Garden No. 1: The Japanese garden.
Creating a Japanese garden is an interesting project because the Japanese garden design depends on symbolism as much as it depends on plant elements.
What is most important for a Japanese garden design is a prevailing notion of simplicity. There are a number of elements that make up a Japanese garden. These gardens often include water, a lantern, an island and a bridge.
A successful Japanese garden will inspire peace and contemplation. To enhance the atmosphere you may like to add a special place for you to sit, and contemplate.
Garden No. 2: The water garden.
Water gardens or aquatic gardens are especially popular because water has always been associated with serenity and peace. Water features in your garden can create a truly atmospheric place.
Water features are normally made up of three features: a pool, aquatic plants (submerged, like the water lily or floating, like the water hyacinth) and fish. Other decorative pieces, such as rocks, can be added and you can even build fountains and waterfalls for extra effect.
Garden No. 3: The English garden.
What is called an "English garden" refers to a style of "informal landscape gardening" that was popular, as the name reflects, in England over the last couple of centuries. There's a lot of information available on the Internet to tell you what goes into an English garden. Some of the most popular items include a water feature and a sundial.
Whatever style of garden you wish to create please note: plan first. Things that are important to know before you start digging and planting include knowing what types of plants suit your climate. When your plants will flower is also important to know so that you don't end up with a dull winter full of dormant plants. Water supply is probably the most important things to think about before your start. Speak to an expert about how to build a suitable irrigation system that will keep your plants well fed and keep your workload to a minimum.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Easy Garden
This perennial is easy to grow in full sun and well drained, light soil. Three ways to propagate rosemary are: from seeds, from cuttings and by layering.
1. From seeds: germination of the rosemary seeds is extremely slow and so is the growing of the tiny seedlings. That’s why this is the least favorite of the three choices. Although, if you have patience and want to try and grow your own seedlings or test different species of Rosmarinus, go ahead and give it a try. Just make sure you follow the instructions on the package.
2. From stem cuttings: cut the soft wood at the tip of the branch (2 to 6 inches long). Remember that shorter cuttings mean more compact plants. There are two more basic rules that should not be ignored: use a clean, sharp knife to cut and the mildest strength hormone rooting powder for softwood cuttings (if any). The material for rooting should be sterile (perlite, washed sand, powdered styrofoam, vermiculite, or a mixture of any of those in equal proportions). Do not pack the material tightly around the stems to prevent damaging during removal of the rooted cuttings. Before planting the cuttings, strip at least half of the leaves from the stem. Insert into a rooting material about half stem deep, angled at about 45 degrees.
3. Simple layering: is the simplest way of propagation with rosemary. It almost never fails. Simply choose the branch that will bend easily to touch the ground. Dig a small hole and press the branch in it. Fill the depression with soil and firm well. To keep the branch in place and preventing the new roots from being lifted out of the ground put the rock or a brick over the buried branch spot. Water well. Six to eight weeks later your new plant should have enough roots for the attachment to the parent plant to be cut. Young rosemary is now ready to be transplanted to a new spot.
In a warm, sunny climate your rosemary will grow fast and year round. You will have plenty for flavor in the kitchen as well as to put it in the vase and have that naturally fresh and clean smell in your home.
1. From seeds: germination of the rosemary seeds is extremely slow and so is the growing of the tiny seedlings. That’s why this is the least favorite of the three choices. Although, if you have patience and want to try and grow your own seedlings or test different species of Rosmarinus, go ahead and give it a try. Just make sure you follow the instructions on the package.
2. From stem cuttings: cut the soft wood at the tip of the branch (2 to 6 inches long). Remember that shorter cuttings mean more compact plants. There are two more basic rules that should not be ignored: use a clean, sharp knife to cut and the mildest strength hormone rooting powder for softwood cuttings (if any). The material for rooting should be sterile (perlite, washed sand, powdered styrofoam, vermiculite, or a mixture of any of those in equal proportions). Do not pack the material tightly around the stems to prevent damaging during removal of the rooted cuttings. Before planting the cuttings, strip at least half of the leaves from the stem. Insert into a rooting material about half stem deep, angled at about 45 degrees.
3. Simple layering: is the simplest way of propagation with rosemary. It almost never fails. Simply choose the branch that will bend easily to touch the ground. Dig a small hole and press the branch in it. Fill the depression with soil and firm well. To keep the branch in place and preventing the new roots from being lifted out of the ground put the rock or a brick over the buried branch spot. Water well. Six to eight weeks later your new plant should have enough roots for the attachment to the parent plant to be cut. Young rosemary is now ready to be transplanted to a new spot.
In a warm, sunny climate your rosemary will grow fast and year round. You will have plenty for flavor in the kitchen as well as to put it in the vase and have that naturally fresh and clean smell in your home.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Easy Gardening And Lawn Care
In the United States, preserving a lawn can be an enjoyable hobby to some who are garden enthusiasts, but a chore to many others who do not have enough time to tend to their lawns. There are those who become desperate at not attaining their ideal lawns despite exerting precious effort, time, and money in maintaining one.
They would almost lose hope thinking that gardening and maintaining a lawn is just not their cup of tea. Experts, however, believe that having the right set of lawn care equipment is the secret to achieving the perfect greenery. The 3 most popular lawn care equipment are the following:
1.The Dependable Lawn Mower. The Lawn mower is a kind of lawn care equipment available in two (2) basic models – the push type which is generally used in residential lawn areas, and the riding mower which works best for vast lawn tracts.
This lawn care equipment is a must-have for all lawn owners. In your neighborhood, you are considered out of place if you do not have one in your possession. On the other hand, you will be scoffed at by your neighbors even if you have one but do not put it to good use. An excellent lawn mower is what you need to provide the best maintenance care for your lawn.
2. The Handy Trimmer. A grass trimmer is another type of lawn care equipment with several models available out in the market depending on your lawn type. Normally there are these nylon cords which are used to lash at the grass to cull out the weeds and prune the grass at the same time.
Trimmers aim to even out the lines of the lawn. A small lawn can make use of an electric trimmer that is supplied with an extension cord of sufficient length to tackle hard-to-reach areas. For wider lawn tracts, a grass trimmer powered by gas is highly recommended.
3. An Effective Sprinkler System. Since water is a lawn necessity, a sprinkler system is the type of lawn care equipment that can very well handle the your watering needs. This is especially recommended in localities where there is no continuous water supply.
A good sprinkler system is one that is equipped with overlapping water sprays to guarantee maximum coverage of the entire lawn. Testing for maximum coverage can easily be done. Before turning on the sprinkler system, place open containers on several strategic parts of the lawn.
After a certain period, stop the sprinkler system operation and check if water can be found in all of the containers. If your answer is yes, then you are assured that you have invested your money’s worth in an effective and efficient lawn care equipment for your lawn maintenance.
This, combined with the ever-dependable lawn mower and handy trimmer, make up the basic and most common lawn care equipment that a garden novice or an expert lawn owner should have.
They would almost lose hope thinking that gardening and maintaining a lawn is just not their cup of tea. Experts, however, believe that having the right set of lawn care equipment is the secret to achieving the perfect greenery. The 3 most popular lawn care equipment are the following:
1.The Dependable Lawn Mower. The Lawn mower is a kind of lawn care equipment available in two (2) basic models – the push type which is generally used in residential lawn areas, and the riding mower which works best for vast lawn tracts.
This lawn care equipment is a must-have for all lawn owners. In your neighborhood, you are considered out of place if you do not have one in your possession. On the other hand, you will be scoffed at by your neighbors even if you have one but do not put it to good use. An excellent lawn mower is what you need to provide the best maintenance care for your lawn.
2. The Handy Trimmer. A grass trimmer is another type of lawn care equipment with several models available out in the market depending on your lawn type. Normally there are these nylon cords which are used to lash at the grass to cull out the weeds and prune the grass at the same time.
Trimmers aim to even out the lines of the lawn. A small lawn can make use of an electric trimmer that is supplied with an extension cord of sufficient length to tackle hard-to-reach areas. For wider lawn tracts, a grass trimmer powered by gas is highly recommended.
3. An Effective Sprinkler System. Since water is a lawn necessity, a sprinkler system is the type of lawn care equipment that can very well handle the your watering needs. This is especially recommended in localities where there is no continuous water supply.
A good sprinkler system is one that is equipped with overlapping water sprays to guarantee maximum coverage of the entire lawn. Testing for maximum coverage can easily be done. Before turning on the sprinkler system, place open containers on several strategic parts of the lawn.
After a certain period, stop the sprinkler system operation and check if water can be found in all of the containers. If your answer is yes, then you are assured that you have invested your money’s worth in an effective and efficient lawn care equipment for your lawn maintenance.
This, combined with the ever-dependable lawn mower and handy trimmer, make up the basic and most common lawn care equipment that a garden novice or an expert lawn owner should have.
Easy And Successful Organic Gardening
Space can be at a premium, especially these days when apartments and condos are so popular. A simple solution for those wanting to grow at least a few basic herbs and vegetables is to grow in containers. Maybe you don't have the time to maintain a large vegetable garden, or you have a physical condition that prevents you bending down or using the usual gardening tools. Whatever the reason, container gardening can be a great way to produce some of your organic food needs.
While container gardening may have its limitations, there are some great benefits.
* You have the advantage of being able to bring containers indoors through the coldest part of winter.
* Your pots / containers can create a focal point on a balcony or patio area, adding interest, colour or foliage.
* Planters can be made from just about any type of container that holds soil and allows adequate drainage.
* Potting mediums are easy to work with as they are the correct pH.
* Weeds are much less likely to become a problem.
* Less likely to be attacked by snails and slugs or soil borne diseases.
* The tiniest space - even a windowsill can be used to produce some fresh herbs
Soil
You need to purchase premium potting mix for growing in containers. Don't be tempted to use soil from the garden in your pots as it will become compact and heavy, not allowing water to drain well. A premium potting medium is a must. It is lighter and so provides excellent drainage.
You will need to provide all your plants nutrients as most potting mixes do not come with organic fertilizer. Remember that more is not better when it comes to applying fertilizer. Too much fertilizer in contact with your plant's roots will burn them. Always follow the directions on packaged fertilizers. There are many organic fertilizers available to choose from so look for blends suited to the type of plant you are growing - leafy, flowering, vegetables, etc.
Container plants need watering more frequently than normal garden plants, and as a result the water leaches away fertilizers. So container grown plants benefit from liquid feeds on a regular basis throughout their growing season. You can purchase organic liquid fertilizers if you don't have room to make your own. Use them for foliar feeding and drenching the soil around your plants.
Watering
Because container plants are above ground the sun and wind will dry potting soils out quicker than plants grown in the ground. During summer you will need to take care that your pots do not dry out.
Water containers when the soil dries out to a depth of 1-2cm (1/2 inch). Apply water with a soft flow to be gentle on your plants and the soil. In really hot weather I usually re-water about 30 minutes after my initial watering. This is beneficial in containers as plants cannot always take up the water quickly.
It is important to make sure that your containers have adequate drainage or your plants will suffer and ultimately die if the roots are permanently sitting in water. If your containers sit on the ground bottom holes may not drain readily. If they are on a patio or are just off the ground, there should be no problem with bottom holes. If you're not sure, make side holes.
Pieces from an old broken clay pot or fly wire placed over the holes will keep the potting mix from packing around the holes and reducing drainage, as well as keeping it in the pot.
You can add some mulch to larger pots in summer to help prevent them from drying out. I like to use pea straw.
Choosing the right plants
When you're growing in containers you will need to look for varieties that are the most suitable for growing in small areas. Many herbs make excellent container specimens. You could start with some of the smaller vegetables such as radishes, lettuce, onions, capsicum or chillies, eggplant, short varieties of carrots, bush beans etc. Container planting is ideal to try out some companion planting techniques. You'll have better success if your plant combinations are happy ones! If you plant in three weekly successions you may be able to achieve continuous production of some plants.
You can also try some climbing plants providing you have some trellis or railing for support. Strawberries grow well in containers, particularly hanging baskets if they are not allowed to dry out.
Location
Choose a position for you container plants where they get about six hour sun each day, preferably morning sun rather than afternoon sun. ou may also need to protect your plants from falling over in strong winds. If you have many pots they might provide some protection for each other. Place the tallest plants along walls or trellises.
Many conventional gardeners find themselves with more than just a few plants growing in containers. I wouldn't think of any other way to grow mints as they are just impossible if they escape into the garden. And how many people have the space for a full grown bay tree, when they only use a few leaves each week?
Yes, they take a little extra care, but we are well rewarded with our bounties. Try growing a few pots together. They look great and they provide a suitable micro-climate for each other. Good luck with yours!
While container gardening may have its limitations, there are some great benefits.
* You have the advantage of being able to bring containers indoors through the coldest part of winter.
* Your pots / containers can create a focal point on a balcony or patio area, adding interest, colour or foliage.
* Planters can be made from just about any type of container that holds soil and allows adequate drainage.
* Potting mediums are easy to work with as they are the correct pH.
* Weeds are much less likely to become a problem.
* Less likely to be attacked by snails and slugs or soil borne diseases.
* The tiniest space - even a windowsill can be used to produce some fresh herbs
Soil
You need to purchase premium potting mix for growing in containers. Don't be tempted to use soil from the garden in your pots as it will become compact and heavy, not allowing water to drain well. A premium potting medium is a must. It is lighter and so provides excellent drainage.
You will need to provide all your plants nutrients as most potting mixes do not come with organic fertilizer. Remember that more is not better when it comes to applying fertilizer. Too much fertilizer in contact with your plant's roots will burn them. Always follow the directions on packaged fertilizers. There are many organic fertilizers available to choose from so look for blends suited to the type of plant you are growing - leafy, flowering, vegetables, etc.
Container plants need watering more frequently than normal garden plants, and as a result the water leaches away fertilizers. So container grown plants benefit from liquid feeds on a regular basis throughout their growing season. You can purchase organic liquid fertilizers if you don't have room to make your own. Use them for foliar feeding and drenching the soil around your plants.
Watering
Because container plants are above ground the sun and wind will dry potting soils out quicker than plants grown in the ground. During summer you will need to take care that your pots do not dry out.
Water containers when the soil dries out to a depth of 1-2cm (1/2 inch). Apply water with a soft flow to be gentle on your plants and the soil. In really hot weather I usually re-water about 30 minutes after my initial watering. This is beneficial in containers as plants cannot always take up the water quickly.
It is important to make sure that your containers have adequate drainage or your plants will suffer and ultimately die if the roots are permanently sitting in water. If your containers sit on the ground bottom holes may not drain readily. If they are on a patio or are just off the ground, there should be no problem with bottom holes. If you're not sure, make side holes.
Pieces from an old broken clay pot or fly wire placed over the holes will keep the potting mix from packing around the holes and reducing drainage, as well as keeping it in the pot.
You can add some mulch to larger pots in summer to help prevent them from drying out. I like to use pea straw.
Choosing the right plants
When you're growing in containers you will need to look for varieties that are the most suitable for growing in small areas. Many herbs make excellent container specimens. You could start with some of the smaller vegetables such as radishes, lettuce, onions, capsicum or chillies, eggplant, short varieties of carrots, bush beans etc. Container planting is ideal to try out some companion planting techniques. You'll have better success if your plant combinations are happy ones! If you plant in three weekly successions you may be able to achieve continuous production of some plants.
You can also try some climbing plants providing you have some trellis or railing for support. Strawberries grow well in containers, particularly hanging baskets if they are not allowed to dry out.
Location
Choose a position for you container plants where they get about six hour sun each day, preferably morning sun rather than afternoon sun. ou may also need to protect your plants from falling over in strong winds. If you have many pots they might provide some protection for each other. Place the tallest plants along walls or trellises.
Many conventional gardeners find themselves with more than just a few plants growing in containers. I wouldn't think of any other way to grow mints as they are just impossible if they escape into the garden. And how many people have the space for a full grown bay tree, when they only use a few leaves each week?
Yes, they take a little extra care, but we are well rewarded with our bounties. Try growing a few pots together. They look great and they provide a suitable micro-climate for each other. Good luck with yours!
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