In grade school we learn that Carbon Dioxide is essential for plants. Plants in turn give off oxygen we need to help breathe and clean the air. Now, information is coming forth where Oxygen itself can be beneficial to plants as well.
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A New Breakthrough in Gardening
New Research Proves Oxygen is Key to Increased Plant Flowering
(ARA) – Whether you have an extensive greenhouse or a small container garden in your home, you want your plants to do well. Common knowledge tells us that plants need water, sun and nutrients to flourish. But according to recent studies, surprisingly, there is another crucial element for successful gardening: oxygen.
Oxygen in a plant’s root system can significantly affect the overall health of the plant. Getting oxygen into the soil and to the roots not only helps improve the strength and size of a plant’s root system, but also it’s ability to absorb water and nutrients.
It’s one of those things most people have noticed, but not necessarily understood:
Golf course managers aerate turf grass sod and greens. Farmers cultivate a field to break up the crust that follows a heavy rain storm. All to allow root systems to flourish. Grass even looks greener after a thunderstorm because oxygen laden rain water stimulates root growth, bringing water and nutrients to above ground plant parts to aid in photosynthesis … and, it’s all related to oxygen as a necessary part of a successful gardening equation.
Now there’s a simple and innovative new way to put this knowledge to work in your house and garden. The Enki watering system. It’s a revolutionary new way to water your plants with extra oxygen that can produce vibrant results. This watering pitcher creates the extra oxygen a plant root system craves by super-oxygenating tap water. The pitcher plugs in and within seconds begins the oxygenation process that can be observed by the tiny air bubbles being produced in the water. In about five minutes the oxygen level of the water reaches up to 150 percent, far surpassing the oxygen levels in tap water or even that of rain water.
Tests conducted by a professor at the University of Minnesota’s Department of Horticulture reveal the system’s substantial benefits. Super oxygenated water helps to achieve earlier flowering with more vibrant colors, and increased numbers of flowers and vegetables. Measured results were produced in both vegetable and flower tests. The oxygenized water produced 28 percent more petunia flowers and 58 percent more peppers on average. Geraniums had 76 percent more flower weight on average and tomato plants yielded 22 percent more tomatoes. If you want to improve your gardening success and are looking for a way to ensure that your plants, indoor or out, will thrive, super-oxygenated water is a whole new solution you should try.
The Enki idea of super-oxygenating water just may be an idea whose time has really come. The product is eco-friendly. It only adds oxygen to the water during the short 5 minutes it takes for the water reach a level of 150 percent oxygen. With today’s consumer movement toward environmentally friendly, or “green” products, Enki would appear to be a product on the cutting edge of improved and responsible gardening ideas.
Duane Hastad can vouch for the value of oxygenized water. He is owner of three nurseries, including Heather Nursery in Montevideo, Minn. After working with plants for 31 years, he has developed a vast knowledge of horticulture. At a horticulture expo earlier this year, he began talking with the founders of Ovation Science, the makers of Enki, and it got him thinking.
“I thought what are they doing?” comments Hastad as he noticed them at the expo. “It was a neat idea, and after talking with them for a while, I knew it could work, but I wondered what results I could see.”
Hastad utilized the oxygenation watering system in his greenhouse and almost immediately got results. “We started tomato plants from seeds and they germinated in six days, twice as fast as seedlings watered with city water, and they also came up straighter and had better root systems.”
Hastad says that he now has better plant products to sell. He also began to carry the Enki watering pitcher in his store and has had very positive feedback from his customers who use it. “If it doesn’t work, I am going to hear about it,” adds Hastad. “And, people are seeing the benefits.”
For more information about how to get incredible results with your plants and the Enki plant-watering system, visit www.myenki.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Statues That Add To A Garden
One of the most important parts of a garden decoration are statues. Whether they are miniature or life sized, they make a interesting addition to any outdoor garden. ARA has some tips for selecting the right statue for your outdoor abode.
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Simple Secrets for Selecting Outdoor Statuary
(ARA) - You’re not alone if you find that the piece of garden statuary that looked so elegant at the garden center just doesn’t seem to fit your garden back home.
A common mistake gardeners make when buying a piece of garden statuary is one of size and quantity, according to Peter C. Cilio, creative director of fine garden accessories for Campania International. “Purchasers tend to choose pieces that are just too small for their space or they overload their garden with too many pieces,” he says. “In garden statuary the guiding principle usually is that less is more.”
Here are some simple guidelines that will help you choose the perfect piece of statuary for your garden.
Keep It in Context
According to Cilio, the most important consideration to keep in mind when choosing the right piece of statuary is the overall style of your home and garden.
“Whether you have an urban, contemporary or country garden, the statuary you select should be compatible with the style and feeling of your house and garden,” he says. “Most likely, you wouldn’t place a classical statue in a contemporary-style garden. However, classical statuary makes wonderful features for a more traditional home or garden.”
Tres Fromme, planning and design specialist of Mesa Design Group in Dallas, suggests cutting a piece of statuary out of cardboard and placing it in different locations throughout your garden. “This will help you get a feel for where the piece looks its best,” says Fromme. “It will also give you some time to think about why you want to add an ornament to your garden setting.”
Cilio suggests thinking about your garden as a blank wall in your living room. Before choosing what to hang on your living room wall, you take cues from the style of the room. Think of your garden in that context, from the size of the space to the arrangement of trees, shrubs and flowers. These will be the cues used to choose and place your garden statuary.
Keep It Simple
Fromme finds that gardeners trying to introduce too many pieces into their garden create too many distractions for the eye to absorb or enjoy. The garden becomes complicated and cluttered.
“Under the less is more principle,” advises Fromme, “one well-suited piece will create a presence and a focal point, introducing harmony rather than chaos into the garden.”
The less is more principle does not mean you are limited to symmetrical arrangements of statuary in your garden. Multiple pieces and styles can work comfortably together if they are not part of the same compositional frame.
According to renowned garden designer, Jon Carloftis, each part of your garden may have a different mood or feeling and can provide an opportunity to incorporate different types of garden sculpture. Such pieces create interest year round and serve to animate and personalize a space; a strong design element can even inspire the theme for the plantings.
“For example, the right type of statuary can look equally well in bold foliage such as elephant ears or hosta,” says Carloftis. “A shady naturalistic area may be the perfect spot for a small animal figure or bench.”
“I like to incorporate small cast stone pigs into my vegetable garden to give that particular area a sense of whimsy,” adds Carloftis.
Statuary need not be placed front and center and often should not be. Nestled in among the plantings, they do not distract from the overall composition. However, discovering such pieces as one strolls in the garden brings a wonderful element of surprise and magic to the garden.
Create a Frame
Just like a picture on your wall, garden statuary looks best with some kind of frame. A background of traditional clipped box, yew or a mixed border of grasses frames your statuary in the landscape. A stone wall or trellis covered with roses or even a simple wooden fence is all you need.
Personally, Cilio prefers the simplicity and versatility of garden containers such as jars and vases, but believes following the simple guidelines of style, color and proportion will lead you to a choice of statuary that will enliven your garden without overpowering it.
To view Campania’s wide selection of cast stone garden statuary, visit www.campaniainternational.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
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Simple Secrets for Selecting Outdoor Statuary
(ARA) - You’re not alone if you find that the piece of garden statuary that looked so elegant at the garden center just doesn’t seem to fit your garden back home.
A common mistake gardeners make when buying a piece of garden statuary is one of size and quantity, according to Peter C. Cilio, creative director of fine garden accessories for Campania International. “Purchasers tend to choose pieces that are just too small for their space or they overload their garden with too many pieces,” he says. “In garden statuary the guiding principle usually is that less is more.”
Here are some simple guidelines that will help you choose the perfect piece of statuary for your garden.
Keep It in Context
According to Cilio, the most important consideration to keep in mind when choosing the right piece of statuary is the overall style of your home and garden.
“Whether you have an urban, contemporary or country garden, the statuary you select should be compatible with the style and feeling of your house and garden,” he says. “Most likely, you wouldn’t place a classical statue in a contemporary-style garden. However, classical statuary makes wonderful features for a more traditional home or garden.”
Tres Fromme, planning and design specialist of Mesa Design Group in Dallas, suggests cutting a piece of statuary out of cardboard and placing it in different locations throughout your garden. “This will help you get a feel for where the piece looks its best,” says Fromme. “It will also give you some time to think about why you want to add an ornament to your garden setting.”
Cilio suggests thinking about your garden as a blank wall in your living room. Before choosing what to hang on your living room wall, you take cues from the style of the room. Think of your garden in that context, from the size of the space to the arrangement of trees, shrubs and flowers. These will be the cues used to choose and place your garden statuary.
Keep It Simple
Fromme finds that gardeners trying to introduce too many pieces into their garden create too many distractions for the eye to absorb or enjoy. The garden becomes complicated and cluttered.
“Under the less is more principle,” advises Fromme, “one well-suited piece will create a presence and a focal point, introducing harmony rather than chaos into the garden.”
The less is more principle does not mean you are limited to symmetrical arrangements of statuary in your garden. Multiple pieces and styles can work comfortably together if they are not part of the same compositional frame.
According to renowned garden designer, Jon Carloftis, each part of your garden may have a different mood or feeling and can provide an opportunity to incorporate different types of garden sculpture. Such pieces create interest year round and serve to animate and personalize a space; a strong design element can even inspire the theme for the plantings.
“For example, the right type of statuary can look equally well in bold foliage such as elephant ears or hosta,” says Carloftis. “A shady naturalistic area may be the perfect spot for a small animal figure or bench.”
“I like to incorporate small cast stone pigs into my vegetable garden to give that particular area a sense of whimsy,” adds Carloftis.
Statuary need not be placed front and center and often should not be. Nestled in among the plantings, they do not distract from the overall composition. However, discovering such pieces as one strolls in the garden brings a wonderful element of surprise and magic to the garden.
Create a Frame
Just like a picture on your wall, garden statuary looks best with some kind of frame. A background of traditional clipped box, yew or a mixed border of grasses frames your statuary in the landscape. A stone wall or trellis covered with roses or even a simple wooden fence is all you need.
Personally, Cilio prefers the simplicity and versatility of garden containers such as jars and vases, but believes following the simple guidelines of style, color and proportion will lead you to a choice of statuary that will enliven your garden without overpowering it.
To view Campania’s wide selection of cast stone garden statuary, visit www.campaniainternational.com.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Unwelcomed Guests
We spoke earlier about keeping unwanted pets out of our gardens. We touched first on dogs. Then we touched on cats. For those of us living in certain rural areas we may find that many more unwanted animals can make their way into our gardens or lawns.
Luckily, modern technology has utilized animals' natural instincts to help keep them away. Animal repellents usually work by taking advantage of an animal's natural aversion to something, and it is often something that the animal has learned to or instinctively avoid in its natural environment.
For instance, some animals will avoid anything that has the odor of the urine of certain predators. Coyote urine, for example, has gained popularity as a deer repellent. Fox urine is sometimes used to repel rabbits, groundhogs,or squirrels. Bobcat urine can repel moles, mice, and other rodents. In the northwest such as Canada, wolf urine is sometimes used to repel moose.
Chemical repellents such as liquid fence animal repellents, mimic natural substances that repel or deter animals, or they are designed to be so irritating to an animal that the animal will avoid the area.
Ideal animal repellents, such as liquid fence products are completely specific for the certain animals. It drives away the animal that one wishes to repel without affecting or harming any other animals or people. It may come in a variety for specific animals. Dog, cat, deer, turkey, goose, etc.
Find out more about liquid fence here.
Luckily, modern technology has utilized animals' natural instincts to help keep them away. Animal repellents usually work by taking advantage of an animal's natural aversion to something, and it is often something that the animal has learned to or instinctively avoid in its natural environment.
For instance, some animals will avoid anything that has the odor of the urine of certain predators. Coyote urine, for example, has gained popularity as a deer repellent. Fox urine is sometimes used to repel rabbits, groundhogs,or squirrels. Bobcat urine can repel moles, mice, and other rodents. In the northwest such as Canada, wolf urine is sometimes used to repel moose.
Chemical repellents such as liquid fence animal repellents, mimic natural substances that repel or deter animals, or they are designed to be so irritating to an animal that the animal will avoid the area.
Ideal animal repellents, such as liquid fence products are completely specific for the certain animals. It drives away the animal that one wishes to repel without affecting or harming any other animals or people. It may come in a variety for specific animals. Dog, cat, deer, turkey, goose, etc.
Find out more about liquid fence here.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Pot and Planter
With Spring arriving, it's an optimal time to get to know the outdoors again. For gardeners this is the time to revive that garden or lawn that has sat unattended for a few months. This article from ARA helps us get started by examining how we can configure our gardens and lawns and show off our creative abilities.
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How to Choose a Pot and Planter
(ARA) - There are signs all around us that spring will soon be here. The song birds are returning, buds are starting to appear on the trees, and the sales ads at all the garden centers and home improvement stores are filled with pictures of lush, healthy plants in pots and planters.
But don't be tempted to run out and start stocking up just yet. Those pots and planters may look great, but before you buy, make sure you know what they're made of and if they'll work well for you. Plant containers are made from all sorts of materials, from the inexpensive plastic pots to the ceramic and fiberglass resin planters.
Because they are the most readily available and least expensive, plastic and clay are the two most popular options. Drainage is very important for all plants to prevent root rot so make sure that whatever container you purchase there is a drain hole in the bottom of the pot or a way to drill a hole.
* Plastic pots
Plastic is by far the most popular material used in plant containers. It can easily be molded into all shapes and sizes, and comes in colors as varied as the rainbow.
* Terra cotta pots
The classic Terra cotta, or clay pots are another popular option. You'll find them in all shapes and designs at your local gardening store. They are usually red, but can be painted any color or add your own masterpiece to the pot.
Terra cotta has two (rustic) looks.
One: You leave them alone and let them age. The salts and alkali will stain the outside of the pots. Moss and mold will grow on the outside of the pots. The life of the pot will be short -- about 3 to 4 years before they breakdown and crumble.
Two: To maintain the natural clean look of terra cotta without adding a glaze spray the terra cotta pot with a sealant such as Spray N' Seal a pottery sealer. The sealant waterproofs the clay to help prevent the alkali and salts from accumulating and prevents the moss and mold from growing on the pots. By sealing your terra cotta pot it strengthens the pottery against chipping and flaking in frosty weather which will extended the life of the pots.
* Foam pots
These containers come in a variety of shapes and they are lightweight which makes them easier to handle. The drawback, however, is that they are not very durable. If knocked around they can crack and brake easily.
* Fiberglass resin urns and planters
Fiberglass containers are lightweight, durable, and resistant to water and extreme weather damage. They come in a variety of colors and designs. They can cost as much or more than ceramic pots, but are extremely durable.
* Ceramic glazed pots
These come in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and styles. You can find something to match just about every decor. The glazing on the outside makes them durable, but over time, you may have problems with chipping off of the glaze by water seeping through the clay from the inside of the pot. To prevent this spray the inside with Spray 'N Seal Pottery Sealer before adding soil.
* Wooden barrels and planter boxes
They come as the traditional half whisky barrel or the red wood or cedar wooden barrel and planter box made to be planters, and add the rustic look of wood to your garden.. They are heavy and the bottoms rot out after a few years. By giving them a lift it will extend the life of the planters.
Give Your Pots a Lift
It doesn't matter if your plant is in a $5 plastic container or a $100 ceramic pot. If you're not careful both will stain your deck, carpets and wooden floors. Prevent this from happening by giving your pots a lift. Use a product like The Down Under Plant Stand to raise the pot and saucer off the decks and floors. This allows air to circulate under the pot and tray to evaporate the excess water and condensation which causes the damage. Also consider placing the plant stand not just under the saucer but in the saucer to raise the pot out of the water that accumulates in the saucer. This will allow good drainage of your pots which your plants will love.
The Down Under Plant Stand uses four plastic arms to lift the pot off the floor, promoting air flow and proper drainage that protects the pot and plant. The stand can be adjusted to fit virtually any size pot by simply trimming off the excess length on each support arm so it hides under the pot. No need to worry how much your pot weighs for this floor and deck saving device can support up to 500 pounds.
To learn more about how to protect your pots, plants, decks and floors, or to find a Down Under Plant Stand retailer near you, visit www.theplantstandco.com or call (800) 834-9317.
Courtesy of ARA Content
--------------------------------------
How to Choose a Pot and Planter
(ARA) - There are signs all around us that spring will soon be here. The song birds are returning, buds are starting to appear on the trees, and the sales ads at all the garden centers and home improvement stores are filled with pictures of lush, healthy plants in pots and planters.
But don't be tempted to run out and start stocking up just yet. Those pots and planters may look great, but before you buy, make sure you know what they're made of and if they'll work well for you. Plant containers are made from all sorts of materials, from the inexpensive plastic pots to the ceramic and fiberglass resin planters.
Because they are the most readily available and least expensive, plastic and clay are the two most popular options. Drainage is very important for all plants to prevent root rot so make sure that whatever container you purchase there is a drain hole in the bottom of the pot or a way to drill a hole.
* Plastic pots
Plastic is by far the most popular material used in plant containers. It can easily be molded into all shapes and sizes, and comes in colors as varied as the rainbow.
* Terra cotta pots
The classic Terra cotta, or clay pots are another popular option. You'll find them in all shapes and designs at your local gardening store. They are usually red, but can be painted any color or add your own masterpiece to the pot.
Terra cotta has two (rustic) looks.
One: You leave them alone and let them age. The salts and alkali will stain the outside of the pots. Moss and mold will grow on the outside of the pots. The life of the pot will be short -- about 3 to 4 years before they breakdown and crumble.
Two: To maintain the natural clean look of terra cotta without adding a glaze spray the terra cotta pot with a sealant such as Spray N' Seal a pottery sealer. The sealant waterproofs the clay to help prevent the alkali and salts from accumulating and prevents the moss and mold from growing on the pots. By sealing your terra cotta pot it strengthens the pottery against chipping and flaking in frosty weather which will extended the life of the pots.
* Foam pots
These containers come in a variety of shapes and they are lightweight which makes them easier to handle. The drawback, however, is that they are not very durable. If knocked around they can crack and brake easily.
* Fiberglass resin urns and planters
Fiberglass containers are lightweight, durable, and resistant to water and extreme weather damage. They come in a variety of colors and designs. They can cost as much or more than ceramic pots, but are extremely durable.
* Ceramic glazed pots
These come in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and styles. You can find something to match just about every decor. The glazing on the outside makes them durable, but over time, you may have problems with chipping off of the glaze by water seeping through the clay from the inside of the pot. To prevent this spray the inside with Spray 'N Seal Pottery Sealer before adding soil.
* Wooden barrels and planter boxes
They come as the traditional half whisky barrel or the red wood or cedar wooden barrel and planter box made to be planters, and add the rustic look of wood to your garden.. They are heavy and the bottoms rot out after a few years. By giving them a lift it will extend the life of the planters.
Give Your Pots a Lift
It doesn't matter if your plant is in a $5 plastic container or a $100 ceramic pot. If you're not careful both will stain your deck, carpets and wooden floors. Prevent this from happening by giving your pots a lift. Use a product like The Down Under Plant Stand to raise the pot and saucer off the decks and floors. This allows air to circulate under the pot and tray to evaporate the excess water and condensation which causes the damage. Also consider placing the plant stand not just under the saucer but in the saucer to raise the pot out of the water that accumulates in the saucer. This will allow good drainage of your pots which your plants will love.
The Down Under Plant Stand uses four plastic arms to lift the pot off the floor, promoting air flow and proper drainage that protects the pot and plant. The stand can be adjusted to fit virtually any size pot by simply trimming off the excess length on each support arm so it hides under the pot. No need to worry how much your pot weighs for this floor and deck saving device can support up to 500 pounds.
To learn more about how to protect your pots, plants, decks and floors, or to find a Down Under Plant Stand retailer near you, visit www.theplantstandco.com or call (800) 834-9317.
Courtesy of ARA Content
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Creating Your Own Organic
After the discussion about keeping your garden fertilized, and the proper amount of fertilizer to use, it's interesting to note that fertilizing doesn't have to be an expensive venture. Perhaps the most cost effective method (and most environmentally friendly), is creating your own organic fertilizer. In the following article, Judith Schwader discusses mixing your own special blend of organic fertilizers. This way, you can save money on expensive fertilizers, and stay environmentally safe and organic.
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Organic Fertilizers: Mix Your Own Special Blends by Judith Schwader
Organic gardening involves a system that centers around healthy soil - a mixture of sand, clay, silt, and decomposed organic material (humus). But even when the soil is well-balanced and healthy, plants benefit from additions of specifically formulated organic fertilizers.
You can buy prepared organic fertilizers, or blend individual fertilizer ingredients for specific purposes, such has high nitrogen blends for leafy greens or high potassium blends for root crops.
Since the following organic fertilizer recipes all involve dry ingredients, they can be blended ahead of time and stored in labeled plastic containers with lids. Most gardening centers will have the individual ingredients, but if you can't buy them locally, they are available from online sources, such as Whitney Farms, which sells only organic products.
For all of the following recipes, make any amount using the volume ratios given. Use anything from a yogurt container to a lemonade pitcher as a scoop. Each full scoop equals one part.
An all-purpose, basic organic fertilizer recipe is useful to have on hand in a large quantity. If you're making a big batch, mix it up in a wheel barrow and stir to blend with a hoe. Then store in a labeled, plastic container with lid.
Basic Organic Fertilizer Mix: ~~For use as at planting time or side dressing for all types of plants~~ 3 parts blood or fishmeal 3 parts steamed bone meal 1 part kelp meal 1 and 1/2 parts Sul-Po-Mag (a brand name for a sulfur, potassium, and magnesium source, but you can substitute any such mixture.) The following specially formulated mixes are fast acting and work well when used at planting time and as side dressings. Although these balanced mixes will generally give desired results, soils do vary. You can experiment and find what works best for your soil.
Generally, the fertilizers are applied at the rate of: 1/2 cup per transplant, or 5 pounds per 100 square feet or 100 row feet.
High Nitrogen Mix ~~For plants that are grown with the leaf or follar structure as the edible part~~ 4 parts blood meal 2 parts cottonseed meal 1 part steamed bone meal 1/2 part Sul-Po-Mag (a brand name source for sulfur, potassium, and magnesium) 1/2 part kelp meal
High Potassium Mix ~~For crops that are grown with the root or tuber as the edible part~~ 2 parts cottonseed meal 2 and 1/2 parts Sul-Po-Mag 1 and 1/2 parts steamed bone meal 1 part greensand 1 part kelp meal
High Phosphorous Mix ~~For crops that are grown for the fruit or seed as the edible part~~ 4 parts steamed bone meal 1 part fish meal 1 part meat and bone meal 1 part soft phosphate 1/2 part Sul-Po-Mag 1/2 part kelp meal
Additional ideas for organic fertilizers include an Acid Mix for plants that prefer lower pH, (blueberry, strawberry, potato, tomato and squash); or a Super Grow Mix that has two ingredients for each nutrient, releasing at different rates.
About the Author
Life-time gardener Judith Schwader specializes in organic gardening methods. She shares expertise, humor, and advice for your gardening success at A to Z Gardening. Also visit FB Home for additional home and garden information.
Technorati Tags:
organic gardening, fertilizers, gardening tips, do it yourself gardening
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Gardener's Essentials
The Gardener's Essential place is now online. Check it out. This place is an extension of this journal. Most of the topics discussed, can be further researched over there. If there is any type of reference needed for any of the topics discussed here, it can be found over there.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Scaping Land
Gardening begins with landscaping. Before a garden is built, a plan or blueprint is laid out. This is where landscaping comes in. Landscaping is the blueprint of a bountiful garden. In the following article, Heather Colman discusses landscaping for people like us, the "do-it-yourself" gardener.
Landscaping Ideas for the Do-It-Yourself Gardner
by Heather Colman
Landscaping your garden is not such a difficult task. Many people enjoy doing it themselves. You've just got to have the ideas and know the basic principles of landscape design.
Begin by taking a close look at the gardens and parks in your neighborhood, identifying the consistency, balance, simplicity, proportions, transitions, lines and contrasts in the landscaping designs and the use of plants, garden decor, landscaping fabric, etc.
Then sit down and make a landscaping plan for your own garden. Take measurements and prepare a sketch. Select a theme and decide the focal points. Provide for irrigation systems, sprinklers and vehicular access.
Decide on the materials, plants, decor, colors, textures and positioning. Keep an eye on the details and take a bold yet simple approach.
Have confidence in yourself and see yourself landscaping your garden as a do-it-yourself gardener. Sound fantastic? Yes, you can do landscaping all by yourself and create a splendid visual. Read on.
Landscaping begins with a basic understanding of the principles involved.
* Be simple. If you"re doing it for the first time, don't make a complicated plan for landscaping. Select something simple, do it, find out how easy is it. Happy? Try something more complex next time.
* Create a theme. This helps you to be consistent. You place things that match each other in shape, size, color, texture and tone. Don't place a big red rock next to a small white one. If you are working on the theme "water", have a fountain or two and a couple of small ponds in the design. Repeat things. You get more unity in landscaping this way.
* Balance things in landscaping. It can either be symmetrical or asymmetrical. The former is the mirror image type. One part replicates the other part in layout, design, plant height, plant grouping, bed choice and color scheme. The later creates diversity in landscaping design - some abstract form with widely different shapes and layouts.
* Be creative in color choice. Color adds life, so use it imaginatively to create maximum effects in landscaping. Place contrasts, bright against the subdued and get the real beauty. Achieve depth with dark colors. Draw things close with cool colors. Make the distance noticeable with bright colors.
* Move naturally. Don't jump abruptly-use the staircase effect. Tall, small, smaller, smallest-follow this order in landscaping when planting trees and shrubs.
* Follow lines. These appeal to the eyes most naturally. Use straight lines to create sharp impacts and curvy lines to bring in pleasing effects.
* Stick to proportions. This is basic in any design and landscaping is no exception. Don't strike a discordant note by placing a big artifact in a small garden. Or set up a small fountain in a big, splashing pond! All our objects and decor should match one another in proportion to create the most appealing landscape.
All landscaping designs have a focal point. Get good garden statues, natural objects and garden decor to be your focal points. Place tall plants in the middle or behind a group of small plants-the tall plants attract us naturally. Circles have a special appeal, so placing the focal point in the deepest part of an inside curve often gives very special effects to the landscaping.
Draw out your landscaping plan. Take measurements of your plot. Make a sketch using an appropriate scale, like 1 inch=10 feet. Prepare the layout of paths, beds, objects, sidewalks, decks and driveways. Get ideas and read books. Select the appropriate style-formal or informal, classic or contemporary. Finally, give shape to the master plan. You may try the "bubble graph" for a better representation. Select a good landscaping fabric. Avoid plastics and don't let gaps get between sections of fabric. Now, your landscaping plan is ready. Go ahead and implement it, become a do-it-yourself gardner.
Copyright © 2006, Heather Colman. Find more landscaping resources at landscaping-report.info.
Tags:
gardening tips, landscaping
Landscaping Ideas for the Do-It-Yourself Gardner
by Heather Colman
Landscaping your garden is not such a difficult task. Many people enjoy doing it themselves. You've just got to have the ideas and know the basic principles of landscape design.
Begin by taking a close look at the gardens and parks in your neighborhood, identifying the consistency, balance, simplicity, proportions, transitions, lines and contrasts in the landscaping designs and the use of plants, garden decor, landscaping fabric, etc.
Then sit down and make a landscaping plan for your own garden. Take measurements and prepare a sketch. Select a theme and decide the focal points. Provide for irrigation systems, sprinklers and vehicular access.
Decide on the materials, plants, decor, colors, textures and positioning. Keep an eye on the details and take a bold yet simple approach.
Have confidence in yourself and see yourself landscaping your garden as a do-it-yourself gardener. Sound fantastic? Yes, you can do landscaping all by yourself and create a splendid visual. Read on.
Landscaping begins with a basic understanding of the principles involved.
* Be simple. If you"re doing it for the first time, don't make a complicated plan for landscaping. Select something simple, do it, find out how easy is it. Happy? Try something more complex next time.
* Create a theme. This helps you to be consistent. You place things that match each other in shape, size, color, texture and tone. Don't place a big red rock next to a small white one. If you are working on the theme "water", have a fountain or two and a couple of small ponds in the design. Repeat things. You get more unity in landscaping this way.
* Balance things in landscaping. It can either be symmetrical or asymmetrical. The former is the mirror image type. One part replicates the other part in layout, design, plant height, plant grouping, bed choice and color scheme. The later creates diversity in landscaping design - some abstract form with widely different shapes and layouts.
* Be creative in color choice. Color adds life, so use it imaginatively to create maximum effects in landscaping. Place contrasts, bright against the subdued and get the real beauty. Achieve depth with dark colors. Draw things close with cool colors. Make the distance noticeable with bright colors.
* Move naturally. Don't jump abruptly-use the staircase effect. Tall, small, smaller, smallest-follow this order in landscaping when planting trees and shrubs.
* Follow lines. These appeal to the eyes most naturally. Use straight lines to create sharp impacts and curvy lines to bring in pleasing effects.
* Stick to proportions. This is basic in any design and landscaping is no exception. Don't strike a discordant note by placing a big artifact in a small garden. Or set up a small fountain in a big, splashing pond! All our objects and decor should match one another in proportion to create the most appealing landscape.
All landscaping designs have a focal point. Get good garden statues, natural objects and garden decor to be your focal points. Place tall plants in the middle or behind a group of small plants-the tall plants attract us naturally. Circles have a special appeal, so placing the focal point in the deepest part of an inside curve often gives very special effects to the landscaping.
Draw out your landscaping plan. Take measurements of your plot. Make a sketch using an appropriate scale, like 1 inch=10 feet. Prepare the layout of paths, beds, objects, sidewalks, decks and driveways. Get ideas and read books. Select the appropriate style-formal or informal, classic or contemporary. Finally, give shape to the master plan. You may try the "bubble graph" for a better representation. Select a good landscaping fabric. Avoid plastics and don't let gaps get between sections of fabric. Now, your landscaping plan is ready. Go ahead and implement it, become a do-it-yourself gardner.
Copyright © 2006, Heather Colman. Find more landscaping resources at landscaping-report.info.
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gardening tips, landscaping
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Cats and Gardens
The last time we talked about dogs and gardens, this time we'll touch on the other popular pet, the cat. How do we keep cats out of our gardens? Are they as easy to control as dogs? Or are they totally different? Hugh Harris Evans discusses how we can deal with our feline friends when we tend to our gardens.
Cat Repellent Or How To Keep Cats Out of Your Garden
gardening tips, cats and gardens, cat repellent
Cat Repellent Or How To Keep Cats Out of Your Garden
Do cat repellents work? How to stop a cat from using garden as litterbox? Tell me how to keep cats out of my garden. These are common questions of concern to all gardeners but is there a real answer?
The first line of defence is to ensure that your yard boundaries are secure. Any gaps in your fence should be blocked to deny low level access. But cats can jump so fix a taut wire or string some six inches above the top of your fence to deter this approach.
Once inside your garden many people say that the best cat repellent is a dog who will soon see off any feline invader. If you are not a dog lover then you will have to resort to more passive methods. Since cats like to lie on freshly dug soil you should lay mulch on your borders so that no bare soil is left exposed. Seed beds should be covered with wire netting or twigs arranged as a barrier.
Young trees should have plastic guards fitted around their trunks to protect them against use as a scratching pole. Your garden pond should be covered with netting to keep your fish safe.
Cats are generally known to dislike water so a well aimed bucketful or a squirt with the hose will certainly make an intruder run. After one or two dousings it may learn the lesson and stay away.
To protect plants and borders both mothballs and citrus are said to be effective deterrents. Place the mothballs, orange peel or lemon rind in the borders. Alternatively spray cloths with orange scented air freshener and place the cloths around the plants you wish to protect. Other known cat repellents are cayenne pepper, coffee grounds, pipe tobacco, lavender oil, lemon grass oil, citronella oil, eucalyptus oil and mustard oil.
Certain herbs are said to deter cats. In particular rue but not catmint which has the opposite effect. Coleus canina is another plant which is marketed by one merchant as a cat repellent.
The broadcaster Jerry Baker has suggested treating your yard with a tonic made from chewing tobacco, urine, birth control pills, mouthwash, molasses, detergent and beer. A smallholder has reported success using dried rabbit blood but you may feel that the ingredients listed in the previous paragraph should be tried first.
If you visit your local garden center or hardware store you will find several cat repellent products on sale. These range from electric water sprinklers and ultrasonic devices to sprays and granules.
Motion activated sprinklers act in the same way as a burglar alarm using an infra red detector. When the cat enters the area covered by the detector the sprinkler shoots out a jet of water to scare the animal away. It is claimed that, after one or two encounters with the jet, the cat will learn to avoid the area.
Ultrasonic devices emit a high frequency sound which is annoying to cats (and dogs) but is not audible to humans. There are various different models some of which operate continuously and others which have an infra red detector and only emit a pulse of sound when the cat triggers the device. To be successful you need to ensure that the model is powerful enough to cover the area you wish to protect. In addition make sure that the sound frequency is designed for larger animals since some models are intended to deter insects and so would be no use for cats.
There are also commercial scent cat repellents. Those that use chemicals should be kept away from any food crops but the essential oil based granule varieties act in the same way as orange and lemon peel mentioned above. Another way to keep a cat out if the garden is a repellent evaporator which consists of a container holding puffed rice which has been impregnated with essential oils. These are effective for three to four weeks and can then be refilled for a further period. Another natural product which many people claim really keeps a cat out of the garden is lion's dung. You may need to visit your local zoo to obtain this although some stores do stock zoo poo.
In Ontario, Canada the local township provides a cat trap service. Once the animal enters the cage it cannot escape but is completely unharmed. The owner has to pay to recover his pet and so should be encouraged not to let the cat stray in future. Apparently few owners bother to reclaim their cats but just obtain another kitten. However this sounds like a good way of dealing with a cat that cannot be deterred by any other method. If there is no such scheme in your area, just buy your own trap.
So, to recap, the first priority is to secure your boundary fences. Then you have the whole selection of suggested cat repellents ranging from homemade recipes to expensive commercial gadgets. I would suggest that you try the orange peel and prickly twigs for a start. If you are around when the intruder appears, try the bucket of water or hose. Even if you miss, the shock may be a sufficient deterrent. If these do not do the trick, then you may have to consider the commercial alternatives.
| Hugh Harris-Evans is the owner of The Garden Supplies Advisor where you will find further articles, gardening tips and product reviews. |
Monday, July 17, 2006
Dogs And Gardens
A comment I received on my previous post from a dog training enthusiast, led me to write about this topic. For those of us with dogs and gardens, it's important that we allow the two to coexist in a peaceful, and meaningful manner.
How do we enjoy our gardens with our dogs? Yvonne Cunnington, an avid gardener and dog lover, has written an article that sums this situation up nicely:
Dogs and Gardens: 10 Tips for Enjoying Your Dog and Your Garden Too
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How do we enjoy our gardens with our dogs? Yvonne Cunnington, an avid gardener and dog lover, has written an article that sums this situation up nicely:
Dogs and Gardens: 10 Tips for Enjoying Your Dog and Your Garden Too
For as long as I've been gardening, I have shared my love of the outdoors with one-of-a-kind dogs ("mutts" to most people). I certainly can't imagine gardening without a dog keeping me company. Here are some tips to help you make this work for you too.
Set the ground rules first
- Be clear about how you want your dog to behave in the garden. Set the ground rules for your dog from the start. As with people, pet habits, once established, can be a challenge to change.
- Remember that bored dogs are most likely to get into trouble, so use walks and games to use up excess energy that might otherwise go into destructive garden behavior. (Your dog burns calories this way, and so do you!)
- Decide where your dog is allowed to go and where you don't want him to go.
- Be consistent. It doesn't help if you let the dog do what he wants when the flowerbed is weedy, but then expect him to respect the garden when it's all tidied up.
Dogs and gardens - training tips
Dogs like to be where people are, so when you're in the garden, take your dog with you for at least part of the time, and when you're not, keep your dog with you indoors.
- When you're with your dog, you have lots of opportunities to encourage and train behavior you like and discourage activities that are destructive to the garden.
- To keep dogs out of flowerbeds, use a verbal cue such as "out of the garden." This works best if you're actually in the garden with your dog.
- It may be expensive, but a fenced yard is a godsend for dogs and gardens.
- Some people use invisible fencing – a system that delivers an electronic shock via a receiver in a special dog collar. Actual fences are more effective because they both keep your dog in the yard and other animals out. As well, your dog can't escape, ignoring the electrical shock when chasing a squirrel, for example, and then getting shocked when trying to get back into the yard.
Garden safety and your dog
When you have dogs or other pets spending time in the garden, choose alternatives to chemical lawn and garden care.
- If you use pest control products, even organic ones, keep pets out of the garden when you're applying them.
- Keep your dog away from treated areas for as long as recommended, usually until the treated area is dry or 24 hours.
For more information about which garden chemicals you must keep away from your pet dog, see http://www.flower-gardening-made-easy.com/Dogs-and-gardens.html | If you have problems with dogs and lawns, visit http://www.flower-gardening-made-easy.com/dogs-and-lawns.html | For pet-friendly garden design ideas, see http://www.flower-gardening-made-easy.com/Pet-friendly-garden.html
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Tuesday, July 11, 2006
Edibility
Last time we discussed factors to take into consideration when designing container gardens.
Although flowers, and regular plants work in containers, most people don't consider edible crops. Today we'll discuss fruits, vegetables and herbs that work well in container gardening.
Fruits
Citrus plants work well in container gardens. Oranges, lime, and lemon are common. The foliage is very attractive even in limited light, but the more light the better. Citrus plants bloom during long spring and summer seasons. They are very fragrant, and can be harvested in the late fall or winter.
Blueberries also work. They can tolerate extremely cold temperatures, but they require special "acid soil" and even better drainage than citrus. They bloom in the spring, bear fruit in early summer, and have attractive foliage.
Vegetables
Perhaps the most popular container vegetable is the Tomato. With tomatoes, the larger the container the better. This is necessary because, when watering, the water distributes better. During hot summers, water every day and fertilize with a soluble fertilizer every week. Tomatoes usually grow as vines, so use a wire mesh cage to keep the vine upright. Plant tomatoes in August for the fall and early April for the spring. Give them as much sunlight as possible.
Other vegetables that work in containers are peppers and eggplant. Treat these as careful as tomatoes for optimum bearing. Onions, leaf lettuce, and carrots work as well, and can tolerate more shade than the other plants.
Herbs
Common herbs grown in containers are thyme, rosemary, and mint. These plants are very fragrant, and release pleasing scents. They are a valuable addition to any container garden. Water them regulary, and give them enough sunlight. Fertilizer is not too important, but overfertilization can be a hazard. They can be grown year round, but be careful in extreme temperatures.
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Although flowers, and regular plants work in containers, most people don't consider edible crops. Today we'll discuss fruits, vegetables and herbs that work well in container gardening.
Fruits
Citrus plants work well in container gardens. Oranges, lime, and lemon are common. The foliage is very attractive even in limited light, but the more light the better. Citrus plants bloom during long spring and summer seasons. They are very fragrant, and can be harvested in the late fall or winter.
Blueberries also work. They can tolerate extremely cold temperatures, but they require special "acid soil" and even better drainage than citrus. They bloom in the spring, bear fruit in early summer, and have attractive foliage.
Vegetables
Perhaps the most popular container vegetable is the Tomato. With tomatoes, the larger the container the better. This is necessary because, when watering, the water distributes better. During hot summers, water every day and fertilize with a soluble fertilizer every week. Tomatoes usually grow as vines, so use a wire mesh cage to keep the vine upright. Plant tomatoes in August for the fall and early April for the spring. Give them as much sunlight as possible.
Other vegetables that work in containers are peppers and eggplant. Treat these as careful as tomatoes for optimum bearing. Onions, leaf lettuce, and carrots work as well, and can tolerate more shade than the other plants.
Herbs
Common herbs grown in containers are thyme, rosemary, and mint. These plants are very fragrant, and release pleasing scents. They are a valuable addition to any container garden. Water them regulary, and give them enough sunlight. Fertilizer is not too important, but overfertilization can be a hazard. They can be grown year round, but be careful in extreme temperatures.
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gardening hints, gardening tips, fruit container gardening, vegetable container gardening
Monday, July 10, 2006
Interesting Blogs
Here are some interesting blogs relating to gardening, and promoting health for a healthy well being.
Check them out.
Check them out.
Gardens In A Box
Perhaps the easiest type of garden to create is a box or "container garden". These gardens take up little space, and are very enjoyable and satisfying because they are so simple to design.
A container garden is made up of plants growing in pots, boxes or other containers. It is usually used for decorational purposes, but can be useful in places where land is not suitable for plants and crops, or there is limited space. They usually consist of flowers or plants, but it is possible to also grow fruit, herbs, or vegetables.
When designing a container garden take these factors into consideration:
Size.
Different plants need different root space, so the height of the container is important. If you are growing root vegetables, note the size a typical item, and take into consideration how many you want to plant in one container. Also, consider how much water can be held in your container when it is watered. You don't want to drown the plant, but you do want to keep it adequately watered. Provide proper drainage holes at the bottom of your container as well, to prevent overwatering.
Light.
Keep your containers in a well lit place, where the sun can reach your plants. Some fruits, vegetables and herbs can manage well in shady places, but the more light your plants receive, the better off they will be.
Temperature.
Keep the area around your containers at a moderate temperature. Say about 70 degrees Farenheit. If it gets too cold, say below 30 degrees Farenheit, it is best to cover up your plants with cloth and plastic, or move them inside to a warmer environment, if they are outside.
Next time we will discuss what types of fruits, vegetables, and herbs grow and manage well in container gardens.
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gardening tips, gardening hints, container gardening, container gardening designs
A container garden is made up of plants growing in pots, boxes or other containers. It is usually used for decorational purposes, but can be useful in places where land is not suitable for plants and crops, or there is limited space. They usually consist of flowers or plants, but it is possible to also grow fruit, herbs, or vegetables.
When designing a container garden take these factors into consideration:
Size.
Different plants need different root space, so the height of the container is important. If you are growing root vegetables, note the size a typical item, and take into consideration how many you want to plant in one container. Also, consider how much water can be held in your container when it is watered. You don't want to drown the plant, but you do want to keep it adequately watered. Provide proper drainage holes at the bottom of your container as well, to prevent overwatering.
Light.
Keep your containers in a well lit place, where the sun can reach your plants. Some fruits, vegetables and herbs can manage well in shady places, but the more light your plants receive, the better off they will be.
Temperature.
Keep the area around your containers at a moderate temperature. Say about 70 degrees Farenheit. If it gets too cold, say below 30 degrees Farenheit, it is best to cover up your plants with cloth and plastic, or move them inside to a warmer environment, if they are outside.
Next time we will discuss what types of fruits, vegetables, and herbs grow and manage well in container gardens.
Technorati Tags:
gardening tips, gardening hints, container gardening, container gardening designs
Saturday, July 08, 2006
Welcome To Garden Gratuity
Gardens are special in that they reflect the unique personality of their creators. Some people prefer large gardens, others may want small intimate gardens. Some people may enjoy it as a hobby, where others may garden for income or food.
No matter what you build a garden for, visit our little corner to get tips, advice, and ideas for building, and maintaining a beautiful and bountiful garden.
No matter what you build a garden for, visit our little corner to get tips, advice, and ideas for building, and maintaining a beautiful and bountiful garden.
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