a smaller deck, you might not need quite as many.

An additional thing to note is the decking material you plan to use. Do you want a wood deck or one made of composite materials? If wood, you should choose your variety. Redwood, cedar, and pressure treated pine are all popular because they resist rot and decay. If you choose another wood decking material, you will, on a constant basis, need to provide protectant and sealant material. Composite decking materials are a good choice because they have been chemically engineered to avoid all of the problems of traditional wood.

The seventh thing to think about is the permits that will be required to build your deck in your area. Different areas have different zoning laws and requirements. Where some areas will require a building permit, others will require only a periodic site inspection. Some require both. It is best to check with your city government to decide what action you need to take to file for a permit.

The eighth thing to consider is the tools required for the project. Do you have everything you need on hand? How much additional expense will this add to the project? At the very least, you will need three different saws. If you do not have this kind of experience, you should consider the next point very carefully.

The ninth thing to think about is whether or not you will need professional help with this project. Decking is a big project to undertake if you are a weekend handyman. Moreover, if you have very little construction experience, decking is not a good first learning project. Poorly built decks are very dangerous, and if you cannot handle the project, leave it to a professional.

The final thing to consider is the extras you might want to build into your deck. You could add flower boxes on each corner. You might want a decorative hand rail. You might even want built in seating for your guests. Whatever extras you add, they will personalize your deck.

A deck can be a great place for a number of activities, but it is a huge undertaking.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Paul Duxbury writes extensively on Home Improvement and Gardening and you can learn more at www.home-improvement-centre.com and www.essential-garden-accessories.com

An Overview Of The Worlds Most Beautiful Flowers - Australian Orchids

2007-04-29T15:29:00.000Z

There are over 30,000 species of orchids making it the largest family and the plant world. These fabulous flowering plants are known for their gorgeous flowers that come in all colors. Although they can grow in many places, orchids love tropical climates where they grow on trees trunks and branches.

In Australia, orchids grow in the southern region and can be found growing on tree trunks as well as in the ground. Australia boasts about 1200 orchid species many of which are not found anywhere else in the world.

Many of the Australian orchids have adapted some specialized methods of enticing insects over for pollination. The Drakonorchis Barbarossa or common dragon orchid looks like a wingless female wasp and therefore is very attractive to male wasps.

These specialized orchids are so interesting that scientists at the CPBR study these orchids which are sent to them by licensed collectors of Australian orchids. This national herbarium orchid collection consists of 48,000 dried specimens 18,005 hundred cards whichh contain the affected pieces of flowers and over 19,000 Spirit preserved orchid specimens.

Some of the interesting Australian orchids Include the Durabaculum Nindii or endangered blue orchid which is native to North Eastern Queensland, the dotted Sun orchid, the nodding green hood, the tongue orchid, and the cowslip orchid to name but a few.

In Australia, you will find epiphytes which grow on trees as well as terrestrials which grown around. The ratio is about 70% terrestrial to 30% epiphytes. Epiphytes are the easiest to grow in the most common in orchid collections.

Western Australia is home to mostly terrestrial orchids which are well-known for their size, bright color and strange markings. These dainty fragile flowers fascinate most everyone who sees them. Some of these orchids like those of the endemic genus Rhizanthella live their whole lives underground.

Orchids are great plants and make an unusual gift whether they are given as a live potted plant or in a vase with other flowers. If you have a green thumb, you might even try growing your own orchids if you can provide them with enough humidity and proper nutrients you may be successful not matter where you live in the world.

When growing orchids, the most important thing you can do is provide enough humidity. They will need over 50% so be sure you setup an area where you can provide them with this!

Orchids can be challenging to grow but if you love these beautiful plants, you can easily find them at your florist or even in the supermarket and take an already grown plant home to enjoy!

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Lee Dobbins writes for orchids.garden-corner.com where you can learn more about orchids including different types of orchids from all over the world.

Worried About Garden Pests? Why Not Let Nature Do The Work!

2007-04-27T17:40:00.000Z

Gardening can be a fun and relaxing hobby but if you have to constantly be worried about garden pests damaging your plants became soon turned into a source of stress.

Dumping harsh chemicals on your plants is not good for you or the environment but luckily there is a better way. You can encourage natural predators into your garden that will soon eliminate these pesky pests. These natural creatures can live in harmony in your garden where they will eat the pests that are harming your plants.

Here are some natural predators and how you might encourage them to take up residence in your garden.

Frogs

What would a garden be without some frogs and toads? They are likely attracted to your garden as it is, but you can add a few elements to attract even more of them. Since frogs and toads love water you might think of installing a garden pond, or at the very least a small water feature low to the ground that they can breed in. They will thank you by helping to control small insects and slugs.

Lady Bugs

Ladybugs love to eat aphids so you want to attract as many of them as you can into your garden. You probably recognize them as an adult with a red and black dotted shells but you might not easily recognize the lava which is gray in color with orange dots. Don't mistake the larva for a past as these lover can chow down more aphids than the adults. Ladybugs like Cosmos, scented geraniums and even dandelions so be sure to have plenty of those in your garden.

Ground Beetles

Ground beetles like to make their home under stones or leaf covers and sleep all day coming out at night to feed on garden pests. They have quite an appetite Emil Chow down slugs, snails, cutworms and leather jackets and the lava or egg stage. Some will even climb up in the trees to get a good meal and can eat gypsy moth and tent caterpillars. you can encourage these as you garden are providing permanent plantings for them to live under, loose leaf cover or small stones.

Birds

Who doesn't want birds in their garden? While these might be considered pests for some vegetables they can also read your garden of pests such as caterpillars, grubbs, slugs and aphids which they feed on. have a little bird bath in your garden as well as some nesting boxes to encourage birds into the garden where they might see a tasty grub they might want to feast on.

Lacewings

Lacewings, or the larva of lace wings feed on aphids and small soft bodied pests. To attract bees, make sure you have a water source and plant lots of nectar and pollen flowers as they like to lay their eggs underneath the leaves of these plants.

With a little bit of strategic planning, you can attract these predators into your garden which will not only help control the pests but will also add interest to the garden. Plus, it's a lot more fun to plant particular flowers and put out sources of water to attract birds, beetles and frogs into your garden than it is to drag out the sprayer hose and douse your garden with chemicals! Not only will you be getting rid of pests on your plants, you'll also be providing a food source for the predators and keeping the environment free of chemicals!

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Lee Dobbins writes for www.backyard-garden-and-patio.com where you can learn more about gardening and growing lush garden flowers.

Hydroponics - Growing Plants Without Soil

2007-04-16T08:56:00.000Z

Derived from the Greek "water working", hydroponics simply means growing plants in either a bath or flow of highly oxygenated, nutrient rich water. The strange part is hydroponics does not need soil to grow. During hydroponics water is enriched with nutrients salts, creating a hydroponics nutrient solution that remains perfectly balanced. The advantage of hydroponics is it does not harm the environment as does waste from fertilized soils.

Requirements for hydroponics

Hydroponics systems cannot be applicable in poor growing conditions such as improper temperature, inadequate light, or pests' problems.
Following are the requirements for hydroponics plants to survive:

§ Water - you have to provide adequate amount of water. If the aggregate amount of water is not enough to keep the roots sufficiently moist, then the plants may dry and die. Make sure that water contains adequate [neither excess nor less] amount of alkalinity, sodium or salt contents for survival of hydroponics.

§ Oxygen - plants will require good amount of oxygen for respiration to carry out their work of nutrients and water uptake. The best way to supply oxygen is to bubble the air through the water solution.

§ Temperature - hydroponics grow well within limited temperature range. Either too high or too low temperature results in reduced productions and abnormal developments of the plants.

§ Light - plants like vegetables and fruits grown through hydroponics need at least 8 to 10 hours of direct sunlight each day to produce well. However as an alternative to sunlight, you can apply incandescent light or high-pressure sodium lamps to produce the same effects.

§ Mineral nutrients - green plants must absorb certain minerals through their roots to survive. The essential elements needed in large quantities include potassium, calcium, nitrogen, magnesium, phosphorus and sulfur.

Hydroponics may also be called "controlled environmental agriculture" as it helps to control the environmental systems like water, light, CO2, oxygen, pH and nutrients.

Hydroponics growing technique

Hydroponics has a completely different growing technique method as compared to normal gardening methods.
Following are the brief ways you can grow hydroponics:

§ Nutrient film technique - the nutrient is fed into grow tubes where the roots draw it up. While a thin film of nutrient allows the roots to have constant contact with nutrients and the air layer above, the excess nutrient is drawn back into the reservoir.

§ Aeroponics or deep water culture - in this system the roots are misted within a chamber. A pump pushes the water with nutrient solution through sprayers, keeping the roots wet while providing a maximum amount of oxygen.

§ Drip-irrigation - this is also known as micro-irrigation where a controlled amount of solution is continuously drip-fed over the medium and root system. There is another tube that gets connected to the lower part of the garden system to recover the solution.

§ Home hobbyists system - these systems include deep water and aeroponics systems, which are more famous with housewives and children.

Grow hydroponics in your home, restaurant or office to give a completely different and fresh touch to the surrounding ambience.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Author Barney Garcia is a proud contributing author and enjoys writing about many different topics. Please visit my web sites @ www.hydroponic-howtos.info and www.greenhouse-and-nursery.info

Use of Garden Ponds

2007-04-09T12:51:00.000Z

Why Choose A Garden Pond?

Do you enjoy spending time in your garden or outdoor space? Do you gain a sense of relaxation and well-being from the sound and feel of your natural surroundings? Do you enjoy the sound of birds singing, the rustle of plants in the wind, the hum of pollinating bees and the scent of flowers in full bloom?

Garden ponds can improve on that experience by adding a new dimension to any outdoor space - from bath tub-sized to a small lake, the benefits of a garden pond are potentially available to anyone with a little outdoor space.

Many people find the sight and sound of water to be relaxing, even therapeutic. An afternoon by a lake or river can provide the perfect antidote to the stresses and pressures of modern life. With a garden pond, you can bring that experience back home, and recreate it in your own garden.

In addition, adding water to your garden offers a whole range of opportunities to extend and vary the ecosystem of your outdoor space and to create a more varied and rich environment right on your doorstep.

What Can I Do With A Garden Pond?

What can't you do? Given sufficient space, you can even make your own private swimming or fishing pond. But for most people, a far more modestly-sized pond is enough to create a wonderful addition to their garden. Learn more about garden ponds at http://www.garden-fountains.com.

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Decorative Garden Pond

By far the most popular type of pond is one that is purely decorative. Without too much effort, it is possible to create a healthy and sustainable pond, with a variety of attractive aquatic plants and perhaps a little animal life too.

Water lilies provide a practical and attractive way to help keep the water free of algae, and with a few carefully chosen plants and rocks around the edge of your pond, you will have an attractive addition to your garden.

Fish Ponds

Garden ponds have a strong association in many people's minds with Carp, and formal Japanese gardens. While a true Japanese garden takes many years to develop, a healthy fish pond just takes a few weeks, and many people enjoy the lustrous colors and calming movements of pond fish.

It's a hobby that just takes a little time each day, and feeding and tending to your fish pond can be a relaxing and therapeutic way to unwind in the evening after a day's work.

Educational Garden Ponds

This is not really a category on its own, because any pond can serve as an educational aid for young children, but it is important enough to be worth highlighting. Not all schools have easy access to natural environments, and the miniature ecosystem that can be contained in a garden pond can be a wonderful and enjoyable educational tool for young children.

Tadpoles and frogs are always a favorite, and often seem to arrive in ponds all by themselves! Equally, older children will learn about the effects of sunlight on plants and water, and how it's necessary to maintain a healthy balance between different types of plant and animal.

Garden ponds can be a great educational tool for children (and adults!) and if you have young children, you will undoubtedly find that they love the garden pond!

Garden Pond Design

The creation of a garden pond does not have to be prohibitively expensive, but it does require a little time, money and good planning.

Making sure you get the planning right and not cutting corners on the construction is the best way to end up with a healthy, easy to maintain, and attractive pond, so we've put together a few tips to help you design your pond.

Locating Your Pond

Before you do anything else, decide where you'd like to have your pond. Consider the following points:

# Aim for a location that gets plenty of sun, especially in more temperate climates

# Stay away from trees whose leaves might end up in the pond - consider which way the prevailing wind blows

# Make sure you choose a location that you will be able to see from your porch or patio - after all the effort you will want to be able to enjoy the sight of your work.

# Make sure you can run an electrical supply to the pond - most ponds will need a pump or filter of some sort - and you'll need a water supply too.

Building Your Pond

For smaller ponds, you will have the choice of a rigid or flexible liner - a pre-formed rigid liner may be easier to install and appear the better choice, but you may struggle to find one in the right shape for your chosen location. They are also quite hard to get level when you install them.

A flexible liner, on the other hand, allows you to create a pond of almost any shape and size, but requires a little more care and effort to install successfully. You can also create a more natural look by filling the inside with soil and rocks that allow underwater plants to grow.

Ultimately what's best for you will depend on your budget and location, but make sure you research your choices thoroughly, and don't underestimate the challenge of installing a pond successfully. It's worth considering paying a professional to do the job, once you are clear on your requirements.

Whatever you choose, make sure you take time to enjoy the end result and reap the rewards of your own private water garden.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Written by Elizabeth Jean for www.Garden-Fountains.com For more information, visit The Father of Fountain Design

A Garden For All Seasons

2007-04-07T14:03:00.000Z

All great gardens have one thing in common. That is, they offer something during each of the four seasons. Through spring and summer the colorful flowers of perennials, annuals and flowering trees and shrubs are the focal point in the garden. Once the summer flowers begin to fade, the brilliant, colorful foliage of autumn brightens the garden. In the winter, it's the evergreens, berries and bark which provide the garden with color as the form and shape of the plants become more prominent.

Green is the dominant color in the garden in the spring as everything seems to be rapidly putting out new growth. The bulbs and perennials which do flower in the early spring do so against a backdrop of green foliage and brown earth. Bulbs are earliest blooming plants in the garden and are essential to the spring landscape. Some bulbs will even provide color until more perennials begin to bloom in May and June.

Early flowering perennials such as iris range in color from white to yellow to purple and in size from a few inches to 4 feet. For spring foliage, plant some hosta, they grow in a wide variety of greens, from blue-green to yellow-green and they're the perfect backdrop plant for the spring flowers.

Perennial borders peak in mid summer as a wide range of sun-loving flowers begin to bloom. Part of the mix include some leftovers from spring and, towards the end of summer, there are signs of the later blooming flowers as well. Annuals are also in full bloom mid-summer. Though most have finished flowering, fully leafed out shrubs can add a lushness to the garden.

A third wave of blooms begin brighten up the garden once again as the summer flowers begin to fade. The colors in the garden begin to change a bit in the fall with many perennials blooming in shades of yellow, orange and purple. Among these flowers are the annuals, which continue to flower until the first frost. Later in the season, the flowers, especially those of the sedum and black-eyed Susan, turn into brown and rust colored seed heads. They fit in perfectly with the colorful fall foliage of the surrounding trees. The foliage of the late season perennial is attractive on its own.

Once the blooms of the these flowers fade deciding whether to cut them back is up to the individual gardener. Some perennials will collapse to the ground anyways while others will remain standing though the winter with their showy seed heads creating off season interest in the garden.

Winter, the season in which many gardeners forget about the landscape, can offer color and visual interest through evergreen shrubs, bark, plant form and seed heads. For example, a clump of ornamental grass could be left standing through the winter. Redtwig dogwoods are great against the snow and birch trees have colorful, flaking bark. The winter landscape truly would be empty with the hardy evergreen trees and shrubs. Garden walls and fences become more prominent as the foliage which screens them in the summer disappears. Hedges, as well as walls, make a stronger statement in winter.

With some careful planning, it is possible to have a beautiful garden year round. Even in winter, when everything seems to be stark and barren. A few choice shrubs or trees can provide winter interest and a well thought out garden can flower from early spring until the first frost.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

R Birch is the publisher of www.gardenlistings.com . For information on all kinds of garden projects visit www.GardenListings.com/Resources.htm

The Art Of Sprinkler Heads For Beautiful Lawns

2007-03-30T09:37:00.000Z

It is a dream to many people to have a beautiful lawn. To most people, they think that to have a beautiful lawn is tough to achieve...

Well, if you know what to do and most importantly if you have proper watering system. The idea behind having a sprinkler system installed within your lawn is to create an established pattern of spraying heads that completely and thoroughly covers all areas needing water. This will ensure a nice even spread to all parts of the lawn.

Following are descriptions of different sprinkler heads and their characteristics.

Rainbird type: These heads are used to cover large areas because of their ability to spray long distances. School yards and parks utilize such heads. They spread water side to side at varying speeds to insure that water is flung in broken drops to the entire surface of the intended coverage area. These heads can spray straight and long, or a screw can be turned to break up the spray in portions that are not flung as far. Caution is advised when using rainbirds; coverage of all heads must be overlapped or dry spots can occur due to uneven watering.

Gear Drive watering: These heads spray like the above, but they move side to side more slowly, in theory to cover more evenly. They usually come in the "pop up" variety, and the best brands feature an excellent adjuster to break up the spray. Still, as given that rainbirds, it is important to be sure that the area of coverage for each head is generously overlapped.

Orbit watering heads: These heads spray in a circular pattern either in full, half, or quarter circles. These heads provide excellent coverage if the placement is thought out correctly. There will be a problem given that clogging if for any reason dirt is allowed in the line. They also must be carefully placed so that they are high enough to spray without obstruction by the growing grass blades, but low enough not to be chopped off by a lawn mower.

Pop-up Orbit heads: These heads are the same as the heads above except that when the water pressure is on, an extender rises. These heads can be set more
easily lower down in the grass to avoid being run over by a mower because the extender will rise up to the position necessary for adequate coverage when water pressure is applied.

Inside of the more steep of these heads, a spring is placed on the extender to bring it back into the closed position when the water is shut off. Cheaper heads rely on gravity to bring them back down; so sometimes the extensions stay elevated and are broken off by lawn mowers or passersby.

Rotary heads: These heads come in "pop-up" variety and are among the top-rated in uniform spreading of water. They are equipped given that springs to draw the extended portion back in after use, and the structure of the more steep brands is quite long-lasting and durable.

Aside from using a sprinkler system, there is now an choice solution: Many of us advertisements throughout the U.S. proclaim the benefits of a new and innovative methodology of watering that uses less water and is much more effective at keeping a garden green and growing. These are leaky pipe systems and their derivatives. These watering systems are made up of thin lines of tubing that run under the surface of a garden and can supply plant roots directly given needed water.

The advantages of using such a system are as follows:

1. Water is applied directly to roots in a continuous arrangement.

2. Fertilizer can be added to the water and distributed directly to the feeder roots without washing away or evaporating.

3. Because water is fed directly to the roots without exposure to the sun or air, there is extremely little or no evaporation. This saves water and money.

In flower and vegetable gardens this procedure is a fantastic way to distribute water to only the spots where plants are growing. But in very hot states such as Arizona, New Mexico, Florida, and Utah (to name only a few) these drip systems have not yet been and are not likely to be perfected for the purpose of watering lawns. In these climates it is sometimes necessary to lay tubing in every square inch of a lawn to provide the sufficient water coverage.

Such enormous undertaking will definitely cost alot. Before having one of these systems installed in your lawn, do check with several sprinkler outfits to ensure that a drip system is feasible in your area.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Lesley is the owner of www.makeyourperfectlawntoday.info website which provides free lawn care tips and useful information. Visit now and check out the tips that will help create a lawn that you can be proud of!

5 Ornamental Grasses That Can Add Interest To Your Garden

2007-03-22T21:41:00.000Z

Flowers don't have to be the sole inhabitants of gardens, adding other types of plants like ornamental grasses can add interests to your garden as well as fill in some empty spots and set a beautiful background to show off your bright flowers.

Unlike lawn grass, ornamental grass is made to grow to its full height. Therefore you want to carefully choose the planting location so as to ensure your grasses do not obscure the view of shorter plants. Here are five interesting ornamental grasses that can add a unique twist to your garden.

Hardy Pampas Grass

This is a very tall grass that can grow up to 12 feet and produces white plumed flowers in September and October. It works great as a screen to screen out neighbors or other unsightly areas and grows in large clumps that can be 5 feet wide. It grows in zones five to nine and likes moist well-drained soils with a lot of sun. If it gets too wet, however this can cause damage in winter.

Annual Fountain Grass

this ornamental grass makes a great border but is only suitable for southern climates and grows best in zone nine. It grows in up to 4 feet and is a fast-growing plant. It comes In two colors green leaves and red leaved. You can dig the crowns up in fall and overwinter them indoors but make sure you get them before the first frost.

Japanese Silver Grass

This is commonly used in gardens and can grow from three to 6 feet in height. It grows in dense masses and Is a beautiful greenish silvery color with white pink or red flowers that bloom from late August until the first frost. These grasses grow in zones five to nine and can take a wide range of soils but prefer full sun and moist fertile soil.

Ribbon Grass

Ribbon grass is great to put in places where you can't seem to get anything else to grow but be careful because it can be rather invasive. It is hardy in zones four through eight and can grow to three or 4 feet producing white flowers from June to October. It can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and will grow both in sun and shade.

Rabbits Tail Grass

This grass is an annual that is rather easy to grow from seed and produces white fuzzy flowers that look like tiny rabbit tails. It is often seen in dried floral arrangements and is best grown in clumps to get the best effect. Rabbit tale grass grows to 2 feet in height and prefers well-drained soil and lots of sun. there is also a dwarf variety that only grows to 6 inches.

There are many ornamental grasses to choose from and if you plan to add them to your garden should do a little bit of research to find out how tall they grow and how Invasive they can be before planting them. These grasses can be planned right in the ground or even putting containers for each unique exotic look that you won't find in just any garden.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Lee Dobbins writes for grasses.garden-g8way.com where you can learn more about caring for and choosing lawn and ornamental grasses.

Home Composting: 10 Ways to Make it Successful for You

2007-03-22T11:05:00.000Z

Gardening is a fun and invigorating activity. It keeps one busy and productive and brings the creativity and ingenuity in everyone. Gardening beautifies our homes but it also produces a good deal of yard waste. What better way to make this waste work out for you than to use it to enrich your garden through composting? You'd be making your soil more fertile for the health of your plants and at the same time, you'd be helping you community dispose of waste in the cleanest, cheapest and easiest manner. Here are some simple ways to make home composting successful for you:

1. Select the best compost material. Composting is simply simulating, if not imitatinag nature's natural process of breaking down dead matter and using it to replenish the soils nutrients. The best source would obviously be your own yard waste such as the dried leaves, straw and wood chips from your own vegetation. Experts recommend using browns and greens. Browns are rich in carbon while greens are rich in nitrogen.

2. Correct combination of compost materials. To make home composting successful, it is better to combine different compost materials that to use just one type. Combine some of the materials mentioned in the above tip and shred them into small pieces to make them easier to store in case you might want to pile them later.

3. Use of manure can also mean successful home composting. Manure is also a rich source of organic materials and may come from a variety of animals such as chicken, ducks, pigs, sheep, cow and goats. They are rich sources of nitrogen which plants need in building up their tissues. It is best to layer this manure with dried leaves and to not simply add it into the pile s that it is effectively decomposed and incorporated into the compost.

4. Cold composting. Cold composting is easy enough to do which involves piling all the materials you have chosen as compost materials. Put them up in a pile and give them time to decompose, after months or a year, you'd have a rich compost from the decomposition of these materials.

5. Hot composting is more systematic and laborious than cold composting but it works. The pile should be at least 3- feet deep and is made up of alternating materials. Water is sprinkled regularly on the pile keep it most for microbial growth and action. Once in a while, you may mix the pile to expose the lower layers to oxygen and promote further decomposition of organic matter. This should generate some heat in the compost as gases are produced with the breakdown of organic matter.

6. Stink management is also a key to successful home composting. If the pile is not aerated enough, it begins to give off a bad odor. To resolve this problem, turn and mix the pile once in a while. Do not allow your compost pile to simply stink up.

7. Keep moisture level up but not too much. Adding too much water will waterlog your microorganisms which will not be good for them too and will inhibit their decomposing activities.

8. If the pile is dry and is not heating up, one has to do the entire pile all over again and this time cut the materials into smaller pieces. Add enough water also to make the entire pile moist to stimulate microbial activity.

9. No matter how you are promoting the decomposition of organic waste, you compost should not be a breeding ground for flies and ants that can be sources of diseases and may hard your plants in the long run. Another key to successful home composting is management of these insects by covering the pile with dirt. It does not do if these insects would proliferate in your compost because they may do more harm than your compost may do you good.

10. For a successful home composting, keep your compost pile within your yard. It should be contained within a particular space so it does not look like a dumpsite of some sort. Building a simple fence may do the trick. Your enclosure should also allow some air to get in through the sides.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Lee Dobbins writes for www.backyard-garden-and-patio.com where you can learn what you need to know about gardening and landscaping from growing beautiful flowers to patio decor.

Enhance Your Garden With Flowering Trees

2007-03-21T22:35:00.000Z

Flowering trees can add beauty to your landscape and enhance your garden but when choosing trees you have a few things to consider.

First of all, you want to be sure to select a tree whose height will be a good match for the spot you are putting it in. If you want a rather short tree to compliment a corner garden, then you won't want to choose one that grows to 50 feet tall. On the other hand, if you want a large tree to spruce up your front yard, a dwarf tree will be ... well ... dwarfed by the rest of the landscape.

You'll also want to choose trees that thrive in your area and be aware of any pests or special maintenance. Your local garden center can help steer you in the right direction for maintenance and planting instructions. Here's some flowering trees you might want to consider:

Flowering Cherry Trees

There are several varieties of flowering cherry trees that grow from 12 feet to 50 feet tall. The Snow Fountain Flowering Cherry is great for smaller gardens and grows to only 12 feet in height. This tree has branches that droop to the ground with white flowers that bloom early in the season. A perfect tree to highlight a corner garden. The Pendula Weeping Japanese Flowering Cherry gets to about 20 feet in height and about 15 feet in width. It has pale pink flowers that bloom early in the season. The Kwanzan has in inverted cone shape and will get to about 30 feet tall X 20 feet wide. It has large pink flowers that bloom in mid season. The Kwanzan has orange foliage in fall. The Sargentii Flowering Cherry Tree is the tallest reaching 50 feet in height. It has pink flowers that bloom in clumps during the mid season.

Flowering Dogwood Tree

This is one of the most popular trees and has white flowers that bloom in spring. This tree, however is a bit picky about where you plant it and should be planted in a sheltered area, either on the side of the house or where it will be shaded by another tree.

Flowering Peach Tree

If you live in a Southern climate, then you are probably familier with this tree. This vase shaped tree grows to 25 feet and produces a lot of fruit. You must, however, plant it in the correct climate and soil. Avoid soil that is too wet or you will be disappointed with the outcome.

Flowering Pear Tree

The flowering pear tree can perk up any landscape and grows to about 45 feet producing lush yummy fruit as well as flowers. There are actually different types of pear trees that will grow to different sizes. They produce white buds in spring with either red or purple foliage in fall.

The Magnolia

This tree is another long time favorite and produces beautiful flowers that bloom in spring. If you live in the south you will want to consider the Southern Magnolia with it's fragrant white flowers. This variety can reach heights of 80 feet and shows red fruit in fall. In the north, you'll want to plant the saucer magnolia that has pinkish white flowers in early spring and grows to 30 feet.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Lee Dobbins writes for www.backyard-garden-and-patio.com where you can learn more about gardening, garden flowers and garden design.

Beneficial Insects and Spiders

2007-03-20T11:56:00.000Z

Although we focus on the insects that destroy our landscape plants and crops, these bad insects give a bad name to virtually all insect species which are actually good. They either do no harm, provide food for desirable species such as birds, or attack and kill the pests we don’t want. Here are ten common beneficial insects we should be aware of in our yards and gardens.

Lady beetles, also known as ladybugs and ladybird beetles, are perhaps the most well-known beneficial insect. The brightly colored, rounded beetles are often orange, but can be red, pink or yellow, and with or without spots. Both the larvae (the caterpillar stage before they turn into adult beetles) and the adults can eat hundreds of aphids in their lifetimes. They also eat insect eggs, mites, and soft-bodied insects such as mealybugs.

One of these, known as the Halloween lady beetle, enters homes in large numbers in the fall. Proper screening, patching cracks, and just vacuuming them up are simple controls.

Ground beetles range in size from a quarter inch to over one inch long, and are shiny brown, black, or bluish-black. They have long legs and antennae. Most feed at night on caterpillars such as armyworms, cutworms, and grubs. They may even eat small snails and slugs. A pair of adult ground beetles can eat over 300 gypsy moth caterpillars per year.

Praying mantids also are known by many, being up to three inches long, and with its enlarged front legs held out in front as if praying. They are not protected by state laws as some believe. In fact, they may do more harm than good, eating anything they can including honey bees, other beneficials, and even each other!

Dustywing adults are a quarter inch long, or less, with gray dusty-colored wings. Larvae are often mistaken for plant debris. Both stages of this insect feed on spider mites, aphids, and scale insects. They are considered one of the most uncommon, unrecognized, and under-appreciated of the beneficial insects.

Lacewings, both green and brown, are about three-fourths of an inch long as adults, with lacey wings. They are attracted to lights at night, and give off an odor when handled. Larvae are like small alligators, with sickle-shaped mouthparts (mandibles). Green lacewing larvae are called “aphid lions” from their large consumption of aphids, as well as mites and other small insects.

Hover flies, also known as syrphid or flower flies, closely resemble wasps and bees yet they don’t sting. One key difference is that they have only two wings. Larvae resemble tiny slugs, and often are found feeding in aphid colonies. Each larva can eat over 400 aphids. Attract adults with flowers that provide lots of nectar and pollen.

Predatory bugs feed on nectar and pollen too. They include several species. Big-eyed bugs are black and white with silvery wings and bulging eyes. They feed on most insects they can catch, including chinch bugs, small caterpillars, mites, and insect eggs. Minute pirate bugs are similar, with similar feeding. Damsel bugs are under a half-inch long, longer than wide, and
with long legs. They eat aphids, small caterpillars, leafhoppers, plant bugs, and insect eggs. Predaceous stink bugs differ from those that feed on plants, in having a distinct spike on each shoulder. They feed on over 100 types of insects.

Predatory wasps include ones that can sting us, and so we usually kill them on sight. Bald-faced hornet, yellow jackets, and paper wasps though, are important predators of caterpillars and similar soft-bodied insects. For this reason try and coexist with them, only destroying nests (using proper precautions) if they threaten people and pets.

Parasitic wasps are a large group of many species, most tiny (under an eighth inch long, so often overlooked) to an inch and a half long. They lay eggs inside hosts such as aphids and caterpillars. Once the larvae hatch, they consume the insect hosts. Swollen aphids, and caterpillars with white eggs on their back, are examples of this beneficial insect at work.

Parasitic flies, also known as tachinid flies, are a diverse group of over 1,300 species. They often resemble, so can be mistaken for, houseflies, bees, and wasps. Many lay eggs on hosts, the hatching maggots boring into the hosts and killing them through feeding. Hosts include caterpillars such as of the gypsy moth, beetles such as the Japanese, sawfly larvae, true bugs, and grasshoppers among others.

You can find diagrams of these insects, more information on them, and methods to help and not harm them, in the online Extension bulletin 7150 from the University of Maine.

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Checked out Perry’s Perennial Pages lately? www.uvm.edu/~pass/perry

Common Fruit Tree Pests

2007-03-19T22:24:00.000Z

Codling moth, plum curculio, and trunk borers are common pests on tree fruits in New England. Being ready for these if you have crabapples, flowering cherries, and fruit trees, and knowing cultural controls, will help you have better fruit with the least harm to the environment. A New England website of Extension services (pronewengland.org) provides some photos, information, and further resources on these and other garden problems.

Codling moth larvae (small caterpillar stage) hatch in June and early July. They seek newly developing fruit which they tunnel into, usually feeding in the center of the fruit and on the developing seeds. Look for piles of “sawdust” in July on the flower end of fruit. They feed on apples and pears, and even the related landscape plants quince, hawthorn, and crabapple. Affected fruits, if just with a bite on the surface, usually merely have a surface blemish. Fruits in which larvae have tunneled inside drop prematurely.

If using pesticides to control codling moth, follow label directions, especially in regard to proper timing of spring sprays. Biorational pesticides—those with a biological base—although better for the environment may be less effective. These include bacteria, insect growth regulators, viruses, and botanical based products. More on controls and timing can be found in a Cornell University leaflet (www.nysipm.cornell.edu/factsheets).

Plum curculio weevils lay eggs in spring on apple, pear, peach, plum, and cherry fruits once they are pea size. The eggs hatch into larvae which feed on fruit, causing them to drop. Larvae feed on seeds of pome fruits (such as apples) but not of stone fruits (such as cherries). If fruits remain, they show D-shaped scars or deformities. If spraying for other pests in the spring, this one usually will be controlled as well. Especially watch for this pest in spring on trees near hedgerows or woods where this pest may be present.

There are several species of trunk borers that kill fruit trees. Adult beetles lay eggs on lower parts of tree trunks in summer. The larvae that hatch tunnel throughout the trunk, causing structural damage and a site for wood rot diseases to enter. Especially susceptible are young, unsprayed trees, and those with close-fitting tree guards. Such guards, put on to deter mammal feeding, provide an ideal site for these borers to lay their eggs. Removing these guards in spring helps to lessen this pest. This insect, too, is usually controlled by sprays for other orchard pests so is most often found on wild or unsprayed trees.

One of the best controls for this pest is to keep trees healthy. If planting new ones, or near landscapes, keep them at least 300 yards away from other host plants for this pest. These include crabapples, hawthorns, and shadbush. Keeping brush and grass mowed and away from trunks allows natural predators such as woodpeckers and parasitic wasps to find these pests.

Other potentially serious pests of tree fruits include various mites, aphids, and San Jose scale. More on all these pests, and controls, can be found at the above Cornell factsheet website.

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Checking Viburnums and Other April Gardening Tips

2007-03-18T20:43:00.000Z

Checking viburnum shrubs for leaf beetle eggs, preparing flower planters, and potting dahlia tubers are some of the garden tips for this month.

If your viburnums had problems with viburnum leaf beetles last summer, now is the time to inspect your plants closely for egg-laying sites on the bark. Look for tiny, brownish black bumps on your twigs. These are the coverings over holes in which the eggs are laid. Prune these infested twigs as soon as possible because the eggs will be hatching soon and the young larvae will begin feeding on new foliage.

Check strawberry plants twice a week for signs of new growth. As soon as you see sprouts, remove the hay or straw mulch and spread it in the rows to help control weeds. A topdressing of an inch or two of compost will give plants a boost.

It's a good idea to test your soil every few years to determine its nutrient status and pH (acidity/alkalinity). Your state extension service can provide a reasonably priced test, and along with the results you'll get recommendations for improving the soil. The proper soil pH is especially important for plant health.

When planting large containers for the deck or patio, save on soil by creating a false bottom. Most of the plants you'll use don't need more than about a foot of soil depth for their roots, so put some foam packing peanuts in the very bottom, then cover with landscape fabric or a piece of cardboard cut to fit to keep the soil from sifting around the peanuts. Or use small plastic pots to take up some space before filling the planter with soil.

Get flowers sooner by potting up dahlia tubers and growing them indoors until it's warm enough to plant them outside. Pinch the growing tips when they get six inches tall to keep the growth short and stocky for easier transplanting into the garden.

To get a head-start on fresh greens, sow seeds in a large, shallow container. Keep the container outside during the day and bring it in at night if the temperatures dip below freezing, or protect it in a cold frame.

Don’t be in too much of a rush to prune roses and other woody perennials. If butterfly bush has died to the ground, cut the dead stems to the ground. Otherwise just shorten them by about one third. Cut back Russian sage, rue, and artemisias to about 8 to 12 inches from the ground. Don't prune lavender until new growth appears, and then just shorten the stems by about one-third. Heather should be lightly pruned to remove the old flowers and the tips of the shoots, but don't cut back to brown wood, stay in the green.

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Checked out Perry’s Perennial Pages lately? www.uvm.edu/~pass/perry

Spring Tips for the Fruit Garden

2007-03-15T14:09:00.000Z

Pruning, removing mulch from strawberries, and fertilizing blueberries are some of the activities in the fruit garden during spring.

Late winter and early spring is the time to order bare-root fruiting trees and shrubs if you haven’t done so already. They will be shipped before they start to grow, in time for planting in your area. They will need to be planted immediately upon arrival, so plan your spot now.

As soon as the buds start to swell, it's time to begin pruning apple, plum, and cherry trees. Plum trees should be pruned to an open center, while apple and cherry trees grow best pruned to a modified leader (center is more closed and tree is more upright). Remove any dead,
diseased, or broken branches, as well as crossing branches and twiggy, nonproductive growth.

Spray horticultural oil on fruit trees, such as apples, plums, and cherries, to smother any overwintering insects. Choose a calm day when temperatures are above 40 degrees F, and be sure to cover all sides of the branches. You can also apply it to evergreens to control spider
mites and other insects. Carefully follow the instructions on the label for proper usage and appropriate plants.

Check strawberry plants twice a week for signs of new growth in early spring. As soon as you see sprouts, remove the hay or straw mulch and spread it in the rows to help control weeds. A topdressing of an inch or two of compost will give plants a boost.

Check apple, cherry, and other fruit trees for nests of tent caterpillars. Blast low-lying nests with water to destroy them, or knock them to the ground and destroy them. A spray of Bt will kill emerging caterpillars but is not toxic to beneficial insects, birds, or humans.

Blueberries benefit from an acidic fertilizer each year. Apply one half pound of ammonium sulfate when the bushes start blooming, and another half pound four to six weeks later. If the leaves turn yellow with green veins, they may have an iron deficiency. Applying two to three ounces of ferrous sulfate or iron chelate around the base of the plants will help this.

If you have red raspberries and didn’t get them pruned after harvest last year, do so now. Keep in mind the summer-bearing varieties produce fruit on one-year old canes. So prune out those that fruited last year to direct plant energy into the newer canes. Wait to prune fall-bearing
varieties until after their summer crop, as they produce fruits on new canes at the end of the first growing season, then again the following summer.

Visit the National Gardening Association’s web site (www.garden.org) for more information on gardening and regional reports

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Leonard P. Perry - Check out Perry’s Perennial Pages lately? www.uvm.edu/~pass/perry

The Benefits of Vinyl Fencing

2007-03-03T22:25:00.000Z

Vinyl fencing is now the most popular form of residential fencing sold, with sales steadily increasing every year. While vinyl has been used as a fencing material for decades, it's only been in the last fifteen years that it has really soared in popularity. This is because the materials, construction and options have all improved dramatically with innovations in design and manufacturing.

Today's vinyl fencing has plenty of benefits over traditional wood fencing that makes it a fantastic investment for any homeowner. Manufacturers now offer options like more realistic textures that mimic wood grain, a variety of colors far beyond the original white and special vinyl polymers that resist fading or yellowing. The benefits of owning a vinyl fence include:

Virtually no upkeep. Once you install vinyl fencing, you don't have to worry about scraping, painting or staining ever again. The color of the vinyl goes all the way through, so it doesn't wear off or flake away when exposed to the elements. You can install it and forget it, except for enjoying its beauty. It's also easy to repair in the rare instance that something does happen. If a vinyl post cap comes loose or is stolen, you simply order a new one and snap it into place. It's so simple, and every vinyl post cap in your fence style will fit because they are made to exacting specifications.

Vinyl fencing improves resale value of your home. Home buyers love the look of a traditional wood fence, but many shy away from the prospect of having to take care of one. Most people simply don't have the time to scrape and paint every year and don't have the skills to do extensive repairs. They see a wooden fence as an expensive, time-consuming project. Vinyl fencing, however, is seen as an attractive, maintenance-free feature that they can enjoy for years - and they will be willing to pay for it.

Home Owner's Associations prefer vinyl fencing. Home Owner's Associations have lots of rules and regulations covering everything from what color you paint your house to what type of landscaping is acceptable. More and more of them are also demanding high quality vinyl fences for homeowners' property in order to maintain a well-groomed appearance. Wooden fencing is increasingly restricted because many people simply get tired of taking care of them and they become eyesores in the community.

Vinyl fencing is safer. If you want to surround a play area, pool or spa, nothing is stronger or safer than vinyl. It is much stronger than wood, yet it is smoother and has more give so that there is less chance of injury. You can choose from a wide variety of vinyl post caps that are smooth-edged with rounded or curved tops to minimize possible injury as well.

You protect the environment. Vinyl fencing doesn't use precious natural resources such as hardwood trees that take years to re-grow. You prevent deforestation and contribute to protecting the environment by opting for vinyl fencing, some of which is made from recycled materials.

Vinyl fencing is a short-term investment that has numerous long-term advantages over wood fencing. It is attractive, durable and low-maintenance and will give you many more years of enjoyment than any wood fence ever could. With so many attractive styles and colors now available, the choice is simple.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Tony King is a contributing author for USA Vinyl. USA Vinyl only uses top quality 100% Virgin materials in everything you see and touch. USAVinyl utilizes high quality acrylic and vinyl materials (not from secondary markets) in the substrate. Visit USA Vinyl.com today!

Sowing Cole Crops & Other March Gardening Tips

2007-03-02T02:37:00.000Z

Sowing cole crops, forcing pussy willow twigs indoors, and fertilizing houseplants are some of the gardening tips for this month.

Cole crops, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, can be started over the next couple of weeks indoors under lights. These cool-loving crops will grow six weeks indoors before being transplanted outdoors two weeks before your last frost date. Keep seedlings moist and well fed to get the sturdiest transplants.

In the next few weeks pussy willow buds will begin swelling, so go on a scavenger hunt for them in wet areas. Take two-foot cuttings from the bush, trying not to deform it by taking too many cuttings in one location. Bring them indoors and place them in water in a cool room.

Now that the days are getting longer, your houseplants will be resuming vigorous growth, so begin fertilizing with a soluble fertilizer. A seaweed or fish emulsion blend is a good choice -- but look for one labeled as "no odor" to avoid the usual pungent smell. You can fertilize monthly at the label’s recommended rate, or fertilize every time you water using one quarter-strength.

Check seed packets for recommendations, then plot out planting times for seeds you'll be starting indoors. Don't try to get a jump on the season by planting earlier; larger plants are more easily stunted than smaller ones and won't necessarily grow faster once they're transplanted outdoors.

If you left your ornamental grasses intact last fall, you can go ahead and prune them back to a height of about 6 inches. If you remove the old growth before new growth starts, you won't risk damaging new sprouts. Add prunings to the compost pile.

Spray horticultural oil on fruit trees, such as apples, plums, and cherries, to smother any overwintering insects. Choose a calm day when temperatures are above 40 degrees F, and be sure to cover all sides of the branches. You can also apply it to evergreens to control spider
mites and other insects. Carefully follow the instructions on the label for proper usage and plants.

Cold frames are handy for hardening off seedlings. You can make a simple cold frame by placing hay bales along the perimeter of a rectangle, and placing old windows or a glass storm door over the top. Purchased cold frames are convenient, and some have thermostatically- controlled tops
that open automatically when the temperature inside hits a designated point. Since the midday sun can heat a closed cold frame up quickly, this feature is especially handy if you're away for long stretches during the day.

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Leonard P. Perry - Checked out Perry’s Perennial Pages lately? www.uvm.edu/~pass/perry

Plants From Seed - Adapting To A Future World

2007-02-23T08:29:00.000Z

After a plant has grown to maturity it will aim to produce an abundance of seed in order to create a new generation of plants. Annual plants complete this process then die within a year, biennials require 2 years to complete their life cycle and perennials can survive for many years.

Not only do seeds perpetuate the species into the future, more importantly they create a variety of individual seedlings. Some of these individuals will be more successful at surviving changes in the environment and as a result the species is able to adapt to new environments.

Plants grown from cuttings are essentially clones of a parent plant. This is a very useful feature when plants are grown as crops, but a serious weakness in the wild. The reduced ability of clones to adapt to changes in the environment increases their chances of becoming extinct. Hence in nature seed production is vital to the survival of flowering plants.

Over long periods of time seeds that are the result of sexual reproduction will allow for the evolution of new forms of plants and eventually new species. This process is happening at the moment throughout the world. This allows the plant world to replace the species that could not adapt to climatic and environmental changes leading to their extinction. Many plant species are close to extinction for natural as well as man made reasons and these are classified as endangered.

Practical use of seed production can be made on the hobby farm. Apart from growing crops the farmer can also be a hobby plant breeder. I plan to do this with olives. Each year I plan to grow a large number of seedlings and select some according to their foliage. Eventually I may find a seedling that will have the type of foliage I am looking for and this plant can be developed into a new ornamental olive variety. The same principle can be used when developing new olive fruits, but the process will take much longer as there is a need to wait until the seedlings produce a crop.

Another interesting area of seedling production is in the production of plant hybrids. These can be produced when two closely related species are cross-pollinated. This may result in a new plant with features of both parents. An example of a hybrid is the plumcot. This was produced when an apricot and plum were crossed. This process also takes a long time in order to assess the features of the hybrids, but this is an important activity carried out by plant breeders in research centers. I have always wanted to cross a cherry and a plum in order to come up with a cherry- plum hybrid that is easier to grow in Melbourne then the current cherry varieties.

Maybe you can be the proud breeder of a new mouth watering fruit or vegetable and possibly make some money from royalties. Make up your plan, be patient and persistent, set your imagination alight!

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Ben provides assistance and consultancy to real and virtual estate owners in Singapore, Malaysia and Australia. His works include an Australian Hobby Farm. Ben is also in the process of publishing a eBook on hobby farming.

Indoor Lighting For Plants

2007-02-19T20:29:00.000Z

Artificial lighting from light bulbs indoors can be used to start seedlings in spring, provide supplemental light for sunlight to many plants, and to provide the sole source of light for low to medium light plants. The main aspects to consider when providing light for plants
indoors is the quality, quantity, and duration of the light.

Quality refers to the actual wavelengths the lights provide to the plants. Light may look white to us, but is in reality made of many different wavelengths as seen in rainbows or when light strikes a prism. It is the red and blue parts that the plant uses for energy and growth,
so these need to be provided by indoor lights. Terms you may see for light bulbs that provide these are “natural”, “full spectrum”, or “balanced.” They cost more than the usual incandescent bulbs that mainly provide red light to plants, or the cool white tubes that mainly provide
blue light.

A less expensive solution for a balanced light quality is to use both incandescent and cool white lights, or cool and warm (appearance, not temperature) white tubes in fluorescent fixtures. Keep in mind incandescent bulbs only may last 1,000 hours compared to 10,000 hours
for fluorescent. If using both incandescent and fluorescent, a balance ratio of 3 to 10 is best. So for every 30 watts from an incandescent bulb, provide 100 watts from fluorescent.

Additional terms you will see when looking at fluorescent tubes are “T” numbers. These refer to the diameter, in eighths of an inch, of tubes. So a T8 tube is eight eighths, or one inch, in
diameter. Older tubes are T12, with most newer ones T8 or even T5. These newer ones tend to be much more energy efficient, and even with lower wattage can produce more light due to new
technology and materials in their production. There even are high-output tubes with longer life, so even though more expensive at first they are cheaper in the end.

Quantity of light is crucial and, in addition to type and wattage of bulb, is adjusted by distance of lights to plants. Fluorescent tubes give off little heat, so can be placed as close as four to six inches above seedlings and plants. Incandescent and similar bulbs give off more
heat, so need to be kept a foot or more above plants. If you see browning or “burning” of leaves and leaf edges, this may be a sign your light is too close to plants.

Most plant growing fixtures you find in stores and catalogs utilize fluorescent tubes. These growing stands can be quite attractive, and expensive. If aesthetics aren’t crucial, such as in a heated basement area, you might consider making your own fixtures from lumber. If making
your own, consider bolting them together in case they need to be taken apart to move or store. Use adjustable chains for hanging fixtures so they can be placed at the proper height, and moved up as plants grow. For seedlings, and the most light on other plants, use either a three or four-tube fluorescent fixture, or two two-tube ones.

When using any bulbs, the reflector can make a difference how much light the plant receives. Reflectors are advised for most indoor lights, especially tube fixtures. Light quantity can drop off dramatically, by two fold or more, near edges of reflectors. Seedlings and plants growing
at an angle toward brighter light is a sign the quantity is not sufficient over them. I make sure, when starting seedlings, to have the fluorescent light reflectors out past the edges of the seedling flats. You can line older reflectors with shiny aluminum foil to provide more light, or even place such foil or white surfaces behind plant fixtures for reflection.

Light quantity also drops dramatically near the ends of fluorescent tubes, even new ones. If you have older tubes, and they are getting a bit dark near the ends of the bulbs, this is a sign they should be replaced. If you plan to grow many plants indoors under lights, you may want to look online, at a complete garden store, or at a camera shop for an inexpensive light meter. This can be revealing to see how much light is provided, and where, for your plants and even for reading lamps.

Light for growing is commonly measured in foot-candles—the amount of light given off by a candle one foot away. Two common T8 tubes placed six inches above plants will provide about 700 foot-candles. Reading lights, for comparison, often provide about 50 foot-candles.

Low light plants such as Chinese evergreen and Peace lily need between 50 and 250 foot-candles. Medium light plants such as African violets, begonias, dracaena, dumb cane, flame violet and seedlings need 250 to 1,000. High light plants such as most herbs and orchids need over 1,000 foot-candles.

Many plants may tolerate one level but prefer another. English ivy, peperomia, philodendron, and most ferns tolerate low light but prefer medium (in addition to high humidity for ferns). Many high light plants will tolerate medium light, but may be smaller, with smaller leaves, or
may not flower and fruit if this is their attraction.

Light quantity and light duration are related, as a lower level of light often can be made up with a longer duration. If growing seedlings indoors, 16 to 18 hours of light at day is recommended, at 65 to 75 degrees F. This duration, or even 12 to 14 hours with brighter light,
should be used if the sole light source for low to medium light plants. If using indoor lighting merely to supplement natural light from windows, you only may need a few hours additional at the end of the day. Don’t keep lights on continuously as plants need periods of darkness, with 55 to 65 degrees F ideal.

Natural and supplemental light is best for high light plants, as it is hard to get the quantity they need indoors in most homes solely from light bulbs. There are high-intensity fixtures for high light plants, as seen in sports arenas, that are quite expensive, require much power, and
are best for serious hobbyists or commercial growers.

Various inexpensive timers to control light fixtures are available at most hardware stores. Some multi-plug power strips even come with timers. Other items to consider with artificial light include heating mats. These especially are important if starting seedlings. Trays to
prevent water runoff are needed for potted plants. These can be lined with gravel and kept moist in order to increase humidity around plants to a minimum 50 percent or so.

Artificial lighting is useful for starting seedlings indoors, either to get a jump on the season or for those such as pansies that take many weeks to germinate and grow. Make sure before placing outdoors in late spring such seedlings, or even potted plants that have been solely or
primarily under artificial lights, that you adjust them gradually over a couple of weeks or more to the “real” and higher light of sun. You may just want to leave potted plants in part to full shade. Put seedling flats here too, or cover with lightweight fabrics as used for frost protection.

If you haven’t tried growing plants under lights, join the roughly 2.7 million households that buy indoor plant lights each year, and the estimated 10 to 15 million households that grow plants under lights indoors.

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Leonard P. Perry - Checked out Perry’s Perennial Pages lately? www.uvm.edu/~pass/perry

Sowing Leeks and Other February Gardening Tips

2007-02-06T10:25:00.000Z

Checking potted bulbs for forcing, sowing leeks and onions, and choosing fragrant flowers for Valentine’s are some of the gardening tips for this
month.

Check the calendar to see if your forced bulbs have received their recommended amount of cold treatment (12 to 16 weeks). If so, move them into a 50-degree spot out of direct sun until the flower shoots are about two inches tall, then move the pots to a sunny 68 degree F location. The warmer the temperature, the shorter the flowering stems will be and the faster the bulbs will flower and fade.

Geraniums that you brought indoors this winter are probably getting tall and leggy by now if they're not growing under artificial grow lights. Prune back errant branches and take 4- to 6-inch cuttings to root. Strip off the bottom set of leaves, dip the cut ends in rooting hormone powder, and stick the cuttings in a pot filled with moistened potting soil. Keep the soil moist, and they should root in a few weeks.

Long-season alliums, such as leeks and onions, should be started from seed now. Sprinkle the seed on top of seed-starting mix, keep it moist, and as soon as the seedlings emerge, place the flats under grow lights. Snip the ends periodically to keep them about three to four inches tall and help them grow strong.

Give the gift of fragrance this Valentine's Day with freesias, tuberoses, Oriental lilies, hyacinths, or any other flowers that will perfume the air. Or make a fragrant spring gift basket with small pots of hyacinths and other bulbs set in a larger basket, topped with Spanish moss. Or splurge on a gift certificate for fresh flower bouquets every month (or less) from a local florist.

As soon as the buds start to swell, it's time to begin pruning apple, plum, and cherry trees. Plum trees should be pruned to an open center, while apple and cherry trees grow best pruned to a modified leader (center is more closed and tree is more upright). Remove any dead, diseased, or broken branches, as well as crossing branches and twiggy, nonproductive growth.

While you're pruning flowering trees, such as crab apple and plum, cut some two-foot sections of pruned limbs with flower buds on them (flower buds are larger than leaf buds). The best way to hydrate the stems is to lay them down in a bathtub of water overnight. If anyone in your house objects, just recut the stems, place them in a bucket of warm water, and keep them in a cool place for a week or so. When flowers begin to open, bring them into your living room and your house will smell of spring even though the snow may still be flying outdoors.

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Leonard P. Perry, Extension Professor, Univ. of Vermont Checked out Perry's Perennial Pages lately? www.uvm.edu/~pass/perry/

Red Oaks For The North

2007-02-05T11:51:00.000Z

If you have a medium to large landscape, well-drained soil, and full sun, then you might consider planting one of these stately trees for shade or as a specimen. If you are building a home, try and save them if they exist on your property.

One of the two main groups of oaks (along with the white group) is the red or black group. Trees in this group have leaves with pointed tips on divisions. Red oaks generally have fibrous roots near the surface, so are easier to transplant. They produce acorns generally every two years, termed “biennial maturation.” Hardy common examples in this group are the scarlet oak (/coccinea/), shingle oak (/imbricaria/), pin oak (/palustris/), northern red oak (/rubra/), shumard oak (/shumardii/), and the black oak (/velutina/).

The scarlet oak starts off with a pyramid shape, becoming more rounded with age. It can reach 75 feet high and 50 feet wide. The leaves can turn a vivid redin fall, as its name indicates, turning color later than many oaks.

The shingle oak also is called laurel oak, as its leaves resemble those of laurel. They turn a bronze to russet fall color. The bark is used to make shingles, so its other common name. This oak will tolerate some urban pollution. It produces less acorns than many oaks, only every two to four years, so is less messy in landscapes. With age, this oak reaches 50 to 60 feet high, and a little over half as wide.

The pin oak is one of the most popular seen in landscapes, as it tolerates a range of conditions. It can even tolerate wet soils and clay soils if not compacted. Pin oak is easily spotted in landscapes with its upward reaching top branches, horizontal middle branches, and drooping down lower branches. Over time the pyramid shape may reach 60 feet high and half as wide. The leaves turn a golden brown in fall and are held all winter. If soils are too alkaline, summer leaves may turn yellow with green veins.

The northern red oak may show similar leaf yellowing on alkaline soils as the pin oak, yet remains a top choice with red fall color. It is fast growing, with a rounded shape reaching 50 to 70 feet tall with age, and 40 to 60 feet wide. This red oak tolerates city conditions better than many oaks.

The shumard oak is another adaptable oak for a range of conditions, from wet to dry soils, salt, and air pollution. It, as the northern red oak, is fast growing. With age it can reach 40 to 80 feet high, and 40 to 60 feet wide. Fall leaves are an attractive bronze to deep red. The shumard oak tends to produce many acorns, which is good for wildlife but not as desirable in more formal landscapes. Being hardy to zone 5 (-10 to –20 degrees F) makes it not as hardy as many other oak species.

The black oak is an attractive with its shiny leaves similar to those of the northern red oak, but is less commonly found in nurseries, is slower growing, and is difficult to transplant. This long-lived oak, none-the-less, is desirable and existing trees should be saved during construction. The rounded shape to 50 feet high can vary widely among individuals.

Many red oaks are native to this country, so even if you don’t plant them, you may find them in woodland walks. You often see them in parks and large landscapes. If you have oak furniture or wood in your home, it well may be from a red oak.

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Leonard P. Perry, Extension Professor, Univ. of Vermont Checked out Perry's Perennial Pages lately? www.uvm.edu/~pass/perry/

Plants at Work, Indoors

2007-02-03T15:32:00.000Z

Plants at Work is a national information program of the green industry to inform businesses and the public of the benefits of using plants indoors. Studies have shown that plants in homes and workplaces help reduce stress, increase productivity, enhance employee attitudes, lower operating costs, help in “green building” design, and improve air quality.

Studies in Texas, Washington State, and England showed that employees in environments with plants were 12 percent more productive than those not exposed to interior plants. Visual exposure to plants helped to reduce blood pressure, and to lessen stress within five minutes. Perhaps some of this arises from the reduction in office noise with the use of plants, another factor well-documented in studies. For instance, a small indoor plant hedge around a workspace can reduce noise by five decibels.

Surveys and studies have verified the positive effect of plants on employee perception and disposition. A key incentive for firms to have interior plant design and maintenance contracts is this, as well as employee retention. Plants have been shown to reduce employee absenteeism by 14 percent. It is cost effective to keep the employees happy, this asset valued at 10 times the building operating cost and 100 times the energy cost.

Plants cool by the process of “transpiration”, releasing moisture into the air. A USDA estimate is that proper use of plants could decrease air temperature in an office by as much as ten degrees. Plus, the moisture released by these plants helps maintain indoor humidity in the human comfort zone of 30 to 60 percent, and helps prevent materials such as wood from cracking when dried out.

The main effect of plants on buildings environments, however, may be on the outside. One young healthy tree, according to the International Society of Arboriculture, has a net cooling effect equivalent to ten room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day. Other industry statistics indicate the proper use and placement of trees can lower heating and cooling costs by up to 20 percent.

Similar to outdoor plants, indoor plants improve the perceived value of spaces in addition to the aesthetics. A study in England reinforces that indoor plants have a positive effect on perception, while costing less than most other choices for corporate décor. Clients and employees perceive interior spaces with plants as more welcoming, relaxed, and upscale.

An often cited example of the positive effect of plants on perception and value is the study of the Opryland hotel in Nashville. Its 85 percent occupancy is considerably higher than the 68 percent national average. A scientific case study found the main factor accounting for this high occupancy is the significant investment (over $1 million) in interior plants, in fact one of the largest investments in indoor plants in the country. This hotel has 12 acres of indoor space, containing about 18,000 indoor plants representing over 600 species.

A study over 20 years showed that interior plants can have a positive impact on “sick building syndrome.” This is the condition found in many tight, energy efficient buildings from indoor pollutants. These are the toxic chemicals from building components such as carpets, paints, and synthetic construction materials. Toxins include such compounds as xylene and benzene, with the most commonly found in EPA tests being formaldehyde at 0.173 micrograms per liter of air. Such tight buildings can be ten times more polluted than air outside or in “leaky” environments. An adequate installation of plants in sealed U.S. offices could save, by one estimate, $258 billion.

Rooms filled with plants were shown to have 50 to 60 percent fewer molds and bacteria in the air than in rooms where no plants were present. These, and toxins, both are absorbed in the soil, and into plant leaves. Toxins may be translocated down into the root and used there as plant food, or destroyed through a process called “metabolic breakdown” as shown in a study by German scientists.

Plants grown in potting soil have been rated for their relative removal rate of toxins, such as formaldehyde. For this compound, Boston fern can remove 1863 micrograms per hour, bamboo palm 1350, Janet Craig dracaena 1328, English ivy 1120, peace lily 939, areca palm and corn plant 938 for examples. All the details of how plants clean such air, and how to use them for this, are in the paperback book by the researcher B.C. Wolverton.

In another fascinating study by a university professor Tove Fjeld in Oslo, Norway, plants were shown to improve employee health in offices, schools and hospitals. Plants were included ornot in offices during various periods for employees. When plants were present, ailments such as fatigue, headache, sore throat, coughs, and dry skin were all reduced. The mean reduction of 12 ailments with plants present, compared to without, was 23 percent.

U.S. researchers Fisk and Rosenfeld of the Berkeley National Laboratory have quantified this into a $58 billion annual savings from sick-building illness with the use of plants, 40 percent of all sick days related to poor indoor air quality in their study. In addition, they estimate an additional $200 billion could be saved using plants indoors from improvements in worker performance.

You don’t have to think big to benefit from the use of plants indoors. A Scottish brewer is an example of a firm that uses plants indoors extensively, including planters on top of filing cabinets to divide space, reduce noise, and to improve employee health and satisfaction. For office workers, just having a plant on the desk can improve the six to eight cubic feet of “personal breathing zone” where most the day is spent. Author Jay Naar suggests 15 to 20 plants can clean the air in a 1,500 square foot area.

You can learn more about the Plants At Work program, and the “green” qualities of using plants indoors, at their website (www.plantsatwork.org)

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Leonard P. Perry, Extension Professor, Univ. of Vermont Checked out Perry's Perennial Pages lately? www.uvm.edu/~pass/perry/

All-American Selections - 2007 Winners

2007-01-31T19:44:00.000Z

Each year the best new flower and vegetable selections that bloom or fruit the first year from seeds are judged in the All-America Selections program. Those that are proven best across the country in trials as new, or an improvement over existing varieties, are given the coveted All-America Selections award. This year the winners include three flowers and one vegetable.

Fresh Look Gold Celosia, or plumed cockscomb, joins its fellow and previous winners Fresh Look Red and Yellow. Reaching about a foot high, and almost that across, its dense golden plumes last well through the season with no browning. These plumed celosia, and this series in particular, are some of my favorite annual flowers as they are carefree with virtually no pests or problems. Just give them some fertility (they are not as demanding as many new annual flowers), full sun, and a well-drained soil. If starting them from seed, figure about 110 days from sowing to first flowers.

Opera Supreme Pink Morn Petunia is one of the newer trailing types, with many smaller flowers (two inches or more wide). Flowers are bright pink with white centers, and a yellow deep center or “throat”. These three colors make it a “morn” type. These colors, with a silvery cast, are eye catching from a distance.

Plants of this petunia flower continuously, with no need to “deadhead” or remove spent flowers, or cut back as was needed with older selections. In good locations, a plant can cover three feet, at about six inches high, keeping down weeds and covered with flowers. They grow best in full sun and a well-drained soil. Figure on spacing plants about 18 inches to two feet apart, and sowing seeds about three months or more before flowering.

Pacifica Burgundy Halo is another vinca, or annual periwinkle, to win this award in recent years. Flowers are a gorgeous burgundy with contrasting white center, the first such color combination in this genus of flowers. This vinca also has early flowers, good branching, and in my north country trials flowered through the season. Many older vinca need lots of heat in order to flower well.

As with the other annual flowers, vinca needs full sun and a well-drained soil. This annual, however, is quite drought tolerant when established and needs less water. Keeping under a foot high, plants should be spaced about eight to ten inches apart. Figure about two months from sowing to first flowers.

Holy Molé pepper is the only vegetable award winner this year. It is a pasilla-type pepper, the type used to make molé sauce. It won over other selections being earlier to fruit, vigorous, and with a high yield of fruits. One reason for the high yields is the resistance bred into this selection to two common viruses that cause peppers to be shorter and with less fruit.

Immature green peppers can be harvested about three months from transplanting, and are seven to nine inches long. Left on the plant, the peppers turn a dark chocolate color. Their taste is nutty and tangy. With plants staying between one and two feet high, space them about two feet apart. Full sun and a well-drained soil are needed, and the hotter the site the better. Sow seeds indoors early in order to transplant larger plants outdoors, as they need about four months from sowing to flowering.

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Leonard P. Perry, Extension Professor, Univ. of Vermont Checked out Perry's Perennial Pages lately? www.uvm.edu/~pass/perry/

A Sweet Plant

2007-01-21T14:34:00.000Z

Chocolate has to be one of the all-time favorite foods, especially on holidays such as Valentine’s Day, birthdays, and anniversaries. Of course it is widely used from flavorings for cakes to hot cocoa. As with many of our foods, chocolate has a direct origin from plants.

Chocolate begins life as seeds in pods clinging to trunks of the cacao (pronounced kah KOW) tree (Theobroma). This small tree naturally grows in the understories (under taller trees) in lower elevation rainforests where it requires regular rainfall, steady warm temperatures, constant high humidity, and a rich well-drained soil. First found growing over 2000 years ago in Central and South America, it is now grown in tropical climates globally.

Most cacao is now produced on small farm plantations, often in sunny fields where tree life is shorter but yields higher. This cultivation often relies on chemicals, and is less sustainable than culture along the edges of rainforests, or in rainforest corridors.

Cacao production supports economies in many countries. For example, the lives of about half the 14 million population of the Ivory Coast are estimated tied to cacao production.

The unique pods are produced year round, but are harvested usually twice a year by hand. The large pods then are cut open with a machete, a skilled worker opening 500 pods an hour! The pulpy seeds are scooped out, covered with banana leaves, and allowed to ferment for three to nine days. It is this fermentation that gives seeds their chocolate flavor and rich deep brown color. Seeds are dried on trays or bamboo mats before being shipped to manufacturers.

The process of making chocolate, cocoa powder, and cocoa butter from cacao seeds is complex and may take several days. Seeds first are cleaned, weighed and sorted so they can be blended by each company’s formula. Depending on variety of seed, they are roasted from a half hour to two hours in large rotating roasting ovens at 250 degrees F or higher. This roasting is the key to the best chocolate flavor.

Roasted seeds actually have a husk that must be removed, and this is done by machines with knives that break this outer layer. The seed bits, called “nibs”, then are sorted by size in sieves—a process called “winnowing.” But the process still involves more.

The seed bits, or nibs, are made of about 53% cocoa butter and the rest pure cocoa solids which must be separated. This process begins by “milling”—crushing the seed bits by heavy steel discs and producing a thick paste called “chocolate liquor”. Some of this liquor is then subjected to yet more pressure, this time 25 tons from a hydraulic press. The fatty, yellow substance that is squeezed out is the cocoa butter. It is used in chocolates, cosmetics, and medicines.

Some of the chocolate liquor, however, is not pressed but blended with condensed milk, sugar, and a bit of cocoa butter to form a raw mixture called “crumb”—a coarse, brown powder. The solid part of liquor left after pressing is dried and pulverized into cocoa powder, known for its use in beverages, cooking, and baking.

Yet there’s still more to making that chocolate candy or bar! The raw powder mixture, or crumb, is broken down or “refined” through a series of rollers. Too much and the resulting chocolate becomes a paste, too little and it will be coarse and grainy. In general, Swiss and German chocolate is refined longer than that of England and America, so is smoother. The refined paste next enters vats where heavy rollers knead and blend it, a process called “conching”, which may take six days. Whether this paste is agitated or aerated during conching will affect its final flavor and texture.

The final process before shipping liquid chocolate to manufacturers is “tempering.” This involves warming and cooling the refined chocolate repeatedly, and is used to give chocolate its shiny appearance and to ensure it melts properly. Once at the factory, the assembly-line process is as we might envision, the liquid chocolate rapidly being squirted into molds.

The next time you encounter chocolate, don’t take it for granted. Remember it started in seed pods on cacao trees in the tropics, and went through many processes over many days and in many forms before reaching you. You can learn much more about this wonderful food and its history online at websites such as those of manufacturers, retailers, and the Field Museum of Chicago (www.fieldmuseum.org).

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Leonard P. Perry, Extension Professor, Univ. of Vermont Checked out Perry's Perennial Pages lately? www.uvm.edu/~pass/perry/

The Majestic Roses That Surprised You!

2007-01-14T15:22:00.000Z

Spiraea tomentosa or The Hardhack flowers from July to September. It thrives well in swamps, ditches and in moist ground. It is found in Georgia, Kansas and Nova Scotia. It is also known as Steeple Bush Rose. It produces magenta, pink or occasionally white flowers. These small flowers grow in dense clusters. This shrub like plant can be up to three feet in length. The leaves can be up to two inches in length. The dark green leaves have white colored woolly hairs on their underside. The leaves are edged like a saw.

These flowers attract bees, beetles and flies. Human beings also find them very attractive. This plant is related closely to White Meadow Sweet. The two plants often grow near to each other. White Meadow Sweet also has pink flowers which bloom in a reversed fashion. The flowers have a brown colored tip. The withered flowers of this plant are seen during summer months.
Virginia Raspberry or Rubus odoratus flowers from June to August. It grows well in dells, shady roadsides and rocky woods. It is found from Northern Canada to Georgia. It is also seen in Tennessee and Michigan in the west.

The plant has bluish black or royal purple colored flowers. These flashy and fragrant flowers can be up to two inches in width. The plant can grow up to five feet. It is a thick, shrubby plant but it has no prickles. Its leaves have different lobes, middle lobe being the largest. The leaves can be up to a foot wide and are mostly seen in bunches. The plant is a member of the Rose family. A red berry is also produced by the plant.

The plant is often linked to the exquisite wild rose, and it suffers because of this. But when it flowers along the roadside and in dells, its beauty can not be ignored even by those who hate magenta. On cloudy days, the flower is seen as a deep purplish rose but the petals become pale or bluish pink once the sun comes out. Its purple color is not the same purple as we know today rather it is the purple of olden times.

Ulmaria rubra or Queen of the Prairie grows well in prairies and moist meadows. It flowers from June to July. It is found all over from Western Pennsylvania to Michigan. It is seen in Iowa in the south. It is known for its deep pink colored flowers which resembles peach blossoms. These fragrant flowers are found in clusters and are one-third an inch in width. The plant has a number of branches and it can be 2 to 8 feet in length. Its large leaves are found in groups usually of three to seven. The leaves can be up to three feet in length and are usually found close to the ground.

It is found in abundance in the Ohio Valleys moist meadows. Butterflies love its pink color. It also attracts bees though they love the blue flowers more! Cattle chew its leaves and the leaves give out a sweet birch like fragrance when they are crushed.

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George Wood is a successful webmaster of many popular sites including gardening and blog site.

The Garden Gnome; A Culture All It's Own

2007-01-07T14:38:00.000Z

The Garden Gnome is not just another yard figurine. It has it's own distinguished history, culture and controversy attached to it. Before you buy a Garden Gnome for your home be sure to know all of the factors that go along with it.

For starters the history of the Garden Gnome dates back to Germany in the 1800's. The original statues were made out of clay and were hand crafted. They then made their way to England in the mid 1800s. Around the late 1800's to the 1900's they made their way into America. During WWII production of these figurines came to an abrupt halt. The German factories were commandeered and converted to support the war efforts. In 1960's the gnomes picked up popularity again however, they were mass-produced using plastic. Because so many of them were produced they gained the stigma for being a tacky lawn ornament. The clay hand carved Garden Gnomes have been family heirlooms for many families. The Clay figurines are making a come back of sorts, more companies are reviving the old tradition.

Any Garden Gnome enthusiast will tell you that Garden Gnomes are wonderful creatures that are very good luck to have in your garden. They are primarily vegetarians, joyful little people who enjoy having fun and helping out with things. It is believed that having one in your garden will be helpful in the day-to-day activities that are necessary to proper garden management. It is believed that they have an excellent ability to be able to reflect on history and an even better perspective on the future.

Not all people have such a jovial perception of the Garden Gnome. There are some that disagree with the use of the Garden Gnome. They believe that to have a Garden Gnome in the home is slavery and that the Garden Gnome should be freed. There are groups that will take a Garden Gnome from a yard if they see it. Relocating it to the forest where they believe they find their freedom. A few of the groups choose to operate under the raidar, sneaking into people's yards and stealing these figurines. There is a political group that actively lobbies for the ban of Garden Gnome slavery.

Whether you are a follower of the Garden Gnome culture or just someone who thinks they are cut enough to go in your yard these figurines have a lot of history behind them and can be a wonderful addition to your yard. Just be sure to keep them away from the gnome liberators if you would like to keep them for a long period of time.

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The Garden Gnome; A Culture All It's Own

Mallow Wild Flowers Unmatched Beauty

2007-01-06T16:28:00.000Z

There are many varieties of Mallow wild flowers. Mallow Rose is the most common one. Others varieties include Marsh Mallow, Desert Mallow.

Mallow rose or Swamp Rose- mallow grows well in saline conditions, riversides, brackish marshes and lake shores. Its botanical name is Hibiscus Moscheutos. It is found from Massachusetts to the Gulf of Mexico. Its growth can also extend till Louisiana in the west. It starts flowering in the month of August and flowers till September. The plant is known for its clear, big rose pink colored flowers though white flowers with red center can also be found. The flowers can be four to seven inches in width. The plant is stout, with a perennial root and can be up to seven feet in length. The size of their leaves can be anywhere in between three and seven inches. The leaves are egg shaped and tapered. On their underside, there is a white down which is dense.

These magnificent flowers make the travelers spellbound with their beauty. They grow in marshes. It grows well in moist and well-enriched soil. They can easily grow at home though they require a lot of salt and water for their growth. The garden receives average water from showers etc but these flowers grow rapidly in such conditions also. To have them at home, one can dig up some roots and transport these plants to their home. However before digging it up one must not forget to wear rubber boots as the place where they grow is quite slippery. Spade provides some support.

Its decorative splendor is unmatched among the bushes and only hollyhock which is one of its cousins can match it. Rose mallows beauty is unparallel it can only be eclipsed by the Rose of China or Hibiscus Rosa-Sinensis. This flower has a scarlet colored corolla which stains black. Rose of China is used for different purposes in different countries. Married Chinese women used this flower for discoloring their teeth while people used it for shoe polish in the West Indies.

Marsh Mallow whose botanical name is Althaea officinalis produces small pink colored flowers. Wymote is it is another name. The flowers measure one and a half inches in length. The flower can be found in the salty marshes that extend from Massachusetts coast to New York. It is a thick plant which can be up to four feet in height. The plant grows in swamps and it is very important for it to have open pores. Its pores clog due to the moisture which arises from its wet retreats; to prevent this, the plant is covered with velvety down. This leafy plant has thick roots which have medicinal value.

There is another variety known as the Desert Mallow. It grows in hot places like Southern New Mexico, Arizona and in some regions of Texas. The plant has peach colored flowers and these small flowers thrive well in the hot conditions!

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George Wood is a successful webmaster of many popular sites including flowers and blog site. If you want to read more about gardening, click over to George gardening site.

Proper Snowblowing and Other January Gardening Tips

2007-01-03T16:34:00.000Z

Proper snowblowing to avoid damage to landscape plants, taking inventory of seed supplies, and checking stored root crops for decay, are some of the gardening tips for this month.

When you are clearing your driveway with a snowblower this winter, direct the snow away from plants. Otherwise, the blowing ice crystals may damage the tender bark of young trees and shrubs. This isn't as much of a concern for plants wrapped with burlap.

When you're finished with holiday evergreen boughs, use them to mulch tender perennials and shrubs. They make a lightweight but insulating layer that helps protect plants from alternating temperatures like our typical January thaw followed by a deep freeze.

Now is a good time to take inventory of your supplies for seed starting. Check quantities of potting soil, containers, labels, other supplies, and seeds you may have stored from previous years. Sterilize any used containers with a 10 percent bleach solution (one part bleach to ten parts water). If you have seeds more than a couple years old, sow a few (even between moist paper towels) to check their germination rate.

If you've noticed tiny black flies that look like fruit flies around your indoor plants, they are probably fungus gnats. Though annoying when they flit about, the 1/8-inch-long adult insects are harmless. Their tiny, worm-like larvae feed on organic matter in moist soil, which can include plant roots. To control them, allow the soil to dry out between waterings, use sticky traps, or drench soil with a biological control.

Potatoes, onions, carrots, turnips, and other root crops that you have stored in your basement or root cellar should be checked regularly for signs of decay. Any vegetables that show any rotting should be removed and eaten (if possible) immediately so they don't spread the disease to other vegetables.

If you start seeds under grow lights or fluorescent shop lights indoors, check the tubes for signs of age. Tubes that have been used for two to three seasons probably have lost much of their intensity even though they look fine. Dark rings on the ends of the tubes are a sign they need to be replaced.

Now is the time to order bare-root fruit trees. Bare-root trees are shipped in late winter or early spring before they start to grow. Trees will be shipped for planting time in your area, and they should be planted immediately upon arrival.

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Professor Leonard P. Perry, Univ. of Vermont
Check out Perry's Perennial Pages lately? www.uvm.edu/~pass/perry/

Stately Oaks

2006-12-28T17:39:00.000Z

Even if you do not have a medium to large landscape conducive to these trees, you should be aware of oaks as most are native to this country, and they make some of our most stately trees on public landscapes. They are so popular that they have been named the official tree of six states and one Canadian province, and the national tree of the U.S. in 2004. Long lived, they symbolize strength and long life in many cultures.

Oaks (Quercus) generally have an upright, rounded, or spreading habit. They may reach 60 to 80 feet or more high, with a similar spread. Oak leaves are varying shades of green in summer. In fall, some species have plain brown leaves, others have soft colors of russet and bronze, and others have bright orange to red leaves. Leaves are rather large, some up to eight inches or so long, with points along the margins, lobes and indentations. Since oaks cross freely in the wild, leaves of such trees may be hard to identify. Most oak leaves are deciduous (they lose them in the fall) and hardy to USDA zones 4 (-20 to –30 degrees F) or 5, but a few southern species hardy to zone 7 are evergreen.

Oak flowers aren’t their main feature, having male flowers hanging like fringe in “catkins”, the female flowers either single or a few clustered in spikes. Some species produce many catkins, which can be messy when they drop. The female flowers of course produce the fruits which are the the nuts most know as acorns. Most also know these are a favorite winter food of squirrels, rabbitsk, deer, some birds and other wildlife. Native Americans also ate them.

Oaks in general prefer a well-drained soil that is slightly acid, but most except pin and Northern red oak will tolerate some alkalinity. The leaves of these two will turn yellow, with green veins, if the pH of the soil is too high. Give oaks full sun for best growth.

Since some species of oaks may be hard to find in nurseries, they may be started from acorns, or collected from the wild. Just make sure if collecting you do so legally. Pay attention to which species transplant easily, and which are difficult because of a deep taproot. Keep this in mind too when starting plants from acorns. Those forming a deep taproot will need a deep container if not planting them directly in the ground.

There are two main groups of oaks. The red or black group has leaves with pointed tips on divisions. This group generally has fibrous roots near the surface, so are easier to transplant. They produce acorns every one or two years. Examples in this group are the scarlet oak (coccinea), shingle oak (imbricaria), pin oak (palustris), northern red oak (rubra), shumard oak (shumardii), and the black oak (velutina).

The white oak group generally has leaves with smooth, rounded lobes. They tend to form a deep taproot, so are often difficult to transplant. They produce acorns every year. Examples in this group include the white oak (alba), swamp white oak (bicolor), bur oak (macrocarpa), chinkapin oak (muhlenbergii), and the English oak (robur).

Oaks are generally tough, surviving most pest or disease problems. One serious and often fatal disease, more in the Midwest and Texas, is oak wilt. The name is descriptive of the symptoms. The black oak group seems more susceptible to this disease than the white oak group.

On the other hand, white and chestnut oaks may be more susceptible to the other serious disease, sudden oak death. Luckily, this disease which was likely introduced to our country recently, is being confined by strict government regulation and observation to parts of the west coast. Sudden oak death also is prevalent in England and parts of Europe. It is serious as this contagious disease can destroy many other species of ornamentals, such as rhododendrons, as well.

The next time you walk in the woods, or visit a gardens or park, look for some of these stately trees. If you have enough space, consider adding one or more to your own landscape for shade and as a specimen tree.

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Professor Leonard P. Perry, Univ. of Vermont
Check out Perry's Perennial Pages lately? www.uvm.edu/~pass/perry/

The 2007 Perennial Plant Of The Year

2006-12-22T21:02:00.000Z

Each year the Perennial Plant Association, the national industry group of growers and landscapers, votes on a perennial of the year. This is a plant most feel deserves wider use and recognition nationwide. The winner for this year is ‘Walker’s Low’ catmint.

As its name indicates, it is in the mint family with square stems and aromatic leaves. My own experience, and that of others, is that this plant is much less attractive to felines than its relatives. It does, though, contain the chemical nepetalactone which is what is so attractive to cats in the true catnip species (cataria). It is attractive to other forms of wildlife such as bees and butterflies, but not rabbits and deer to which it is resistant.

The name is deceiving, as this plant is not really low. Rather, it is named for a location where it was found. Mrs. Patricia Taylor found this in an Irish garden in the 1970’s, and it was first introduced for sale to gardeners in 1988 by Four Season’s Nursery of Norwich, England. This plant can reach about three feet tall and wide, making it one of the larger catmints.

The crinkled, aromatic, silver-green leaves are about one to two inches long, with scalloped edges. The dark bluish-purple flowers are in clusters on upright, arching stems creating a rather open effect reminiscent of cottage gardens. It will begin blooming in May in the south, July in the north, and bloom for much of the season.

This plant is often thought to be a hybrid between two species (nepetella x racemosa), and is often shown as this hybrid species (x faassenii) which dates back to 1784. Other authorities just list it under one parent (racemosa). Whatever the true name, these plants originally came from the Caucasus and northern Iran. This indicates they tolerate heat and drought once established.

In fact, this perennial tolerates a range of conditions, and is low maintenance with no serious pest or disease problems. It grows best in a well-drained soil, in full sun. It will tolerate some shade in the south, but in the north it will get taller and bloom less in shade. It will tolerate some salt, so may be a good choice near walks, drives, and roads in the north. It is hardy in USDA zones 4 to 8 (minimum –30 degrees F), zone 3 if snow.

In the herb garden, this plant combines well with sages, thymes, and silvery plants such as lamb’s ears. In the perennial border, place it in the front to middle with such plants as the tickseeds, peonies, pinks, foxgloves, and bearded iris. A classic combination is with roses. Also try combining it with purple-leaved sedums such as ‘Vera Jameson’, or short grasses such as blue fescues and blue oat grass.

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Leonard P. Perry, Extension Professor, Univ. of Vermont
Checked out Perry's Perennial Pages lately? www.uvm.edu/~pass/perry/

Gardening Trends In 2007

2006-12-19T18:21:00.000Z

Whether you’re just getting into gardening, trying to streamline your gardening activities, or wanting to have a landscape and plants reflective of the times, being aware of the latest gardening trends can help.

This past year Chris Beytes, the editor of a professional growers magazine, described several specific trends which reflect four main traits of new gardeners and their gardening. For starters, we are no longer gardening as in past generations, nor will kids today garden as we do. Related to this is the fact that many are actually decorating instead of gardening. For many, it’s no longer about planting, watering, pruning. This can be considered work, even if there is time for such activities.

The new “luxury consumer” has and wants nice things. This consumer often skimps on one thing so they can splurge on another. Then there is “hiving”—using the home as the business center of a busy life, complete with media, internet, fitness, and the like. This is the outgrowth of the former “cocooning” and “nesting.”

There are at least a dozen specific trends in gardening:

--Blurring of lines. It is no longer clear what is annual, or what is perennial. Tropicals are planted as annuals, as are some woody plants. It is more about end effect.
--Tall. From pots to plants, tall is more popular now than in previous years. Ornamental grasses are a perfect fit.
--The tropical look. Tropical plants, and those that look tropical with exotic foliage or flowers, have been around a few years and are still popular. Cannas, alocasias, and hibiscus are popular examples.
--Big and bold. Perhaps an outgrowth of tropical, this is now seen in bright colors, bold color combinations, and big foliage such as with some of the new coleus. This trend, as well as the tropical and others, reflects a global fusion of cultures.
--Foliage. Perhaps another outgrowth of tropical, plants just for foliage are popular. There are almost too many coralbells to choose from, most the new ones grown for leaves rather than the flowers of older cultivars (cultivated varieties). Coleus and hosta are popular, as are foliage colors such as yellows and black.
--Perennials. Perhaps not as popular as a decade ago, they still are favored by many but more now with annuals, as container plants, for low maintenance, or for specific uses.
--Native plants. These are a growth area of perennials. A trend within these is choosing ones native to specific areas, or habitats. This trend reflects the desire to balance technology with nature, to seek calm, to find sustainability.
--Organics. This trend has taken off with foods, and is spilling into the landscape and gardening choices as well.
--Hardscaping. This is the term for decks, walks, raised beds, patios, stone bed edges, and the like. You don’t have to look far in most neighborhoods to see such examples.
--Bringing the indoors out. This is related to the decorating and hiving already mentioned. More each year are turning the outside into living, even work, spaces.
--Indoor decorating. Plants are being used indoors not because they are plants, but for their design element, to add color, texture and accent to the surroundings.
--Nostalgia. Old-fashioned and heirloom flowers and vegetables evoke memories of (and a desire for?) simpler times in an increasingly complex world. For others, such “retro gardening” evokes a hope and optimism of the past.

The Color Marketing Group is an organization of professionals whose focus is to identify consumer desires in colors, and to provide recommendations for all manner of consumer products. According to them, color choices in general now are warmer and brighter. Specifically, their choices for popular colors now are reds, including a raspberry hue, and blues, including bluish green (think relaxation, as from spas and oceans).

When making this year’s garden plans and shopping for plants, think of these trends for new ideas, and see if you can spot some in magazines and stores.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Leonard P. Perry, Extension Professor, Univ. of Vermont
Checked out Perry's Perennial Pages lately? www.uvm.edu/~pass/perry/

Indoor Winter Gardening Questions

2006-12-18T19:47:00.000Z

How to treat unplanted spring-flowering bulbs, an amaryllis when through flowering, and houseplants dropping leaves, are some of the common indoor gardening questions this time of year.

If you purchased spring-flowering bulbs this fall, but didn’t get them all planted, what should you do with them? Such bulbs can’t really be held over until spring, or for another year, so go on and plant them in pots. If you wait until spring to plant outside, or in pots, they will start growing with no roots, so wont be successful. Planting them now allows roots to form before they start growing tops.

To grow roots, and receive the cold they need to flower, potted bulbs should be placed in a cool (40 degrees F or less) but non-freezing location. This could be an unheated garage or basement. Or, you could place them outside in a protected area, covered with plenty of bark mulch, straw, or soil. Then remove when growth starts in spring.

If you got an amaryllis for the holidays, how should you treat it once it has finished blooming? Once the flower stalk is finished, leaves emerge. Keep the bulb watered and fertilized lightly through the winter. This helps it build up reserves for next year’s bloom. You can then place the potted bulb outdoors in summer, keeping it watered if needed. Then in early fall bring it indoors, decrease watering greatly until almost none, remove leaves as they die back, and let the bulb “rest” for about eight weeks. Then resume watering, and growth should resume.

If you had an amaryllis, and followed this process but got no bloom this year, it may not have built up enough food reserves during the year. If you just got leaves, keep the bulb watered and fertilized, and hopefully this coming year it will bloom once again. Sometimes after being “forced” they require a couple years before reblooming.

If you have a houseplant, such as a jade plant, and the leaves are turning yellow and dropping off, what can you do? With a jade plant, leaves dropping off is likely a sign that the soil is staying too wet. As with most houseplants, too little water is better than too much. If in doubt, don’t water, especially with “succulents” such as the jade plant. Make sure the plant is not in a pot with no drainage, nor sitting in a saucer of water. Using a clay pot, which dries out faster than plastic, also is good for plants that don’t need much water.

Make sure with houseplants that there is not a layer of gravel or pebbles in the bottom of the pot. Some recommend this for drainage, but in reality it only creates an area where water gathers and roots rot, or decreases the amount of soil in the pot.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Professor Leonard P. Perry, Univ. of Vermont
Check out Perry's Perennial Pages lately? www.uvm.edu/~pass/perry/

How To Know What Plants And Flowers Will Grow In The Climate Zone You Live In

2006-12-16T17:20:00.000Z

If you've got the desire to plant a rose garden this year, before you go out to buy a hoe, before you get a shovel, even before you purchase any seeds, you will need to look into which climate zone your hometown is. Because, knowing that there is sun shining outside and spraying Miracle Grow is not enough to get a great garden. You've got to know which plants can grow in your area. And it's more than water and dirt that counts.

Gardeners and botanists all agree that the best source of information about what will or will not survive in your location is the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map. The map is made up of eleven climate zones, which span all the 50 contiguous states, Canada, and Mexico. It tells you what the average lowest temperature in any given zone, which determines which plants will survive the winters there. Avocados, for instance, will not grow in Minnesota.

When you go to the nursery to purchase seeds for your garden, or to buy potted plants, there will be a guide to tell you what sort of conditions are necessary for each particular plant. If you buy a plant that has not adapted to living in your climate zone, it will not thrive, and most likely, it will die.

Now, On To Roses!

Now that we've got that out of the way, it's time to move on to the rose garden. Contrary to popular belief, roses are not as fragile as they are believed. You do, of course, have to care for them, but it is far more important that you select a varietal that will grow in your climate zone. If you don't no matter how much care you give them, the roses will die. So choose a variety that can thrive in your location! If you live in a colder zone, choose a hardier rose. If you live in a warmer zone, choose a rose that will take full advantage of the climate.

After that, clip, prune, fight off the aphids, and watch your roses thrive! Roses are a great flower that many people want to grow in their yards and gardens. Unfortunately many people are afraid of getting roses because they seem like too much work. But the beautiful red rose is worth all the trouble it takes to keep them up. If you have never tried growing roses it is about time you gave it a try. The next time you are in the nursery or flower store pick up a rose bush and try out your green thumb, you might just surprise yourself.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as flower bouquets at www.flowerbouquetsandmore.com

Don't Over-Fertilize Your Lawn!

2006-12-15T09:50:00.000Z

Fertilizer is a great addition to a normal lawn care routine, but it's not something that needs to be done every day. The fact of the matter is fertilizer in an abundance can be bad for your lawn and even for the environment. Depending on the type of lawn fertilizer you use, you could be spreading harsh chemicals that might be great for your lawn, but are lousy for the water supply. To make sure you only fertilize your lawn when it's needed, you need to exercise some common sense.

Before you fertilize your lawn:

* Make sure you understand what type of lawn you have and its needs. Some grass types require very little lawn fertilizers and others will require more feedings to stay lush. To lessen your lawn care work, look for lawn materials that don't require as much fertilizing throughout the growing season. This will not only save you time, but also money.
* Understand the type of fertilizer your lawn actually needs. You might find one type of lawn fertilizer works better for your turf than another. Lawn care centers, extension services and other similar outlets can help you identify the kind of grass you have and what type of lawn fertilizer would be best.
* Be aware of your lawn's growing season. Some grasses grow a lot during the summer; others tends to peak in the spring. When and how much to use lawn fertilizer will depend a lot on this along with the other factors mentioned.
* Study up on the kinds of lawn fertilizers you have at your disposal for your type of lawn. While most people want a lush, green lawn, this shouldn't be achieved at the expense of the environment. Look for lawn fertilizers that work well without introducing harsh chemicals into your back yard environment.
* Access the condition of your lawn before you choose to fertilize. You might find your grass doesn't really require a lawn fertilizer to grow well. If this is the case, consider skipping the step if at all possible to save yourself extra work and extra grass growth that will require more mowing.
* Read the instructions well. This is vital for any type of lawn fertilizer. Make sure you know what you've bought, how to apply it, when to apply it and how long to wait before watering. Lawn fertilizers that are store bought should have clear instructions and warning labels.

A good lawn fertilizer can really help make a yard look spectacular. Adding to the natural growing process, lawn fertilizers give lawns a healthy, more filled in look. This can help make your lawn look like a showplace with little work. Too much fertilizer, however, and you'll find yourself mowing your lawn a whole lot more than you wanted to.

But do be certain you understand what you're doing and how to do it. Too much is not necessarily a good thing. Take your time to research your options in lawn fertilizers and get the right one to suit your yard's individual needs.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

More information on lawn care
over fertilize www.lawncarezone.com

Simple Tips To Keep Your Tulips Looking Gorgeous

2006-12-12T10:10:00.000Z

Tulips are from Holland, right? Not exactly. Tulips are actually from Turkey. Tulip means Turban in Turkish. Regardless of the orgin of Tulips they are a beautiful flower that people of many backgrounds enjoy.

Experts would term tulips as perennials, however they are generally thought of as annuals. They can be termed annuals because of how you take care of them and their blooming cycle. Tulip bulbs should be planted around the end of Ocotber and beginning of November as any experienced gardener knows.

What type of soil is best for tulip bulbs? Sandy soil is the best option. Sandy soil helps with drainage from the tulip. Verify that you use a planter properly otherwise your tulips might not drain. If tulips don't drain properly then they can rot more easily.

If you do not have naturally sandy soil in the area where you live, it is fine to just add some sand and a little compost to your soil. Whatever you do, make sure that the soil is fairly dry when digging and planting bulbs.

There is no specific depth that the experts recommend you plant a tulip. This is due in large part to the fact that tulip bulbs come in a wide variety of sizes. For a rough idea of how deep to plant the bulbs, measure the length. Then, multiply that length by three and plant the bulbs at that depth. Although not an ideal solution, this rough idea will net you more tulips in the springtime than simply planting your bulbs at a uniform depth.

Tulips are great at warding off flower disease. However, they are not immune to everything. Usually you will see "tulip fire" which leaves the stems stunted and deformed. Brown patches will surface on the stunted stems and leaves. If this occurs then you need to completely get rid of the tulips and start again.

If you don't want to buy new bulbs every year you can dig up the tulip bulbs each season. Make sure that you keep them in a cool, dry place until you can plant them again. They can rot even when they are not in the ground. Therefore, proper storage is of the utmost importance. You should dig up your bulbs when the leaves and foliage are completely dry.

Tulips are a beautfiul addition to any garden and the aroma is wonderful. If you cut tulips to display them make sure to add some sugar to the water. This will let the tulips live another week longer. Whether you enjoy tulips in the garden or on your kitchen table, they are a nice addition to your surroundings.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

About the author: Hugo Bolzonello writes exclusively for US Tulips, it's one of the webs most up to date Tulips sites, while you're there sign up for the free newsletter.

Bored With Basic Bonsai? Try These Advanced Bonsai Styles

2006-12-10T16:41:00.000Z

Once you have mastered the basic bonsai styles such as the formal upright style of chokkan, the informal upright style of shakan and the cascade style of kengai, you may want to try some more advanced bonsai styles for a better challenge.

Intermediate Bonsai artists may try some of the more common advanced styles such as the Bankan (Twisted), the Fukinagashi (Windswept), or the Bunjin (Literati). Here's a brief explanation of each.

Bankan (Twisted)

Thought to have originated in China, this style features trunks that are twisted and gnarled. Some expert artists can even form them Into animal shapes, the dragon being the most popular in Japan.

There are some styles to the Bankan which include the Nejikan with a trunk is only partially turned. Another style, the Takzukuri, is also called the octopus and in this style the trunk is quite twisted with the branches following it in the shape of a vortex. This style emulates the natural wind which shapes the full-size species of the tree.

Fukinagashi (Windswept)

This style is an attempt to emulate nature's effects on the tree but in miniature.

In the Fukinagashi style, the trunk is slanted as if it has been blown by a strong wind coming from one direction. The branches follow suit in that direction as a result of the bent growth.

This can be seen in areas near a class or a hill such as coastal regions. In these areas Fukinagashi is formed by nature.

of course, the bonsai artist cannot emulate a forceful wind and must use different means to cause the plant to grow in one direction. One could use wire, although this is most often used for the branches, and use a cord tied to a stake to force the tree to grow in the direction you want.

Oftentimes, the bonsai artist who makes sure the foliage is sparse to emulate the natural conditions where leaves would've been blown away by the strong winds.

Bunjin (Literati)

This is one of the most popular bonsai styles and no it is simple, it is deceptively difficult. The style consists of a thin trunk with very few branches and is inspired by Chinese paintings that show trees growing in a harsh climate. While this might sound sparse it produces rather dramatic results.

The trunk has frequent twists and branches come out at sharp upward angles giving the tree a different view from every angle. A popular species for the Bunjin style is the Japanese red Pine but it can be done using many other types of trees.

these advanced styles require a lot of skill and patience so they would be quite frustrating for the novice bonsai artists. However, once you are bored with the basics you might want to try your hand at these styles which will reward your skill and patience with beauty.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Lee Dobbins writes for bonsai.garden-corner.com where you can learn more about the art of bonsai and different types of bonsai trees.

Learn How You Can Grow Orchids At Home

2006-12-09T15:59:00.000Z

Many people think that growing orchids is something that can only be done in big hothouses however, you can grow orchids at home if you pick the right type and provide it with the right environment.

Growing orchids can be a rewarding hobby and can produce beautiful plants that you can enjoy or give as gifts. If you have a green thumb and love exotic plants, then growing them yourself is something that might be worth the effort.

Orchids that work best for home growing are those that grow high in the trees hanging from the branches and get the nutrition from the rain, jungle air and decaying vegetation that their roots come in contact with. In order to grow these orchids at home, you'll need to provide them with a growing area that comes close to their native environment.

Humidity

Orchids thrive in humid climates and if you want to grow them at home you'll need to provide them with an area where they can have at least 50% humidity. in order to do this, you can set your orchid pots on a tray that is filled with water but not In the tray just above it so that the humidity from the water can come up with a water does not soak into the pot. may sting is also important to make sure there is sufficient in circulation so that the leaves and pedals can dry off properly.

Water

It's important that your work is to not sit in water but remain moist. You should water than once a week after the soil has dried out. Make sure there is no standing water. Fertilize with a water-soluable fertilizer made specifically for orchids.

Sunlight

Different types of orchids need different amounts of sunlight and if you can't provide natural sunlight you can try fluorescent grow lights. In the winter, your records will need at least four hours of light.

Soil

You can buy ready mixed orchid potting mixes and this is what you should use for your orchids.

Pests

Orchids can be prone to diseases and pests. They can succumb to fungal disease viral disease and bacterial disease and often have mites, aphids, caterpillars, slugs, mealy bugs, snails, white flies, and dendrobium beatles. growing them indoors can reduce the bugs immensely but you still have to be on the lookout for pests and disease.

To treat pests on your orchids, you should use pesticides from a local garden supply store. Be sure to always use them per instructions. If you can, try to go with organic pesticides that are easy on the environment.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Lee Dobbins writes for orchids.garden-corner.com/ working you can learn more about the care and growing of orchids.

House Plants and their Bugs, Pests and Insects

2006-12-07T21:03:00.000Z

House plants can be beautiful, but they may also be affected by things that you are not even aware of. Having a few house plant insects is just annoying, but with to many bugs, your house plants will be destroyed in record time.

There are problems that certain plants can get hit hard with. You have no idea how many times house plants are infected by bugs, pests and insects, and people do not even realize that these mites are actually in the house.

When you purchase your house plants, take the time to make sure that they do not have an insect infestation of one sort or another. Again, when you bring your summer plants into your home for the winter, check for bugs. Sometimes this may be tricky as the bugs will borrow their way into the soil, but you will want to make certain that there is no evidence of a present infestation. By simply taking a few precautions, you will considerably reduce the chances of insects attacking your plants.

Insects will also enter your home because people carry them in. This is nearly impossible to prevent as the insects will attach themselves to cloths or come in through an open door or window. A time to watch out for bugs is when the weather is starting to warm up and again when the weather is cooling down. The insects like to come into the homes for shelter.

Plant insects can easily be controlled because it is on such a small scale. The insects or bugs are much more mobile when they are young, but the are always looking for a place to settle where they wont be disturbed. If fact, this is why your house plants can be bothered with insects. The solution to this problem is a general insecticide.

One type of bug that will bother your house plants are aphids. They have a soft body and can be easily controlled with pesticides and insecticide soaps. Other bugs most often encountered include mealy bugs, mites, scale, thrips, whiteflies and various other soil insects. Tiny spiders can also be another problem.

The typical cause of damage caused by the individual bugs includes: Aphids suck the sap out of plants; Mealy Bugs suck the sap out and plants, leaves a cotton-like substance on the plants and also leaves a honey dew substance which attracts ants; Mites suck the sap out of plants; Scale suck the sap out of plants and leaves a sticky honey dew substance that attracts ants and causes fungus growth; Thrips rip and tears foliage and blisters develop where the eggs are laid; Whiteflies cluster on the back of leaves and suck the sap out of the leaves, which turn yellow and die.

Try to avoid adding organic material into your soils. It is not necessary to add fertilizer because the topsoil will have enough nutrients for the plants. You will also want to remove any fallen flowers and leaves, as this would allow moulds and fungus to grow into the soil.

Most of the time there are infestations when the soil has a high organic content because of fungus, gnats, or springtails. If your plant has a fungus or bugs like gnats, you will generally find that your plant is actually decomposing, meaning, it is rotting.

Signs of attacks on your house plants by insects can include leaves turning a yellow or brown colour, plants starting to wilt and stop growing, jagged holes starting to appear in the foliage or a honey dew type substance smeared on the plants.

If you do notice that your house plants are infected with bugs or disease, you will need to take appropriate measures to eliminate the problem. You can consult your local garden nursery for advice or you may want to purchase a pesticide that will not hurt your plants, but will be a solution to your problems. Be sure to use the right product for the insects you have, as some pesticides can actually kill certain house plants. When using any pesticides always make sure to read and follow the warnings that the manufactures puts on the label.

Just remember to examine your house plants every now and then, do not wait for them to start looking sad. By giving the proper feeding, care and fresh air will ensure that you house plants remain healthy and more resistant to insect problems. As always, if you are able to find any problems with insects early enough, it can often be taken care of without the use of pesticides and that is, by far, the best way.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Darren Lintern publishes articles, guides and reports, on many topics for www.Kerrash.com

For all your House Plant needs and concerns, visit our House Plant Information Guide

Is Your Garden Prepped to Survive Winter and Flourish Next Spring?

2006-12-06T09:47:00.000Z

By implementing a few simple gardening techniques to your garden in the fall you can help nurture a healthier vegetable garden that's enriched and revitalized when the spring growing season rolls around. You'll also enjoy the benefits of a more productive vegetable patch and harvest fresh produce far earlier and with less effort.

Fall Garden Clean-Up

The first step is to shift some of the routine gardening tasks that you normally perform in the springtime, and instead take care of them during the fall. At the end of your summer growing season clear out all of the weeds, garden debris, spent vines, and any left over fruits and vegetables that weren't harvested, rather than allowing these items to remain in the garden over the winter.

This "garden-cleaning" will speed spring cultivation work, eliminate left over fruits and vegetables whose seeds can turn into unwanted volunteers next summer, prevent weeds from becoming established during autumn, and reduce the likelihood that insect pests and diseases spend the winter nice and comfy in your garden beds.

While you're at it, also remove and store those plant stakes, cages, trellises, and gardening tools that are scattered about throughout the garden. A little care will reward you with a longer useful life and avoid loss and damage to expensive gardening equipment.

Cultivating the Soil in Autumn

Autumn is also a great time to apply and incorporate compost, mushroom soil, or even leaves into the garden beds. This will give the organic soil amendments additional time to break down or mellow, and will also reduce the risk of burning or over-fertilizing young seedlings in the spring.

If you till or cultivate your garden in the fall, do so very shallowly to avoid bringing weed seeds that were buried in the soil up to the surface levels where they can easily germinate. I garden in raised beds which eliminates the need for tilling the soil altogether.

With raised beds a quick turning of the soil surface of the beds with a digging fork or wheel hoe is all that's ever needed before planting. Raised beds are never walked on and they naturally resist the compaction that forces many gardeners to till their garden each spring.

Stretching the Growing Season

Once your garden is nice and tidy, why not plant something? There are a number of cool weather crops, especially leafy greens such as lettuce, kale, collards, mustard, and spinach that will grow right into winter and provide you with plenty of delicious fresh produce from the garden.

It doesn't stop there; these same plants can actually survive winter in the garden and produce additional harvests in early spring. So, from a single planting you receive multiple harvests of tasty leafy greens, protect the garden's soil over the winter, and prevent weeds from growing unchecked in an empty garden bed.

Not interested in fall vegetable production? Well how about planting a cover crop, also known as a green manure, to protect and enrich your garden's soil over the winter, as well as to crowd out weed growth? There's a long list of crops that can be planted as a fall cover crop and remain in place until they are turned under to enrich the soil in the spring.

Annual Ryegrass is my favorite choice for planting in autumn to serve as a quick growing, green manure. If it doesn't survive the winter it will still provide cover and is easier to turn under than many of the other green manure crops. A few other choices include winter rye, rape, barley, and Austrian Peas. Even everyday edible vegetable crops such as fava beans, peas, kale, and mustard can function as fall cover crops.

Fall Mulches for the Garden Bed

Think it's too late for you to sow a cover crop in your garden? Well at the very least you can cover the garden during fall and winter with a mulch of compost, mushroom soil, or a layer of leaves. A three or four inch layer of shredded leaves in particular will restrict weed growth and encourage earthworm activity. The leaves can be incorporated into the soil in the spring, or be removed and composted.

Speaking of leaves, they're abundant and free in most areas to anyone willing to go out and gather them up. Shredding will make the leaves easier to handle and store. Each fall I use a leaf blower to shred all the leaves that I can get my hands on and store what I can't use right away until springtime.

Implement these ideas this fall and your garden will be protected from the elements and erosion while you improve the texture and fertility of your soil and encourage the activity of earthworms and soil organisms all year-round. You'll also experience less weed growth, harvest more fresh produce and get your garden off to a quicker start in the spring.

Regardless of the season it's a great idea to keep something growing, or at least covering your garden at all times. Be sure to visit my website to discover additional timely ideas and tips for growing and improving your backyard garden and edible landscape.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Kenneth Point has been gardening for over thirty years including managing production on an organic farm in Pennsylvania. For free tips visit his blog at www.veggiegardeningtips.com which contains ideas on fall vegetable gardening and other information related to growing fruits, vegetables, and herbs in the home garden.

Common Sense Tips to Beautify Your Fall Garden

2006-12-05T10:38:00.000Z

There is probably nothing as beautiful in this world as fall gardens. While spring and summer are characterized by healthy greens and wintry gardens are known for having pristine white beauty, gardens in the autumn season are showered with various colors ranging from bronze to red to fiery oranges, not to mention other colors of the rainbow which you can see on flowers and fruits.

Still, making those colors appear at the right place and concealing the moribund effects of fall on gardens at the same time will take patience, effort, and extreme care. Here are some tips to make your backyard one of the most perfect fall gardens in town:

Using Fall to Prepare for Other Seasons
Fall is the best time to start growing plants that you intend to bloom in the spring. Do not forget to prepare your soil accordingly so that your spring plants will grow beautiful and healthy.

Roses in Fall
Fall gardens will certainly benefit from the loveliness of roses. These flowers, however, must be given extra attention during autumn because neglected roses face the strong possibility of dying once winter sets in.

Flower and Plant Suggestions for Fall Gardens
There are certain flowers and plants that are lovelier to look at when they bloom in autumn. Examples of plants and flowers commonly blooming in the fall are the following: chrysanthemums, pansies, turnips, and even decorative varieties of cabbage.

For a more unusual variety of flowers and plants in your fall garden, consider the following suggestions:
Aster - Fall gardeners can choose from pink, white, and blue when adding asters to their plant collection.
Mums - This type of plant is best grown in masses so make sure that you provide sufficient space for them.
Plumbago - This plant will give your garden a colorful carpet; for maximum results, plant plumbago when it can benefit from great exposure to sunlight while making sure that the soil is dry but fertile.
Russian Sage - This type of plant possess gray leaves and flowers in different shades of blue.
Tickseed - With a great likeness to daisies, this type of plant can be used as a border or ground cover. Plant this when it can benefit from great exposure to sunlight as well.

Remember, however, that certain plants, like the magnolia, are better to plant in spring rather than fall.

From Summer to Fall
The transition between the two seasons can be quite damaging to most plants, especially those that live in flower pots or containers. To minimize the damage to your plants, make sure that you water them diligently and stay alert for any signs of dryness.

Letting Plants Flowers R.I.P.
It's inevitable for some plants and flowers to wilt and die during fall. In the case of flowers, make sure that you cut them off immediately and let them dry. Take away the seeds, place them inside an envelope, then set them aside until it's springtime and you're allowed to plant them again. Of course, you also have the option of letting nature take its course by planting the seeds on the ground.

For trees and plants, on the other hand, it's best to cut or prune any dead part of the plant immediately. Make sure that you also give them one good shower before winter sets in and forces your flowers and plants to hibernate. Consider hiring a professional as well to subject plans to professional thinning.

Taking Care of Lawns in the Fall
If your fall garden is made up of a lawn and flower beds, there is nothing really to beautify when it comes to your lawn, and all you can do is just make sure that it will grow back to its original loveliness come spring. For the meantime, you can aerate your lawn to increase its healthiness.

Since there's little to harvest in fall, the most efficient way to spend your time during fall is just to mow your lawn or sing your flowers and plants to sleep.

While gardens can certainly remain beautiful in any season, Mother Nature certainly lightens the load on our shoulders during fall. With the naturally changing colors of leaves in autumn, all we need to focus on is creating a perfect autumn setting for our garden, and our back or front yards will immediately look like a doorway to paradise. Just sweat a little, and Mother Nature will do the rest!

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Lee Dobbins writes for gardening.subjectmonster.com where you can get more gardening tips.

Design Your Outdoor Kitchen

2006-11-30T19:24:00.000Z

Outdoor kitchens offer you to have a outside kitchen of your selecting for those hot nights when inside is too warm and sticky for cooking. The outside kitchen is perfect for entertaining guests at parties and barbecues, or just for your family dinners.

With so many different outdoor kitchen designs on hand on the open market, the buyers have the chance to play with different elements and mix designs so as to give the kitchen of their dreams. Depending on the use particular of the open-air kitchen you are looking for , the weather conditions in your area and the space of the intended kitchen, you may select anything from a traditional looking country kitchen plan to a modern day outdoor kitchen global with state of the art appliances.

Magazines about home improvement and home design, interior design advice, gardening and landscaping continually provide articles and tips for choosing a neat outdoor kitchen and how to cut down money while after all getting the of high quality possible. Many of these magazines also recommend the finest places to obtain price estimates and practical knowledge from known outdoor kitchen designers. There are many outdoor kitchen designers who can help develop a customized outdoor kitchen plan tailored particularly to each individual need, including colors, appliances, over all look and functionality.

If you will consult an outdoor kitchen designer, you can see the finish result of what the kitchen will look like through a computer-generated program. Because the outdoor kitchen designer is a expert when it comes to his field, you may also be able to value some treasured tips and ideas on how to conduct the outdoor kitchen even more functional.

There are things that you should keep in mind, for example that it is effective to guarantee that, before choosing an outdoor kitchen, you take into good judgment your budgetary constraints. Among knowing how much you have to spend before entering an outdoor kitchen design showroom, you will be less very likely to over spend.

While you talk with an outdoor kitchen designer or a showroom sales person, make sure that you remember to mention the sum of money that you plan spend on your new outdoor kitchen. There are inexpensive kitchens on the market. But beware of cheap kitchens, as they are less likely to stand the test of time. After you have researched the company that you intend to purchase the outdoor kitchen from, you will have a good idea of the quality of their kitchens and what others are saying about them.

Do your research and look around, some places are far cheaper for the same products or styles of kitchens. Never commit yourself to the first kitchen that you see. Ask questions about the kitchen, such as the kind of warranty offered on the appliances or work tops, how long it will take to be completed and are installation overhead affiliated when it plays a part in the outdoor kitchen expense or will they be extra.

Select your outdoor kitchen carefully and you will be enjoying the freedom of eating outdoors on summer nights and entertaining your guests while showing off your brand fresh outdoor kitchen.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Outdoor Kitchens are the new trend, these outside kitchens will allow you to host parties outdoors and amaze your guests with a fully equipped kitchen in your garden. Find out more about Outdoor Kitchen Design Basics and Outdoor Kitchen Plans Tips at Daniel Roshard’s pages.

The Hospitable Garden

2006-11-28T09:58:00.000Z

The golden rule for a private garden's design to be successful is to concentrate on the human element. Designing a garden that is not based on peoples' ability to walk through it to admire its beauty is useless; especially when the garden exists near a house, office or is considered part of a public space. Thus, if one wishes to create a hospitable garden it is essential to find the exact composing elements that can be naturally combined in order to stimulate all of the human senses and blend them harmonically with each other.

When outdoor designers undertake a garden project, they begin by concentrating on the look of the garden both from the inside as well as the outside of a house or office premise. Isolating the unwanted areas, while concentrating on the beautiful panoramic views of a garden, constitute two crucial components of a successful garden design. Finding the balance between plants and the build-in hard elements of a garden, like the outdoor walls of a fence or the stairs that lead to the garden, is considered of immense importance for introducing a relaxing and calm atmosphere. Furthermore, a garden's scents have to be carefully selected as the use of different plants and flowers might not be adequately combined. In order to enjoy a garden, scents have to blend naturally and inhaled by a person with ease. Of course, a good garden has to exclude all those annoying sounds coming from the outside and might interrupt a person's ability to relax and rejuvenate. High trees or a brick wall can effectively reduce the noise coming from the street or that noisy neighbor's house. Touch, or the ability of a person to feel through his hands and feet the garden, is also essential in garden design. Grass and plantation that not only looks great but also feels pleasant when touched can advance a garden's design creating a pleasant space for kids and adults to spend time into. Finally, taste has to be addressed. Fruit trees and plants that produce eatable goods, like strawberry bushes, give to a garden a unique, exciting and hospitable feeling.

A successful hospitable garden has to ensure that all of its spaces are designed for human use. Sitting down to enjoy the clear blue sky, relaxing under the sun or stars, play with kids on Sunday morning, enjoy a meal outdoors with friends, exercise, or do some gardening, are all human scenes that a garden's design has to incorporate. As a result, most garden professionals come up with an architectural design that attempts to cover people's needs and looks coherent and complete, apart from it being efficient and effective for daily use.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including Gardening, Home Improvement, and Tennis

That Heading-Turning Porch Is Yours

2006-11-24T12:09:00.000Z

Turing your porch from ho-hum to head-turning does not have to mean that you need to do a major and expensive renovation. In fact, creating the porch of your dreams can be an easy and fun experience which can reflect your personal taste and also give that forgotten area of your house a lift that it so much needed.

Since how you feel about most things depends on their outside appearance, begin by examining your porch in its present state. Focus your attention to the floor, the house walls and then progressively to all the furniture or other things you have placed on your porch over time. Do they look old, used or outdated? If your natural reaction is to turn immediately your back to your porch and reenter your home, then you certainly have to seriously think of recapturing your porch's lost house-warming feeling. It is not that difficult and it will overall improve not only your mood, but also the market value of your residence.

So, if your porch's wooden, tile, or stone, floor requires your immediate attention, but the repairs it needs call for professional maintenance services, call the people that can help you reproduce a floor that is well-build and also looks great before the damage becomes any bigger. The floor renovation of your porch will probably be your biggest cost during this porch renovation house-project, but it will undoubtedly be a worthwhile procedure, which you should consider as money well-spend. But prior to calling a contractor and scheduling the repair dates and times, try to figure out whether the floor damage you can see is the outcome of poor maintenance or is caused by water leaks under the floor or from the porch's roof -usually mainly attributed to trapped rain water. Whatever the reason of the damage may be, you should first consider fixing the cause of your porch's poor floor appearance and then move on to repairing the floor itself; otherwise the damage will resurface and you will be left spending hundreds of dollars for no good reason.

If your porch's floor is now repaired or does not suffer any major damage, start cleaning it thoroughly and if you can and wish to paint it over, go ahead and do so. Just remember to ask your local house-store professionals' opinion before purchasing any paint product, in order to make sure the one you will select is recommended for this kind of use. While you wait for your floor to dry, you should start repairing or replacing the furniture and all other items you used to have on your porch and wish to keep. Adding color by painting them with water-proof paints is one of the best methods you have to revive their look and include them again in your porch's enhanced version. Replacing the pillow covers with waterproof fabrics, which are both practical and beautiful, will renew the look of your bench and chairs. Finally, consider using fabric or bamboo curtains and hang them on the side parts of your porch in order to create the privacy you need from neighbors eyes. These types of materials are light enough to allow sunlight reach your porch, but since they are not transparent their use creates the desired feeling of exclusion.

Browse house decoration magazine pages and take ideas for the outlook you want your porch to have. Lots of pots with flowers and plants bring the garden look on your porch, while fresh and natural materials complete the scenery leaving you with a porch that brings outdoors a step closer to you. If your porch overlooks a garden, you have to allow the visitor's eye catch its beauty. In addition, it is recommended to combine the two spaces by adding plantation in both areas and having steps that lead from your porch to your garden. This renovation will let your guests think that the porch is as much an extension of your garden as much it is of your house. Finally, is your garden sitting area is not protected from rain or sunlight, you can always add a big white umbrella over the table and chairs, which gives you the opportunity to enjoy even more the outdoors.

Pieces of furniture that have not been adequately reserved or dirt and dust on pillow cases, walls and floors, act as repellants, keeping people away from spending time near their porch. Yet, your creative and hand-crafting abilities can produce a beautiful area without emptying your bank account.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including Gardening, Home Improvement, and Investing

Plants That Help Keep Your Fish Pond Healthy

2006-11-23T10:07:00.000Z

Plants can add interest and beauty to your fish pond but did you know that they also are vital for maintaining healthy water quality which will help keep your pond clear and your fish healthy?

There are five different types of plants that you want to think about planting in and around your pond - floating plants, oxygenating plants, marginal plants, bog plants and deep water plants. These plants not only give your pond and authentic look but can also help keep the water oxygenated, cut down on algae growth, give your fish a place to hide as well as a place to spawn and can also provide food.

When adding plants to your fish pond you want to think about how large they will get and how fast they will grow. You don't want to add plants that will totally overwhelm your pond or that will make a full-time job of cutting back their growth. You also want to be sure that the plant can survive winters in your area. Plants don't have to be planted directly in the soil of your pond, you can set them in mesh pots or fabric pond pots which will allow the air to pass through but will also prohibit the soil from getting into your pond and turning it muddy.

To make your pond look its best and be it's healthiest you need to select plants for each pond layer. These different plants perform different functions as described below.

Deep water plants like Lotus, Water Lilies and Water Hawthorne grow in the deep waters of the pond. These plants will help remove the waste from the pond and act as sort of a natural filtration. They need oxygen and sunlight to grow their best. You might consider using an aquatic fertilizer that is safe for ponds. The Lotus and Water Lilies prefer water that is 2 feet deep but the Hawthorne can grow in as little as three to 24 Inches.

Oxygenating plants provide important oxygen to the pond as well as help to control the growth of algae by eating the same nutrients and carbon dioxide that algae needs to grow. Oxygenating plants also can provide food for your fish and act as shelters and spawning areas. Some good oxygenating plants include Hornwort, Water Violet, Water Buttercup and Water Milfoil.

Floating plants look great in the pond and they also provide shade and shelter for the fish and other creatures that live there. Be warned, however, that many of the floating plants will grow quickly and soon take over your pond. This can not only be an eyesore but can also be bad for the pond itself as it prevents photosynthesis which will decrease the waters oxygen level. Floating plants like Duckweed grow very quickly so you probably want to avoid that and stick to plants like Water Lettuce, Bladder Wart, Water Soldier, Water Hyacinths and Water Chestnut

Marginal plants like Sweet Flag, Golden Buttons, Marsh Marigolds, Japanese Arrowhead, and Lobelia grow in the shallows around the edge of your pond and depths of 2 inches to 1 foot. Cattails are also a marginal plant but they can be very invasive so you probably want to avoid those unless you plan to spend a lot of time weeding your pond.

Bog plants like Astilbe, Primula and Lysimachia grow at the very edge of the pond in the wet soil. they are important as they help siphon off surplus nutrients which allows control of algae growth thus keeping your pond clear.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Lee Dobbins writes for www.backyard-garden-and-patio.com where you can learn more about gardening and creating the perfect fish pond.

How To Climb Roses And Vines With A Trellis

2006-11-22T09:36:00.000Z

Climbing roses and vines are beautiful and visually appealing. The easiest way to achieve this is to use a trellis. Below are 12 helpful tips to get you started.

1. Twiners

Honey suckle, clematis and morning glories are among the many vines that twine. These plants have one of the following: twining leaves or twining stems. Plants having twining leaves use their leaves like a stem, or a tendril; the leaves are capable of twisting around strings, wires or twigs, but it has to be thin enough so the leaf could curl around. Twining stems however can twist around to whatever they come into contact with.

2. Scramblers

Climbing roses and bougainvillea are the best example for this category. Scramblers have stems that are very long and have thorns. They look like vines, but are unable to climb on their own. They should be supported by an arbor, pagoda or a trellis and be tied unto the structure.

3. Adhesive Pads

The Virginia creeper and the Boston ivy possesses stem tendrils which allow them to stick to any surface by means of their touch sensitive adhesive pads.

4. Clinging Stem Roots.

The stems of such plants cling and stick itself to any surface. These plants stick so well, that they can damage the paint of the wall if you try to remove them. Examples are the

- English ivy
- Irish ivy
- Euonymus

5. Choose what type of vine to plant

Roses need to have at least six hours of sunlight and a well-drained, fertile soil.

6.Plant your rose as soon as possible

Buy climbing roses as bareroot plants. When at this stage, they are dormant and easy to handle as well as to plant. In the early spring or late winter is the season to plant bareroot, when the soil is not frozen anymore and can be worked on. At this time, the roots will have plenty of time to get established before summer.

7. Choose a type of support

A trellis will be a good choice. Roses will grow more flowers if the structural cane is growing horizontally. Select a trellis that you have easy access when pruning time comes. Also, it should be sturdy enough to hold the rose vine in wet as well as in windy weather.

8. Installing the trellis

Ideally, you should install the trellis first before planting the roses. Make sure that the structure is secured well into the ground, as well as it should be strong to handle the weight of the plant when it matures. If installing it against a wall, set it a few feet away from the wall to provide air circulation and easy maintenance.

Plant The Roses

When digging a hole, it should be about eighteen to thirty inches from the base of the trellis. A mixture of compost and superphosphate is then added to the soil.

Attach The Canes

Choose the strongest structural cane and tie them onto the trellis with a loose and stretchy cloth, a panty hose is a good example. Evenly space them and preferably close to the horizontal.

Maintenance

For at least two years, let your climbers grow and do not prune them. Just remove the dead leaves and branches. Once established, you can then prune damaged and overcrowded canes, and be sure to tie in new canes as replacement. Also, during the dormant season, flowering side shoots are to be pruned two or three buds above the structural cane.

9. Selecting a trellis for your garden:

Strength

Consider the strength of the trellis to be put up in your garden. Climbing vines are heavy, so the trellis should be very sturdy to withstand the weight of the vine.

Durability

The material to be used in building a trellis should be weather proof. Pressure treated wood, galvanized bolts and nails are sturdy enough to endure outdoor climate.

Shape

Fans and arches are the popular shapes in trellis forms. Consider though, the look of your garden. If you have a Victorian garden, then an arched trellis would match with it. However, if you have garden with a Japanese theme, then consider too, a trellis with a somewhat Japanese form.

Height

The height of your trellis will also depend on your garden. Before buying a trellis, take the time to measure your desired trellis height.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

For more great trellis related articles and resources check out trellis.lawnngardens.com

How To Plan And Layout A Flower Garden

2006-11-19T15:35:00.000Z

A flower garden adds a great deal of variety and beauty to the landscape. Many people find that laying out flower gardens is a very rewarding task. And, while it is possible to create a very attractive flower garden without planning it out first, it is much more efficient, in the way of saving time and money, to make a plan for what you would like in your flower garden, and to have an idea of where you might like some of the different flowers.

Then when you are ready to lay the garden out, you have a pretty good idea of what to do, and you are not bothered with having to re-arrange things to account for something that you may not have realized before.

The first order of business to determine when planning out your flower garden is how many annuals and how many perennials you want. Annuals last only one growing season, and therefore have to be replanted each year. Perennials appear yearly on their own. If you have all annuals, you can change your garden layout as you wish every year, and with perennials you have the same layout (unless you wish to transplant all of your flowers).

However, it is possible to have a combination of the two, keeping the perennials where they are each year and varying the charm of the flower garden with a few different annuals in different placement.

Next, you should determine where you will likely place your flowers, taking into consideration the comparative heights of the plants, what time of the year they bloom, and what colors you will use. These things all contribute to an aesthetically pleasing look to your flower garden - one that implies order and beauty rather than looking ill-planned with some plants looking wildly out of place.

Also to take into consideration when planning your flower garden: climate and sun exposure. Make sure that all of the plant you choose for your garden will flourish in your region, and that your garden is placed in a location that will allow the flowers to receive a proper amount of light.

After you have determined what will go in your garden, it is time to prepare the flowerbed. You should mark of the dimensions of your proposed garden carefully. Using a garden hose to mark the boundaries is advisable, as it is heavy and will stay in place, but it also provides the flexibility needed to tweak the proposed shape of your garden.

After you have determined on your boundaries, you need to strip the enclosed area down to the topsoil. This can be done using a shovel for smaller gardens and a sod cutter for the larger sections.

After getting down to the topsoil, you should loosen the dirt by prying up a section with a shovel and then turning over the dirt. This loosens the soil and provides a good place for flower roots to establish themselves. You can make improvements to the soil but adding organic materials such as peat moss, mulch, compost, or manure.

You should probably also roto-till the area to better mix the soil amendments in with the original soil. Next, use a rake to smooth out the soil without packing it down. Create your border with plastic edging, concrete, stones, or by digging around the edges, angling the soil down and creating a gap between flower garden and lawn.

After you have prepared the bed for the garden, acquire the flowers you would like to use. Seeds are less expensive, but you will not be able to see the final result until they spring up. If you purchase flowers in containers, set the containers, with their plants, in the places in the garden that they will inhabit. Then you can get an idea of what the garden will look like.

If you need to move the flowers around for greater attractiveness, it is simply a matter of moving the pot around until the garden looks as you wish it to. After you have settled that everything is in place, begin removing the flowers from their containers and placing them in the ground, beginning from the back and working up toward the front.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida. Get flowers delivered at www.flowers-delivered-plus.com

The Chamomile Flower Is Not Just For Looks

2006-11-18T20:18:00.000Z

The chamomile flower is not just a flower that is pretty; it is also a great remedy for many things. You may not even realize all the things that chamomile can help with, but there are a lot. This one herb can be of help no matter what stage of life you are in. It can help with babies, all the way to older people, and everybody in between. Here are some of the many things you can use chamomile for.

We'll start with the little ones. Chamomile tea can help a colic baby feel better. It soothes their upset tummy. You can also use chamomile tea to help with a fussy baby who is teething. You do need to make sure you make the tea an appropriate strength depending on the child's age. Chamomile tea is a great natural way to help your little one start feeling better in no time.

If you have had a stressful day at work you might try a bath with some chamomile. Put some chamomile in a cheesecloth bag and tie it shut and fill your tub two thirds of the way full with hot water. After ten minutes you of letting the chamomile soak in the water add cold water until it is the desired temperature. Now all you need to do is sit back and relax and let the chamomile work its magic. This is a great way to relax before bed too.

Chamomile is also known for softening the skin. The chamomile bath will also help soften your skin. Lotions are also now made with chamomile. Soap is another item that chamomile is now being put in.
Chamomile tea will not only help your little one, it can help you feel better as well. If you are suffering form menstrual cramps you may want to try some tea. In addition to helping subside the pain of cramps, chamomile tea can also be used to regulate your period. Chamomile can also help soothe those painful backaches that come with your monthly cycle.

Chamomile can help you when you are sick with a cold or the flu as well. The tea will help soothe a sore throat, or stomach cramps, or sore muscles, or many other aches and pains. What a great way to naturally relieve your aches and pains. You don't have to run to the medicine cabinet for some aspirins every time you have an ailment, you may want to try some chamomile tea instead. With chamomile in the house you are sure to help ease someone's pain. So, next time you go to the store don't forget to pick up your chamomile tea, remember it is safe natural, and wallet friendly.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as flower arrangements at www.flowerarrangementsandplants.com

Six Rose Diseases And How To Treat Them

2006-11-17T10:49:00.000Z

Roses are beautiful but can be a bit challenging to grow. There are many insects and diseases that can chip away at the health of your roses. He are six symptoms of disease in your roses and how to treat them.

1. Malformed young canes or canes that are stunted

this is a fungal disease which is called powdery mildew. It covers stems bods and leaves with a white powder that spreads in the breeze. The leaves will turn purple and curl. To treat this, spray with Benomyl or Funginex.

2. Black spots on leaves

Aptly named, this disease is usually referred to as black spot. These spots are circular and have fringed edges causing the leaves to yellow. To treat this you want to remove infected leaves and pick up any that have fallen around the plant. You can also buy artificial sprays to treat and prevent black spot.

3. Stunted or malformed flowers and leaves

Malformed leaves and flowers can be caused by spider mites. These little tiny mites can be green red or yellow and usually hang around on the underside of the leaves where they have a good old time sucking the juices. You can try applying Isotox or Orthene to help treat these little pests.

4. Blistered leaves

If you notice the underside of your roses leaves are blistered you may have the disease known as rust. Blisters are an orange red color in turn black in the fall. This disease can live throughout the winter and in spring when new sprouts formidable attack them. To treat this get rid of any leaves that are infected both on the plants and on the ground. Spray Funginex or Benomyl every seven to 10 days for treatment.

5. Flowers which are malformed or do not open

this is another problem with roses that can be caused by bugs called Thrips. These are fain brownish yellow bugs that have fringed wings and damage your plant by sucking the juices from the flower buds. To get rid of them you'll have to cut off the infested flowers. Malathion and Orthene may also be used to treat this problem.

6. Leaves that are weak and mottled or show tiny white webs underneath

Here you may have a problem with aphids. These tiny blogs can be green and brown or red and often hang around in clusters under the leaves and flower buds where they suck juices. Try spraying with diazinon or malathion in on to get rid of them.

If your roses to not have any of these pests or diseases but are still unhealthy looking you might want to look at the way you are fertilizing them. Roses are very hungry and do require fertilization. Talk to your local gardening store to find out what's best for your area.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Lee Dobbins writes for gardening.subjectmonster.com where you can learn more about all types of gardening including indoor gardening, container gardening and organic gardening. Get gardening tips to help improve your gardens today!

The Right Gardening Tools Can Make All The Difference!

2006-11-16T11:07:00.000Z

It is well known that gardening in not only a relaxing hobby but beneficial to the body as an exercise. Some people see gardening not only as a hobby but an integral part of their daily lifestyle. If this is your situation, then it is very important that you are using the correct gardening tools for the work. The question is, is how do you know which tools are the right ones? Well, here are some gardening tips to help you choose.

Are you someone who loves being in the garden but hates being in the shops? Sorry, but you will have to do that hated shopping if you want to buy the correct gardening tools. It is important that you choose styles that suit you and this will mean spending time in the shops. You will need to do your research and that requires comparing tools available, so you'll have to visit more than one shop if you want to do a proper research. You need to ask questions about the tools, which means you need to make sure that who you're talking to knows what they're talking about! If you're not sure what you need, you must ask someone who has the required knowledge, and this is where the next tip comes in handy.

You can buy gardening tools from many places but not all have staff have the required knowledge. Go to a garden place that has staff trained in horticulture. They should know what tools are best for what you'd like to do in your garden. They will probably show you a range of tools, both in price and quality. It is always best to buy gardening tools that are made to last if you're a serious gardener. Try holding the tool to make sure you are comfortable with it. Sometimes, a cheaper tool is actually more comfortable to use. More expensive doesn't always mean better quality. Be very careful buying online unless you have actually seen the product. Once you know what brand you want to buy, do some price comparisons before you buy. Don't feel obliged to buy from the first store you receive help from.

Ok so you are ready to begin looking for gardening tools, but which tools do you need? Well here are a few necessary tools that every gardener should have:

* Garden Rake - Much different from a lawn rake and specific for gardens, working well to give you accuracy and control to prevent damage to your plants.
* Round Point Shovel - Great for digging large holes for your plants
* Spade - Takes care of intricate work
* Garden Fork - Works well in loosening soil and ridding of weeds in smaller garden
* Hoe - Great for digging up weeds that are tough and do not seem to want to budge.

Summary:

Taking time to carefully think about and choose your tools could mean a money saving effort on your part. Be sure to pick the tools you need and feel comfortable using, which will help you get your gardening jobs done efficiently and with enjoyment.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Brooke Hayles
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How To Make Sure Your Wildflowers Survive In Your Home Garden

2006-11-15T16:39:00.000Z

If you have ever taken a walk in the woods you may have seen all the beautiful flowers that can be found right in nature. These flowers are wild, but are still beautiful. Did you think to yourself, I wonder what these would look like in my yard? If you have wondered this same thing, here are a few tips for you to make sure your flowers will survive.

Even though these flowers are strong enough to grow and thrive in the wild, does not mean they will not take special care. First thing you will need to do is make sure you are ready for your wild flowers once you get them home. Once you take the flowers out of their natural habitat you will want to get them back in the ground as soon as possible. Make sure you have you flowerbed at your home ready to go when you arrive.

You will want to make sure you have a good water drainage system in place. You may have to dig deep and place some rocks in the soil to ensure good drainage. You will want to make sure the soil is moist and ready to support its new life.

When you get your wild flowers make sure you get some roots and soil with it. The roots will help the flower stay alive and adapt to its new home. You will also want to make sure it has some of its natural soil from the woods to help it thrive. You can not expect the plant to thrive if you change everything about its surroundings.

When you are choosing your flowers you need to pay attention to the environment around them. You will want to take note of what other flowers are near this flower, if any. Maybe this flower grows best if it is only surrounded with its own. If this is the case you should do the same at your home. You want to make your flowers new home as much like its natural home as you possibly can.

You should also make sure the flower is done blooming. Plants tend to survive a transplant better if they are moved after they are done blooming. You may need to go out in search of your wild garden more than once, depending on what kind of flowers you like. You can choose flowers so that you have some in bloom from March until the first frost. This is a great way to make your garden look great for a long time. If this is what you would like to do you will definitely need to go wild flower hunting more than once. This will take some time and effort, but will be well worth it when you have a beautiful garden of wild flowers to admire.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as flower arrangements at www.flowerarrangementsandplants.com

Start A Hot Hobby By Growing Your Own Hot Peppers

2006-11-14T10:13:00.000Z

I have always wanted to make my own salsa, and I anticipate in the next year or so I will be able to do that when my wife graduates and we find her a great job in a larger city. My plan is to start our own garden, and grow all the essential things I will need to create original, authentic sauces, including bitingly hot, spicy salsa.

I would really like to experiment with hot sauces like Louisiana style, Mexican, and Asian style sauces. In order to make a hot sauce with my garden, I needed to become familiar with the Scoville scale that measures hotness. I also needed to become extremely familiar with jalapenos

I do not know much about gardening, but the area where we live is very fertile, and there are lots of people around who know how to do it, so I can get some real pointers from them. My brother in law, as a matter of fact, comes from a family where the dad grew vegetables in a huge backyard garden. They were always giving us peppers, squash, onions, tomatoes, and all sorts of great vegetables that I knew would work wonderfully in a salsa mix.

So what I will need to do first is investigate about home gardening, and find out which peppers and other vegetables grow well in the area that we will be moving to. Then I will need to decide how large I want the garden to be. In order to do that, I will simply reference the information on the Internet, and also get some advice from friends that have small gardens. I suppose it would not hurt to visit the local do it yourself store as well, since I will be headed there anyway for seed and fertilizer.

One question I will have is what kind of yield to expect? Once I have my garden set up and ready to go, I need to have some kind of idea on how much food will be grown in that area. Then I can prepare for it, and when it is time to harvest the vegetables, I will have plenty of storage space for all the produce.

After harvesting, I will review some recipes for salsa. I'm already a fairly good cook, so once I've learned a recipe and it turns out well, then I will feel comfortable experimenting with different seasonings and combinations of peppers. Afterwards, I can share my new, homegrown concoction with some friends, and if they like it than perhaps I will approach the local grocer. Salsa is definitely one of my favorite foods. Hot or mild, sweet, tangy, sour, it doesn't matter, I love it all.

It will take some work, and I know there are some unexpected challenges coming my way with the idea of starting a garden, but I think it will be worth it. I look forward to the upcoming year and the prospect of learning how to start my own garden, harvest it, and create a delicious salsa that everyone will love!

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as hot sauce at www.shop4hotsauce.com

Bamboo Does Require Maintenance - But Oh How It's Worth It!

2006-11-13T10:11:00.000Z

Bamboo is an extremely hardy plant yet it still requires a solid level of maintenance to ensure it continues to flourish. Keeping bamboo well fed and moist is one of the keys to maintaining it in a healthy state. One of the common misconceptions with bamboo is that it doesn't require maintenance. In fact, the truth is that bamboo, particularly in containers requires watering more often than most other plants.

Relying on the elements such as rain for outdoor bamboo plants just won't cut it. In summer, regular watering is essential and if possible, automated watering systems are preferred. Keeping the soil moist will result in a happy plant yet as is often the case with most vegetation during winter, less is needed.

Bamboo Maintenance

Fertilizing your plant in spring and summer is highly recommended. There are several fertilizing methods available however, these depend on whether the bamboo is kept in a container or in the ground. For container plants, a slow release fertilizer is the preferred option while organic is ideal for in-ground plants. I have predominantly container plants and the slow release fertilizer works a treat. I have also found bamboo is partial to a seaweed boost.

Depending on the type of bamboo you have, then keeping them in check will keep both the plants and your neighbors happy. Spring time is when the running variety sprouts new shoots. You need to be wary that overcrowding doesn't occur and pruning stalks at the base can prevent this. Pruning these stalks every couple of years will keep down the threat of over clumping bamboo. Trimming also encourages extra foliage.

If you did your homework before planting your in-ground bamboo then you would have had to decide between running or clumping bamboo. The latter is non-invasive while the running variety needs to be kept in check. I have heard plenty of horror stories regarding running bamboo which could easily have been avoided. For instance, planting in escape proof barriers is a preferred way to stop the plant from spreading. Believe me, you don't want to think about this when the plant is a couple of years old and well established.

I don't have running bamboo however, my neighbor does and his example of how to host this "invasive" customer should be used as a guide if you are thinking about growing it. Wonderful additions to any garden and shade personified, running bamboo can get out of control if the proper precautions aren't taken. My neighbor used both an escape proof planter and also installed a deep barrier along his fenceline. It was a little extra work but the result is in the finished product and he has some of the most magnificent bamboo in our neighborhood. Plus, it's kept in check . You'll also want to check any regulations imposed by your local authorities regarding the planting of running bamboo. There may be restrictions.

Bamboo at it's bloomimg best is hard to beat. If you are considering making it a part of your landscape then my advice is to start small and gradually increase it's presence over time.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Dean Caporella is a professional broadcaster. Get the latest news and reviews onbamboo maintenanceand related bamboo information at:www.bamboogalore.com

Use Water Efficiently

2006-11-12T12:26:00.000Z

Water scarcity all over the world has evolved into a problem that needs immediate solution by all those involved. The water facilities, public or private, the local, governmental or international associations and organizations, the national environmental departments and the vast public have to be informed on what water quantities they should be consuming and how that translated into a deficit or overflow of water resources.

Especially when one considers watering gardens and back or front yards, watering them deeply and thoroughly sounds like the only option. But there is also another issue that one has to consider; water frequency. The number of times one waters the plants that exist outdoors as well as indoors is extremely important for controlling the overall water consumption patterns. Watering plants infrequently, depending on their specific needs, is not a bad idea. Instead of leaving the watering process last for more than three hours each time-which does not benefit the soil or the plants-it is best if one decides to water them twice or once a week; again depending on the season and specific plants watering requirements. Since plants send out extra roots in dry conditions to seek water, this type of watering plan will encourage rooting and greater tolerance to dry spells. In addition, as nature illustrates, plants often bloom more profusely when stressed, as the natural instinct to reproduce creates more flowers.

Thus, you should water responsibly, using correct watering techniques. For example, you can water only during late in the afternoon, but before the sun comes down, so as to prevent the weather conditions from heating the water and thus reducing its evaporation loss. Moreover, you should water less often and for longer lengths of time to encourage deep root growth. Extremely important is for your irrigation system to be in its proper working condition. If drip irrigation will not work for you, try a hand held hose rather than a sprinkler. If you use a sprinkler, make sure you don't water sidewalks or driveways. Install a drip or other water conserving irrigation system, as slow drip and deep root watering systems can save up to 60% of all water used during garden care. Professionally installed and maintained irrigation systems will further help conserve water. Many people have also invested in developing some kind of rainwater capturing systems from their roofs, in order to use it later to water their garden and ornamental plants.

Another important issue is the proper condition of your soil. Since water does not easily penetrate clay soils and it manages to pass too quickly beyond the root zone of plants in sandy soils, adding an organic matter to clay and sandy soils will increase the penetrability of clay soils and the water holding capacity of the sandy ones. Furthermore, you should consider keeping your lawns to a proper height. Gradually let lawns reach a height of 3 to 4 inches, as longer blades of grass can mean going 3 to 4 days longer between waterings.

Concluding, saving water and keeping your garden looking beautiful is easy when you think about it and you can always follow these ways to see how water wise you can be around the house.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Gardening, Real Estate, and Investing

How Genetic Engineering Has Created Large Varieties Of Apple Trees

2006-11-11T14:05:00.000Z

As technology advances, more and more options are opened up. Suddenly, there are new types of electronic music, new ways of reading books, new ways to communicate and yes, new types of apple trees to buy!

Because of genetic engineering and importing capabilities, we have worked past the minimal kinds of apple trees, and advanced to many different types of flavors, colors, and apples. Here are five well-loved varieties of apples open to consideration for you apple tree.

Brae Burn

First becoming popular in the 1940's, the popularity of Brae Burn apples has spread from its original location of New Zealand, to becoming the best-selling apple in Germany. Beyond that, it has been greatly loved in the United States since the 1980's, recognized as one of the best-loved apples in the world. Perfect for slow eaters, Brae Burn apples generally don't brown very quickly after being cut. Distinguished its sweet, but slight tart taste, you can recognize this apple by its varying color of mostly red, to gold with red streaks. They become ripe around October or November.

Red Delicious

Red and delicious, this apple would not be hated for false advertising. Red Delicious apples are tall, large, and heart-shaped on the outside, and contain a crisp, juicy, sweet interior. First introduced to Peru, Iowa in 1874, these apples are now grown and loved all across the country. These apples are great to put in salads. They become ripe in mid to late September. They are usually best when they are fresh off the tree.

Golden Delicious

Designed much like the Red Delicious apple, the insides are crisp, juicy, and sweet, and are contained by a large, heart-shaped exterior. They make great accomplices to those who love to cook, the Golden Delicious keeps their taste and shape even when cooked or baked! Handle carefully though, the Golden Delicious bruises somewhat easy, however will last a long time if handles gently.

Fuji Apple

Distinguished by its yellow-green skin with red streaks, the Fuji apple has been enjoyed in 1962, starting in Japan. The insides are crunchy, flavorful, and sweet. While the trees can tolerate poor soil conditions, the fruit tends to reflect the soil quality. Fuji apples are often used for cooking, and taste best when they are fresh.

Gala Apples

Straight from New Zealand, they are considered one of the best-tasting apples you can grow (when fresh). They grow quickly, and offer much fruit. The Gala apple is medium sized, with yellow skin (with a hint of red). The insides are juicy, crisp and contain a wonderful scent. Because the Fuji is considered a better option, they are generally not used for cooking.

There are many different types of apple trees to consider. With enough research, you can find one best suited to your time, climate, and taste.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as www.shopforfruitbaskets.com">Shop For Fruit Baskets at www.shopforfruitbaskets.com

How To Easily Remove Excessive Thorns From Your Roses

2006-11-10T13:24:00.000Z

Though beautiful, a rose can hurt. After all, every rose has its thorns. All sorts of myths symbolize the danger of these little daggers. According to Greek Mythology, Cupid shot arrows into a rose bush after he was stung by a bee, and the pain from his arrow thus caused the thorns to sprout.

Don't cry though if these sharp points have poked you more than once. You took can remove these little darts and create a smooth stemmed rose with just a little care and patience.

Note this: thorns have a purpose. They help the plant drink water, and thus when you remove the thorn, you should be careful to not inflict any excessive damage to the stem. Utilize a proper dethorning technique to avoid injuring the rose. Carelessly dethorning a rose will shorten the life of the flower as the peeled or torn skin will hinder the amount of water the stem can take.

When removing the thorns, you have two choices: wait until the stem is cut or do it while the stem is still attached to the plant. Remove the thorns while the plant is still young and before the rose blooms if you know that a gardener will be cutting the stem in the future for display or for a bouquet. To remove the thorns, apply slight pressure to the sides and then push them off the stem. Do the same with cut stems.

A thorn stripper will help you dethrone roses as well. This strips the stem of leaves and thorns. You can make your own with metal strapping from a hardware store, but if you do, file the edges that touch the flower so you do not tear the stem excessively.

To dethrone the stem with this homemade tool, hold it below the flower and then close the jaws around the stem. Don't use too much pressure because you could damage or even sever the stem. Drag the dethorner down the stem and watch the thorns pop off. Getting the hang of using this tool will take time, but practice makes perfect, and soon you'll know exactly how much pressure to use.

A knife works well to remove thorns as well. Just scrape the stem of the rose with a sharp floral or pairing knife. When removing the thorns from a cut stem, consider removing just the thorns and leaves below the water level.

Think carefully about the look of the rose before trying to remove every thorn and leaf. Consider the flower's use, and then remove thorns as necessary. Again, dethorning the flower can shorten its life, so don't overdo it.

Consider dethorning especially when you need more plant litter for your compost pile. The extra thorns and stems will help build up your lacking pile, and in the end, make handling flowers safer to for you to work with.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as flowers online at www.sendflowersorgifts.com

Why The Beauty Of Roses Is Hard To Resist

2006-11-09T14:44:00.000Z

Who can resist the beauty of a rose? Its soft delicate petals call to those who see it, begging people to touch them. One of the most prized flowers in a garden, rose varieties exist in abundance. A gardener could plant acres and acres of them, and each rosebush could bear a different color and variety of flower. Royalty and peasants alike have celebrated the scent and delicate beauty of this flower for centuries. No matter their station in life, individuals appreciate the unique and delicate beauty of this coveted flower. Roses still hold importance in flower gardening today.

When a gardener considers whether or not to plant, cultivate, and prune this cherished flower, he has dozens of choices ahead of him. First, he must consider the climate of where he will grow his roses. Roses prefer temperate climates and soil with good drainage. Thirsty plants, these bushes prefer long rainy seasons. If your climate leans towards the hot and dry, search for the rose breed that can withstand your extreme temperatures and lack of moisture. Thanks to scientific technology, rose growers and breeders are constantly working to develop hardier roses that can withstand the extremes of both hot and cold climates.

After finding the best plant for his climate, a gardener must consider the different colors, scents, and sizes available. Breeders grow some roses with their focus only as beauty, and thus the rose might not have a strong scent. And other types of roses emit such a strong scent that their fragrance can fill your yard. In the end, the type of rose depends on the gardener, but the majority of rose gardeners try to find something that has both a pleasant but not overpower scent and a beautiful color.

Colors abound in these plants. From deep magentas to even black, a skilled gardener can coax just about any color of rose to grow. Gardeners will have a variety of hues to choose from when shopping for your rose bushes, so they must pick carefully the one that they think will best complement their garden overall. The right rose has the potential to accentuate both their yard and home in a beautiful way. They may consider a rose that will contrast with their house color and thus stand out in the long run, or maybe they want to stick with a monochromatic theme and shoot for a rose that matches their home perfectly.

Regardless of the color or type, roses will always be a popular flower. Women dream of them, and men fork over a bundle of cash for them. Their finicky climate requirements make them rare, and because of this, the gardeners who grow them appreciate their delicate scent and beauty that makes them so unique.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as flowers online at www.sendflowersorgifts.com

Gardening Tips - The Best Ways To Create And Use Fertilizer

2006-11-08T19:36:00.000Z

When you do your gardening, you always end up with some leaves and weeds, dead plants and probably some grass clippings. Most people see this as rubbish and send it off to the landfill. Not only is this a waste of one of nature's fertilizers but it takes time and money to get rid of this garden 'rubbish'. So, what alternative is there? Well, a gardening tip to consider is do what nature would do and use all this garden 'rubbish' to provide nutrients for your garden. Following are the gardening tips to help you convert this garden 'rubbish' to compost.

The first thing to know is that organic waste is considered better for your garden than any chemical fertilizer on the market. Nature has a decomposition process that promotes proper chemical change resulting in excellent nutritional benefits to the plants in the garden.

Of course, the question is, "Where shall I put this pile of smelly garden 'rubbish'"? Gardening tips; your compost heap shouldn't be smelly and if it is, you need to alter the composition of it to prevent it becoming anaerobic ie too much nitrogen. This requires the heap not being too wet and having enough oxygen. Once you've got the balance right, you will find that the decomposition process is actually producing some fertilizer that isn't a pong to the nose!

So, what does this suitable place for a fertilizer heap look like? Gardening tips; is should be an area that has plenty of width space and not too deep. If it's too deep, the materials down low in the pile will not be able to get enough of the necessary requirements, and you end up with a smelly heap. Try to choose an area where you can spread out the garden 'rubbish'. You can, if you've got the space, have two heaps side by side. Remember, it's width not depth that's important.

What rubbish can you put into the heap to be converted to garden food? Gardening tips; it must be quickly decomposable - that is, able to rot away quickly. Did you know that orange peel takes years to decompose? Therefore, it's not suitable; nor is meat or diseased plants. However, you can use most other organic material including grass clippings, woody plants, leaves, and vegetable scraps. Using your lawn mower, shred garden 'rubbish' to help quick decomposition.

How do you start the composting process? Gardening tips; make the materials as small as possible. Mix up the pile quite frequently to allow oxygen into the heap which will aid the decomposing process. Water periodically, but not too much as this is a sure way to invite anaerobic micro-organisms which will give you a smelly pile.

No matter what, your compost pile will be a little unsightly. Gardening tips; find a place that isn't easily seen and is also near the garden areas that you will want to fertilize. Be aware of your neighbours; it may be out of sight for you but right in the vision of your neighbor. They really don't want your compost heap near their entertaining area! Construct a compost pen for your pile, or buy a ready-made compost bin to contain all the decomposing material.

Summary:

Use your garden 'rubbish' as garden food and put back nutrients into the soil. Some gardening tips will ensure that you get a good start to making your own fertilizer.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Brooke Hayles
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Admiring Trees

2006-11-08T14:07:00.000Z

Near at hand, we all can see beautiful trees. Every time I walk the city parks, or visit the country side, I gaze the trees that I cross bringing back memories of happy tree climbing, tent camping in the woods, long walks with my folks, hiking with friends or just relaxing underneath a tree's branches enjoying the breeze. Although my yard was never big enough, I managed to as a kid to convince my parents to plant trees inside its perimeter and whenever I touch their trunk I get excited knowing that they would not have been there if I did not insist to plant them.

Trees are large, perennial, woody plants, which continue growing until they die. They grow just about everywhere on Earth, from extreme cold regions near the Arctic and the Antarctic to hot tropical regions around the equator and even in deserts and the most diverse populations of trees are found in the tropical rain forests. In comparison to other plant forms, trees are considered long-lived. As perennial plants, they are classified as having a distinct, self-supporting main stem, or trunk, containing a woody tissue that produces secondary limbs and branches. Their height and single main stem differentiate them from shrubs, which are usually shorter and have many stems. With more than 20,000 types of trees growing around the world, a few species can grow really tall, like redwoods and eucalyptus that reach heights of more than 110 m. (360 ft.). Trees live anywhere from a few, to thousands of years, like the olive tree or a bristlecone pine growing in California's White Mountains that has been dated as at least 4700 years old.

Trees do come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes and can be divided into six basic groups according to the features they have in common. These are: broadleaf trees, needleleaf trees, palm and pandanus and lily trees, cycad trees, tree ferns, and ginkgo trees. All of the above groups have provided us with food, fibers, medicines, and many other substances valuable in every day life. If you are asked what product you can receive from trees, wood is the one that quickest comes to mind. Since ancient times, people have used wood to make tools and construct buildings as well as for forms of art and expression. Most importantly, wood has also been used as a source of fuel.

Furthermore, trees in the world's forests or plantations provide food and shelter for humans and wildlife. Trees provide us with fruits, nuts, roots and other tree parts which we use to feed ourselves. Tropical fruit trees are among the most popular and include avocados, grapefruits, mangoes, and oranges. Cooler, temperate regions have fewer kinds of fruit trees, but produce vast amounts of apples, cherries, and peaches. Almonds, pecans, walnuts, and macadamia nuts are a few easily recognized species of nut producing trees. The most important nut tree of warm regions is the coconut palm, which produces coconuts. Trees also supply chocolate, coffee, maple syrup, and such spices as cinnamon.

Finally, trees also have a role in conservation. Along lakes and rivers tree roots conserve soil, holding top soil in place, and water, holding water in the ground. Where they grow in open country, they act as windbreaks and keep the wind from blowing away topsoil, therefore aiding in stopping desertification.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Gardening, Home Improvement, and Real Estate

Gardening Can Be suitable For Anyone

2006-11-07T10:42:00.000Z

There are gardening methods to fit the style and needs of every gardener. And every gardener has preferred and unique ways of growing a beautiful garden. Beginning gardeners can join a local garden club and benefit from the advice of experienced gardeners.

Garden clubs are a valuable resource for a beginner, since members always exchange tips that they have collected in their years of gardening.

A key element for a successful garden involves watering. Plants must be watered in an appropriate manner or they will not thrive. Providing a deep watering every week is better than spraying the garden every day with the hose because most plants prefer thorough and deep watering to frequent, shallow watering. One of the best methods for watering the garden is a soaker hose. This type of hose ensures that the plant's roots are adequately watered.

Experienced gardeners always say there is nothing more important that creating their own compost from recycled household waste. Composting waste materials like leaves, kitchen scraps, and other organic materials results in a rich organic soil amendment that provides excellent nutrients to the garden. Having a compost bin in the home is also a good way to reduce the amount of waste being trucked into already overflowing landfills. Compost added to the garden soil is a good way to balance the pH levels to ensure the soil is not too alkaline or acidic. Composting provides a high-quality humus that has important elements, including iron, phosphorous, and manganese. These are often lacking in commercial fertilizers.

Once plants have been put into the ground, deep cultivation should be avoided because digging deeply near the plants can damage their root systems, dry out the soil, disturb the valuable microorganisms that contribute to plant growth, and cause weeds to rise to the surface. Deep cultivation should be confined to the preparation of a plant bed.

Flowers contribute beauty to the landscape with their bright colors. When selecting garden and landscape flowers, colors that highlight and emphasize those already existing in the landscape are best. When bright colors like reds and oranges are mixed with soothing pastels, an excellent contrast of colors can be achieved in the garden. Many gardeners like to combine a home garden with landscape elements like waterfalls or ponds. Water elements offer a relaxing retreat from everyday stress.

Using flowers in a landscape can increase the value of a home as well. Research has indicated that flowers and plants enhance the resale value of a house, while providing a wonderful experience for the senses at the same time.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Discover more articles about hobbies and pastimes by visiting www.great-hobbies.com

Tips For Indoor Gardening

2006-11-06T17:40:00.000Z

During those long winter months one can bring a little bit of the outdoors in with with some indoor gardening. Having plants in the home can really add to your decor and helps off than the look of every room as well as add to your health. Indoor plants can help add moisture to the air as well as help filter the air by exchanging carbon dioxide for oxygen.

Indoor gardening is no more demanding than outdoor gardening and you don't have to have a lot of plants to make a big difference in your home. Just like outdoor plants those that you keep indoors need some basic things such as lighting water and nutrients.

Different types of indoor plants require different amounts of lighting but most plants will grow better with good light. You can help provide this by placing plants near windows where they can get natural light but you may also want to buy a special plant grow light especially for those dark winter days. When choosing plants for your indoor garden, keep in mind that the darker leafed plants usually don't need as much light as the other plants.

Many people tend to kill their indoor plants by overwatering them. While your indoor garden needs water just like your outdoor garden it's important to remember that these plants are in containers and you can't just load them up with a ton of water that will stand in the container and perhaps wrought the roots. Be sure that each container has a good drainage system, perhaps with rocks at the very bottom of the container, and a saucer for the water to drain out into. You should not let the soil get to dry but don't overwater either. Check your in your garden at least once a week to to see if it needs watering.

With indoor gardening, humidity can be a problem particularly in the winter when it is very dry. To keep your plants moisturized you can spray them with a fine mist and if it is really dry dry wrapping the plant in a cone of newspaper or wax paper and missing the play and then. The cold will help keep the moisture into the plant.

Different plants require different kinds and amounts of fertilization. You should be aware of each planning your indoor garden and what its needs are. You can buy indoor fertilizer from any home goods or garden store and you can even buy fertilizer sticks that you stick in the container at the grocery store. Some exotic plants like orchids need special fertilizer of most regular houseplants just use the regular fertilizer you can find in any store.

Here's a few plants you might want to add to your indoor garden:

African violets

These plants have pretty purple flowers and green glossy leaves. They are quite often grown indoors and can add colorful splash to your indoor garden. They like light but don't put them right in the final get scorched. Avoid overwatering as this will kill them.

Philodendrons

These of the most popular and Hardy of all indoor garden plants. They are full of large green leaves and prefer a medium light. It's best to let them dry out a bit between wanderings and you can keep the little dryer in the winter. If the leaves turn brown and you're not watering them enough. They like high humidity but will do okay in most homes. Be sure to wash the leaves off often to remove dust.

Boston Ferns

The Boston fern is a popular indoor plant which produces a thick bundle of leaves. It requires diffused lighting and will need a grow light in rooms where there is not enough natural light. They can be sensitive to chlorine and tap water so watering regularly with distilled water is best. Boston ferns can be a bit difficult to grow as they like cool locations with a lot of humidity. Misting your Boston fern each day can help it be happy and healthy.

Jade Plant

They Jade Plant is a succulent and can tolerate very dry conditions. These plants are extremely tolerant and difficult to kill so few one start in indoor garden but don't have a green calm you do well to consider one of these.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Lee Dobbins writes for www.backyard-garden-and-patio.com where you can learn more about plants and gardening.

5 Reasons To Grow Your Own Fruit And Vegetables

2006-11-05T18:45:00.000Z

Having your own vegetable patch or fruit garden was once commonplace, but fell out of favour as the food industry become more commercial and supermarkets began to take over. In recent years however, more and more people have started explore growing their own produce again. Here we give 5 reasons why you might consider starting your own kitchen garden.

- Freshness

Fruit and vegetables taste better and are healthier if eaten as soon as possible after picking. Most fruit you buy from supermarkets and the like is picked well before it is properly ripe, to extend shelf life, and this usually has an impact on flavour. Growing your own lets you taste the freshest possible produce as it's meant to taste.

- Quality

Commercially grown crops are often selected for their high yields, uniform appearance and long shelf lives rather than for quality and taste. When you grow your own, you can concentrate on the quality rather than the economics.

- Price

Much supermarket fresh produce is hugely overpriced, despite their advertising claims. Growing your own from seed is about as inexpensive as you can get, and even growing from small plants you buy is likely to provide you better food at a lower cost. With many plants, you can use the seed from one growing season to provide plants for the next - a self sustaining cycle that will cost you only time and effort to keep going.

- Provenance

More and more people have concerns about how our food is produced, with chemical pesticides and GM food a particular worry. With your own vegetable patch, you know exactly where your food is from and how it was grown.

- Variety

There are literally thousands of different varieties of fruit and vegetables, but supermarkets tend to concentrate on only the most profitable and easy to sell. This means that our choice is often limited to a few select varieties of apple, for example, rather than the hundreds of traditional kinds that exist. Growing your own lets you pick the varieties you like the most, and experiment to find new ones you'll rarely see on sale.

There is of course a downside to all this - it takes time and effort. In these increasingly busy times, we might not think we have the time to spare, but starting small with a few herb plants on your windowsill, or even the odd tomato plant, will give you a taste of growing your own and might even be enough to hook you into it for life!

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Andrea is a contributor to Recipedia Food and Drink Glossary where you can read about all aspects of food and drink, from herbs to shellfish and more.

Container Gardening Should Include The Herbal Plant Scented Geraniums

2006-11-05T12:52:00.000Z

Planting an herbal garden that includes scented geraniums is not common to container gardening. Most gardeners think of scented geraniums as a floral plant, not an herbal plant but the species, called pelargonium, is an herb with many uses. This delightful herb has many different aromas and gorgeous colors to delight your senses. The scented geranium is best used in container gardening for two reasons. One, you can control the soil and moisture, and two you can bring it indoors when a frost is imminent.

The scented geranium was found in Africa in the 1600's and shipped to England where it became most popular. The gardener of King Charles I grew a variety of scented geraniums in the royal greenhouse. The Victorians thought they were geraniums rather than an herbal plant but if you look at their asymmetrical leaves you can see the difference between scented geraniums and regular geraniums.

The scented geranium is truly a herbal plant for all seasons. It grows and has a lovely aroma throughout the spring and summer and when the chilly winds of autumn threaten this sturdy herbal plant will gladly co-exist inside with you. Nothing could be better when container gardening includes scented geranium with their exquisite flowers, lovely scented leaves, and sturdy characteristics for year round enjoyment of your senses.

True to their name scented geraniums come in a multitude of fragrances. Seemly, the favorite is the rose scented geranium but others are gaining popularity quickly. Some of the more robustly planted are the apple scented, peppermint scented, wood, like cedar or balsam, nutmeg and citronella (also know as the mosquito buster.) You can plant a whole container garden with this one type of plant and have a beautiful diversity. Their leaves alone will contrast interestingly to give you a spectacular container garden. The tiny smooth leaves of the nutmeg scented geranium, or Lady Mary, to the large musk scented leaves of the Lady Plymouth.

The rose scented geraniums are gaining popularity for calming and are increasingly used in mediation and for healing purposes. The plant truly releases a delicious rose scent when rubbed against or crushed. Just brush the leaves to release their scent or make a soothing rose geranium tea to help you relax.

There are many culinary uses for the scented geranium to delight your taste buds. Chop up the leaves and mix with your other favorite herbs such as chives or chervil or thyme to make interesting flavored butters or dips and spreads. A really clever way to use the leaves is to line a baking pan when making pies, puddings or cakes to impart a wonderful flavor to your desserts. Use them for desserts, syrups or custards for another unique flavor. You can even make flavored sugar by layer dry, fresh leaves with sugar. Let them sit a few days, remove the leaves and store the sugar in an air tight container. This can be used in teas, baking goods, or as a sugar scrub. They are delightful in baths and infused in water to rinse your hair.

The scented geranium is a great as a room freshener or added to potpourri. Try adding some to your vacuum bag or put them in a mesh bag and add them to your dryer for a new fresh scent for your clothes.

Scented geraniums are grown from cuttings taken from the mother plant. Cut three to four inches just above a leaf. Strip the lower leaves off and place in a rooting medium, such as a mix of sphagnum peat moss. Place your cutting in bright light and keep it moist. When roots have been established it is time to place it in your container garden. Make sure the soil is porous and fast draining.

When the scented geranium is indoors it is necessary to feed it once a week to ensure full leaf growth. Pinching back the plant not only encourages bushy growth but releases a delicious aroma into the air. Keep the soil evenly damp; do not over water them as this will kill them. They can come back from overly dry situations but not wet ones.

Now it is time to add this multi-talented plant to your container garden. Just one word of caution, once you get to know the scented geranium your herbal garden will never be without it.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Visit Mary Hanna's websites at: Gardening Herb Cruise Travel and Container Gardening Secrets

Planting a Tulip Field or Tulip Garden: Next Spring Can be Heaven on Earth

2006-11-04T13:53:00.000Z

If you enjoy tulips and building a tulip garden that will make your spring morning fresh and delightful, consider these tips for successful tulip planting. One of the most important aspects of building a tulip garden involves using the correct soil, and cultivating the ground for proper growth.

In order to find out what the latest tulip planting trends are you may want to attend various tulip festivals which usually happen in spring of the year. One of the most popular of those festivals is the Tulip Time Festival in Holland, Michigan. You can also view miles and miles of tulips when you visit the state of Washington and tour the Skagit Valley Tulip Festival. Photos of tulips from these festivals are available online, and you can sign up to hear more about these particular events. You will also want to consult tulip planting experts for further help on how to create your money making tulip operation.

These helpful tulip garden design tips can help you create flower beds as attractive one of your favorite well-known flower gardens. You have quite a few different types of tulips to choose from to plant in your garden. If you design your tulip garden carefully enough you can use it as a promotional tool to attract buyers of tulips and act as if you have your own tulip festival in your backyard.

Tulips are much different from perennials in terms of planting. Tulips prefer a sandy-based soil that is well-drained. Tulip bulbs will not grow well in solid saturated with water that is extremely wet. Additional tips for planting tulips to build a healthy garden are included in this article.

In order to establish proper drainage in your tulip garden, plant tulip bulbs on slightly raised ground. This will shunt excess water away from the bulbs and prevent rotting. You may also consider designing a system that drains excess water from the tulip bed. If you wish to build a flat-bedded tulip garden, make sure to add a peat moss along or compost mixture to the soil, and mix together with the ground soil thoroughly. If the soil in your garden is not sandy enough for tulip bulbs, consider adding some sand and mixing it well with the soil.

Check with your local garden supply dealer for exact details about the proper proportion of sand to the soil in your area.

When planting tulips bulbs, make sure to plant the pointed end up. The best time to plant is when the ground is 60 degrees or colder. The prime planting time for tulips is after November first, so that the bulbs will incubate properly and develop a solid root structure, which is what they need. Then, in early to late spring, depending upon which species of tulips you plant, tulips will sprout and blossom in order to grow to their maximum length.

Another way to make sure your tulips remain cool during the winter months is to plant them in a lightly shaded area, but making sure you plant them in areas that will provide the tulips with enough light for growth. Make sure that you insert the bulbs far enough into the ground. Usually they are planted approximately 6 inches below ground although jumbo tulips can be buried as deep as 9 inches.

If you live in a warmer climate you will have to chill them in a cooler below 60 degrees for the same length of time that you would if you were going to plant them right away. If it has not rained in your area before you plant your flower beds you will want to make sure that water them until the soil is moist.

You can use similar techniques to attract customers to your tulip shop as you would if you had any other business. One of the most useful tools of attracting customers is to have a professional-looking appearance with samples of your items for sale displayed. This is true no matter what kind of business you run, and is true for creating an atmosphere which will encourage customers to purchase fresh tulips from you. It takes planting the right garden design and choosing the right tulips to make this happen.

One of the most popular types of tulips is the numerous varieties of single tulips. Examples of different-colored single tulips include the bold red Kingsblood tulip, which appears to represent both royalty and victory. You can also find other varieties of red tulips to plant in your garden of which the brightness of the red helps define any garden. These are called the Red Parade or the Hollandia tulip. Another popular color for tulip planting would be the white tulip, which would be ideal for a wedding ceremony. One example of a single-blooming white tulip is called the Maureen Tulip. You can also find single tulip flowers which are purple, magenta, orange, and royal purple. These types of tulips are known to be very pleasing to most customers' eyes, and are sold in many professional flower shops.

You can also build an attractive garden using double-blooming varieties of tulips such as the Peach Melba, Cool Crystal, or Royal Acres tulip. Along with that, you can plant those that have fringed edges on the petals, or ones that have long curly petals (parrot style tulips). When you plant your garden you can craft it any way you like, but if you want to sell your tulips, you will want to arrange your garden design in a way that will make customers want to buy from you.

Some useful garden planting tips are to make sure that you plant flowers that will bloom at same or similar times. Not only that, but you will want to place them in organized formations. One of the most popular tulip garden design patterns is to plant square or rectangle patches that contain several rows of evenly-rowed tulips of the same color. Other tulip gardens are designed in a way in which small clusters of tulips of different colors and types will grow and bloom together. In order for these gardens to grow properly you will want to make sure to plant them only a few inches apart.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Dave Pipitone is a professional communicator who plants tulips in his Hope Patch every year. He is a dedicated husband and father, as well as a spiritual entrepreneur. For more information about tulip colors and styles, please visit www.tulipreview.com.

Organic Indoor Gardening

2006-11-03T23:12:00.000Z

Congratulations, you have decided to try gardening organically. Say goodbye to chemicals as you learn to work with nature to grow the best garden possible. It is not always as easy as conventional gardening, but it is well worth the effort. However, if you are stuck in a small apartment without any space outside for a garden, you will be faced with special challenges. Fortunately, there is no need to give up on your dream of having a thriving organic garden. With the right techniques, you can soon become a master of organic indoor gardening!

If you are new to organic indoor gardening, the easiest way to learn the ropes is to start an indoor herb garden. Herbs will be less demanding than other flowers or produce, and can add a lovely boost to your cooking!

Get some planter boxes from your local gardening center and place them in a sunny spot, although if you live in a cold climate you should make sure that the boxes are not so close to the glass that they will freeze. You should also separate pots. Some herbs, such as mint and oregano, will do better in their own pot as they will tend to overgrow any neighbors in a planter.

Once you have your boxes set up, you can move to the most important step: picking the right soil. You should ensure that you buy high quality potting soil with an organic fertilizer. Putting small stones in the bottom of the boxes is not essential, but will help with water retention. As for watering your herbs, just make sure that the soil is always damp. If you water the herbs too much, it can be just as damaging as not watering them.

If you are gardening indoors to escape the snow, when the weather turns you can always move your herbs out to your garden. Indeed, starting seedlings inside can often be beneficial, and help give you a head start on the growing season.

If you are dying for a bit of color in your apartment, an easy alternative to an herb garden is narcissus or daffodil bulbs. All you need to do is place the bulbs in a pot full of pebbles and add water. In five weeks, you will have lovely flowers in bloom.

There is nothing stopping you from trying organic indoor gardening - it is an easy, environmentally friendly way to spice up your kitchen and brighten your home!

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Byran Kempa for Gardening wagon planters.

Gardening: Blue Lobelia and Its Gorgeous Twin Sister

2006-11-03T21:51:00.000Z

Lobelia group of plants was named by Linnaeus for Matthias de lObel who was a Flemish botanist. He was a physician to Englands James I.

Cardinal flower is also known as the Red Lobelia. The wild flower is a member of the Lobelia Family. It is mostly found in Kansas, Gulf States and west. It flowers from July to September. It flowers mostly in these three months. It is not too tough to plant this flower. Its seed are enough to get it planted. This wild red flower grows in streams, meadow runnels, ditches and low or wet ground. The plant does not branch out. It is two feet tall initially but later it grows to become four and a half feet in length. Their leaves are somewhat jagged and can be of various shapes. They can either be lance-shaped or oblong. The plant mostly produces vermilion colored flowers though white or rose colored flowers can also be found. Its botanical name is Lobelia cardinalis.

The difference in color between Cardinal flower and Blue Lobelia was explained by Sir John Lubbock. He did various experiments and proved that blue is the favorite color of bees and the Blue Lobelia chose to flatter the bees as her benefactors. Bees love these blue flowers. All the red flowers in garden of the nature like trumpet flower, coral honeysuckle, cardinal, painted cups, Oswego Tea and columbines attract the humming bird. Other flowers which entice the humming bird are fuchsias, nasturtiums, phloxes, pelargonium, cannas, salvia, gladioli and verbenas.

The Blue Cardinal Flower or Great Lobelia is found from Ontario to Dakota. Southwards it is found in Georgia and Kansas. Its botanical name is Lobelia syphilitica. It starts to flower in July and flowers till October. It grows well near the streams, in wet or moist soil. It produces flowers in different colors like bright blue or faded blue with a white tinge. The flowers are one inch in length and they sit on the summit of a straight, large leafy spine. The plant has a simple, stout, verdant and hairy look. The plant grows up to three feet. The leaves are pointed and oblong in shape. The leaves can be up to six inches in length and two inches in width. They are irregularly notched.

Lobelias have always attracted evolutionist because this flower provides some interesting connecting links. Their corolla is flattened and split on the upper side. This proves the inclination towards ray or strap flowers. Composites have confined these flowers for later development as against single tubular blossoms. Lobelias crowd along a stem and this serves to attract the bee which is passing by. The bee gets a large number of feeding places shut together.

It is not fair to compare the cardinal flower with the Great lobelia though both are often compared and referred as twin sisters. Both the flowers belong to the Lobeliaceae family. Most men love red and hence it is unfair to compare the great lobelia with its beautiful sister. The humming bird fertilizes red flowers including the Red Lobelia. The number of red flowers has declined over the years due to decrease in the number of humming birds. Bees love the blue lobelia though!

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

George Wood is a successful webmaster of many popular sites including lowers and aquarium site. If you want to read more about gardening, click over to George gardening site.

Organic Fertilizers Are Becoming More Popular In The Garden

2006-11-02T19:59:00.000Z

Why should you use organic fertilizers in your garden? Simply because they are good for your plants and good for the environment. Nearly 70 percent of water pollution comes from agricultural areas that use chemical fertilizers, according to the EPA. These chemicals leach into the water and cause soil erosion. While large-scale farming operations are a chief source of chemical fertilizers in water, home gardeners are also guilty of such pollution. However, many growers are attempting to correct their mistakes by using organic growing methods.

Organic fertilizers are those that use organic soil amendments to raise the nutrient content and improve the soil characteristics of a garden. The addition of decomposing organic materials in an organic garden provides a natural fertilizer, supplying plants with the nutrients they need for optimal growth. These fertilizers also improve the nature of your garden soil, not matter what type you have. If your garden has clay soil, organic fertilizers preserve its tilth, which prevents it from clumping together. Organic fertilizers are also an excellent means of holding water in the soil. This is a boon if you have sandy soil in your garden. Fertilizers made of organic materials have properties that make micro-nutrients like iron and zinc available to your garden plants.

Plants need three important nutrients in order to grow: nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous. All three of these are found in organic fertilizers. One organic material, manure, for example, does not have all three of these nutrients, however. Therefore, most organic fertilizer suppliers combine and mix different materials to ensure an appropriate mix. Alfalfa meal is a green manure favored by gardeners who grow roses. It is a good source of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium, and it also contains Triacontanol. This is a hormone that helps to regulate the growth of your plants. Blood meal is another good organic fertilizer. It is an excellent source of readily available organic nitrogen. Bone meal is a good source of calcium and long-lasting phosphorous. These two materials can be blended together for better results. Kelp meal has a high potassium content, but it has no phosphorous. This organic fertilizer must be used together with bone meal to make up for its lack of phosphorous.

It is important that gardeners check the exact composition of any organic fertilizer that they buy, since the fertilizer can contain a number of micro-nutrients and it may lack the other essential nutrients needed to grow healthy plants. Any nutrients that are missing will need to be added by using one of the above, blood meal, bone meal or kelp meal.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Discover more articles about the environment by visiting www.environmentadvice.com

Gardening Grows On You

2006-11-02T11:09:00.000Z

Gardening is good for you, good for your neighbors, good for your kids and good for your dog. Especially if you do it the right way. Gardening has been around for ages, and it's almost so ingrained into our genes, it's like an instinct. In the sense that gardening feels good to do, to dig, and plant a seed and watch it grow. It's kind of an analogy for what it means to being human. It just plain feels good to see something you've planted, mature and come to fruition as a living thing. Something mystical almost about gardening. Not to mention, there are the additional benefits of the after effect of all your gardening accomplishments. Astetically, there really is nothing more pleasing, warming and comforting to look upon then a bountiful garden. Whether it is rose garden, a vegetable garden,or just a garden of plants, bushes and flowers of all varieties. It touches a human feeling at pretty much an unconscious level. I feels just right. Even a little planting or gardening in an otherwise artifical environment makes the whole environment feel more natural.

Organic Nirvana

While there is plenty of artificial stimulants, preservatives, and preventatives to aid in the gardening process, there is something to be said for the whole organic gardening process. Not only is it a healthier choice for us, but it's one less thing to fret about with all the misinformation these days about what things you need to avoid. That in itself is a mental health reason to choose organic gardening. Not to mention, for those of use who like a challenge and are constantly trying to stay off the tried and true approach, organic gardening provides many possibilities. Finding new and and inventive natural ways to keep the pests away, and help the garden grow can be fascinating. Again another mind satisfying result.

Neighborly Abundance

As anyone who knows a gardener can attest to, gardeners are the worst estimators around. They always seem to plant far more than they can eat, cook, or can. So as a result all their friends, families, and neighbors end up with baskets and baskets of tomatoes, peppers and whatever cornucopia the harvest has brought. And of course, this whole giving aspect of gardening is bound to make both the gardener and gardeners friends a much happier lot. The whole idea of giving is better than receiving really sprouts up here. And since receiving is not so bad either, all the rest of us enjoy the benefits of our backyard farmers exploits. Of course if organic gardening was employed, then it's better for everyone involved. Helps keep us all away from those nasty store bought vegetables, with enough growth hormones to visit the giants castle at the end of the bean stalks. So, get gardening all you green thumbs, I've got an empty cupboard.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

For more on gardening visit www.gardeningfunonline.com or read other gardening articles at foolishmumbles.com/category/gardening/

Landscape Gardening - The Importance Of Planning

2006-11-01T21:23:00.000Z

The major feature to any landscape is the attraction of the eye to it. Therefore, in planning your landscape, think about how your landscape can "stand out" from others in your area. The use of less common and "interesting" plants and a design that "draws the eye to it" will achieve this.

Either you can hire a landscape designer or, if you feel confident enough to do it yourself, buy some landscaping software or books and put it all on paper. You don’t have to do your whole plan all at once, but it’s important to get everything down on paper so you have a unified vision of what you want to do, planning is vital.

Where is your future garden located? Is it visible to neighborhood, or to your eyes only? Does it receive full sun, or is it shaded part of the day? What is the soil type? All of these factors need to be considered during your planning phase, and will help you out with your plant choices.

Think about the entire space and the overall effect you want to achieve. Don't limit your ideas to trees, shrubs, and grass. Consider a patio, deck, screening wall, outdoor lighting, a new walk, or a parking area as possible landscape features. Think about what you are trying to accomplish with your landscaping. If you are interested in attracting wildlife or keeping neighbors from peering in, keep this in mind so that your landscaping can serve this purpose.

Landscape gardening takes a lot of work. Rather than having your garden turn into a construction zone, it is best to do things one stage at a time. This helps keep costs down and makes the plan flexible to changes.

Money can be saved by buying these materials during the "off” seasons. Wood for example is cheaper during the winter months. The price of shrubs and soil are lower when you buy late in the season.

Check the prices of your local stores that sell gardening equipment and supplies. You can also do some surfing on the web, and by comparing the prices that you can get nearby and those available elsewhere, there is a chance that you can get the same thing at a more affordable price.

Article Source: http://www.article-exposure.com

Rosie Reynolds provides more information and tips on landscape gardening on her website: www.landscape-gardening-tips.com/