April Gardening Tasks

Realizing April is right around the corner and there are many gardening tasks and duites to be undertaken, I thought this list may be helpful and of use...

April Gardening Tasks

Planning:

Choose planting areas based on exposure to sun, shade, wind as well as distance from water source.
Study garden for gaps that can be filled by spring flowering bulbs, and put in order in August.
Choose flowering trees and shrubs for color and time of bloom to add to the garden in fall.

Chores and Maintenance:
Continue to remove winter mulches and debris.
Continue to dig beds in preparation for planting.
Complete adding compost to planting bed soil.
Place peony supports as well as any other flowers that require it.
Cultivate planting beds and carefully remove weeds (Alway make sure you know what you are removing,before removing it)
Remove mounded earth from roses
Prepare bare-root and potted roses for planting; soak overnight in fish emulsion
Continue to apply horticultural oil sprays to control insect pests on trees if temperature is over 40.
Test lawn soil and apply lime if warranted

Planting:
Continue to plant deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs, weather and soil conditions permitting
Sow seeds of hardy annuals in place in the garden
Sow seeds of peas, carrots and radishes
Start seed indoors for summer crops
Plant out seedlings of cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli if soil is workable
Plant out seedlings of cool-season annuals like pansies and snapdragons
Continue to plant and transplant perennials
Complete rose planting
Plant strawberries
Re-seed bare lawn areas

Pruning/Fertilizing:
Complete removal of diseased, weak, or crossing branches
Complete rose pruning but wait until after flowering on climbers and ramblers
Prune late flowering shrubs such as buddleia and hydrangea
Prune early spring-flowering shrubs immediately after flowers die
Wait to prune evergreens, hedges and other shrubs until early summer
Fertilize fruit trees and roses
Fertilize perennials when you see 2-3? of new growth
Fertilize bulbs as they finish blooming
Complete lawn fertilization if not done in the fall

Indoors:
Continue to transplant houseplants which need repotting
Continue to inspect for pests and control as needed
Complete shaping leggy houseplants

Well I have just decided to work on my floral gallery today so I won't be posting in here today,however;I will be tomorrow. If you want to check out the floral gallery just click on the banner I made.

Tips

I am posting some tips todays which can always be handy.



Bird Feeder Care

To minimize the spread of disease at your bird feeder this winter, disinfect it monthly with a solution of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water. Clean droppings off the perch area and make sure your bird food isn't moldy

Reuse Pots

Many seed starters like to reuse plastic pots and cell packs. Discard any that are cracked or badly chipped. Scrub previously used containers free of dirt and plant residue, then soak in a solution of 10 percent bleach and water to sanitize them. Air dry and sort according to size, then store conveniently near the potting bench.

Improvise Containers

Recycled yogurt containers, milk jugs, plastic mushroom boxes, and the like can be used for seed starting and transplants. (I find the cells of egg cartons are too small and dry out too fast.) Wash and air dry, then add a drainage hole or two in the bottom.

Research Landscape Plants

If you expect to invest in planting trees and shrubs this spring, take a little time now to research your choices. Books and magazines and Web sites can be helpful starting points, and garden center staff will have more time to consult with you now than during the hectic spring rush.


Get Your Cold Frame Ready

If you didn't leave the portable cold frame in the garden, get it ready for setting out in the spring. You never know when the weather will break and it will be time to get new lettuce started. Check seams, repair holes, and make sure you can fasten it down well so spring winds will not send it sailing.

That's it for today. Until the next time be well and be safe.
Happy gardening!

Tips

I have been working on my floral gallery today and some photography. I must admit it was a rather productive day and I managed to get a few nice photos today. I shall post one I entered for a contest. It came out beautifully! The plant in them is called Galanthus nivalis, otherwise known as snowdrops. I shall be adding plenty of photos of them in my gallery when I get to Galanthus.Today I am just posting some tips, which to be honest can always be useful.



Galanthus (Snowdrops) 



Sharpen Tools

It may sound like dreary work, but sharpen your tools in the warmth of the basement. Put a nice edge on pruners, hoes, grass shears, and shovels; then coat the blades with a light coating of oil or petroleum jelly. Always clean your tools with alcohol before sharpening and always clean them when you are done using them , incase there is a disease on them that will spread to other plants from your tools.

Get Seeds Ready for Spring Planting

Take stock of your seeds and plan what you need for this year's garden. Most garden centers have their seeds out by February, so buy early and beat the rush. Test old seeds for germination,or throw them away, that way you get to try the new varieties.

Start Onions, Leeks, and Chives

Get onions, chives, and leeks ready for seeding in early February. These seeds don't keep well, so it's best to start with brand new seeds. Make sure to use clean seed-starting mix, cover with milled sphagnum moss, and trim the tops of the seedlings regularly to keep them sturdy.

Make Cuttings of Geraniums

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

Apply Dormant Oil Sprays

Spray deciduous fruit trees with horticultural oil to kill any over wintering insects such as scale and aphids. Spray on a calm, dry, day with temperatures above 45F. Spray until the oil begins to drip off the branches.

That is a wrap for today, so until the next time be well and be safe.
Happy Gardening!

Herbs Of The Bible

I have been working on this list for a few days now, although it is not as extensive as the plant list I have written, it is still quite interesting.
I have added the flower color with this list to make the difference and whereas a lot of it was in my plant list I did not bother with the scripture references this time.
If I did not have a floral gallery I would have added photos with this as well as the plant list,however;I do and I would like to remain organized to an extent I suppose :)



Herbs Of The Bible

Botanical Name: Allium cepa
Common Name: Onions
Peak Time: August
Show Type: White Flower globes


Botanical Name: Allium porrum
Common Name: Leeks
Peak Time: August
Show Type: Purple flower globes

Botanical Name: Allium sativum
Common Name: Garlic
Peak Time: June
Show Type: White flower globes


Botanical Name: Anethum graveolens
Common Name: Dill
Peak Time: Summer
Show Type: Yellow flowers

Botanical Name: Anthemis Nobilis
Common Name: Chamomile
Peak Time: Late July
Show Type: Small white flowers


Botanical Name: Armoracia rusticana
Common Name: Horseradish
Peak Time: June
Show Type: None


Botanical Name: Brassica Nigra
Common Name: Mustard
Peak Time: All summer
Show Type: Small yellow flowers


Botanical Name: Cicer arietinum
Common Name: Chick Pea
Peak Time: Autumn
Show Type: Purple,white pink and blue small flowers

Botanical Name: Cichorium intybus
Common Name: Chicory
Peak Time: All summer, but BEFORE
noon each day
Show Type: Brilliant cobalt blue flowers, copious

Botanical Name: Cichorium pumilum
Common Name: Dwarf Chicory
Peak Time: October
Show Type:large flowers with a delicate blue color

Botanical Name: Citrullus lanatus
Common Name: Watermelon
Peak Time: Aug/Sept
Show Type: --

Botanical Name: Citrullus melo
Common Name: Muskmelon
Peak Time: Aug/Sept
Show Type: --

Botanical Name: Citrullus sativa
Common Name: Cucumber
Peak Time: Aug/Sept
Show Type: Yellow Blooms

Botanical Name: Coriandrium sativum
Common Name: Coriander
Peak Time: Summer
Show Type: Pinkish white flowers

Botanical Name: Cumunum cyminum
Common Name: Cumin
Peak Time: August
Show Type: Small rose colored or white flowers

Botanical Name: Hordeum distichum
Common Name: Common Barley
Peak Time: early July
Show Type: n/a

Botanical Name: Lactuca sativa
Common Name: Lettuce
Peak Time: August
Show Type: n/a

Botanical Name: Lens esculenta
Common Name: Lentil
Peak Time: Summer
Show Type: White,lilac and pale blue flowers

Botanical Name: Linum alpinum
Common Name: Alpine Flax
Peak Time: June-August
Show Type: Small blue flowers

Botanical Name: Linum narbonense
Common Name: Azure Flax
Peak Time: Late Spring/ early summer
Show Type:Profusions of blue silky flowers

Botanical Name: Mentha longifola
Common Name: Horsemint
Peak Time: Summer
Show Type: --

Botanical Name: Mentha piperita
Common Name: Peppermint
Peak Time: Summer
Show Type: Reddish voliet small spikey flowers

Botanical Name: Mentha spicata
Common Name: Spearmint
Peak Time: Summer
Show Type: Small light blue spikes of flower
s
Botanical Name: Nigella sativa
Common Name: Black cumin
Peak Time: Summer
Show Type: Beautiful blue 5 petaled flowers with black seeds on them

Botanical Name: Origanum majoana
Common Name: Sweet Marjoram
Peak Time: Summer
Show Type:Pink or white flowers that grow in cluters around the stem

Botanical Name: Petroselinium crispum
Common Name: Parsley
Peak Time: Summer
Show Type: Yellow clustered flowers heads

Botanical Name: Pisum sativum
Common Name: Garden Pea
Peak Time: August
Show Type: white/ pinkish flowers

Botanical Name: Ruta graveolens
Common Name: Common Rue
Peak Time: all growing season
Show Type: distinct foliage

Botanical Name: Salvia horminum
Common Name: Horminum Clary (sage)
Peak Time: Summer-Autumn
Show Type: Blue,pink,purple and white flowers

Botanical Name: Vicki faba
Common Name: Broad Bean
Peak Time: June-July
Show Type: White Flowers



That is a wrap.
Until the next time be well and be safe.
Happy Gardening!

Just my thought

While the thought is still fesh in my mind, I was going to post shrubs as well in my floral gallery but have decided to do my photos in a series, first perennials, then annuals, then shrubs and so on. There will be always new photos I am adding to each selection,however;they will not be in order, this of course will be after I have finished adding the photos I do have and am just adding them as I go along.

Tips to kill bugs

As you can see I have made a banner for my floral gallery and added it. I am not even close to being finished but upon the advice of one of my new friends I have decided it would add more to the site and would make it more interesting.You can see my progress as I go along.
I was speaking to my mother today and she gave me some spectacular solutions for insecticidal soap, which I will be adding today.See even my mother loves gardening! I suppose that is where I get it, her as well as my grandmother, makes me wonder if my own daughter will love it as I do.

Tips to kill bugs

Ingrediants to make insecticidal soap
2-4 jalapeno peppers( serrano or habaners peppers)
3 cloves of garlic
A quart of water
Mix all ingredients in blender or chop garlic and peppers, let steep in the quart jar of water, let sit in the sun for several days. Spray as needed

Rubbing alchol is effective in mealy bugs, fungas gnats, whitefly, red spider mites and scales.
Use a cotton ball soaked in 70%achohol solution to wipe scales off plants, for whole plant spray, combine 1-2 cups of rubbing achohol with a quart of water.Test spray first on a small area of plant and wait a day to check for spray damage.If there is no damage go ahead and give it an application.


Killer cooking oil (This is good for ahpids)
1tbs of dishwashing detergent,
1 cup of vegtable oil
Add together
To make spray, mix 2 and a half teaspoons of the vegetable oil detergent mixure with a cup of water.Apply the spray to infested plants every 1-7 days.


That is it for today.
Until the next time be well and be safe!
Happy gardening.

Four Season Garden Design

I have created a four seasons perennial and annual garden on my virtual design program.It is somewhat elaborate and I suppose I should have made a more simple design,however;I began doing this one and decided to add it to my website, fully knowing it may be to much a scheme for a lot of people but perhaps I am wrong.
I shall be making more within the next few weeks to add, some basic, while others will be more elaborate.

I have included the list of plants to go with it and as you will note, each of the plants on the design itself has a number on it.All you have to do is follow the numbers on the design with the numbers on the plants list.
If you can afford to create this garden and do eventually make one,let me know how it turns out for you.

There is one thing you should take note of, when you first make a garden do not really expect results until the second year. If you follow the planting guides lines I have below it should be fairly simple and of course there is always the option that you can incorporate some of your own plant choices into this garden.

I am not sure if you see 22A on the design but it is the long row running through the garden itself with nothing in it,that is where your tulips shall be.You may notice that everything is in bloom on the design, but that is not the way it shall look, as I said it is a four seasons, thus; things in it will be in bloom at the same time, while others will bloom when some do not.




Four Seasons Perennial And Annual Design




List Of Plants For Design

1 Nikko Blue Hydrangea

2 White Peony

3 Large Red or white day lilies Preferably davidii (David Lilies)

4 Coreopsis Lance leaf or sunshine

5 Delephiniums Mixed preferabley blue and white

6 Large light pink Snap Dragons

7 Lythrum (Loosestrife)

8 Hosta (Blue Cadet)

9 Scarlet Sage or monarada bee balm(Cambridge Scarlet)

10 Fern (cinnimon)

11 Red Rose bush

12 White babys breath

13 Pink Aster

14 Scabiosa Dwarf(Butterfly Blue)

15 Small Yellow marigolds

16 Pink mums

17 Geranuim Cranesbill (Double lilac)

18 Shasta Daisy

19 Blue mounding lobelia

20 Pink geranium (Annual)

21 Yellow miniature rose bush

22a Assortment of Tulips and Daffodils Your choice however the blueberry ripple tulips with pink daffodils are lovely!

22b Primrose Your choice but if going with what I picked white, dark pink and yellow primroses.

23 Saliva Red Hot Sally

24 Assylum pink

25 Pink Begonia

26 Campanula Blue Clips

27 White Petunias


I hope you all get something out of this in one form or another. That is it for today,until the next time,be well and safe.
Happy Gardening!

Perennials For Gardens

I have been working on my script for most of the day and as you can see a few things have changed.I took out the tag board and managed to get the comments working, little things like that make the speed of the webpage faster.
I also have been working on my gallery which I am becoming quite happy with.
On with todays write up which is about Perennails.As most can probably tell, I love them and could not suggest them enough!


PERENNIALS FOR OLD-FASHIONED GARDENS

Aconitum, in variety (Monkshood)
Althaea rosea (Hollyhock)
Arisaema triphyllum (Jack-in-the-Pulpit)
Asters, old varieties
Campanula, in variety (Bellflower)
Convallaria majalis (Lily-of-the-Valley)
Delphinium belladonna (Delphinium)
Delphinium formosum (Formosa Delphinium)
Dianthus arenarius (Sand Pink)
Dianthus barbatus (Sweet William)
Dianthus plumarius (Grass or Garden Pinks)'
Dianthus superbus (Lilac Pink)
Dicentra spectabilis (Bleeding-heart)
Dictamnus (Dittany or Gas Plant)
Digitalis, in variety (Foxgloves)
Hemerocallis (Lemon Lily)
Hepatica triloba (Hepatica, or Liverwort)
Hesperis matronalis (Sweet Rocket)
Lilium candidum (Madonna Lily)
Lilium tigrinum (Tiger Lily)
Lunaria (Honesty) (Biennial)
Lupinus, not new varieties (Lupines)
Lychnis chalcedonica (Maltese Cross or Scarlet Lychnis)
Mertensia (Mertensia or Blue Bells)
Myosotis, in variety (Forget-me-nots)
Paeonia officinalis types (Peony)
Primula veris (Primrose)
Trillium, in variety (Trillium or Wake Robin)
Viola odorata (Sweet Violet)
Viola, in variety (Pansies)

FRAGRANT PERENNIALS

Arabis, in variety (Arabis)
Artemisia Abrotanum (Southernwood)
Asperula odorata (Sweet Woodruff)
Centranthus ruber (Jupiter's-beard)
Convallaria majalis (Lily-of-the-Valley)
Dianthus plumarius (Grass Pink)
Dictamnus albus (Dittany or Gas Plant)
Hemerocallis flava (Daylily)
Hesperis matronalis (Sweet Rocket)
Hosta plantaginea grandiflora (Funkia or Big Plantain Lily)
Iris, Pallida section
Lathyrus grandiflorus (Everlasting Pea)
Lavendula Agustifolia (English or Munstead Lavender)
Lychnis Viscaria (German Catchfly)
Monarda didyma (Bee-balm)
tEnothera, in variety (Evening Primrose)
Pxonia, in variety (Peony)
Phlox paniculata (Phlox)
Rosa species (Roses-Cabbage and Sweet Briers)
Roses(Hybred or Minature Roses)
Valeriana ofcinalis (Common Valerian)
Viola cornuta (Tufted Pansy)
Viola odorata (Sweet Violet)

Herbs
Allium (Chives)
Anethum graveolens (Dill)
Thymus, in variety (Thyme)
Lavandula vera (True Lavender)
Origanum Majorana (Sweet Marjoram)

Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary)



PERENNIALS HAVING ESPECIALLY LONG BLOOMING SEASONS

Anchusa italica (Bugloss)
Aquilegia chrysantha (Golden Columbine)
Campanula carpatica (Carpathian Harebell)
Campanula Blue Clips
Dianthus, if cut back
Delphinium, if cut back
Gallardia (Goblin)
Heuchera sanguinea (Coral-bells)
Iris, fall blooming varieties
Lathyrus latifolius (Perennial Pea)
Lychnis Coronaria (Dusty Miller)
Phlox, if cut back
Scabiosa graminifolia (Pincushion or Mourning Bride)
Scabiosa sylvatica
Sweet Williams
Verbascums, if cut back (Mullein)
Viola cornuta (Tufted Pansy)
Viola tricolor (Heart's-ease)


PERENNIALS FOR BORDERS OF PONDS AND STREAMS
(Well-drained soil)

SUNNY LOCATIONS

Brunnera macrophylla [Anchusa myosotidiflora] (Siberian Bugloss)
Chrysanthemum uliginosum (Giant Daisy)
Cimicifuga racemosa (Cohosh Bugbane)
Grasses (Ornamental Grasses)
Hemerocallis, in variety (Daylily)
Iris, in variety
Lythrum Salicaria (Spiked Loosestrife)
Myosotis palustris semperflorens (Dwarf Perpetual Forget-me-not)
Tradescantia virginiana (Spiderwort)
Trollius europa;us (Globeflower)

SEMI-SHADY LOCATIONS

Anemone japonica (Jap. Anemone)
Arabis
Cimicifuga racemosa (Cohosh Bugbane)
Convallaria Majalis (Lily of the valley)
Dianthus ( Maiden pinks)
Dicentra (Bleeding Heart)
Epimedium macranthum (Longspur Epimedium)
Eupatorium purpureum (Joe-pye-weed)
Evening Primrose
Iris cristata (Crested Iris)
Lamium (White Nancy)
Lythrum Salicaria (Spiked Loosestrife)
Monarda (Bee Balm)
Saxifragaceae (Astilbe
Tradescantia virginiana (Spiderwort)



PERENNIALS FOR EDGING

Achillea tomentosa (Woolly Yarrow)
Aegopodium Podagraria (Goutweed)
Ajuga reptans (Carpet Bugle)
Alyssum saxatile compactum (Dwarf Goldentuft)
Arabis alpina (Alpine Rockcress)
Arabis albida (Wallcress)
Bellis perennis (English Daisy)
Aubrietia deltoides (Purple Rockcress)
Campanula carpatica (Carpathian Bellflower)
Cerastium tomentosum (Snow-in-summer)
Dianthus deltoides (Maiden Pink)
Dianthus plumarius (Grass Pink)
Festuca glauca (Blue Fescue)
Heuchera sanguinea (Coral-bells)
Iberis sempervirens (Evergreen Candytuft)
Papaver nudicaule (Iceland Poppy)
Phlox subulata (Moss Phlox)
Phlox procumbens (Hairy Phlox)
Primula veris (Cowslip Primrose)
Sedum reflexum (Jenny Stonecrop)
Sedum stoloniferum (Running Stonecrop)
Soapanaria (Soapwort)
Statice Armeria (Thrift)
Stellaria Holostea (Greater Stichwort or Starwort)
Tunica Saxifraga (Tunicflower)
Veronica incana (Woolly Speedwell)
Veronica Teucrium (Rock Speedwell)
Viola, in variety (Violas)



PERENNIALS FOR BACKGROUND PLANTING

Althaea rosea (Hollyhock)
Aster nova;-angliae (New England Aster)
Aster tataricus (Tatarian Aster)
Bocconia cordata (Plumepoppy)
Boltonia asteroides (White Boltonia)
Campanula pyramidalis (Chimney Bellflower)
Cimicifuga racemosa (Cohosh Bugbane)
Delphinium hybrids (Delphinium)
Helenium autumnale (Sneezeweed)
Helianthus Maximiliani (Maximilian Sunflower)
Hibiscus grandiflorus (Great Rosemallow)
Malva (Common or Zerbena)
Rudbeckia laciniata (Goldenglow)
Valeriana officinalis (Common Valerian)




Tomorrow I shall be posting my design.
Until then be well and be safe.
Happy gardening!

Tips

Just some quick tips today, I am actually designing a garden that I am going to add to my site with the list of plants to go with it, as well as trying to get my gallery done, so regardless to say I am fairly busy.
Tomorrow I will have a much longer write up done on perennials.


How To Store Bulbs

After first frost, dig, clean, dry and store for winter in damp peat and sand, this also applies to tubers as well, however; the peat should be fairly dry.



Start Cool Season Herbs

In warm areas, now is a good time to start Parsley, Dill,Chives,and Cilantro indoors for transplanting next month. The young seedlings can take cold weather and will reward you with an early crop of fresh herbs this spring, which is always a nice thing!


Water Evergreens

Winter dry spells can be as hard on evergreens such as pine and spruce. If the ground isn't frozen and you haven't had rain for 1 to 2 weeks, water trees and shrubs, especially those under building eaves. This also applies to evergreens and shrubs in containers such as the ones in the photograph I took below. This was taken just a week ago at a lovely pub garden :)





That's it for today folks.
Until the next time be well and be safe!
Happy gardening.

PREPARING THE GROUND FOR PLANTING

I have been working on my floral gallery yet again and to be honest it is a lot of work!
I have been also searching the net for a reputable seed company and I have 2 in mind which are very good companies. Out of the 2 I am going to choose the best and most cost effective for the everyday gardener as well as the variety of seeds, the more the better especially if they are always in stock. Both I have purchased from before and they are both excellent and highly reliable but I shall study the stats on each one and go from there. I will let you know the outcome and will have a banner or link for one of the 2 shortly.
On to the write up of the day, many people do not know how to prepare the ground properly for planting to ensure healthy plants, however;todays write up covers that.


Preparing The Ground For Planting

The ground should be spaded or plowed quite a bit
deeper than the nursery plants you are going to
plant.
Be sure that the hole is large enough so that
bare roots will not be crowded. Balled or
container material should have 6 to 8" of space
around it.
I usually plant 2-3 times bigger then the root
ball. When holes are dug in sod for trees or
shrubs, space 2 or 3' around the plant and keep
this cultivated or mulched for good plant growth.
The soil at the bottom of the hole should be loose
to 7 or 8". Always use good soil and humus such as
peat moss, rotted cow manure or leaf-mold mixed
with the native soil to fill the hole after
planting.If you do not mix it with the native
soil,normally what happens is, once the plants
roots begin to spread into the soil around it and
hits the natural soil of the land, the natural
soil will shock the plant and in most cases damage
or kill it because the plants are only used to the
kind of soil you gave to it to begin with. This
applies also to shrubs and trees. Last but not
least never fertilize newly set ground!

I hope the information is useful.
That's it for today.
Until the next time happy gardening!

Container Gardening

I have been working steadily on making my floral gallery as well as sorting my photograpghy for it and writing the desciptions for each plant that I have photographed,however; it is much more work then I had imagined and I am quite sure this will take me a while to complete. It shall all be worth it once it is finished, that I am quite sure of!
Today I am talking about container gardening which is also a good way to do gardening for a various number of reasons ,as you shall see.

Do you live in an apartment complex where digging
up a little sod is out of the question? Or, maybe
you just don’t have the physical ability to tend a
large garden, but still want the benefits and
rewards of having one. Have you considered
container gardening?

Container gardening is simply growing your garden
in - you guessed it - containers! It was born of a
strong desire, and in some cases a need, to
produce herbs, vegetables, and flowers within a
limited amount of space and/or poor soil
conditions.
When one thinks of a garden, the first image that to comes to mind is likely to include manicured lawns and spacious flower beds. Yet in the world of the twenty-first century, where many living spaces lack the space to create such a natural panorama, the popularity of smaller, mobile, and more creative expressions of the love of nature is on the increase. Container gardens are, for many, the preferred approach to bringing to life plants of all descriptions.
You can get just as creative with a container
garden as you can with a large garden, maybe even
more so. Look for unique decorations and whimsical
statues to add to your garden and you’ve got your
own perfect little slice of nature!



Container gardening can be beneficial for many
individuals and situations:
• The disabled and the elderly - container
gardening offers easy access.
• Problem soil - input your own high-quality soil.
• Space - utilizes minimal space.
• Apartments/Condos - addresses limited access to
garden plots.
• Gourmet cooking - easily grow fresh herbs and
vegetables for cooking.
• Plant enthusiasts - for those who just can’t get
enough gardening!
• Mobility - container gardens are easy to move
around as needed.
• Convenience. Keeps your flowers, vegetables, or
herbs close at hand.

Your container gardening secrets:The design of your container garden needn’t be complicated or even expensive. For a simple, yet
effective container gardening, follow these simple
steps:
1) Determine how much space you have available.
2) Determine what types of plants you want to
grow.
3) Select your containers accordingly.
4) Choose your soil mixture.
5) Take into account the availability of sunlight
and shade.
6) Shop around for just the right plants, soils,
and containers, at just the right price.
7) Make everything look good! Get some decorative
planters, or accent with a fountain.

All you need to get started with container
gardening is enough space for a comfortable chair
and a few large planters or ceramic pots.

Fragarance
Many annuals give off a scent. So, why just go for
visual pleasure in container gardens when you can
add some wonderful fragrances to your home. Try
dianthus, sweet alyssum, candytuft, petunia,
heliotrope, or sweet pea. To get the most
enjoyment from these and other fragrant plants,
position them where your nose will find them: on a
deck in containers; close to a window; and on the
edges of your garden, patio, pathway or porch.

Bug Problems
If bad bugs are a problem (unlike lady bugs or
other good bugs who feed on the bad ones) here's a
simple organic potion to keep them away. In a
blender mix 4 cloves of garlic with 1 chopped
onion. Place this mixture in a large glass jar and
add 2 cups of water. Add 2 teaspoons of bottled
hot pepper sauce, stir ingredients together and
steep for 2 days. Strain the mixture and add one
tablespoon mild liquid dish detergent. Then dilute
with 5 cups of water. Using a mister, spray plants
once a week and watch the bugs retreat. See pests
and disease.

Perennials for Containers
African lilies, Asparagus ferns, A variety of Bulbs, Tickseed, Ferns, Coral bells, Plantain Lilies, Lavender, Purple fountain grass,Cranesbill,Primrose,Miniature Roses and Violas.

Annuals for Containers
Geranium,Lobelia,Pansies,Begonia,Salvia and Marigold

Mix and Match
Mix several sizes, shapes and colours all in the
same container for a variety of distinctive looks.
Have fun with your container garden. Try a spike
of dracaena in the centre, surround with Geraniums or Begonias and fill in the rim with a trailing Lobelia which will spill over the edge. Choose plants with similar sun needs when combining together in a container. Or, use a trick from Mother Nature by combining plants that help each other...a sun-loving larger plant shades a smaller plant which thrives on only partial sun.

Buying plants
When buying plants carefully select ones that have
a healthy appearance and good natural shape.
Balanced proportion can affect plant growth.
Trunks should be straight and plants shouldn't
have twisted, slanted or deformed stems. Avoid
plants that have major limbs that are missing or
broken.

Once you have purchased your plants, get your chair, sit down, be creative and choose the plants you would like to have together, plant them,water them and congradulations your on your way to having a beautiful container garden even with little to no experience and you can now call yourself a gardener!

That's it for today folks.
Until the next time happy gardening!

Attracting Birds to the Garden

Todays topic is about birds because birds and gardening go hand and hand.I said I was not going to post any more of my photos,however;I have decided to post photos that are relevant to the topic,providing they do not interfere with my floral gallery in which I am creating.

Titmouse




Attracting Birds to the Garden

A gardener's relationship with birds is one of mutual benefit. The gardener provides for a few of the birds basic needs, and the birds help to keep down the insect population while treating us to an unending source of entertainment. Birds take their role as insect predator seriously. A single bird will eat anywhere from 500 to 1,000 insects in an afternoon.Birds have four primary needs: food, water, shelter, and a place to raise a family. As you'll see, these needs can easily be met.

Food
Two types of seeds,black oil sunflower seeds and white proso millet, will attract most common seed-eating birds. These two seeds should be the main seeds in your feeders. I always choose sunflower seeds over any seeds because I find that the majority of all birds love them. To broaden the diversity of birds visiting your feeders, add species-specific seeds such as red proso millet, black- and gray-striped sunflower seeds, Niger thistle and milo (for goldfinches, pine siskins purple finches, chickadees and white tufted titmice). Although as I said, in most cases they all love black sunflower seeds. You do not have to spend a fortune on feeders, although a lot of them are rather expensive and look very nice, the birds certainly do not care what they look like,for a few dollars you can get a great little feeder.
Beef suet helps birds maintain their body heat in cold weather. Hang plastic mesh bags of suet or pinecones dipped in melted suet from tree limbs. Woodpeckers are particularly appreciative of this treat.

Water
An ideal water source for birds should be about three inches deep and three feet off the ground. Motion and sound will grab a bird's attention. Fountains and waterfalls are favorite hangouts for songbirds.Placing the water by the feeders can be convient for both the birds and yourself because the birds can easliy find it due to the fact it is near their food, while on the other hand you will always rememeber to water and feed them at the same time.

Shelter
Birds need shelter to protect them from the elements and allow them to hide from predators. Dense, twiggy shrubs and evergreens are the shelter of choice for most birds. I had a 50 foot long tea rose shrub and they seemed to love that very much so. The doves love the berries off it,however;they are so delicate they will not attempt to get them,therefore; I would normally scatter some around for them.

Nesting Sites
Different species of birds have different nesting requirements, and you can find ready-made bird houses or build-it-yourself plans for almost every species of bird. Choose birdhouses that are weather resistant and have a pitched roof to shed rain. There should be holes in the sides and bottom for ventilation and drainage. A hinged or removable roof is a bonus for you because it makes cleaning much easier. The birdhouse should be cleaned after each nesting season. When hanging your birdhouse, position the entrance hole away from prevailing winds.

That is it for today, I hope this was useful.
Until the next time, happy gardening!

Plants Of The Bible

I have finally gotten my bibilical plants finished and am quite pleased. I have to admit out of all the write ups in which I have done this has most definately been the hardest, yet most fulfilling at the same time. It has given me the feeling of a sense of accomplishment and I hope everyone like it.
I have done my best by adding all the plants,however; I am only human,thus;I am quite certain there are probably some that I have missed. Regardless of this fact the list is rather extensive and will give a good read.

Plants of The Bible

Botanical Name: Aloe
Common Name: Aloe Vera
Biblical Name: Aloe
Format: Bulb/ Herb
Blooms: n/a
Scripture Reference: John 19:39

Botanical Name: Acornus Calamus
Common Name: Sweet Flag
Biblical Name: Cane
Format: Reed/corm/ Herb
Blooms: --
Scripture Reference: I Kgs. 10:10; Ex 30:23; Songs 4:14

Botanical Name: Allium Cepa
Common Name: Onion/Chives
Bibilical Name: Onion
Format: Bulb/Vegetable
Blooms: Spring/Summer
Scripture Reference:Numbers 11:5f

Botanical Name: Allium Porrun Var
Common Name: Leek
Bibilical name: Leek
Format: Bulb/ Vegetable
Scripture Reference: Numbers 11:5f

Botanical Name: Althaea Rosa
Common Name: Hollyhock
Biblical Name: Mallow
Format: Rootstock/ Flower/Herb
Blooms: All Summer
Scripture Reference: Job 6:6

Botanical Name: Anemone Coronaria
Common Name: Windflower
Biblical Name: Lily of the fields
Format: Bulb/Corm/ Flower
Blooms: Early spring only
Scripture Reference: Mt 6:28-30; Ps 60; Nhmh 1:1; Lk 12:27

Botanical Name: Anthemis Nobilis
Common Name: Chamomile
Biblical Name: Flowers of the fields
Format: Root/Herb
Blooms: July/August
Scripture Reference: Lk 12:28

Botanical Name: Anthemis species
Common Name: Chamomile
Bibilical Name:Chamomile
Format: Root/ Herb
Blooms: Spring/Summer
Scipture Reference: Isaiah 40:6, Isaiah 40:8

Botanical Name: Artemisia absinthium
Common Name: Wormwood, Silver mound
Biblical Name: Wormwood
Format: Root/PlantBlooms:n/a
Scripture Reference: Rev. 8:11, 28; Dt 29:18; Jer 23:15; Lam 3:15

Botanical Name: Brassica Nigra
Common Name: Mustard
Bibilical Name: Mustard
Format: Root/ Spice
Bloom: n/a
Scripture Reference: Matthew 17:20

Botanical Name: Buxus Sempervirens
Common Name: Common Box
Biblical Name: Box tree
Format: Bush/Shrub
Blooms: n/a
Scripture Reference: Isaiah 40:6; Peter 1:24-25; James 1:9-10

Botanical Name: Cedrus libani var. stencoma
Common Name: Cedar of Lebanon
Biblical Name: Cedar
Format: Tender deciduous/ Tree
Blooms: n/a
Scripture Reference: I Kgs 5; Num 24:6; Jdg 9:15; 2Sam 5:11 & 7:2; 1 Kgs 4:23; 6:9; 7:2; 9:11, 2Chron 2ff

Botanical Name: Centaurea
Common name: Cornflower, Bachelors button
Bibilical Name: The Ground
Format: Root/ Flower
Scripture Reference: Genesis 3:17b-18a

Botanical Name: Centaurea Myoskos
Common Name:Blue ball,Thistle
Bibilical Name: Thistle
Format: Root/ThornsScripture
Reference: Hosea 10:8

Botanical Name: Cercis canadiensis
Common Name: Eastern Redbud
Biblical Name: Judas tree; not actually called this, but legend holds that Judas hanged himself from this tree.
Format: deciduous/ TreeBlooms: 40-50°or Early spring
Scripture Reference: Matthew 27:5

Botanical Name: Chrysanthemum
Common Name: Mums, Hardy
Bibilical Name:The Flowers
Format: Root/ Flowers
Blooms: Fall
Scripture Reference: James 1:9-10

Botanical Name:Cichorium Intybus
Commom Name: Chicory
Bibilical Name: Bitter Herbs
Format: Root/ HerbBloom: Summer
Scripture Reference: Exodus 12:8

Botanical Name: Cicer Arietinum
Comman Name: Chick Pea
Bibilical Name:Provender
Format: Root/Vegetable
Bloom: Early Summer
Scripture Reference: Isaiah 30:24

Botanical Name: Cistus Ladanifer
Common Name: Gum Rockrose
Biblical Name: Myrrh
Format:Root/ Herb
Blooms: --
Scripture Reference: Genesis 37:25 & 43:11
Botanical Name: Coriandrum Sativum
Commom Name: Coriander
Biblical name: Coriander
Format: Root/ Herbs
Blooms:summer
Scripture Reference: Numbers 11:7

Botanical Name: Crocus nudiflorus
Common Name: Autumn Crocus
Biblical Name: Crocus
Format: Bulb/Flower
Blooms: October/ Flower
Scripture Reference: Song of Songs 4:14

Botanical Name: Crocus sativus
Common Name: Saffron
Biblical Name: Crocus
Format: Bulb
Blooms: November/ Flower
Scripture Reference: Song of Songs 4:14

Botanical Name: Crocus Sativum
Common Name: Crocus, Saffron
Biblical Name: Crocus
Format: Bulb
Blooms: April/ Flower
Scripture Reference: Isaiah 35:1

Botanical Name: Cuminum
Common Name: Cumin
Bibilical Name: Cumin
Format: Root/ Herb
Blooms: Late summer
Scripture Reference: Isaiah 28:24

Botanical Name: Cucumis melo x sweet'n'early
Common Name:Cantaloupe or Musk Melon
Biblical Name: MelonFormat: Root/Fruit
Blooms: July
Scripture Reference: Isaiah 1:8

Botanical Name: Cydonia Oblongata
Common Name: Common Quince
Biblical Name: Apples
Format: Deciduous/ Tree/ FruitBlooms: May/June
Scripture Reference: Song of Songs 2:3-5

Botanical Name: Cytissus preacox
Common Name: Broom, Scotch
Biblical Name: Broom Tree
Format: Decidous/Tree
Blooms: N/A
Scripture Reference: Kings 19:4

Botanical Name: Delphinium x cultorum
Common Name: Delphinium, Larkspur
Bibilical Name: Beautiful flowers
Format: Root/ Flower
Blooms: June/July
Scripture Reference: Luke 12:27

Botanical Name: Elaeagnus angustifolia
Common Name: Russian Olive
Biblical Name:Olivewood
Format: deciduous/ Tree/ Fruit
Blooms: May/June
Scripture Reference:Kings 6:31f

Botanical Name: Eruca Savita
Common Name: Argula, Rocket
Biblical Name: Unknown Herbs
Format: Root/Herb
Bloom: n/a
Scripture Reference: Kings 4:39-40

Botanical Name: Echinops Viscosus
Common Name: Thistle, Globe
Bibilical Name: Thorns Of The Wilderness
Format: Root/Flower/Herb
Bloom: July/August
Scripture Reference: Judges 8:7

Botanical Name: Galium verum
Common Name: Bedstraw
Biblical Name: Humble plants
Format: Roots/ Straw
Bloom: n/a
Scripture Reference:Luke 2:7

Botanical Name: Gossiipium herbaceum
Common Name: Cotton
Bibilical Name: Cotton Plant
Format: Roots/ cotton
Bloom:
Scripture Reference: Ester 1:5-6

Botanical Name: Hordeum vulgare
Common Name: Barley
Biblical Name: Barley
Format: Root/food
Bloom: july
Scripture Reference: John 6:9
Botanical Name: Iris Pseudacornus
Common Name: Iris, Yellow Flag
Biblical Name: --
Format: Bulb/flower
Blooms: spring
Fruit Time: n/a
Scripture Reference: --

Botanical Name: Juniperous Chinensis Columnaris
Common Name: Juniper, Columnar
Biblical Name: Cedar/ Cypress Timber
Format: Conifer/Tree
Blooms: n/a
Scripture Reference:1 Kings 9:11

Botanical Name: Juniperus Chinensis Phitzeriana
Common Name: Juniper, Phitzer's
Biblical Name: Fir trees
Format: Conifer/ Tree
Blooms: n/a
Scripture Reference: Psalm 104:17

Botanical Name: Juniperous Wiltoni
Common Name: Juniper, Blue Rug
Bibilical Name: Shrub
Format: conifer/Tree
Blooms: n/a
Scripture Reference: Jeremiah 17:5-6

Botanical Name: Laurus Nobilis
Common Name: Bay Laurel
Bibilical name: Holm Tree
Format: Deciduous/Tree
Blooms: n/a
Scripture Reference: Isaiah 44:9a,14

Botanical Name: Lilium Candidum
Common Name: Madonna Lily
Biblical Name: Lily
Format: Bulb/Flower
Blooms: June
Scripture Reference: Song of Songs 2:1-2

Botanical Name: Lens Culinaris
Common Name: Lentil
Biblical Name: Lentil
Format: Root/Vegetable
Blooms: n/a
Scripture Reference: Genesis 25:34

Botanical Name:Lupinus xRussell
Common Name: Lupine
Bibilical Name:Flower in the field
Format: Roots/Flower
Blooms: May
Scripture Reference: James 1:9-10

Botanical Name: Malva Moschata
Common Name: Mallow
Bibilical Name: Mallow
Format: Root/Flower/Herb
Blooms: July-August
Scripture Reference: Job 6:6

Botanical Name: Menthe spp
Common Name: Mint
Bibilical Name: Mint
Format: Root/Herb
Blooms: June
Scripture Reference: Luke 11:42

Botanical Name: Myrtus Communis Compacta
Common Name: Myrtle, Dwarf
Bibilical Name: Myrtle
Format: Root/shrub
Blooms: July
Scripture Reference: Nehemiah 8:15

Botanical Name: Narcissus Tazetta
Common Name: Daffodil
Bibilical Name: Grass of the field
Format: Bulb/Flower
Blooms: April
Scripture Reference: Matthew 6:30

Botanical Name: Nigella Sativa
Common Name: Cumin,Love-in-a-mist,Nigella
Bibilical Name: Cumin
Format: Roots/Flower/Herb
Blooms: June/July
Scripture Reference: Isaiah 28:27

Botanical Name:Nymphaea Lotus
Common Name: Water Lily
Bibilical Name: Lily work
Format: Bulb/Flower
Blooms: June/July
Scripture Reference: Kings 7:19

Botanical Name: Origanum Hirtum Orheracleoticum
Common Name: Oregano, Greek
Bibilical Name: Blood
Format: Root/Herb
Blooms: August
Scripture Reference: Exodus 12:23

Botanical Name: Orinthogalum Pentendra
Common Name: Star of Bethlehem, Dove's Dung
Biblical Name: Dove's Dung
Format: Bulbs/Flower
Blooms: May/June
Scripture Reference: 2Kings 6:25

Botanical Name: Papaver species
Common Name: Poppy
Biblical Name: Flower in the field
Format: Roots/ flower/seeds
Blooms: May/June
Scripture Reference: Isaiah 40:6-40:8

Botanical Name:Phoenix Dactylifera
Common Name: Palm, Date
Bibilical Name: Palm
Format: Decidous/Tree/Fruit
Blooms: n/a
Scripture Reference: John 12:12-13

Botanical Name: Phragmites Australis species
Common Name: Common Reed Grass
Biblical Name: Reed
Format: Root/clump
Blooms: n/a
Scripture Reference: Matthew 27:48, Isaiah 42:3

Botanical Name: Pinus Mugo
Common Name: Mugo Pine
Biblical Name:Stone Pine
Format: Conifer/Tree
Blooms: n/a
Scripture Reference: Isaiah 44:14

Botanical Name: Populus granatum nana
Common Name: Poplar, Willow
Bibilical Name: Willow
Format: Decidous/Tree
Blooms: n/a
Scripture Reference: Isaiah 44:4

Botanical Name: Prunus mandishurica
Common Name: Apricot
Biblical Name:Every Tree (Probable original fruit tree)
Format: Deciduous/Tree/Fruit
Blooms: May
Scripture Reference:Gen.2.9

Botanical Name: Punica granatum
Common Name: "Wonderful" Pomegranate, Dwarf
Biblical Name: Pomegranate
Format: Tender/Deciduous/Fruit
Blooms: Spring/Summer
Scripture Reference: Exodus 39:29

Botanical Name: Ranunculus Asiaticus
Common Name:Crowfoot, Red Butter Cup
Biblical Name: The flower of the grass
Format: Root/Flower
Blooms: May/June
Scripture Reference: 1 Peter 1:24

Botanical Name:Ricinus Communis
Common Name: Castor Bean (oil)
Biblical Name: A bush ( Passing comforts)
Format:Root/Shrub/Herb
Blooms:n/a
Scripture Reference: Jonah 4:6-7

Botanical Name:Rosa Rugosa
Common Name:Rose, Rugosa
Biblical Name: Rosebushes
Format: Root/Hips/Herb
Blooms: Anytime, depending on the kind
Scripture Reference: Wisdom 24:14

Botanical Name: Rubus tridel
Common Name: Bramble, Blackberry
Biblical Name: Bramble
Format:Root/Thorns/Fruit
Blooms: July
Scripture Reference: Luke 6:44

Botanical Name: Salvia Officinalis
Common Name: Sage, Dwarf
Biblical Name: (Sage was the model for menorah)
Format: Root/Herb
Blooms: July
Scripture Reference: Ex 37:17-18

Botanical Name: Tamarix Pentendra
Common Name: Odessa, Tamarisk
Biblical Name: Tamarisk Tree
Format: Roots/Shrub
Blooms: June/July
Scripture Reference: Exodus 16:11-12,31

Botanical Name: Thuja Accidentalis
Common Name:Cedar, Arbor Vitae
Bibilical name: Cedar
Format:Conifer/Tree
Blooms: n/a
Scripture Reference: 1Kings 6:15

Botanical Name: Tulipa species
Common Name: Scarlet Mountain Tulip(Red Tulip)
Biblical Name: The Flowers
Format: Bulb/Flower
Blooms: April
Scripture Reference: Song of Solomon 2:12

Botanical Name: Typha Australis Schum et Thonn
Common Name: Cat-Tails, Reed-mace
Biblical Name: Reeds
Format: Bulb/Plant
Blooms: Summer
Scripture Reference: Exodus 2:3

Botanical Name: Vitis Vinifera
Common Name: Grape, Vine
Biblical Name: Vine
Format: Deciduous.vine/Fruit
Blooms: n/a
Scripture Reference: John 15:1-2


By simply planting the plants and herbs mentioned in the Bible you can create your own biblical garden. There are no rules to follow to make this type of garden, as with all gardens, you just go with your heart! If you wish to start small, just start in a small area of your yard, and gradually build up! A Bible garden would include some cereals, as wheat, barley, wild cotton, and grasses that are all mentioned. These provide food and shelter for small birds, for what is any garden with out the birds and the butterflies?

Flowers would include Anenome, Narcissus, Tulip, Star of Bethlehem, Daisy, Linen Flax, Poppy, Lily, Passion flower, Mallow, and Thistles. For Vegetables include Beans, Peas, Onions, Leeks, Garlic, Cucumber. Spices and herbs, Coriander, Dill, Mint, Chicory, Rue, Sage, Black Cumin, and Wormwood.
The water plants, Water Lily, Reeds, Papyrus, and Reed-mace (cat-tail). Melon (watermelon) is often mentioned, and of course the Olive.
Then of course there are the Vines, Grapes and Passion fruit. Fruit and nut trees include Almond, Fig, Bay (laurel), Carob, and Apple. Many scholars agree that the sycamine tree of Luke 17:6 is the black mulberry. Willow and poplar are included, and acacias in the desert areas.

In a Bible garden, labeling of plants is important. The labels might show the name of the plant, and the bible reference. Some of the wild plants mentioned in the bible may now be fairly uncommon, and so may be hard to access. That is all the more reason for trying to secure some seeds, before the plants disappear altogether.

List the plants you will need to acquire. Then all you need to do is gradually obtain the plants as you can find them, label, and incorporate them into your new bible garden and voila you now have a garden from the past.

That is it for today,until next time happy gardening!

Bugs And How to Rid Your Plants Of Them

Upon thinking some more, I have decided to add a photo gallery to my site consisting of all plants.
The photos can eventually be purchased as prints if anyone likes them. Thus I won't be posting anymore because I will have the gallery.
The imformation about each plant will be posted with each photo as well as growing requirements.
Now onto the main topic of the day, I have added a list of bugs and a way to rid your plants of these pesky little things.


Bugs And How to Rid Your Plants Of Them

Fungus gnats are small black flies similar to fruit flies. Adults are mainly a nuisance, but the larvae can feed on roots and stunt plants.
If you see the adults flying, look for larvae when you water. If present in high numbers, they float. Because fungus gnats thrive in damp areas, control them by letting the soil dry out.

Because spider mites are probably the most common insect problem indoors, check for them first. They are too small to see easily, but their damage is distinct. You may notice yellow stippling or fine webbing between leaves and stems. They feed on the undersides of the leaves, but as populations rise, you find them all over. By the time damage is visible, it may be extensive.
Take a piece of white paper, hold it under a leaf, and tap the plant. If the specks that fall on the paper move, the plant has mites. If they don't move, then it's dust. Control spider mites with horticultural oil.

Whiteflies are flying insects that look like tiny white moths. If you shake the plant, they will fly up in a cloud and then settle back on the leaves. Their damage is similar to that of spider mites. The leaves will be stippled and new growth stunted. The larval stage must be controlled with insecticidal soap or oil. Adults can be trapped with yellow sticky traps. As I had posted earlier, the same way as the aphids.

Scale Looking like bumps on stems and leaves, scales are soft-bodied insects that suck sap from plants and then secrete a hard shell over themselves. A plant with scale will have sticky honeydew and perhaps a black sooty mold all over the leaves. Eggs develop under the hard shell, and later tiny crawlers hatch and move around the plant. At this stage, scales are vulnerable to insecticidal soap and oils. You also can control the adults with oil.

I have already posted on aphids twice now so if anyone is looking for information about this bug, it is roughly 4-5 posts ago.

I hope this is helpful and I will be back tomorrow with some more useful imformation.
Until then happy gardening!

Tips

I am going to post some tips today.
I am mixing things up lately to make it more interesting,although;everything about gardening interests me :)
I enjoy posting my photos lately and it seems to make the site looks a little more lively, so I have been thinking I am going to start posting one per day with my writeups.
They are all flower shots,thus go well with the site. I am beginning to love photography as much as writing and gardening, it has the same calming effect that gardening and writing have for me.I suppose when it really comes down to it, the shots I usually take go hand and hand with this site. Flowers are very appealing in more ways then one!


Campanula Blue Clips




Tips

Fertilize Winter Lawns
In warm areas, fertilize cool season grasses such as fescue and ryegrass with a fertilizer containing ammonium nitrate every three weeks. This type of fertilizer is fast acting in winter's cool soil conditions.

Think About Starting Seeds
Now that we're into the new year, it's time to plan the garden!
Start by checking out just what seeds you have leftover and by doing germination tests, if necessary, to see how viable they are.I normally
make a list of all that I have to stay better organized.
Gather pots, soil, permanent markers, labels, sphagnum moss for reducing damping off, and you're ready to start seeds

Making Your Wish List
Start making your master list of varieties you'd like to grow next summer, then check off the list down to a manageable size.
Basically choose only the plants you want most out of that list.
Get your orders in as soon as possible so you don't miss out on choice seeds that are in short supply, they always go on a first come, first
serve basis.

Save Forced Bulbs
To try and save forced narcissus, hyacinth, and tulip bulbs cut off the flower stalk, keep watered, fertilized and located in a sunny window until danger of frost has passed, and plant. They may produce flowers again.

Soil Level Requirements

I am always talking of plants and gardening,however;one way to ensure you have healthy plants and vegetables is check your soil levels. By doing this you will then know if your soil needs more of something or less of something.

ph levels acid or alkaline

Most gardeners have the task of improving their soil so it supports good plant growth, has water holding capacity, proper aeration, good drainage and also supports soil-organism activity.

Yearly applications of manure, leaves, leaf mold, humus, peat moss or any other vegetable matter is a definite physical soil benefit, and helps build up any soil. Other factors to improving your soil include the use of commercial fertilizers and lime.


Lime is a soil conditioner that helps soil bacteria become more active, aids the decomposition of soil particles, and helps bring your soil to the proper condition for optimum plant growth.

Each plant has its proper degree of soil lime-content for best growth. Some plants need very little or no lime, others may need small or moderate amounts, and still others may need large amounts of lime or sweet soils.


Soils that contain very little lime are called acid (sour); those which contain lots of lime are called alkaline (sweet). To determine the acidity of your soil, you should have a pH test done. In these test, the hydrogen ions in the soil are measured and expressed in a number from 1-14.

A pH reading of 6.9 or lower is considered acid, a reading of pH 7.1 or higher is alkaline, and neutral soil has a reading of pH 7.


That's it for today.
Happy gardening!

Pruning

The topic today is pruning.With these tips and methods you should have a much easier time evaluting what has to be done to get the job done more efficiently.
The weather may tell us the gardening season is coming to a close, but crisp winter days are a perfect time to do a little pruning.


Pruning Guidelines

1. Make all pruning cuts with the overall appearance of the shrub or tree in mind.

2. To avoid stubs, always take a branch back to a main stem, another branch, or an outward-facing bud.

3. For large branches, always follow the three-cut process. It's heartbreaking to cut corners and end up stripping the bark all the way down a trunk!

4. Stems need light to produce leaves, so prune to open the shrub to plenty of light.

5. If you are attempting to reduce a shrub's size, prune the branches at different heights to achieve a natural look.

6. To keep a shrub somewhat symmetrical, remove stems from all sides of the shrub equally. It helps to step back periodically and look at the shape of the entire plant as you are pruning.

7. Don't remove any more than 1/3 of the shrub at a time in order to leave enough leaf surfaces to provide food for the plant.

8. High-quality, sharp, bypass pruning shears and loppers are as important as the pruning process itself.

9. Place the pruning blade right next to the branch to get as flush a cut as possible.

10. A pulling motion makes the best cut with a pruning saw.

11. Pruning paint is not recommended except in special cases; a pruning cut will heal perfectly well on its own.
Start Your Pruning!

This time of year is perfect for starting a little light pruning of deciduous trees and shrubs since the leaves have fallen and you can see the plant shape easily. It's better to wait until late winter or early spring before bud break to do any heavy pruning.

The last thing I would like to note about pruning is most good landscapers or gardeners will tell you while it is okay to do some light pruning, don't make a hack job of it!
The only reasons to cut off branches are to eliminate crossing, diseased, or injured branches, to "head back" branches for aesthetic reasons, and to thin to open the crown to more light. Of course, hedges, evergreens, fruit trees, and espalier plants all have their own pruning principles.
It pays to know exactly what you are pruning, and to keep in mind that not everything needs to be pruned. If you don't have a reason for taking off a branch or limb, don't.



That's it for today.
Happy gardening!

Rock Gardens

Today I am doing a write up on rock gardens and how to create one. I am adding a photo on some plants in one of my roaks gardens and as you can see with the proper care and the right plants they can be absolutley beautiful!





Copywrite Tanya Wallace


Rock Gardens

If your property is sloped, dotted with interesting or weathered rock formations, you have the ideal spot for a rock garden. If you do not have this setting on your property you can certainly create one, all you need is a few loads of topsoil and some rocks. If you do bring in your own rocks and soil, start small. The job may be much bigger than you think.



Rocks

The wonderful thing about any rocks in which you may use is that they are full of nutrients as well as minerals the for the soil and your plants.
Rocks native to your area will look natural and will be the cheapest and easiest to obtain. Large rocks with irregular shapes look interesting in the rock garden, but keep in mind that you'll need smaller rocks, too. Limestone is a good selection. The rock is soft and porous, allowing moisture to seep through, and some determined roots will be able to make their way through the rock. Limestone usually has depressions in it that can be filled with dirt for planting mosses and lichens.
I have used large shale stones in mine which most definately sufficed and did a wonderful job job!

Set the rocks in the lowest, front part of the garden first and work upward. Shovel enough soil around each rock to anchor it firmly. You may need to bury half or more of each rock. After the rocks are in place, let the soil settle around them for a few days, then take a look from a distance to be sure you like the layout before adding plants.

Plants

There is an endless variety of plants to choose from. Low growing perennials are the best, but since many of those best suited to rock gardens bloom only in the spring, consider strategic placement of summer-blooming heaths, heathers, herbs and annuals to add color during the rest of the season. Personally I use some bigger plants for the back and add a few annuals for that extra burst of color in the summer.

Some purists feel that a rock garden should contain only those plants which grow naturally on rocky slopes in poor soil. A lot of rock gardens, however; are not located in cool climates with long winters where these plants do well. When selecting your plants, make sure they are right for your climate/zone.

Seeds for the Rock Garden

Annuals

Blue Eyed Grass
Desert Bluebell
Lobelia
Strawflower
Summer Savory
Sweet Alyssum

Perennials
Anemone (coronaria)
Balloon Flower
Campanula Blue + White Clips
Dwarf Lavender(Lady Lavender)
Dianthus
Evening Primrose
English Daisy
Forget-Me-Not
Wallflower
Penstemon
Phlox
Sweet Williams
Violas


Rock Garden Care

Think of your rock garden as a collection of potted plants, and tend them accordingly. Loosen the soil in each area occasionally with a small garden fork or shovel. Most rock plants do well in poor soil, but the occasional addition of manure or compost will give them a boost.

Routine care will include cutting back any leggy plants after flowering, clipping off dead stems and foliage, and dividing any plants that become root-bound or too large for its space. Check for insects and diseases regularly. Slugs may be especially pesky because they enjoy the shelter found among the rocks. Never let weeds grow in the nooks and crannies. They will easily crowd out plants in small areas.

Because plants in a rock garden are more exposed than plants in a level bed, they may need more protection in winter. A heavy mulch should be applied before the first freeze in cold climates


That's it for today.
Happy Gardening!

Tips

Leave Perennial Foliage Until Spring

Although you can cut back perennials to a few inches from the ground in the fall, leaving the foliage through the winter tends to trap snow and provide good insulation for the plants. Foliage and seedheads add winter interest to the garden as well as food for animals and birds.The most important factor about leaving it is, I have learned over the years the plants will be twice as healthy by the next summer for the mere fact,when you cut the foilage down in the fall you are taking the home of all the beneficial bugs in your garden, if you leave it until the spring you can be rest assured you won't regret it.By cutting it sure it may look better, or you may have this habit of preparing for winter but you are doing your gardens more harm then good.



Give the Birds a Drink

Birds appreciate shelter, food, and a reliable -- unfrozen -- water source in winter. You can help by setting out a clean pan of fresh water each day. To offer a continuous supply of water, add a heater to your birdbath.

Dividing Spring-Flowering Bulbs

Spring flowering bulbs such as daffodils, tulips and hyacinths should be divided in the fall. It can be difficult to locate the bulbs unless you have marked or mapped them in the spring when they were in bloom, and this is something to keep in mind in the spring when your bulbs are in full bloom.

Care should be taken not to damage the bulbs when digging. It is easier to dig a large area and separate bulbs than to dig the individual bulbs.

Once you have dug up your bulbs, look them over and discard any that are damaged, soft, or dried out, then divide large offsets or pairs of bulbs by pulling them apart. Replant them as soon as possible.

When To Divide Bulbs

Tulips: Every 3 - 5 years
Daffodils: Every 3 - 6 years
Hyacinths: Every 2 - 3 years
Lilies: Every 4 - 6 years
Surprise Lily (Lycoris):Every 3 - 5 years
Iris (Bulbous types): Every 3 - 6 years
Aliums: Every 4 - 8 years
Crocus seldom needed
Grape Hyacinths (Muscari) seldom needed

Tips

I recently received an email from someone with a bug problem and to be honest I am quite sure a lot of us go through the same tedious searching to find an answer which, sometimes is not as simple as we think it is going to be when we first begin our search.
It turns out this person had the same problem as I once had. I did think what a wonderful question to ask as well as wow I want to put this on my website because I am positive many people ask the very same question but to no prevail, whereas; I once asked it myself and did not get any response until years later after studing every good bug/every bad bug .
I responded with a fairly simple easy tip to fix the problem.

This is the Email:
I was reading your site and I found some useful info about my schefflera. I have noticed some tiny white bugs. They are long and thin but tiny! They run though the soil and I have only found them in the top of the soil. They do not jump. They build little green clusters that are pretty sterdy. At first I thought that it was a new plant growing, that was how green they are. I have been cleaning them out of the plant but I am afraid and I have no clue what they are and how to get rid of them. I have been on the internet for hours trying to find out what they are. Can you help? If not, do you know any place I could look? Thanks for your time.

My Response:

Aphid Control: All natural spray. To control aphids on plants, pour one quart of boiling water over four crushed garlic cloves, allow water to cool, strain, then add a teaspoon of liquid soap. Apply using a sprayer within a few hours of making spray.
If this does not work or you do not have the materials I find that yellow paper with vaseline or honey works , chop the paper small and apply the honey or vaseline. Put it in with your plants.They will get stuck to it. Repeat as nessary.
Don't put any other plants near infected plants otherwise they will become infected as well.
You could also try taking the plant out from its pots and dunking it in lukewarm soapy water, that often kills them as well.


Okay now on with a few more tips for the day...

Compost:
A natural compost activator. Adding a few chopped leaves of Yarrow per wheelbarrow of compost will greatly speed up composting time

Homemade Fertilizers:
Making your own. To make a good general fertilizer high in potash, pack comfrey and nettle leaves into a container and cover with water. Cover with a lid or plastic and store outside as it will have a loud odor. Make a liquid fertilizer by diluting this mixture with water 20:1. This process works on many different fertilize combinations.To make a fertilizer with high copper content, add Yarrow. Dill tops are high in potassium and sulfur. Tea leaves are high in nitrogen and manganese. Alfafa makes a great all around fertilizer high in many minerals and nutrients.

I shall be back tomorrow with more....
Until then happy gardening!

Tips

Well hard to believe but Spring seems to be here in the U.K. Buds on trees, Pussy Willows in bloom, not to mentions bulbs like daffodils and muscari springing up. This is very unlike the climate in which I am used to, Spring normally does not come until late March or Early April. It is nice to see, however;by this time next month I will be back in my own country and I am honestly looking really forward to it, even if it is rather cold, it is something I miss.
I am posting a photo I took recently of a beautiful rose in bloom. That is certainly one thing I admire, the roses in the U.K. They are so plentiful and there are so many kinds it actaully would be hard to know each one of them.
I will be posting some tips today and hope they can be useful.





Copywrite Tanya Wallace


Tips


Gardener's New Year Resolutions

With the New Year almost here try these resolutions. Order seeds early, sharpen the lawn mower blades before spring, wait until the soil is 60F to plant warm-season vegetables, and spend more time in the garden this year.


Buy Bare-Root Roses

When buying bare-root roses look for a #1-grade label for the best quality and size rose. Select roses with at least 3 strong, firm, plump, green canes, 1/2-inch in diameter, and 15 inches long.

Test Old Seed

If you've old seed do a germination test before ordering new seed. Roll 20 seeds into a moist paper towel and place in a glass jar. After 10 days, check the germination percentage. If less than 70%, order fresh seed.


Be back tomorrow with more tips, that is now a New Years Resolution, my consistancy with this site and my writing.
Happy Gardening.

Medicinal Qualities of Common Plants

Well I decided to do something different rather then tips today.
I am posting the medicinal qualities of common plants which is actaully rather interesting.
Tommorrow I will be back with more tips,I will more then likely be posting tips until I get this Biblical write up done. If nothing else I will have a lot of useful tips posted.

Medicinal Qualities of Common Plants


Almond. Oil and seeds.
Nerve tonic. Nutrient. Intestinal antiseptic.

Apple. Fruit.
Tonic. Laxative. Antiseptic. Digestive and Liver stimulant. Anti rheumatic agent. Cholesterol level lowerer.

Apricot. Oil and fruit.
Nutrient. Immune stimulant. Laxative

Artichoke. Flower heads.
Bile and digestive stimulant. Laxative. Heart and liver tonic

Beetroot. Root.
Nutrient. Lymph tonic

Bilberry. Fruit. Leaves.
Tonic. Antiseptic. Astringent.

Bitter Orange. Fruit. Peel. Oil.
Tonic. Antiseptic. Sedative. Anti bacterial. Expectorant

Cabbage.
Anti rheumatic agent. Anti inflammatory. Anti bacterial. Liver decongestant

Carrot. Root. Leaves. Oil.
Nutrient. Tonic. Digestive tonic. Immune stimulant.

Celery. Seeds. Stems.
Anti rheumatic agent. Sedative. Antiseptic. Anti anaemic.

Chili Pepper. Fruit.
Anti bacterial. Antiseptic. Circulation and Gastric stimulant.

Cinnamon. Twigs. Inner bark.
Tonic. Antiseptic. Oil - Anti bacterial. Anti fungi.

Cloves. Flower buds.
Antiseptic. Mild Anaesthetic

Coffee. Beans.
Stimulant. Anti narcotic.

Cucumber. Fruit.
Cleansing agent. Anti Uric acid agent.

Fig. Fruit.
Laxative. Nutrient.

Garlic. Bulb.
Antibiotic. Anti parasitic. Anti histamine. Anti thrombotic. Expectorant. Reduces Cholesterol & Blood sugar levels.

Ginger. Root.
Antiseptic. Stimulant. Expectorant.

Grape. Leaves & fruit. Anti inflammatory. Astringent. Bile & Liver stimulant. Nerve & muscle tonic. Cleansing agent. Laxative.

Horseradish. Root.
Liver & digestive stimulant. Anti bacterial. Urinary antiseptic.

Leek. Leafs & stems.
Laxative. Antiseptic. Nerve tonic.

Lemon. Fruit & Oil.
Antiseptic. Anti bacterial. Anti histamine. Anti rheumatic. Anti inflammatory. Anti viral. Cleansing agent. Beneficial to Heart & blood vessels.

Lettuce.
Digestive stimulant. Analgesic. Mild sedative & laxative.

Nutmeg. Seed.
Digestive & appetite stimulant. Anti inflammatory.

Oats.
Anti Depressant. Nerve tonic. Anti rheumatic. Reduces Cholesterol levels. Anti thrombotic.

Olive. Fruit. Oil.
Laxative. Nutrient.

Onion. Bulb.
Anti bacterial. Anti inflammatory. Bile stimulant. Expectorant. Lowers blood sugar.

Parsley. Seed. Roots. Leaves. Oil.
Anti rheumatic. Laxative. Expectorant. Tonic. Stimulates menstrual flow.

Pear. Fruit.
Cleansing agent. Digestive stimulant. Laxative. Sedative.

Pineapple. Fruit.
Nutrient. Anti inflammatory. Digestive stimulant.

Potato. Tuber.
Nutrient. Digestive assistive.

Strawberry. Fruit. Leaves.
Cleansing agent. Laxative. Liver tonic.

Tomato. Fruit.
Digestive stimulant. Mild laxative.

Turnip. Root.
Tonic. Anti bacterial.

Walnut. Nut. Rind. Inner bark.
Anti inflammatory. Laxative. Reduces Cholesterol levels.

Watercress. Leaf. Stem.
Nutrient. Expectorant. Lowers blood sugar. Beneficial to blood, liver & gall bladder.

Wheat. Seeds. Stem. Husks.
Laxative. Tonic. Anti oxidant.


Well that is a wrap for today. I will be back tomorrow with some tips.
Happy gardening...

Tips

Happy New Years everyone!
I am still working on my bibilical plants so am posting more tips today as well as a photo I took 2 days ago of one of the primreoses I have coming into bloom. It is a very pretty little plant and quite unique.



Copywrite Tanya Wallace


Tips

Propagate Hibiscus

To propagate new hibiscus plants take a 4-inch long cutting from the stem, remove all but the top two leaves, dip the cut end in rooting powder, and place the cutting in a pot of moistened potting soil.



Control Fungus Gnats


If black flies are around your houseplants, you probably have fungus gnats. They are harmless to plants, but an annoyance to homeowners. To kill them, spread a 1-inch layer of sand over the potting soil and drench with insecticidal soap.


Ease the Snow Load on Trees and Shrubs

To remove heavy snow from tree and shrub branches, use a leaf rake and gently lift the branch from below, knocking off the snow. If the snow has an ice coating, let it melt on its own to avoid possibly breaking branches. Never forcibly knock off snow or ice.


Watch Out for Animal Damage to Plants

Take a tour of the yard every week or so to keep an eye on animal damage. If you see damage being done, put up physical barriers, such as bird netting, chicken wire, or even snow fencing, to keep rabbits and deer away from tender bark.



Well that is about it for today. Be back soon
Happy gardening!