Plant Gardens 101

The closed and ripened firm or fleshy fruit of a rose, containing the seeds and often brightly colored.

In times of drought and famine, resources always had to be rationed appropriately for the sake of survival. Luckily, some of us are fortunate to not have to go through a dire situation to have to depend on rationed resources. However, with the planet in peril, personal rationing of resources doesn’t seem like that bad of an idea.

For example, if you happen to be a gardener like my parents and you’re familiar with the idea of water conservation but you really need to water your plants for their survival, then investing in a rain barrel is an ideal option for you. Rain barrels, or water barrels, are designed to save and store rain water for gardening purposes. Great for those who are concerned that water conservation is at an all time low, utilizing water saved from these great barrels reduces your city’s overall water consumption, which could be used for a greater, bigger purpose. Not only that, it’s also environmentally conscious, which is always a plus! (more…)

As a species name, means “hoary or gray.” Usually plants look gray because the leaves and stems are covered with short white hairs, as is the case, for example, with horehound, Marrubium incanum.

If you have a greenhouse or are planning on purchasing a greenhouse you will also want to consider greenhouse supplies. One of the most important categories in the area of greenhouse supplies is hand tools.

Without hand tools you will have a hard time working in the greenhouse. Hand tools make greenhouse gardening easier and less time consuming. It is also important to have the right tools for the job.

When you are working with flowers you will need a pair of floral scissors. These scissors are made expressly for cutting flowers. If you plan to work with bulbs you should have a regular or an ergonomic bulb trowel. There are also ergonomic cultivators and these are especially nice for people who do a lot of gardening or who may have problems with arthritis or other hand problems. You may want to look for a package that contains three or four ergonomic tools. These greenhouse suppliesmake great gifts, too. (more…)

The shade beneath a tree that has been limbed up, by nature or the gardener, to 20 feet or more above ground level.

(1545–1612)

English botanist and barber-surgeon. His 1596 catalog of the plants in his garden was the first of its kind to be published. He is best known for his 1597 Herball, largely an adaptation of other works to which he added folklore and observations.

The poisonous Milkweed is the primary food source for the Monarch Butterfly pupa, or caterpillar (which is classified as a specialist herbivore). Milkweeds are the only source of nourishment up until they are released from their cocoon (chrysalis) and transformed (or undergo metamorphosis) into a butterfly. After transformation the adults drink water and extract nectar from many kinds of flowers. Monarchs do pollinate flowers, but not nearly as proficiently as bees.

The vast majority of all Monarchs in North America make their home in agricultural areas that are abundant with the milkweed plants whose leaves provide a safe place to deposit their eggs, and also to feed their offspring. When returning every spring from their winter migration, the butterflies will stop over at the resurging milkweed and flowering plants and continue northward. (more…)

Spraying a liquid fertilizer solution on leaves, rather than applying it to the soil for uptake via the roots, as is the usual practice.

The botanical name for California poppy and Mexican poppy.

Poppy family
PapaveraceaeEsh-sholt’zi-a. Very popular garden flowers from w. North America.

While the origins of how to create and nurture a bonsai tree come from China the actual name of these potted trees comes from Japan, in fact the word bonsai refers to a small potted tree. The cultivation of such beautiful trees was actually started by wealthy Chinese people who lived during the Han Dynasty which was famous because it lasted for about 400 years in many of the arts flourished during this period.

The Art of miniaturizing this beautiful trees was passed on from generation to generation and continued in other countries such as Korea, Japan and Vietnam. The process of miniaturizing these plans is actually very intricate due to the fact that they are not naturally small, in other words the seeds and plants used to create bonsai trees are not genetically dwarf, instead their size is modified through pruning and what they use of wires. (more…)

Forking into two equal branches at the growing point.

1. Water – Over watering and under watering are both bad for your plants. Over watering creates plants with shallow root systems. Without deep root systems your plants will suffer (or die) if they aren’t watered daily. Encourage your plants to develop deep roots so they can take in more water. Under watering dehydrates your plants. This creates stress and can lead to weakened and susceptible plants. Mulching can help with both of these problems. I like to mulch each spring – I use pea straw – once I have planted seedlings into my veggie plot. Water your plants deeply about once a week, depending on rainfall – more often in really hot weather. Make sure the water penetrates to a depth of about 25mm (an inch).

2. Mulching – This is a great way to prevent soil erosion, add organic matter to the soil and reduce evaporation. However, you need to leave space around the base of each plant. Mulching right up to plant stems encourages disease and rot to set in. Leave a 50mm (2 inches) between the mulch and the stem. You don’t need to mulch any deeper than 75mm (3 inches). (more…)

The botanical name for Leland cypress.

A distinct, isolated flower or vegetable plot, visible from all sides, usually surrounded by lawn or walks. Also called island bed.

If you wish to incorporate a waterfall into your garden you should make careful planning the word of the day. Not only will you need to study and understand design aspects and sheer physics, you should also make the effort to learn about what is needed in order to support the plant and animal life you wish to incorporate into your waterfall and garden and/or fish pond.

There are many different water features that can be added to a garden in order to make it more tranquil, relaxing, and appealing. One feature that is growing in popularity is the waterfall. This is a great way to include exotic plants and ornamental fish with a little touch of beauty in your garden area. (more…)

Caring for a seedling or rooted cutting that has recently been transplanted into a larger pot.

Plants from your garden will be maturing very soon leaving you with an abundance of fresh foods for great culinary uses like Tomato with Avocado salad or a Greek Salad with a hummus recipe for dipping pita bread. When your vegetable garden starts to produce for your table, you should have recipes using fresh herbs for an herb dressing, and vegetables on hand to use them in the most imaginative ways. Here are some recipes to give you maximum enjoyment of great salads and salad dressings. Be creative, use these as just examples and add a few personal touches, consider your vegetable garden as a living cuisine capable of any number of new twists.

When your tomatoes start to give up dozens of their fruit give some away, but better yet here are some recipes, an especially super one for Tomato with Avocado salad, that you can use for your family or a weekend get together with neighbours and friends. (more…)

A plant disease caused by either bacteria or fungi. Some wilts are carried by beetles or other insects.

The botanical name for mullein.

To grow your organic vegetable garden is not a difficult thing and in fact many people who enjoy gardening are now turning to organic gardening methods. This doesn’t mean that you need to grow only organic herbs and vegetables in your garden. Organic gardening can encompass all aspects of gardening, including a flower garden or an ornamental garden as well.

Just because you want to have an organic vegetable garden that doesn’t mean that you only need to stick with the organic vegetable garden. You can expand to include such things as herbs as well if you like, not mention flowering plants and others.

The one thing that you do want to look out for when you’re growing your organic vegetable garden alongside your flower garden, is that your flower garden is also grown organically. After all, it kind of defeats the purpose of growing an organic vegetable garden if right next to it you use all sorts of chemical pesticides and fertilizers in your flower bed. (more…)