Gardening Articles
Let Life And Energy Flow From The Garden
(category: Gardening, Word count: 755)
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Gardening offers a visual experience that can open the portals to the emotions, to the psyche and to the senses. It's also inspirational.
A garden is more than an array of colors and scents. Given a chance, a garden offers relaxation,a place to contemplate and a place to heal.
A garden is a bridge between our inner world and the outside world. The sight of a garden on the way out, provides a smooth transition as you greet the outside world.
Coming home after a day's work, a garden gives a calming effect, reminding you to leave the cares and woes of the day outside as you enter your inner sanctum.
Not everyone can enjoy the luxury of a rambling country garden. A container garden off the balcony,on the window sill, a small porch or backyard can be just as enjoyable. What do you imagine your garden should look?
Color
The choice of color announces the mood of your environment. It reflects the inner person, whether you are vibrant and inspired, traditional and laid back, focused or scatter- brained, quiet, spiritual, calm, passionate or even boring.
Colors can be complementary and in harmony,contrasting or conflicting. Choosing the colors in your garden can at times be a hit-or-miss choice. Don't be discouraged. Plants are forgiving. You can re-arrange the colors to create harmony , provide enough contrast, and when there is conflict, remedy by adding or removing a color.
Solid colors give out a dramatic show in a bigger garden. A dominance of red does not invite one to sit and relax. This color is too strong. A complementary color can soften the fire of a mass of red.White or silver blends well with this vibrant color.
An all white garden is boring, the energy is stale.Some may feel it is calming, clean and fresh.At night, under a luminous light, white can be attractive. It stands out over all colors under soft lights. It lends itself to a meditative mood.
To brighten it up, add different shades of green or other bright colors. White and silver plants can provide a beautiful contrast mixed with any color.
Yellow is a cheerful color, mostly associated with Spring and late Summer. A pale yellow color does not blend well with white. This combination stifles the energy with its dullness.
Various shapes and foliage of green gives a garden a feeling of tranquility. Adding pots of colored plants can enhance the beauty of the atmosphere. This is a nourishing color. For that warm and welcoming feeling, orange is the color. It is a rich and happy color. Added to a background of green, orange gives a warm glow .
Purple is an inviting color. It teases you to rest and relax. To project a feeling of calmness, mix purple with whites, pinks or blues.
Need a moment of tranquility, of peace and quiet? Blue offers a sedative effect when mixed with whites and silver or soft pink flowers. Planted around edges and borders, mixed with different colors, it can be most appealing. However, blue by itself gives a gloomy feeling.
To invite love and other romantic notions, go for pink Its warmth draws people to it.
Time
Consider carefully how much time you are willing to devote to your garden and time you have to enjoy it. Gardens need more than good soil and water. Weeds in the garden do not encourage growth. This also translates to stagnant energy in the garden.
A garden overgrown with weeds and plants that go wild stifle the potential for an appealing garden. Add to this dead flowers, dead leaves and other debris that accumulate throughout the season. Energy is blocked by clutter. This defeats the purpose of a garden. You want positive energy to flow into your life, into your home. Taking the time to look after your garden will definitely enhance the flow of good energy all around.
Take time to enjoy the scenery. Plants offer a form of stress release. Go ahead and talk to your plants.Need to de-stress? Place your hands, with palms down over a pot of flowers.Take a few deep breathes as you let go of your frustration. Don't forget to thank the plant! Weeding and dead-heading plants provide a form of exercise, it is grounding too.
Summer is too short- the garden offers a respite from the hurry and scurry of life. It connects us to the beauty of this earth and beyond.
So You Want To Make A Bonsai
(category: Gardening, Word count: 385)
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Growing your own bonsai need not start by being expensive. Plants are free if grown from seed or cuttings and the rewards to be had in terms of appreciation of the final result, and the experience gained, is a joy beyond compare.
Creating a bonsai is a fairly simple procedure, if you follow the necessary steps for growing and shaping the selected tree. It is also important to select a tree for the climatic conditions in your region - some trees will thrive in certain regions while others may not survive. After deciding on the desired bonsai material, the next step is to prepare the appropriate size pot. A pot that is too small, or a pot that is too large can hamper the growth of the bonsai. In addition the pot should have an outlet or opening at the bottom to allow water to drain freely. The amount and type of soil is also an important consideration, usually a mixture of organic and inorganic compounds. To allow for proper placement in its container, you may have to cut some of its roots. By reducing the mass of roots in the pot, pruning provides space for young vigorous roots to grow and absorb water and minerals. Remember, it is the trimming of the roots while confining the tree to a shallow container that keeps the tree miniaturized.
After setting the tree in its container, pruning the leaves, trimming new shoots and wiring the branches into an aesthetically pleasing form follows. There are six classic bonsai styles and a growing list of non-classical styles as bonsai art involves new cultures and new species. Aesthetics, however is not an end in itself, but is linked to the physiology and good health of the bonsai.
Once you have proudly completed your work of art, you should become familiar with the basic rules for maintaining your tree in good health so that it can reward you with many years of pleasure. Method and frequency of watering, lighting requirements, trimming and repotting, prevention of diseases and insects, and plant fertilization are just a few of the topics with which you should become familiar. There are numerous books on the subject of bonsai which can provide step-by-step instructions on these subjects . Happy Growing!
The Joy Of Gardening
(category: Gardening, Word count: 399)
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The beautiful flowers, plants and trees in a garden increase the look and feel of the surroundings. But remember that all the plants want different care in different seasons and the need of all the plants is different. To increase the beauty of a garden we should be careful about them.
There is a difference between indoor plants and outdoor plants. So, one should know that the indoor houseplants and hanging baskets won't need as much water in winters as they require in summers as compared to the outdoor plants, so only water when the soil is dry three inches under the surface. To prevent plants from becoming huge, limit them to one light feeding of fertilizer a month.
Watch your houseplants for insects. Check plants regularly for yellowing or discolored leaves. This condition is usually caused by over watering, but it could also indicate insects. Deformed plants and sticky deposits on leaves and stems could also be caused by insects. If you find insects, remove the plant to another area and treat the problem. There are numerous types of insects and other animals that can spell disaster for your plants. However, there are others that are essential for them to keep them healthy. Bees are vital for pollinating flowers and you should not kill them all.
A garden will look beautiful if it is clean, so we have to be very careful about the cleanliness. Keeping your gardens clean and free of debris and dead plants will help prevent insects and diseases in your garden. Pull up summer annuals and remove dead foliage from perennials. Keep the leaves raked and chop them up to add to the compost pile. Continue to water and turn your compost pile regularly when possible. Turn the soil in beds that don't contain plants to expose weed seeds and soil-borne insects to weather and birds.
It is also essential to clean up your garden tools. Clean, sharp tools make you work easier Remove dirt and debris and oil wooden handles to help preserve them. Sharpen blades so your tools will be ready in the spring. If you take care of your plants and pay them the attention they deserve then your garden will give you many years of happiness. The hard work and effort you put in will be rewarded by the beauty of the plants in your garden.
The Secret To A Beautiful Lawn
(category: Gardening, Word count: 400)
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Actually, having a beautiful lawn isn't much of a secret at all. Here's how it works:
1. Plant the right type of grass for your area
2. Use the proper fertilizer as directed a couple of times a year
3. Keep well watered during the growing season
4. Never mow shorter than 1/3rd the present heigth
Select grass seeds that grow well in your area.
Being a native Southern Californian, I was very partial to a Dichondra lawn. Imagine my surprise upon moving to Oregon to learn it simply wasn't possible to have a Dichondra lawn in Oregon due to the colder winters. Plants and seeds are available by catalog according to the zone you live in.
Proper Fertilazation
In order to have a lush, healthy lawn you are going to have to feed it with the proper nutrients. You will find the right fertilizer for your lawn at your local garden store. Follow the simple directions and you are good to go. Fertilizer is available in both liquid and dry form. I have had good luck with both. A word of caution. When it comes to fertilizer, more is NOT better. At best, over fertilizing will burn your lawn.
Watering
As to how much water your lawn needs varies somewhat depending on grass type. In general, applying one inch of water per week is the recommendation when there is insufficient rainfall during summer drought. An inch of water can be measured by marking the side of a tuna or pet food can placed in the lawn. The best time of day to water your lawn is in the early morning hours. If using a timer, try setting it for 2 hours a day, 3 days a week or every other day.
Mowing
For a healthy lawn, never cut more than one-third of the grass blade in any one mowing. If the grass gets ahead of you because of a busy schedule, move up the cutting height of your mower to the highest setting. Catch the cuttings with a bagging unit, rake the lawn with a leaf rake, or use a mulching blade. Then move the cutting height back to normal and cut the lawn again a few days later.
For more information on planting and maintaining a beautiful lawn, look for a good book on the subject in your local garden supply store.
Is A Robotic Lawn Mower Right For You
(category: Gardening, Word count: 496)
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If you have ever wondered what type of lawn mower is best for you, read on. Learn which type of mower will be perfect for mowing around your garden or for mowing around your large land area. First, you need to evaluate what you will be using your lawn mower for. You should always go with a known brand, like a Toro or John Deere, as these have been awarded many times as being manufacturer of the year.
Which mower should you choose that will best suit your needs? One of the best brands of mower out today, is John Deere. These green power tools come in a wide selection and each is for many different purposes. If you plan to cultivate your own land for growing food, they have a special model just for that.
Also, the type of grass you are planning to cut should also be a factor when choosing the type of lawn mower you are going to buy. A John Deere Utility lawn tractor is perfect for those who have a yard larger than most. This mower will be able to provide you with the power and reliability that only lawn tractors can give.
A new model of lawn mower's are the robotic lawn mowers which come equipped with a sonar detection system that will automatically slow down when it senses an object close by. These new sonar detection systems will also stop the lawn mower's blades before they cut into the object. If you have small children or pets who like to leave objects around the yard, this is the best idea for you. Also, some of the robotic lawn mowers have touch sensors on them. These touch sensors are able to change the direction of the mower's blades when they feel on object, other than grass of course, and will keep the object from being run over. These new detection systems make it very unlikely for any lawn mower related injuries to happen.
A big reason why the sonar detection systems were created was to make sure no pets get hurt because of a lawn mower. Since the detection systems were put on to some of the models, no incidents of injuries have been reported. Dogs have a natural inclination to bark and chase a moving object that makes noise. There is a better chance of your dog attacking these robotic lawn mowers than it is for a robotic lawn mower to hurt your family dog.
Another reason why so many people have opted to go with the robotic lawn mowers is because they move at a relatively slow pace, when compared to normal mowers, and it give people and/or pets the time to move out of the way. Even though it might take you a little longer to mow your lawn, it will help keep the seventy-two thousand lawn mower accidents a year from rising.
Unusual Daffodil Stories
(category: Gardening, Word count: 303)
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Stories about flowers always interest me and those about daffodils are particularly interesting. Did you know that if you keep chickens, you may not want to bring daffodils into the house. An old saying in Herfordshire U.K. tells us that if you bring daffodils inside when the hens are sitting, no chicks will be born alive. The opposite of this in Devon, says that the number of goslings that will be hatched and reared is the same as the number of daffodil flower stems that are brought into the house in the first bouquet of the year. In Europe, daffodil colonies often indicate an old religious site. Apparently the daffodils were planted by the monastery inhabitants and years after the demise of the buildings, the plants continue to grow.
The daffodil family or narcissus is poisonous and we're told by knowledgeable bulb historians that mortally wounded Roman soldiers would eat a few bulbs. The bulb would work its narcotic wonder and the soldier would painlessly die. I have never tried to eat one but am told you do not have to worry about your children eating them as they are one of the vilest tasting bulbs around. This vile taste is nature's way of protecting them from predators.
Now, a lesser-known epithet when applied to soldiery is to be called a daffodil. Apparently this means that they are nice to look at but yellow through and through. This term was apparently used in official British correspondence during the second world war and caused a bit of a diplomatic problem between the British and Australians. The British saying it was the Australian daffodils that lost Singapore and the Australians pointing out the real nature of the problem was British leadership.
Whatever the story, enjoy your bright yellow daffodils this spring.
Want A Garden But Not Enough Room Or Soil Then Hydroponics Gardening Could Be For You
(category: Gardening, Word count: 245)
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Hydroponics gardening is a great idea for anyone who wants a garden but doesn't have enough land or soil. Hydroponics gardening is, essentially, a way to cultivate plants using a nutrient solution instead of soil. With hydroponics gardening, it's easy to grow lovely flowers and succulent vegetables virtually anywhere you want! It's true that hydroponics gardening needs much less time than an ordinary garden. In fact, you might spend only five minutes a day maintaining you're hydroponics garden.
Once a month the nutrient solution will have to be changed but this will only take a few minutes. Big fruiting vegetables like peppers and tomatoes may not be able to thrive but most other vegetables and flowers will do great.
Tips for the newbie to hydroponics gardening.
While hydroponics gardening can be a little confusing sometimes when starting out, you'll soon get the jest of it. The same as you need gardening supplies for a ordinary garden, you'll need hydroponics supplies for your hydroponics garden. The most popular system is the passive system. This is where the plants sit directly in the nutrient solution. All passive air systems use an aquarium air bubbler otherwise the solution can become deoxygenated and could rot the plants. If you can find the right system for you, hydroponics gardening could produce you with all the flowers and vegetables you could possibly want.
Hydrangeas For Everyone
(category: Gardening, Word count: 351)
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Hydrangeas are among the most popular of plants. Their huge midsummer flowers can almost stop traffic, but may be tricky to grow. However, with careful selection, virtually all gardeners can enjoy hydrangeas.
When choosing a plant, note the type of hydrangea. Big leaf hydrangeas (Hydrangea macrophylla) have large colorful flowers and are very popular even though they are the least hardy type. The blooms often fail because of a hard winter, an untimely frost or inappropriate pruning.
Most gardeners will find greater success with Panicle Hydrangeas (Hydrangea paniculata). These plants are very hardy and bloom reliably wherever you live. They can be pruned at any time and still produce plenty of fluffy summer flowers. These hydrangeas bloom every year, even after hard winters, late frosts, or overzealous pruning. Panicle hydrangeas are adaptable to sun or part shade, and tolerate most soils. Unlike big leaf hydrangeas, their blooms are not affected by soil pH.
Most panicle hydrangeas have white flowers, but newer varieties have more colors. 'Limelight' has large soft green flowers that turn pink each fall. Limelight grows in sun or partial shade. Winner of the prestigious Pennsylvania Horticultural Society Gold Medal, Limelight is a great addition to existing shrub borders, or planted en masse as a low-maintenance hedge. The flowers are perfect for cutting and will retain some green color when dried.
Quick Fire™ is another new variety that blooms very early in the season. Quick Fire will open white and turn to a rich pink by midsummer. It is one of the earliest blooming hydrangeas, and is in full bloom before others have even begun to open. Plant it with Limelight for months of flowers.
'Little Lamb' has delicate florets packed into fluffy white clusters. The big masses of flowers appear to dance across the foliage like lambs in a field. Children especially will enjoy picking flowers for mother all summer long! Cold and hardy like Limelight and Quick Fire, it does not need winter protection.
Smooth hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens) are another easy-to-grow, cold-hardy type. Hardy as far north as Minnesota, varieties like White Dome
My First Gardening Experience
(category: Gardening, Word count: 664)
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Ah, to this day I still remember my first gardening experience. It was
such a disaster that I didn't think I would ever want to garden again. I
almost decided to turn my casual hobby into the most rage-inducing topic
you could possibly bring up to me.
It all started a few weeks after I moved in to my first house. I was
excited just to have my own grass to mow, since I had been in apartments
and condos for quite a while. In between plans to paint walls and renovate
the inside to exactly how I like, I thought it would be a good idea to
start a fruit garden so that I could have some fresh produce and put my
yard to use. At that point I didn't really know anything at all about
gardening. But still in my spunky youthful years, I decided I didn't need
help. How hard could it be to start a garden and grow stuff? After all, it
happens in nature all the time and nobody even has to do anything.
I already had a grassless patch in my yard where it looked like the
previous owner had attempted a garden. But any attempt they had made
turned out to be an utter travesty. The area was full of rocks and weeds,
with no signs of any agreeable plants. I spent several hours of work
spread over several days to clear out the entire area, leaving nothing but
dirt. At that point, however, I didn't realize the difference between
"dirt" and "soil". I was dealing with barren, hard, nutritionless, and
unforgiving land.
I made some attempt at making my garden look nice; although I think even
Martha Stewart would have had difficulties. I took some stained boards
that were sitting in my basement (quite convenient, no?) and used them as
a border for my garden, to keep out all the pests that couldn't jump more
than a foot (I figured I would be safe from lawn gnomes). I used the pile
of rocks I had collected from the garden to make a creepy shrine looking
thing in front of it. I don't know what I was thinking when I did that.
I went to the store that very day, and picked out whatever looked tasty.
Strawberries? Sure! Watermelon? Yeah! I hacked away a hole in the
rock-hard ground and poked the seed in. After that, I think I watered it
faithfully every day for several weeks before realizing that it was not
going to grow anything. But even after I had that realization, I continued
to water in hopes that my seeds would pull a last minute sprout on me. But
I knew there was no hope, and I was heartbroken. After all those hours of
pulling up weeds and tossing rocks into a pile, I had no fruit to show for
my labor.
So, feeling dejected and betrayed, I logged onto the internet and searched
for a guide to gardening. I quickly ran across a site that led me to
realize the true skill required for gardening. It was then I learned about
soil consistency, nutrients, ideal watering conditions, seasons, and all
those things. After I read up on my area and how to grow fruits, I learned
exactly what to do. I learned how to get the ideal soil, when to plant the
seeds, how much to water, etc. Just a night of browsing the internet and
printing off sources, and I was totally ready for the next planting season.
If you're in the position I was, and you're just itching to start a new
garden... I urge you to learn from my mistake. Make sure you do plenty of
proper research on the types of plants you're trying to grow, along with
the climate. Spend money on good soil, good fertilizer, and good garden
tools. Hopefully you don't have to go through the emotional disaster that
I went through.
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